Buying a 2006 E55 for 12K with 189K miles on it
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
2008 mercedes e550
Buying a 2006 E55 for 12K with 189K miles on it
Bad idea ? Im not looking for the cheapest e55 , I just stumbled upon this clean title 2 owner 06 e55 , interior and exterior very good condition given it’s age…. I checked the car fax and it showed a healthy consistent history of services done etc……
my plans are to mod it etc… would you say it’s too late to mod it given the high mileage ? I’ve seen some of these make it to 400K miles…
i mean it’s an AMG 500HP beast for 10K when it retailed for 100K etc… I know a good mechanic locally that I go to and I save lots to money whenever I need repairs done etc… so In that aspect I’m covered…
my plans are to mod it etc… would you say it’s too late to mod it given the high mileage ? I’ve seen some of these make it to 400K miles…
i mean it’s an AMG 500HP beast for 10K when it retailed for 100K etc… I know a good mechanic locally that I go to and I save lots to money whenever I need repairs done etc… so In that aspect I’m covered…
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 4,509
Likes: 1,513
From: Orbiting the planet
This place is a joke.
These aren't cars you should be buying if you can't work on it yourself, or, be ready to spend a few thousand dollars every year for maintenance and repairs. Depending on the service history of this particular car, it could need anywhere up to $8000 in deferred maintenance the day you buy it, that cost could be half if you do it yourself. That however requires ability, tools, and a place to work on it, and in many cases a lift.
Last edited by E55Greasemonkey; May 22, 2022 at 10:58 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,481
Likes: 310
95 SL600
Adding power at almost 17 years old and almost 200,000 miles, doesn’t sound like a good idea for any car that you want to have functioning. As stated above simply keeping the stock car functioning at this age and mileage will be costly if the work can’t be performed by the owner,
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 972
Likes: 191
From: Atlanta
W222 AMG S63
Real talk, old cars have old car issues. Bushings get tired. Rubber dries up. Wires get brittle. I have a 2003 E55 that was in better than expected condition for its age and like 138K miles, and still put in probably $8K already and I haven't had it a year. Maybe 2K miles. And I'm doing all of the restoring/replacing work myself. Anything that requires a lift or expertise, I take it to a shop. If I weren't doing that stuff, I'd easily be over $11K by now.
I just had my serpentine belt break and had to replace 2 belts and 2 pullys (a few hundred) and today I'm in the process of replacing all of the air bladders in the seats. The bladders alone were like $800. Yeah, I do have to do the belts and stuff and I don't have to do the bladders. But, what's the point of having a $100K AMG if stuff like that doesn't work on it? These aren't as expensive as older Porsches, but they ain't cheap.
Regarding the $100K, yeah. I think mine has every option except nav (parktronic, distronic, panoramic solar sunroof, keyless go, telephone, heated/cooled seats (probably standard), cd changer, ...).
I wouldn't mod it outside of maybe like minor stuff like front lip / trunk spoilers, maybe a different head unit, wheels (I suggest sticking with 18" if you have rough roads). The car is already fast as hell with great low end torque. It can drop most any car you encounter on the road. Modding it will give you some gains, sure. But, you will break **** faster.
I would not mod this if it's your only car. I wouldn't buy it at all if it's your only car. It will be down for days at a time because of all of the above.
I just had my serpentine belt break and had to replace 2 belts and 2 pullys (a few hundred) and today I'm in the process of replacing all of the air bladders in the seats. The bladders alone were like $800. Yeah, I do have to do the belts and stuff and I don't have to do the bladders. But, what's the point of having a $100K AMG if stuff like that doesn't work on it? These aren't as expensive as older Porsches, but they ain't cheap.
Regarding the $100K, yeah. I think mine has every option except nav (parktronic, distronic, panoramic solar sunroof, keyless go, telephone, heated/cooled seats (probably standard), cd changer, ...).
I wouldn't mod it outside of maybe like minor stuff like front lip / trunk spoilers, maybe a different head unit, wheels (I suggest sticking with 18" if you have rough roads). The car is already fast as hell with great low end torque. It can drop most any car you encounter on the road. Modding it will give you some gains, sure. But, you will break **** faster.
