Want to buy 03 E55 what are your thoughts
#1
Want to buy 03 E55 what are your thoughts
well im talking to someone now live a couple of hours away has a 03 E55 with 151k miles. Desert silver/champagne and has a pretty nice carfax. Normally i would not be interested in something this high in mileage but exterior and interior are in mint condition and wants 8500 for it. Not sure how long these things lasts if there maintained well. I cant get financing on one there just too old and cant find warranty company in cali that will warranty something like this either. I dont know if i should just pull the trigger and go for it or just wait for another one and save more money. In 6 months i can probably have over 10k saved up but knowing me not sure if i save 10k im gonna wanna dump it all on a car.
Last edited by karpetcm; 02-05-2018 at 10:31 PM.
#2
Do a search for the common problems. Find a post by Bbirdwell which has a list of all the maintenance that you should do as soon as you get it. You should budget for at least $2k in maintenance and repairs straight away and more for things down the road and that is assuming the tires are good. They can last longer than 150k miles but be prepared for the cost.
#3
I made a mistake buying a 2003 e55 amg. I bought mine 3 weeks ago and it looks beautiful, but they age, I wish I would’ve gotten an 05-06 as they just are more newer in return you have like a 3 year difference. Try getting one that doesn’t need serious work, and lower mileage. don’t spend $8500 on a car with 155k when you can wait a couple months and get one with 100k or less. People are always willing to negotiate.
#4
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 6,155
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From: MA
2008 E350 4Matic, 2011 E350 4matic
Even when you have 10k, you won't be able to afford the car. Lets see, you still have SBC brakes, plus the cost of the brakes, airmatic, and a bunch of other issues. 2003 was the first year and in typical MB style was usually the worst. You also have the 15 year extended warranty on the gas tank which would be close to running out on a 2003 if it hadn't already run out. That's a 4k repair. Plus what options does it have? The early ones didn't really have too many. When they first had bixenons, it was just bixenons, they later added active curve illumination, but I don't think that was til 2006.
#5
Thank you for your advice as we speak im only looking at 06 models, it these cars finding it super difficult to find with low enough miles and not trashed.
Even when you have 10k, you won't be able to afford the car. Lets see, you still have SBC brakes, plus the cost of the brakes, airmatic, and a bunch of other issues. 2003 was the first year and in typical MB style was usually the worst. You also have the 15 year extended warranty on the gas tank which would be close to running out on a 2003 if it hadn't already run out. That's a 4k repair. Plus what options does it have? The early ones didn't really have too many. When they first had bixenons, it was just bixenons, they later added active curve illumination, but I don't think that was til 2006.
#6
if you’re actually willing to buy a 2006 with pano roof and I believe it has more extras with 100000 miles pm me I’m in south Florida and my uncle has one
#7
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 3,249
Likes: 256
From: Richmond, CA
2001 E320 Wagon, 2006 LBZ Silverado, 2007 E63 (sold), 2001 E55 (sold)
They may be "cheap" to buy but aren't cheap to maintain. That's why I have issues with people that can't actually afford to own one of these cars having them.
At least it's the E55s that seem to be getting beat on more than the E63's now. I think the E63 is right at that point where people looking for a cheap performance car can't quite afford it them. The M156 issues could also drive people away as well.
At least it's the E55s that seem to be getting beat on more than the E63's now. I think the E63 is right at that point where people looking for a cheap performance car can't quite afford it them. The M156 issues could also drive people away as well.
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#8
I dont make 15-20 hourly my income is ok and this is my dream car. When my nieghbor had one i always wanted to own one since then this was 10 years ago. Yes i am fully aware they are very expensive to maintain, my issue is time. If i drive it once or twice a week and every other week it breaks down or needs something i dont have the time to constantly take it to a mechanic. I’m out of the house 6:00am and home by 6:30pm Mon-Sat so time is more valuable. If its a huge headache owning this car then I’ll keep my E550 and just pick up a CTS-V or 300SRT8. I was approved for a 09 E63 i backed out because they did not provide warranty. Thats a different story since that as well has altogether different big issues. Figured if im gonna get a fragile car I’d rather own the E55 but seems to me not much if any positives have been said about this car when it comes to reliability either. Dont getme wrong i understand the concerns and appreciate the help for sure but i think after this thread im gonna now lean more towards a CTS-V.
