03-04 E55’s - Why The Bad Rap
06-07-2018, 09:03 PM
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
03-04 E55’s - Why The Bad Rap
Seems like everyone tells me to avoid those years. But, when I ask if they’re that bad all I ever get told is, “Nah, but the newer ones are better.”
So, what is it about the 03-04’s that give them a bad wrap!?
Thanks in advance!
So, what is it about the 03-04’s that give them a bad wrap!?
Thanks in advance!
06-07-2018, 10:23 PM
#2
Super Member
I think biggest things are 03-04 rads can leak into tranny & slower steering rack?
other differences like rear axels, center consoles, few other things I’m sure
other differences like rear axels, center consoles, few other things I’m sure
06-07-2018, 10:54 PM
#4
Junior Member
Thread Starter
So, new SC design, but same output...? this is the first I’m hearing this. Hmm... can anyone get more specific / technical on the two designs?
The 200 mph speedo is cool. Is there really a difference in the center consoles / interiors?
The reason im asking is because I’m set to look at a 124k 03 soon. On the fence between it and a modded 05 in a better colorway, with under 100k on the clock. The 03 is local, the 05 is on the other side of the country...
:/
The 200 mph speedo is cool. Is there really a difference in the center consoles / interiors?
The reason im asking is because I’m set to look at a 124k 03 soon. On the fence between it and a modded 05 in a better colorway, with under 100k on the clock. The 03 is local, the 05 is on the other side of the country...
:/
06-07-2018, 10:58 PM
#6
Member
I would steer clear from the 03s, honestly. First year cars always have more problems.
Split cooling does not fix the glycol contamination issue. I believe it is far more involved than that.
Steering rack is slower, yes. 05+ is updated. There isn't a huge difference between the pre-05 blowers, but enough of one to be noted. I'm not sure exactly what the difference is, you'd have to look more into it.
Also, I have a feeling the 05 you're talking about is actually my car, which is up for sale currently.
Split cooling does not fix the glycol contamination issue. I believe it is far more involved than that.
Steering rack is slower, yes. 05+ is updated. There isn't a huge difference between the pre-05 blowers, but enough of one to be noted. I'm not sure exactly what the difference is, you'd have to look more into it.
Also, I have a feeling the 05 you're talking about is actually my car, which is up for sale currently.
06-07-2018, 11:21 PM
#7
Junior Member
Thread Starter
I would steer clear from the 03s, honestly. First year cars always have more problems.
Split cooling does not fix the glycol contamination issue. I believe it is far more involved than that.
Steering rack is slower, yes. 05+ is updated. There isn't a huge difference between the pre-05 blowers, but enough of one to be noted. I'm not sure exactly what the difference is, you'd have to look more into it.
Also, I have a feeling the 05 you're talking about is actually my car, which is up for sale currently.
Split cooling does not fix the glycol contamination issue. I believe it is far more involved than that.
Steering rack is slower, yes. 05+ is updated. There isn't a huge difference between the pre-05 blowers, but enough of one to be noted. I'm not sure exactly what the difference is, you'd have to look more into it.
Also, I have a feeling the 05 you're talking about is actually my car, which is up for sale currently.
thanks also for the input.
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06-07-2018, 11:23 PM
#8
Member
.Regardless, I would 100% shoot for 05+. Full explanations of the differences can definitely be found if you search around a bit.
06-08-2018, 03:38 AM
#10
MBWorld Fanatic!
You need a new radiator to prevent the glycol contamination. Split cooling is an intercooling modification only (and controversial to boot). I have also heard about the superchargers being different but you would have to look to find the answer. It certainly shouldn't affect a purchase decision.
06-08-2018, 04:36 AM
#11
Would highly recommend the 05 or 06. Otherwise how are you going to know whether the cop actually tagged you going 190? For all you know driving a 03 or 04, you could've only been doing 181.
But if you're really interested in an 03, buy a trans dipstick (these cars don't come with one) and a coolant strip test kit, and take them with you to test out the atf for contamination. If it passes, and the trans shifts good on the test drive, I'd buy the car if the price was right. Even better is if the owner has proof that the original radiator was replaced with an updated part. You can find more info on this specific issue in this guy's video:
I believe he owns an 03.
But if you're really interested in an 03, buy a trans dipstick (these cars don't come with one) and a coolant strip test kit, and take them with you to test out the atf for contamination. If it passes, and the trans shifts good on the test drive, I'd buy the car if the price was right. Even better is if the owner has proof that the original radiator was replaced with an updated part. You can find more info on this specific issue in this guy's video:
06-08-2018, 07:52 AM
#15
MBWorld Fanatic!
A few key worthy notes to what has been mentioned:
1) The '05 and '06 have a different center console (improved design) that do not blister like the earlier models clam shell design
2) The '05 and '06 have the newer clock spring design that you can near bolt on real paddle shifters from a later model AMG (for example CLS63, E63, etc)
3) The '05 and '06 have the newer larger COMMAD
4)The '05 and '06 have slightly improved suspension with some design shared to the CLS
1) The '05 and '06 have a different center console (improved design) that do not blister like the earlier models clam shell design
2) The '05 and '06 have the newer clock spring design that you can near bolt on real paddle shifters from a later model AMG (for example CLS63, E63, etc)
3) The '05 and '06 have the newer larger COMMAD
4)The '05 and '06 have slightly improved suspension with some design shared to the CLS
06-08-2018, 08:29 AM
#16
A few key worthy notes to what has been mentioned:
1) The '05 and '06 have a different center console (improved design) that do not blister like the earlier models clam shell design
2) The '05 and '06 have the newer clock spring design that you can near bolt on real paddle shifters from a later model AMG (for example CLS63, E63, etc)
3) The '05 and '06 have the newer larger COMMAD
4)The '05 and '06 have slightly improved suspension with some design shared to the CLS
1) The '05 and '06 have a different center console (improved design) that do not blister like the earlier models clam shell design
2) The '05 and '06 have the newer clock spring design that you can near bolt on real paddle shifters from a later model AMG (for example CLS63, E63, etc)
3) The '05 and '06 have the newer larger COMMAD
4)The '05 and '06 have slightly improved suspension with some design shared to the CLS
06-08-2018, 11:14 AM
#18
I had never heard to "avoid the 03-04". I actually sought out an 04 because i much prefer the center console.
There also is other false info in this thread since my 04 HAS a 200mph speedo! and the comand screen is the same
There also is other false info in this thread since my 04 HAS a 200mph speedo! and the comand screen is the same
Last edited by kenneyd; 06-08-2018 at 11:22 AM.
06-08-2018, 06:10 PM
#19
Member
Not sure on the comand though.
06-09-2018, 08:54 AM
#22
Junior Member
Thread Starter
this is a big deal... So, the ESP is undefeatable on the later cars? Is there not an ESP button somewhere?
06-09-2018, 03:55 PM
#24
Super Member
You need a new radiator to prevent the glycol contamination. Split cooling is an intercooling modification only (and controversial to boot). I have also heard about the superchargers being different but you would have to look to find the answer. It certainly shouldn't affect a purchase decision.
06-09-2018, 04:19 PM
#25
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Richmond, CA
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2001 E320 Wagon, 2006 LBZ Silverado, 2007 E63 (sold), 2001 E55 (sold)
My E63 will blow the tires off for as long as I want with ESP off. I've never had ESP kick in when it's turned off.
