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It saddens me greatly, but my W211, which only recently turned 50k miles, has been totalled.
The car was struck in the right, rear corner, crumpling the quarter panel in three places, up to the door jamb. While it might not look like much, the estimate need only reach 70% of the car's value in my state before a total loss is submitted.
I know repairs can be done to bring the car back to near perfection, but in my mind, it will never be the same.
I'm still working with the at-fault insurance to settle the claim. As I'm sure is standard practice, they're looking to minimize payout. As a passionate enthusiast, I'm working to ensure I receive my fair cut. But that's not necessarily the focus of this post.
No, the reason I'm reaching out to my fellow enthusiasts, is because I am having difficulty deciding what comes next. #firstworldproblems #iknow
I really can't see moving anywhere but up. Though it wasn't until I started thinking about what compares, that I realized how much bang-for-the-buck the E55 supplied.
Initially, I thought about a Viper. And while the Viper is venerable, I really want to keep the "wolf in sheep's clothing" attribute.
I also gave some thought to the w212 E63 4matic, but all I know is that they're ICBMs with a tune alone. Reliability, common issues and general headaches are areas of which I'm not familiar.
But I'm open. I'd like to know what I might be missing. If you've been in the unique spot of replacing your E55 with something better, I'd love to read your feedback.
And even if you've never had an E55, please, feel free to share.
The replacement wouldn't be a daily driver, and would ideally fall within the $40-60k range.
Sorry for your loss, it's a shame these cars are totaled with so little damage. I wouldn't want to take on a salvage title either. So what's next? I think it needs to be an AMG. Year or model I'll leave up to you, but with your budget it shouldn't be hard to find something suitable.
A cls55 is much more sheeplike than I would have expected. Only car enthusiasts notice it. You could be up on all maintenance and modded for less money.
I ditto this.
I had a '10 cts-v and in every category its a better car than my e55. Dont get me wrong, I love my e55
Yeah. I had an '09. They're cheaper to modify and very stout. The only reason I sold mine was to purchase a new diesel Ram for pulling my rock crawler and travel trailer. I'll probably get another one after the E55. It only cost me about $5k for intake, headers, exhaust (stock mufflers), pulley, and dyno and road tune. That put it at 636hp at the crank. The LS motor is stout and sounds amazing.
I love the E55 for the <$14k I paid though. They're a bargain right now.
Since the damage is so light, you should look into buying it from the insurance company and fixing it. Might not need to be a salvage title. The car is yours, not theirs, at least until you sign it over to them. You can bet that someone, somewhere, will fix this car, so it might as well be you.
Last edited by Frank Barrett; Sep 3, 2017 at 11:08 PM.
Reason: For the pure unmitigated hell of it.
Since, you love your E55 so much. Why not get another low mileage E55. That would be the logical solution. If something were to happen to my E63, that's what I would do
CTSv are turds, fast sure. but turds. cheap as cheap can be.
interested in info on the W212s with the turbo 5.5 motor too. they look killer.
what are you basing this on? Have you actually owned both?
I have had both, and the interior is nicer, the seats are nicer, the leather is nicer, the ride is quieter, the ride is smoother, the transmission is better, the electronics are better, the the materials, the dash is better, the instruments are better, the stereo is better, the modability is better, the handling is better, the sound is better.
only thing you can pick on is the looks, and that's totally up to the individual. But I find most people think it's stunning
Bummer, I have only had my e55 a few months but I love it, even if it is a salvage title, cosmetics are rough but it has 60k miles on it and is tight and nice. its my first European car and the quality and precision is just there. Silly but I love the cruise control, its the little things.
I agree on the cls, I didn't like the looks at first but now I really like it, I suggested one to my friend and he thought it looked like a space ship, lol. I feel like they are more rare but there is enough out there to get a good one.
I was going to purchase an M5, but they have too many costly drive train problems.
cts, super fast great motor, but its a gm, its just not in the same level
viper, I just bought a red 98 gts coupe, its awesome but nothing stealthy about it.
e63 is great, but its a lot the same, and it would be fun to have something a little different
M3 might be good, I hear they are great but it is more a compact car, maybe a little less executive....
audi, boring unless its an R8
gtr, 2 doors could be a lot of fun, a little less wolf in sheeps clothing but still a little on the down low.
I agree with everyone on here that a -V is a pretty big step forward in performance and comfort, but I think I'm in the minority as none of the -V's I've driven have won me over like the 55k did. It's stupid (and probably illogical), but the M113k has a weird charm to it.
what are you basing this on? Have you actually owned both?
I have had both, and the interior is nicer, the seats are nicer, the leather is nicer, the ride is quieter, the ride is smoother, the transmission is better, the electronics are better, the the materials, the dash is better, the instruments are better, the stereo is better, the modability is better, the handling is better, the sound is better.
only thing you can pick on is the looks, and that's totally up to the individual. But I find most people think it's stunning
4 years employed by GM. the interior quality is not even in the same galaxy. my lowly E55 is 11 years old with 109k miles and none of the touch surfaces have peeling finish, my dash doesn't rattle, or any of the other laundry list of poor quality issues that plague GM.
i would disagree with you on just about every point you make outside of the modibilty. the LS is a much more popular platform so there is not really much of comparison there.
****I am speaking of the last two gens of the V, not the current car. i have ZERO experience with that car.
That looks like the Hampton Coliseum in the background. If this was my car I'd have it repaired.
Originally Posted by Rob CL
It saddens me greatly, but my W211, which only recently turned 50k miles, has been totalled.