They may be "cheap" to buy but aren't cheap to maintain. That's why I have issues with people that can't actually afford to own one of these cars having them.
At least it's the E55s that seem to be getting beat on more than the E63's now. I think the E63 is right at that point where people looking for a cheap performance car can't quite afford it them. The M156 issues could also drive people away as well.
At least it's the E55s that seem to be getting beat on more than the E63's now. I think the E63 is right at that point where people looking for a cheap performance car can't quite afford it them. The M156 issues could also drive people away as well.
#9
I dont make 15-20 hourly my income is ok and this is my dream car. When my nieghbor had one i always wanted to own one since then this was 10 years ago. Yes i am fully aware they are very expensive to maintain, my issue is time. If i drive it once or twice a week and every other week it breaks down or needs something i dont have the time to constantly take it to a mechanic. I’m out of the house 6:00am and home by 6:30pm Mon-Sat so time is more valuable. If its a huge headache owning this car then I’ll keep my E550 and just pick up a CTS-V or 300SRT8. I was approved for a 09 E63 i backed out because they did not provide warranty. Thats a different story since that as well has altogether different big issues. Figured if im gonna get a fragile car I’d rather own the E55 but seems to me not much if any positives have been said about this car when it comes to reliability either. Dont getme wrong i understand the concerns and appreciate the help for sure but i think after this thread im gonna now lean more towards a CTS-V.
#10
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Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 3,249
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From: Richmond, CA
2001 E320 Wagon, 2006 LBZ Silverado, 2007 E63 (sold), 2001 E55 (sold)
Then buy it. Don't ask random people on the internet if you should buy a certain car or not. Have a PPI done on it, research any issues and decide if you can afford it. You asked for opinions and got some, too bad you didn't like all of them.
I'd rather have an '07 E550 over an '03 E55 if it was my only car as well.
I'd rather have an '07 E550 over an '03 E55 if it was my only car as well.
#11
Sorry man but your on a different wave length. Not at all hated or not like other opinions. I was very appreciative for the advice. So not sure were thats coming from. Its a forum its mostly opinions and experiences end of it all only me or you or anyone asking the questions decides what he or she wants to do in the end. I thought this was pretty productive if you ask me, veey informative and glad people reached out and gave me there thoughts.
Then buy it. Don't ask random people on the internet if you should buy a certain car or not. Have a PPI done on it, research any issues and decide if you can afford it. You asked for opinions and got some, too bad you didn't like all of them.
I'd rather have an '07 E550 over an '03 E55 if it was my only car as well.
I'd rather have an '07 E550 over an '03 E55 if it was my only car as well.
#12
Sorry man but your on a different wave length. Not at all hated or not like other opinions. I was very appreciative for the advice. So not sure were thats coming from. Its a forum its mostly opinions and experiences end of it all only me or you or anyone asking the questions decides what he or she wants to do in the end. I thought this was pretty productive if you ask me, veey informative and glad people reached out and gave me there thoughts.
#13
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 6,155
Likes: 1,507
From: MA
2008 E350 4Matic, 2011 E350 4matic
Then buy it. Don't ask random people on the internet if you should buy a certain car or not. Have a PPI done on it, research any issues and decide if you can afford it. You asked for opinions and got some, too bad you didn't like all of them.
I'd rather have an '07 E550 over an '03 E55 if it was my only car as well.
I'd rather have an '07 E550 over an '03 E55 if it was my only car as well.
#14
Funny you should say that im looking at a few 12 E550’s. With a tune they do really well.
Yeah, I'd say the 07 E550 is a step up from an 03 E55, although slower. It has the newer interior and build quality got better. I'd rather step up to the 2014 E550, that had twin turbos and it had the face lift although 2012 E550's aren't that bad either. The 2007 E550 skipped the SBC that the 2003 still had. I think bluetooth isn't that good either in 2003.