I would not mod this if it's your only car. I wouldn't buy it at all if it's your only car. It will be down for days at a time because of all of the above.
Member
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 116
Likes: 14
2005 e55
Real talk, old cars have old car issues. Bushings get tired. Rubber dries up. Wires get brittle. I have a 2003 E55 that was in better than expected condition for its age and like 138K miles, and still put in probably $8K already and I haven't had it a year. Maybe 2K miles. And I'm doing all of the restoring/replacing work myself. Anything that requires a lift or expertise, I take it to a shop. If I weren't doing that stuff, I'd easily be over $11K by now.
I just had my serpentine belt break and had to replace 2 belts and 2 pullys (a few hundred) and today I'm in the process of replacing all of the air bladders in the seats. The bladders alone were like $800. Yeah, I do have to do the belts and stuff and I don't have to do the bladders. But, what's the point of having a $100K AMG if stuff like that doesn't work on it? These aren't as expensive as older Porsches, but they ain't cheap.
Regarding the $100K, yeah. I think mine has every option except nav (parktronic, distronic, panoramic solar sunroof, keyless go, telephone, heated/cooled seats (probably standard), cd changer, ...).
I wouldn't mod it outside of maybe like minor stuff like front lip / trunk spoilers, maybe a different head unit, wheels (I suggest sticking with 18" if you have rough roads). The car is already fast as hell with great low end torque. It can drop most any car you encounter on the road. Modding it will give you some gains, sure. But, you will break **** faster.
I would not mod this if it's your only car. I wouldn't buy it at all if it's your only car. It will be down for days at a time because of all of the above.
I just had my serpentine belt break and had to replace 2 belts and 2 pullys (a few hundred) and today I'm in the process of replacing all of the air bladders in the seats. The bladders alone were like $800. Yeah, I do have to do the belts and stuff and I don't have to do the bladders. But, what's the point of having a $100K AMG if stuff like that doesn't work on it? These aren't as expensive as older Porsches, but they ain't cheap.
Regarding the $100K, yeah. I think mine has every option except nav (parktronic, distronic, panoramic solar sunroof, keyless go, telephone, heated/cooled seats (probably standard), cd changer, ...).
I wouldn't mod it outside of maybe like minor stuff like front lip / trunk spoilers, maybe a different head unit, wheels (I suggest sticking with 18" if you have rough roads). The car is already fast as hell with great low end torque. It can drop most any car you encounter on the road. Modding it will give you some gains, sure. But, you will break **** faster.
I would not mod this if it's your only car. I wouldn't buy it at all if it's your only car. It will be down for days at a time because of all of the above.
what did you replace that has cost 8k? I’ve replaced my air suspension with coilovers 2.1k, done ball joints 150, lower control arms 250, engine/trans mounts 500, replaced both belts 250, new supercharger tensioner pulley 350, spark plugs 300, installed bwk 350, 80mm fsp 350, and a tune 400 so far. All of that didn’t cost near 8k…
Trending Topics
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 972
Likes: 191
From: Atlanta
W222 AMG S63
what did you replace that has cost 8k? I’ve replaced my air suspension with coilovers 2.1k, done ball joints 150, lower control arms 250, engine/trans mounts 500, replaced both belts 250, new supercharger tensioner pulley 350, spark plugs 300, installed bwk 350, 80mm fsp 350, and a tune 400 so far. All of that didn’t cost near 8k…
Grabbing my folder of receipts: total $15,856
ooof.
I made it this far...I may as well keep *******g going...
