This is my first post, and I apologize if this is in the wrong location. (Please correct me).

I am currently looking at an 2008 E63 AMG or a 2001 E55 Barabus (I know its a W210). This will replace my current car (2014 Cadillac ATS). I know that the maintenance will be costly compared to the Cadillac, but I have a deep hatred for that car.

The E63 has 83K miles, and I have been reading forums about reliability. They are all over the place, and I am quite frankly confused. Is this too high mileage on this particular model? I have looked at the vehicle, and all seems fine. Nothing to report (I haven't seen a scratch or ding). I will be going back this weekend to have it inspected by a MB mechanic near the dealer. Not much maintenance history to report, and the CarFax doesn't help me either.

The E55 is in consideration because I have read the W210 is a strong and reliable vehicle if taken care of (Which is most cars anyway). It has a full documented history, and a certificate from Barabus. It has the generic cosmetic things for an older car, and this doesn't really bother me. It has 73K Miles.

I haven't seen any W211 E55s with decent miles in my area. They all have about 130k+ miles on them.

I am looking for recommendations on which would be the better buy, or any tips I should know when looking at AMGs.

Thank you.

 

I just bought a 2004 E55 with 151K on the clock. That being said I was not worried about the mileage as the car has every bit of maintenance from the dealership it was bought from, and the lady who owned the car was a really good friend of mines mom. I would look for the car that has the best maintenance history and get that one. My E55 runs excellent and is by far the craziest Mercedes I've owned. Good luck with your Purchase!

 

I second C32Mark's comment - don't worry about mileage. Ensure that the car has documented maintenance done. If there is no maintenance history, then make sure a thorough PPI is done by a competent mechanic specializing in MB. Also try to get a VMI if possible from an MB dealer.

I'm currently over 94k miles and my E63 is running like a top. I'm very happy with it. Good luck!

 

Where are you?

 

W210 best bet from maintenance $ point of view. Will lag in speed, comfort and a little bit of tech in comparison. High mileage brings some concerns like ps pump, alternator, suspension and trans condition etc.. I think the e55 motor and Trans is a bit more of a workhorse vs the e63

 

E63 has several common maintenance areas. The airmatic suspension is complicated, after better market parts are available, cheaper, but you will need a good Indy mechanic. Oil leaks are possible especially at the valve covers, or rear main seal. Vacuum leaks at the intake manifold require a new intake manifold at the dealer, an Indy can reseal the manifold for far less. The fuel tank pumps etc can leak and produce an odor in the car. This is covered by an extended warranty for (I think) fifteen years. The scary weakness is somewhat rare but out there; coolant fluid leaking into the cylinders because a head bolt has failed, expensive. Also uncommon is a premature wear of the cam shaft due to a lifter failure, expensive. If you buy an E63 read up on these problems, check the oil for water contamination (chocolate milky coolant), listen for valve train excessive noise.

These are wonderful cars once sorted, very comfortable and big V8 fast. Also they have updated cosmetics compared to the w210 E55, Bluetooth with an optional puck, interiors that wear like iron, paddle shifters, no SBC pump, only one not two batteries, and updated tech compared to a w210.

I like to say that you better love it or you'll hate it. Be prepared for maintenance costs, do some stuff yourself, and/or find a good fair Indy mechanic. Good luck in the quest.

 

W210 E55 will cost much less in maintenance but E63 will be much more fun to drive.

 

I've owned a W210 E55 and currently a W211 E63. I definitely like the E63 a lot more. Everything about it is nicer and it's more fun to drive.

The only current problem with my E63 is it needs one engine mount replaced. I haven't had it long, so I can't comment on the reliability of it.

When I bought my E55, it ended up needing about $6k worth of work. Most of it was maintenance related. That car was a money pit for me.

Drive both, figure out the pros/cons of each and make a decision.

 

Whats the deal with the ATS? my friend just picked up an ATS-V and its awesome