C2 Turbo

Hey guys thinking about buying an '04 but not sure if that particular model has any specific issues or not. I have heard about the steering rack difference (better in '05+) but is that really noticeable? Any other issues with that particular model year?

GinDistiller

'03 had the most issues, mainly with the Valeo radiators (ask me how I know!), but nothing jumping out for the '04 specifically from what I've read. Honestly the 'slower' steering rack isn't as bad as the hype makes it seem. Yes, it feels more sluggish hopping from my M3 into the E55, but it's not an agile autocross car anyway. I think things to worry about will be accessory dependent (i.e. pano sunroof, active seats etc). The more options there are the more possibility of repairs needed.

WesttxJR

Other than what GinDistiller mentioned with radiator, the W211 komps will all have problems that pop up with age and mileage. My 04 (and probably everyone else's 03 to 06) has needed complete front end attention like ball joints, bushings, etc. These will make the ride sloppier than any steering rack concerns. We've probably all had to replace idler pulleys (not if, but when!) and various other assorted leaks and breaks. If you aren't afraid of doing some of the work yourself, most of these are not all that expensive maintain or replace. If not, the costs add up very fast on these cars. This forum is one of the absolute best in terms of shared knowledge and willingness to help.

Most of the members here with 04's will say they have been very good cars. Good luck and I hope you find a unicorn.

GinDistiller

Agreed @WesttxJR , I should also mention being left stranded in the middle of a busy road yesterday because of a crank position sensor failure. That was fun! Advice: get a good code reader (MBII etc), ordered the part before the tow truck even showed up and had it replaced in about 25 minutes. Cost me $32 (and my AAA membership haha) but it would have been $450+ at the dealer. Doing your own work is key on these beasts.

Chest Rockwell

GinDistiller makes a very good point. I was fortunate that mine didn't fail on the way home from Oakland California to the Seattle area. My CPS did fail the next day, while I was about a mile from home. Now I carry a spare sensor, plus socket and ratchet to get me back on the road should I have problems in the future.

bbirdwell

Any time the car just quits the first part I recommend to check (and replace if necessary) is the fuel pump relay; it takes longer to pull the panel in the trunk than it does to replace the relay. Once that is confirmed good, the CPS comes next. Besides, it gives the engine time to cool before you start contortions to replace the CPS. The fuel pump relay throws no codes, is intermittent but worse in high temps, and only gets worse until total failure. I now replace it as part of normal maintenance every 60K miles and carry a spare relay. Cheap insurance.

Hammer Down

I may know of a Silver 2004 E55 with 23K one owner miles for sale......