Last edited by CQHall; Jul 18, 2022 at 01:37 PM.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 67
Likes: 8
2006 E55 AMG
the key is buying a well sorted car, I bought my 2006 e55 @126k miles for $11k. previous owner had just replaced valve cover gaskets, motor mounts, water pump, belts, pulleys, all air struts, fuel pumps and fuel tank with recall. it had good maintenance history with a folder of invoices from the dealer.
since my ownership I only had to replace 1 fuel injector that was stuck open however I took that opportunity to replace all 8 injectors for new ones since they were only $38 each from mercedes, plug wires and spark plugs all at the same time since I was already taking all that apart.
in total it was a little over $500
I have also replaced the winshield cowl and side mirror gaskets since they began cracking that was about $160
oil changes at $80
the car now has 146k miles in 2 years I've spent just shy of $1200 in maintenance and preventative maintenance
so I don't think that is too bad for a 16 year old car that was well sorted when I bought it.
since my ownership I only had to replace 1 fuel injector that was stuck open however I took that opportunity to replace all 8 injectors for new ones since they were only $38 each from mercedes, plug wires and spark plugs all at the same time since I was already taking all that apart.
in total it was a little over $500
I have also replaced the winshield cowl and side mirror gaskets since they began cracking that was about $160
oil changes at $80
the car now has 146k miles in 2 years I've spent just shy of $1200 in maintenance and preventative maintenance
so I don't think that is too bad for a 16 year old car that was well sorted when I bought it.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 972
Likes: 191
From: Atlanta
W222 AMG S63
the key is buying a well sorted car, I bought my 2006 e55 @126k miles for $11k. previous owner had just replaced valve cover gaskets, motor mounts, water pump, belts, pulleys, all air struts, fuel pumps and fuel tank with recall. it had good maintenance history with a folder of invoices from the dealer.
since my ownership I only had to replace 1 fuel injector that was stuck open however I took that opportunity to replace all 8 injectors for new ones since they were only $38 each from mercedes, plug wires and spark plugs all at the same time since I was already taking all that apart.
in total it was a little over $500
I have also replaced the winshield cowl and side mirror gaskets since they began cracking that was about $160
oil changes at $80
the car now has 146k miles in 2 years I've spent just shy of $1200 in maintenance and preventative maintenance
so I don't think that is too bad for a 16 year old car that was well sorted when I bought it.
since my ownership I only had to replace 1 fuel injector that was stuck open however I took that opportunity to replace all 8 injectors for new ones since they were only $38 each from mercedes, plug wires and spark plugs all at the same time since I was already taking all that apart.
in total it was a little over $500
I have also replaced the winshield cowl and side mirror gaskets since they began cracking that was about $160
oil changes at $80
the car now has 146k miles in 2 years I've spent just shy of $1200 in maintenance and preventative maintenance
so I don't think that is too bad for a 16 year old car that was well sorted when I bought it.
On my list, I'd say that about $8K was required to keep the car in good running order. The most rest was optional or optionally bought from MB to keep it OEM. That expensive service bill was done by Blue Ridge MB (they are expensive as hell, but probably the best AMG guys in North America). Johnathan let me know exactly where the car stood in terms of maintenance and whatnot.
As the MB parts lady from whom I get most of my parts told me, "Buyers like buying cars from people like you."
@remix405 you know you got a steal to get 2006 with 126K miles, full records from the dealership, with up to date service history for $11K in this market. That's a $16-20K car all day...right now at 146K. I'd say you got lucky.
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 67
Likes: 8
2006 E55 AMG
True.
On my list, I'd say that about $8K was required to keep the car in good running order. The most rest was optional or optionally bought from MB to keep it OEM. That expensive service bill was done by Blue Ridge MB (they are expensive as hell, but probably the best AMG guys in North America). Johnathan let me know exactly where the car stood in terms of maintenance and whatnot.
As the MB parts lady from whom I get most of my parts told me, "Buyers like buying cars from people like you."
@remix405 you know you got a steal to get 2006 with 126K miles, full records from the dealership, with up to date service history for $11K in this market. That's a $16-20K car all day...right now at 146K. I'd say you got lucky.
On my list, I'd say that about $8K was required to keep the car in good running order. The most rest was optional or optionally bought from MB to keep it OEM. That expensive service bill was done by Blue Ridge MB (they are expensive as hell, but probably the best AMG guys in North America). Johnathan let me know exactly where the car stood in terms of maintenance and whatnot.
