Considering 03 e55- Things to check?
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jul 2012
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2003 C32
Considering 03 e55- Things to check?
Hello,
I have been looking for an E55 in AZ for quite a while. I have a lead on an 03 with 140K, but I have heard to be really careful of that year. Among other things, here is what has been done to the car:
-All air ride replaced with Arnotts
-New radiator
-New alternator
-All front suspension parts replaced
-SBC replaced
-Fuel system recall
Thanks in advance, Mike
I have been looking for an E55 in AZ for quite a while. I have a lead on an 03 with 140K, but I have heard to be really careful of that year. Among other things, here is what has been done to the car:
-All air ride replaced with Arnotts
-New radiator
-New alternator
-All front suspension parts replaced
-SBC replaced
-Fuel system recall
Thanks in advance, Mike
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 770
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From: Utah
2003 Mercedes E55 AMG
Please brother while i know everyone says stay clear of the 03s really theres nothing wrong with them over the newer models other than the dreaded strawberry milkshake in the trans. All engines an trans were the same throughout all years. But some of the nice things of newer models
slightly better blower 05-06 with part number 080 or 580 ... i found one on here an swapped my 280 with a very low mileage 580.
06s got the slightly bigger blue injectors
and you got better options on the newer model
But i got my 03 basically it was an early 04 but its a solid car needed alot of basic work to get her where she was perfect but the engine is great and solid. Sounds like the things that could cause u the most pains have been checked only other thing id look into is the sbc motor
slightly better blower 05-06 with part number 080 or 580 ... i found one on here an swapped my 280 with a very low mileage 580.
06s got the slightly bigger blue injectors
and you got better options on the newer model
But i got my 03 basically it was an early 04 but its a solid car needed alot of basic work to get her where she was perfect but the engine is great and solid. Sounds like the things that could cause u the most pains have been checked only other thing id look into is the sbc motor
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 770
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From: Utah
2003 Mercedes E55 AMG
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 770
Likes: 71
From: Utah
2003 Mercedes E55 AMG
you are not one that has an experience to talk and posting up bull**** comments such as these is proof. Nothing wrong with a 2003 ... the only thing that was of any concern in the crappy 1st year as you put it is the radiator problem which caused tranny issues .... other than that all problems with e55s are the same .... sbc motors ( as you found out) air suspension, and maintance records are something that should be looked at on ALL year models. Id put my 03 up against any 06 as too looks, power, and reliablilty and i guarentee mine would do just as well or better .... as said above the highest mileage E55 thats still on stock none rebuilt motor is an 03 so check your facts before spreading BS.
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Joined: Oct 2004
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From: South Florida
2010 E63 AMG, 2003 E500
you are not one that has an experience to talk and posting up bull**** comments such as these is proof. Nothing wrong with a 2003 ... the only thing that was of any concern in the crappy 1st year as you put it is the radiator problem which caused tranny issues .... other than that all problems with e55s are the same .... sbc motors ( as you found out) air suspension, and maintance records are something that should be looked at on ALL year models. Id put my 03 up against any 06 as too looks, power, and reliablilty and i guarentee mine would do just as well or better .... as said above the highest mileage E55 thats still on stock none rebuilt motor is an 03 so check your facts before spreading BS.
My 2003 E500 with M113 motor and 5-speed 722.6 tranny has been bulletproof.
SBC hydraulic unit was replaced by the previous owner under factory recall.
Amazing what garbage gets spouted in these forums from people with no clue.
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From: Republic of Texas
'99 and '05 E55 AMG
The infant-mortality items appear to have been resolved. That's good. Now...as TW2 says, "...Barry's standard newbie post". :-)
https://mbworld.org/forums/w211-amg/...ml#post7169029
It will take you awhile to go through all of this but you will have a good idea of what you are getting into. Also, check the transmission clutch/brake pack actuation times and determine the estimated life remaining on the SBC system using STAR. I have posts on how to perform these checks. Great car but somewhat costly to maintain. IMO, worth it but it depends upon your bank account. There is a recent post on a 2003 for sale out of Seattle that looks pretty good. Higher miles but well-maintained and the owner appears to know his stuff about an E55. (No affiliation with the owner.)
https://mbworld.org/forums/w211-amg/...ml#post7169029
It will take you awhile to go through all of this but you will have a good idea of what you are getting into. Also, check the transmission clutch/brake pack actuation times and determine the estimated life remaining on the SBC system using STAR. I have posts on how to perform these checks. Great car but somewhat costly to maintain. IMO, worth it but it depends upon your bank account. There is a recent post on a 2003 for sale out of Seattle that looks pretty good. Higher miles but well-maintained and the owner appears to know his stuff about an E55. (No affiliation with the owner.)
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Thread Starter
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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 216
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2003 C32
Wow, clearly there are people not liking the 2003. As mentioned in the original post, the radiator was replaced, which should eliminate the milkshake concern. As for the console, I actually much prefer the earlier ones, not too worried about 200 mph speedo and could care less about 15 year old nav. In addition, I am not sure what my bank would have to do with anything, I am paying cash. I was not aware of the steering rack, that is something I could swap later.
This car was originally owned my a local Merc Service Manager, latest owner seems very meticulous, an enthusiast.
So besides what has been mentioned, is there anything to be aware of on the 2003?
Thanks again.
This car was originally owned my a local Merc Service Manager, latest owner seems very meticulous, an enthusiast.
So besides what has been mentioned, is there anything to be aware of on the 2003?
Thanks again.
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Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 770
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From: Utah
2003 Mercedes E55 AMG
The simple answer is no .... since the air suspension has been replaced ur fine there and id have the sbc checked bout it.
Like i said you can google til ur blue in the face you wont find any crazy problems with the 2003s the radiator is the only one that stands out, which as you stated has been addressed already.