#15
I bought an 03 with 130k on it. In great shape. I had been eying the e55 for a while and just could not resist getting one. I bought it as a second car tho. I have a new s4 that I drive daily so if the e55 breaks it's not a big deal. I'd be too nervous to drive it daily.
I love this car tho. I've put some money and time into it already on regular maintenance but other than that it's been a great car. So much fun too. I'll definitely keep it s while and fix all the little things.
I'd say if it's your only car and you can't fix it, then steer clear. If you are ok with some issues, then go for it.
I love this car tho. I've put some money and time into it already on regular maintenance but other than that it's been a great car. So much fun too. I'll definitely keep it s while and fix all the little things.
I'd say if it's your only car and you can't fix it, then steer clear. If you are ok with some issues, then go for it.
#16
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Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 3,249
Likes: 256
From: Richmond, CA
2001 E320 Wagon, 2006 LBZ Silverado, 2007 E63 (sold), 2001 E55 (sold)
Like I said, get a PPI done, research issues and decide if you can afford it. Unless someone on here has seen the car in person there's a good chance they can't say whether it's a good buy for sure. Pictures only tell so much.
#17
Ok first off ignore the doomsday talkers .... i bought my late model 03 basically an 04 e55 with 126k on it as a daily driver an it has nvr left me stranded.
ive been a tech all my life so not scared to work on anything, these cars are not that hard to fix or maintain if u take a lil time. Also there are lots of helping threads on how to do just about anything on the net if ur not afraid to get your hands dirty. Also parts are relatively cheap if you shop online. Only thing id recommend is getting a star system so you can do all the things without a trip to the dealer. But i seriously havent found much i couldnt do without one. But i am getting one as well here soon.
i converted my air ride to an arnotts air to coil and couldnt be happier .... rides better, corners better, and will last the life of the car excellent build quality and nvr have to deal with air ride problems. The sbc is not that hard to deal with most the time its an accumulator and u can figure it out without the star i did it just fine .... dealer wanted 1400 to do it with part .... i did it works perfect and spent 59 dollars. Just matter of looking for the deals and doing the work.
ive had mine for over a year now an mine was in rough shape, needed motor an trans mounts, sbc accumulator, suspension work, air ride work, tune up, brakes, tires, etc etc all and all i got it from a lot that i did lot mechanics for when they got it back from dealer they wanted 10300 to fix everything it needed so they sold it to me for very cheap rather than fix .... as this was also my dream car back in its day. Total i spent repairing it was literally 3880 bucks cus i did all the work. This included the arnott coil to air conversion, all new suspension parts, everything and i even made 1050 bucks back selling the good parts from the air ride that people on here needed. Reliability wise the engine and trans are dam near bullet proof i daily drive it i have upgraded it and it makes over 520 rwhp an is a blast. Dont be afraid as long as you can do some wk. These will last a very long time they are overbuilt in my humble opinion.
ive been a tech all my life so not scared to work on anything, these cars are not that hard to fix or maintain if u take a lil time. Also there are lots of helping threads on how to do just about anything on the net if ur not afraid to get your hands dirty. Also parts are relatively cheap if you shop online. Only thing id recommend is getting a star system so you can do all the things without a trip to the dealer. But i seriously havent found much i couldnt do without one. But i am getting one as well here soon.
i converted my air ride to an arnotts air to coil and couldnt be happier .... rides better, corners better, and will last the life of the car excellent build quality and nvr have to deal with air ride problems. The sbc is not that hard to deal with most the time its an accumulator and u can figure it out without the star i did it just fine .... dealer wanted 1400 to do it with part .... i did it works perfect and spent 59 dollars. Just matter of looking for the deals and doing the work.
ive had mine for over a year now an mine was in rough shape, needed motor an trans mounts, sbc accumulator, suspension work, air ride work, tune up, brakes, tires, etc etc all and all i got it from a lot that i did lot mechanics for when they got it back from dealer they wanted 10300 to fix everything it needed so they sold it to me for very cheap rather than fix .... as this was also my dream car back in its day. Total i spent repairing it was literally 3880 bucks cus i did all the work. This included the arnott coil to air conversion, all new suspension parts, everything and i even made 1050 bucks back selling the good parts from the air ride that people on here needed. Reliability wise the engine and trans are dam near bullet proof i daily drive it i have upgraded it and it makes over 520 rwhp an is a blast. Dont be afraid as long as you can do some wk. These will last a very long time they are overbuilt in my humble opinion.