As the MB parts lady from whom I get most of my parts told me, "Buyers like buying cars from people like you."
@remix405 you know you got a steal to get 2006 with 126K miles, full records from the dealership, with up to date service history for $11K in this market. That's a $16-20K car all day...right now at 146K. I'd say you got lucky.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 972
Likes: 191
From: Atlanta
W222 AMG S63
I think that there are 4 things to watch out for when buying older cars:
OP, if you can find a car that hasn't been neglected, "upgraded", abused, or damaged, with a reasonable amount of miles, jump on it.
- Neglect: Basically missed or delayed maintenance. Also including the use of inferior parts.
- "Upgrades"/Sidegrades/Downgrades: Adding tuning parts, adding boost, ECU tunes, TCU tunes, etc...
- Abuse: Racing (legal or illegal). Ragging a car out with tuning that generally has a negative effect on reliability and longevity for a variety of reasons. DIY install screwups.
- Damage: Pretty self-explanatory.
OP, if you can find a car that hasn't been neglected, "upgraded", abused, or damaged, with a reasonable amount of miles, jump on it.
Member
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 116
Likes: 14
2005 e55
the key is buying a well sorted car, I bought my 2006 e55 @126k miles for $11k. previous owner had just replaced valve cover gaskets, motor mounts, water pump, belts, pulleys, all air struts, fuel pumps and fuel tank with recall. it had good maintenance history with a folder of invoices from the dealer.
since my ownership I only had to replace 1 fuel injector that was stuck open however I took that opportunity to replace all 8 injectors for new ones since they were only $38 each from mercedes, plug wires and spark plugs all at the same time since I was already taking all that apart.
in total it was a little over $500
I have also replaced the winshield cowl and side mirror gaskets since they began cracking that was about $160
oil changes at $80
the car now has 146k miles in 2 years I've spent just shy of $1200 in maintenance and preventative maintenance
so I don't think that is too bad for a 16 year old car that was well sorted when I bought it.
since my ownership I only had to replace 1 fuel injector that was stuck open however I took that opportunity to replace all 8 injectors for new ones since they were only $38 each from mercedes, plug wires and spark plugs all at the same time since I was already taking all that apart.
in total it was a little over $500
I have also replaced the winshield cowl and side mirror gaskets since they began cracking that was about $160
oil changes at $80
the car now has 146k miles in 2 years I've spent just shy of $1200 in maintenance and preventative maintenance
so I don't think that is too bad for a 16 year old car that was well sorted when I bought it.
the air ride went out within my first six months. That has been my most costly repair at $2.1k. The rest was fairly easy and a day or 2 work at a partners house. I do a little at a time to keep the car up and keep the costs down!
I love this car!!
Member
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 116
Likes: 14
2005 e55
Bad idea ? Im not looking for the cheapest e55 , I just stumbled upon this clean title 2 owner 06 e55 , interior and exterior very good condition given it’s age…. I checked the car fax and it showed a healthy consistent history of services done etc……
my plans are to mod it etc… would you say it’s too late to mod it given the high mileage ? I’ve seen some of these make it to 400K miles…
i mean it’s an AMG 500HP beast for 10K when it retailed for 100K etc… I know a good mechanic locally that I go to and I save lots to money whenever I need repairs done etc… so In that aspect I’m covered…
my plans are to mod it etc… would you say it’s too late to mod it given the high mileage ? I’ve seen some of these make it to 400K miles…
i mean it’s an AMG 500HP beast for 10K when it retailed for 100K etc… I know a good mechanic locally that I go to and I save lots to money whenever I need repairs done etc… so In that aspect I’m covered…
Get a 5.0 mustang and call it a day if maintaining a Merc is out of the question but you still want a quick car.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 4,411
Likes: 69
From: Socal, Chino
E55 2006 / CLS55 / S450 / Jag XKR2011
I think its still good to mod with high mileage however make sure your tranny is in good shape. Do the service or make sure its been done before.
its still cheap compare to anything in the market now. All the used cars are still very expensive and new car not better.
