Safe to buy 2003 e55?
11-12-2018, 04:54 PM
#1
Safe to buy 2003 e55?
I am currently looking at a 2003 E55 with 85k miles but I know that in 2003 the radiators were faulty causing a leak that would get into the transmission. Since the car is far for me to check out in person I will be having a repair shop that specializes in Mercedes do a pre purchase inspection and they will also be doing a test for glycol in the transmission. If everything checks out fine would you consider a 2003 e55 safe to buy? The current owners have owned it for the past 8 years, elderly couple and told me they did all maintnenace on time.
11-12-2018, 06:08 PM
#2
I am currently looking at a 2003 E55 with 85k miles but I know that in 2003 the radiators were faulty causing a leak that would get into the transmission. Since the car is far for me to check out in person I will be having a repair shop that specializes in Mercedes do a pre purchase inspection and they will also be doing a test for glycol in the transmission. If everything checks out fine would you consider a 2003 e55 safe to buy? The current owners have owned it for the past 8 years, elderly couple and told me they did all maintnenace on time.
Last edited by failboat; 11-12-2018 at 06:42 PM.
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E55WILL (11-13-2018)
11-12-2018, 06:28 PM
#3
Super Member
I recently bought my '03 with 141k on the clock. Radiator was still original Valeo and had glycol tested with 0% present. Intercooler pump was completely dead, I did that and the radiator right after buying it, pretty straight forward. At 85k I wouldn't worry about anything drastically different from any other year E55 AMG. The fuel pump/tank issue would be #1 on the list, I can't remember when the warranty coverage ends but for 03's I think it's really soon and that is a $3k+ job if you have to pay out of pocket. They extended the SBC warranty to 25 years or something like that, so no worries there. If the maintenance records are clear and it checks out I wouldn't be concerned at all, have fun!
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E55WILL (11-13-2018)
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E55WILL (11-13-2018)
11-12-2018, 07:39 PM
#5
MBWorld Fanatic!
If there is no contamination you are ok. Just make sure the transmission fluid wasn't changed the week before you have it tested.
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E55WILL (11-13-2018)
11-13-2018, 09:58 AM
#6
I don't know your location or budget, but this is the nicest e55 I have been able to find currently for sale.
https://mbworld.org/forums/market/720404
Its too far for me though
https://mbworld.org/forums/market/720404
Its too far for me though
11-13-2018, 10:52 AM
#7
It’s actually pretty close to me. I have seen the ad and im just concerned about the modifications. I was really looking for something that has never been modified.
I don't know your location or budget, but this is the nicest e55 I have been able to find currently for sale.
https://mbworld.org/forums/market/720404
Its too far for me though
https://mbworld.org/forums/market/720404
Its too far for me though
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11-13-2018, 12:25 PM
#8
Yeah thats what I'm looking for too. I didn't think it would be so tough to find a nice stock car with low mileage!
11-13-2018, 02:17 PM
#11
i am worried the most about the pulley, i dont know what type of strain it puts on the motor to be honest. I know it has had headers as well which have been replaced with oem.
11-13-2018, 02:55 PM
#12
if crank pulley there is potential for issues if it was not properly installed. strain on motor would be dependent on size and boost increase...also if its a big pulley with no supporting mods/fuel upgrades i would stay away.. if cheap headers maybe a chance for exhaust leak
Last edited by failboat; 11-13-2018 at 02:59 PM.
11-13-2018, 03:40 PM
#13
MBWorld Fanatic!
As long as it was I installed correctly it will be fine. You can always retorque it yourself but it is a pretty intense procedure. Just make sure the pump is working but ideally an upgraded heat exchanger would be ideal too. These engines can take a lot. Hopefully the tune is by someone reputable.
11-16-2018, 10:19 PM
#15
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2003 E55
I bought an 03 with 111k miles. Couldn’t pass up the deal. Has the original Radiator, and passed the Glycol test. First thing I did was flush the transmission and installed a remote trans cooler.
