E55 AMG Estate - Should I take the plunge?

[rgracin]

I need to change my current 7 seat Mercedes E430 Estate for something else. Needs to be 7 seat, needs to be a bit different, and I want some poke.

I'm tempted by the W211 E55 (a couple of examples halfway down the page http://www.autotrader.co.uk/search/used/cars/merce...

I'm aware of the air suspension pump issues, and also intercooler water pump, but both are reasonably easy to fix. What other things should i look for.

OR

Is there a good alternative? Its not a daily, so mileage and fuel consumption not so much of an issue.

[alsem]

they are very cheap, not much to go wrong!
You could consider a CLK55, S55 or C55, it's just what you prefer, they are all bonkers to drive!

[Dr Interceptor]

alsem said:

they are very cheap, not much to go wrong!
You could consider a CLK55, S55 or C55, it's just what you prefer, they are all bonkers to drive!

If it needs to be 7 seat, it's really only the E-Class that is going to suit...

Ugly as sin, but did they do an AMG 7-Seat R-Class?

[excel monkey]

Dr Interceptor said:

If it needs to be 7 seat, it's really only the E-Class that is going to suit...

Ugly as sin, but did they do an AMG 7-Seat R-Class?

Yes they did. Uses the same 6.2 V8 as the C63.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_R-Class...

Couldn't find one in the classifieds, but found an R500. As you said, ugly, but maybe worth considering if all seats are to be used regularly.

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/4227630.htm

Edited by excel monkey on Friday 14th September 15:28

[Targarama]

Don't Audi still do 7 seat A6 estates? Maybe a V8 one of those.

Oh, the R class in that link only seems to have 6 seats.

[Dr Interceptor]

Could only count six seats in that R-Class in a 2-2-2 configuration... but yup I'd be tempted by one.

Searched Autotrader, all six seat ones on there too. No AMGs, just the R500.

[AC43]

Dr Interceptor said:

Could only count six seats in that R-Class in a 2-2-2 configuration... but yup I'd be tempted by one.

Searched Autotrader, all six seat ones on there too. No AMGs, just the R500.

I think they're all six seaters.

[Dr Interceptor]

Shame there wasn't a 7 seater Touareg either - a V10 TDi might have been a contender...

[Nicholas Blair]

Audi Q7 comes in 7 seat guise if you can find one 4.2.....

[Dr Interceptor]

Cadillac Escalade... available with a 6.2 V8 - and seven seats

[excel monkey]

alsem said:

they are very cheap, not much to go wrong!

Really????

[softtop]

excel monkey said:

alsem said:

they are very cheap, not much to go wrong!

Really????

I think they are very expensive and are not in the 'expensive to buy then lose all value and become a cheap barge' bracket

[rgracin]

I've been looking at the R class but not seen an AMG one since there was one featured on here a few months ago. Most appear to be 6 seaters, but there are a few 7 around. But not many 500's.

Most of the time it will be used in 5 seat mode with the rears occaisonally.

Q7 is a good call, but I presume not great to drive. I know it's all relative, but would have thought a fairly heavy estate would be a little more fun than a very heavy 4x4?

Have also seen this http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2012...

[excel monkey]

rgracin said:

Have also seen this http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2012...

Lot of car for the money. Yamaha V8 in the XC90 is supposedly very good.

[rgracin]

Yeah.

I have driven one, and it was very nice. Not sure if 4x4 is my thing on a long term basis.

[Dr Interceptor]

Have to say... I'd stick with the E430!

The 4.3 was one of Mercedes best engines, very light, and mounted so low down makes for a pretty good drive.

Our 2002 (52) E430 Estate is up to 145k miles now - no point in changing it as it's not worth a light!

[rgracin]

I hear what you say, but it's now got 160 k on it and I fancy a change.

[volks al]

Any viewings on cars this weekend? I too have a e430 est and struggleto know what to try next. Out of interest what do you guys see in mpg? I am trying to decide if a service may help bring mine up, I havent done one in the year I have owned it. It had 9k till service when brought and still showing 4k till service even though I have done nearly 10k! Long trips does help I guess with the usage indicator. I'm on 140k too, and it feels like it will go for as long as there is fuel to feed it.

[rgracin]

volks al said:

Any viewings on cars this weekend? I too have a e430 est and struggleto know what to try next. Out of interest what do you guys see in mpg? I am trying to decide if a service may help bring mine up, I havent done one in the year I have owned it. It had 9k till service when brought and still showing 4k till service even though I have done nearly 10k! Long trips does help I guess with the usage indicator. I'm on 140k too, and it feels like it will go for as long as there is fuel to feed it.

No,

didn't manage to get to see any of them as they were not around!!

MPG in my E430 averages around 27mpg. On a run from Essex to Manchester, I have seen 33mpg, but this was cruise control at around 70mph and light traffic. That said, the old girl often surprises me with the numbers she returns.

[GreatGranny]

If you don't need a 4x4 and also want something thats decent to drive then keep with an estate IMO.
Our XC90 is a big heavy thing that doesn't really like corners that much.
The T6 is quick but MPG is meant to be horrific, mid teens are reported on the Volvo forums.

What about a V70 T6?

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2012...

The 7 seat conversion could be retrofitted on the older versions, not sure on the later ones.