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nivram13 (02-19-2018)
#18
It is a fantastic car, heaps of torque, very comfortable, very fun, it's just best to know exactly what you are in for. There is always something requiring attention. Finally got my supercharger pulley bolt off for pulley upgrade (bearing was also fried), now I have no A/C for some reason (unrelated) and I still have the fuel pump leak issue in the back of my mind to deal with sometime too. There is always something, some are cheap and easy and just a bit annoying, some not so much and you can't drive your car anymore. Definitely find a 2005/2006 with lower miles if possible. I have 27,000 miles and still find things that need replacing.
#19
It is a fantastic car, heaps of torque, very comfortable, very fun, it's just best to know exactly what you are in for. There is always something requiring attention. Finally got my supercharger pulley bolt off for pulley upgrade (bearing was also fried), now I have no A/C for some reason (unrelated) and I still have the fuel pump leak issue in the back of my mind to deal with sometime too. There is always something, some are cheap and easy and just a bit annoying, some not so much and you can't drive your car anymore. Definitely find a 2005/2006 with lower miles if possible. I have 27,000 miles and still find things that need replacing.
yeah but this can be said for almost any car ... cars need attention and performance cars need more dont matter if its a mercedes e55 or a toyots supra they require more than say a honda civic .... u want to just get in and drive an not worry i suggest a different car .....honda civic, nissan altima, or toyota camry .... but even they have to be maintained to last
#21
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 5,995
Likes: 516
From: Alexandria, VA
07 E63 AMG, 10 C63 AMG, 07 E63 Designo, 07 E350, 09 C300, 07 C230
My advice to you, is do what makes you happy as life is too short, to sweat the small s***. But go into it with eyes wide open, don't make rash decisions, that will cost you aggravation and headaches later.
I have a 07 E63, that I've forked out $4500 last year in routine maintenance and fixing several small issues, that needed addressing. The car is now flawless, no issues. The reason I mention this is to say, be prepared for issues, all cars have them.
But older cars have them more frequently. In the end it's your money to spend however you like. Just be prepared.....
I have a 07 E63, that I've forked out $4500 last year in routine maintenance and fixing several small issues, that needed addressing. The car is now flawless, no issues. The reason I mention this is to say, be prepared for issues, all cars have them.
But older cars have them more frequently. In the end it's your money to spend however you like. Just be prepared.....
#22
My advice to you, is do what makes you happy as life is too short, to sweat the small s***. But go into it with eyes wide open, don't make rash decisions, that will cost you aggravation and headaches later.
I have a 07 E63, that I've forked out $4500 last year in routine maintenance and fixing several small issues, that needed addressing. The car is now flawless, no issues. The reason I mention this is to say, be prepared for issues, all cars have them.
But older cars have them more frequently. In the end it's your money to spend however you like. Just be prepared.....
I have a 07 E63, that I've forked out $4500 last year in routine maintenance and fixing several small issues, that needed addressing. The car is now flawless, no issues. The reason I mention this is to say, be prepared for issues, all cars have them.
But older cars have them more frequently. In the end it's your money to spend however you like. Just be prepared.....
#23
i love the m156 but i wouldnt take one over my e55 .... have raced my buddies 08 e63 destroys him everytime an he has tune an headers. Roll race he does fair better but still not as fun an pesonally id rather avoid that scarey head bolt issue
#24
I personally am very happy with my 05 e55. I decided after viewing a few, to buy one that was obviously taken care of, had an extensive service history and possessed some of the options I desired. Like you said, its your dream car. You will be much happier when you get one that meets those expectations. Your dream can wait a bit
#25
yeah but this can be said for almost any car ... cars need attention and performance cars need more dont matter if its a mercedes e55 or a toyots supra they require more than say a honda civic .... u want to just get in and drive an not worry i suggest a different car .....honda civic, nissan altima, or toyota camry .... but even they have to be maintained to last