Like i said you can google til ur blue in the face you wont find any crazy problems with the 2003s the radiator is the only one that stands out, which as you stated has been addressed already.
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C300 sport 2008
you are not one that has an experience to talk and posting up bull**** comments such as these is proof. Nothing wrong with a 2003 ... the only thing that was of any concern in the crappy 1st year as you put it is the radiator problem which caused tranny issues .... other than that all problems with e55s are the same .... sbc motors ( as you found out) air suspension, and maintance records are something that should be looked at on ALL year models. Id put my 03 up against any 06 as too looks, power, and reliablilty and i guarentee mine would do just as well or better .... as said above the highest mileage E55 thats still on stock none rebuilt motor is an 03 so check your facts before spreading BS.
Last edited by w204_racing; Mar 4, 2018 at 11:12 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 770
Likes: 71
From: Utah
2003 Mercedes E55 AMG
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2017
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C300 sport 2008
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 770
Likes: 71
From: Utah
2003 Mercedes E55 AMG
lol oooooh now i get it .... it was a joke, and you stated as such with an lol or a haha. Yep cause everyone gets ur immature humor right?? I do take someone saying the 03 is bad serious ... why because i have one an its been nothing but amazing, and when someones nonapparent joke may stop a guy asking SERIOUSLY if an 03 is a good buy and what to look for then yes im gunna set that person straight.
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C300 sport 2008
lol oooooh now i get it .... it was a joke, and you stated as such with an lol or a haha. Yep cause everyone gets ur immature humor right?? I do take someone saying the 03 is bad serious ... why because i have one an its been nothing but amazing, and when someones nonapparent joke may stop a guy asking SERIOUSLY if an 03 is a good buy and what to look for then yes im gunna set that person straight.
Last edited by w204_racing; Mar 4, 2018 at 11:12 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: South Florida
2010 E63 AMG, 2003 E500
Just a normal maintenance wear item, but motor mounts typically last anywhere from 50 to 80k miles on these vehicles. When I bought my car a year and a half ago there was a noticeable vibration at idle. I started out by changing the spark plugs and wires which helped some but didn't completely eliminate the roughness. I then changed the transmission mount (easy 45 minute job) and still had vibration. Bought two Lemforder motor mounts from eBay and had my local indie mechanic install them - car now idles smooth as butter. Over time I also changed out all of the fluids: engine oil, coolant, transmission, differential, brake and power steering. Take car of these cars and they will take care of you.
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 770
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From: Utah
2003 Mercedes E55 AMG
Just a normal maintenance wear item, but motor mounts typically last anywhere from 50 to 80k miles on these vehicles. When I bought my car a year and a half ago there was a noticeable vibration at idle. I started out by changing the spark plugs and wires which helped some but didn't completely eliminate the roughness. I then changed the transmission mount (easy 45 minute job) and still had vibration. Bought two Lemforder motor mounts from eBay and had my local indie mechanic install them - car now idles smooth as butter. Over time I also changed out all of the fluids: engine oil, coolant, transmission, differential, brake and power steering. Take car of these cars and they will take care of you.
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,358
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From: South Florida
2010 E63 AMG, 2003 E500
Wow, two hours for motor mounts, that's fast - did you use a lift?
I thought about doing this job myself but got scared off, especially because of the whole steering rack removal.
Bought the special 16mm offset wrench, a pair of ramps, wheel chocks, etc. and read all the DIY threads, but ultimately decided to leave it to the pros.
Ended up paying my indie $325 and it took him a good three hours.
Maybe I'll give it a shot next time they're due for changing.
I thought about doing this job myself but got scared off, especially because of the whole steering rack removal.
Bought the special 16mm offset wrench, a pair of ramps, wheel chocks, etc. and read all the DIY threads, but ultimately decided to leave it to the pros.
Ended up paying my indie $325 and it took him a good three hours.
Maybe I'll give it a shot next time they're due for changing.
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 770
Likes: 71
From: Utah
2003 Mercedes E55 AMG
Wow, two hours for motor mounts, that's fast - did you use a lift?
I thought about doing this job myself but got scared off, especially because of the whole steering rack removal.
Bought the special 16mm offset wrench, a pair of ramps, wheel chocks, etc. and read all the DIY threads, but ultimately decided to leave it to the pros.
Ended up paying my indie $325 and it took him a good three hours.
Maybe I'll give it a shot next time they're due for changing.
I thought about doing this job myself but got scared off, especially because of the whole steering rack removal.
Bought the special 16mm offset wrench, a pair of ramps, wheel chocks, etc. and read all the DIY threads, but ultimately decided to leave it to the pros.
Ended up paying my indie $325 and it took him a good three hours.
Maybe I'll give it a shot next time they're due for changing.
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 770
Likes: 71
From: Utah
2003 Mercedes E55 AMG
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 770
Likes: 71
From: Utah
2003 Mercedes E55 AMG
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,358
Likes: 297
From: South Florida
2010 E63 AMG, 2003 E500
The way I drive my car I have a feeling I'll need new mounts again at some point - will probably give it a shot myself next time.
I'm also ntrigued by those billet poly mounts but I'm worried about them being too stiff and sacrificing ride quality.
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 770
Likes: 71
From: Utah
2003 Mercedes E55 AMG
Thanks for the input.
The way I drive my car I have a feeling I'll need new mounts again at some point - will probably give it a shot myself next time.
I'm also ntrigued by those billet poly mounts but I'm worried about them being too stiff and sacrificing ride quality.
The way I drive my car I have a feeling I'll need new mounts again at some point - will probably give it a shot myself next time.
I'm also ntrigued by those billet poly mounts but I'm worried about them being too stiff and sacrificing ride quality.