The car was struck in the right, rear corner, crumpling the quarter panel in three places, up to the door jamb. While it might not look like much, the estimate need only reach 70% of the car's value in my state before a total loss is submitted.
I know repairs can be done to bring the car back to near perfection, but in my mind, it will never be the same.
I'm still working with the at-fault insurance to settle the claim. As I'm sure is standard practice, they're looking to minimize payout. As a passionate enthusiast, I'm working to ensure I receive my fair cut. But that's not necessarily the focus of this post.
No, the reason I'm reaching out to my fellow enthusiasts, is because I am having difficulty deciding what comes next. #firstworldproblems #iknow
I really can't see moving anywhere but up. Though it wasn't until I started thinking about what compares, that I realized how much bang-for-the-buck the E55 supplied.
Initially, I thought about a Viper. And while the Viper is venerable, I really want to keep the "wolf in sheep's clothing" attribute.
I also gave some thought to the w212 E63 4matic, but all I know is that they're ICBMs with a tune alone. Reliability, common issues and general headaches are areas of which I'm not familiar.
But I'm open. I'd like to know what I might be missing. If you've been in the unique spot of replacing your E55 with something better, I'd love to read your feedback.
And even if you've never had an E55, please, feel free to share.
The replacement wouldn't be a daily driver, and would ideally fall within the $40-60k range.
Do you need 4 doors? If not, I'd take a look at panameras or 911s. I think as far as a next car goes, mine will be one of those two.
Four doors aren't necessarily required, though it's nice when you have a few passengers in-tow. Hadn't considered the Panamera, I'll look into those!
Originally Posted by MACEDON
MAN this sucks because if it's totaled the insurance company takes it
Dibs on the wheels if you're doing a part out
Insurance was quick to write a total loss. However it only has to hit 70% vehicle value to qualify. -Not parting out.
Originally Posted by Frank Barrett
Since the damage is so light, you should look into buying it from the insurance company and fixing it. Might not need to be a salvage title. The car is yours, not theirs, at least until you sign it over to them. You can bet that someone, somewhere, will fix this car, so it might as well be you.
Surely someone should fix it. Problem for me is that I'll never have the same level of comfort at highway speed after seeing the deformation of the panels and trunk frame box.
Originally Posted by Yuille36
Since, you love your E55 so much. Why not get another low mileage E55. That would be the logical solution. If something were to happen to my E63, that's what I would do
I gave this some thought also. I suppose I see this as an opportunity to jump into the 5.5TT AMGs, so I was kinda putting off another W211.
Originally Posted by M5 LOL
CTSv are turds, fast sure. but turds. cheap as cheap can be.
I have several friends who own V1s and V2s... I admit, they're a lot of bang for the buck. There are a couple problems (as I've observed):
Everyone seems to have one
The interiors are built from disposable-grade plastics
Originally Posted by justinwrock
Have you considered an SL55?
I agree with everyone on here that a -V is a pretty big step forward in performance and comfort, but I think I'm in the minority as none of the -V's I've driven have won me over like the 55k did. It's stupid (and probably illogical), but the M113k has a weird charm to it.
I'm a torque junkie, hands down, hence the appeal of the M113k. The SL55 would be a more realistic option if it didn't weigh so damn much. I understand the removable hardtop is the cause and the allure, but I almost feel that the '65 would be the way to go (based on weight).
Originally Posted by cosmictrucker
That looks like the Hampton Coliseum in the background. If this was my car I'd have it repaired.
The issue with obtaining a repair is having to deal with a separate diminished value claim. As it is, I'm experiencing some push-back with the at-fault insurance company with regard to proper valuation.
I also don't have the option to make these repairs at a preferred indy (as our local guys recently closed shop), so it would have to be the local MB Collision Shop, as opposed to any general shop around.
For the costs involved in the repair, used parts (as prescribed by law) and the additional claim... The total loss is more advantageous at this point.
Four doors aren't necessarily required, though it's nice when you have a few passengers in-tow. Hadn't considered the Panamera, I'll look into those!
Insurance was quick to write a total loss. However it only has to hit 70% vehicle value to qualify. -Not parting out.
Surely someone should fix it. Problem for me is that I'll never have the same level of comfort at highway speed after seeing the deformation of the panels and trunk frame box.
I gave this some thought also. I suppose I see this as an opportunity to jump into the 5.5TT AMGs, so I was kinda putting off another W211.
I have several friends who own V1s and V2s... I admit, they're a lot of bang for the buck. There are a couple problems (as I've observed):
Everyone seems to have one
The interiors are built from disposable-grade plastics
I'm a torque junkie, hands down, hence the appeal of the M113k. The SL55 would be a more realistic option if it didn't weigh so damn much. I understand the removable hardtop is the cause and the allure, but I almost feel that the '65 would be the way to go (based on weight).
The issue with obtaining a repair is having to deal with a separate diminished value claim. As it is, I'm experiencing some push-back with the at-fault insurance company with regard to proper valuation.
I also don't have the option to make these repairs at a preferred indy (as our local guys recently closed shop), so it would have to be the local MB Collision Shop, as opposed to any general shop around.
For the costs involved in the repair, used parts (as prescribed by law) and the additional claim... The total loss is more advantageous at this point.
Appreciate all the feedback!
I wouldn't fix it.. it's better as a part out.. you've seen it and if you wouldn't feel safe I wouldn't either. The tt v8 sounds like the best idea.
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