Bought a S500 W213 3 months ago and the price was $11k above MSRP.....
its still cheap compare to anything in the market now. All the used cars are still very expensive and new car not better.
Bought a S500 W213 3 months ago and the price was $11k above MSRP.....
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,418
Likes: 194
From: America
1999 C43 AMG, 2005 E55 Wagon
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,159
Likes: 160
2006 E55
Sounds about right - you wagons are much more rare nowadays, especially in mint condition and will fetch a good bit more. I was in the market for a wagon when I was looking for my third E55, unfortunately, did not find a clean one with decent low miles.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 6,190
Likes: 1,550
From: MA
2008 E350 4Matic, 2011 E350 4matic
https://monroneylabels.com/
Or you can just go to Motor Trend, change url for the year of your car and under the features, run the vin decoder to see what options your car has and then add them all up. You'll get pretty close to the label, you just have to add in the destination charge and you will be spot on.
https://www.lastvin.com/
https://www.motortrend.com/cars/merc.../e-class/2006/
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 972
Likes: 191
From: Atlanta
W222 AMG S63
It's about $8 to get the window sticker from Monroney Labels.
https://monroneylabels.com/
Or you can just go to Motor Trend, change url for the year of your car and under the features, run the vin decoder to see what options your car has and then add them all up. You'll get pretty close to the label, you just have to add in the destination charge and you will be spot on.
https://www.lastvin.com/
https://www.motortrend.com/cars/merc.../e-class/2006/
https://monroneylabels.com/
Or you can just go to Motor Trend, change url for the year of your car and under the features, run the vin decoder to see what options your car has and then add them all up. You'll get pretty close to the label, you just have to add in the destination charge and you will be spot on.
https://www.lastvin.com/
https://www.motortrend.com/cars/merc.../e-class/2006/
2003 E55 AMG
MSRP: $81,800
Lighting Pkg: INCLUDES: Headlamps, Bi-HID Adaptive w/Washers: $921
Engine Start, Keyless Go: $1,004
Speed Control, Adaptive: $2,892
Sun Shade, Power Rear: $428
Sun Shades, Manual Rear Side: $316
Trunk Closer, Power: $474
Moon Roof, Power Glass Panorama: $1,451
Gas Guzzler Tax: $1,700
Parking Sensors: $1,023
Tire Pressure Monitor: $372
Active Ventilated Front INCLUDES: [873] Heated Front Seats: $614
Drive-Dynamic Multi-Contour Front: $1,097
Radio Equipment, 6-Disc CD Changer in Dash: $400
(419) SOLAR MODULE: $860
Destination: $720
----------------------------------------
Total: $96,072
Tax: $7,445.58 (7.75%)
----------------------------------------
Grand Total in 2003: $103,517.58
----------------------------------------
Adjusted for inflation (2003 vs 2022): $162,651.43
(Cumulative rate of inflation: 57.1%)
Last edited by CQHall; May 31, 2022 at 11:38 AM. Reason: Updated figures.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 6,190
Likes: 1,550
From: MA
2008 E350 4Matic, 2011 E350 4matic
It's listed as $860 for the solar panel. I think destination was $720 in 2003 so that makes it $96,072. Also if it had any special paint or interior trim options, the $1050 special order charge might have applied.
https://www.auto-brochures.com/mercedes-benz.html
https://ragtop.org/mbbrochures/2004.html
https://www.auto-brochures.com/mercedes-benz.html
https://ragtop.org/mbbrochures/2004.html
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 972
Likes: 191
From: Atlanta
W222 AMG S63
It's listed as $860 for the solar panel. I think destination was $720 in 2003 so that makes it $96,072. Also if it had any special paint or interior trim options, the $1050 special order charge might have applied.
https://www.auto-brochures.com/mercedes-benz.html
https://ragtop.org/mbbrochures/2004.html
https://www.auto-brochures.com/mercedes-benz.html
https://ragtop.org/mbbrochures/2004.html
