W210 E55 AMG's

[Nuttah]

Considering getting one of these plenty of good examples going for around 4k,not worried about mpg but how reliable are they? any common problems that cost big bucks? also what can be done to get more power? i don't think 350bhp will keep me happy for long would be nice if i could squeeze 400 horses tho

Thoughts, opinions comments etc....

[v8will]

I've driven one on a regular basis over the past few years and I can assure you 354BHP is plenty. I would have no major worries about the engine or gearbox etc as they will easily outlive the body...

..The W210 is a rust bucket and unfortunately the E55 is not immune.

[Chicane-UK]

I think the £4k price belies the sorts of maintenance costs you could run into in the event of a problem. Not only a big engined Merc, but one from when they couldn't put them together properly. I'd love to buy something like that but suspect they've dropped to these sorts of prices for a very good reason

[soad]

Watch out for the potential rust issues!

[chrisispringles]

As said by others, watch out for rust, my dad's S210 is on its second pair of wings and they are already cornflakes. Also watch out for the front suspension, it's mounted to the chassis by what look like syrup tins which are prone to bulging and then collapsing.

[Nuttah]

Have heard alot of storys about them rusting which isn't very encouraging! what about the mechanical's anything to look out for or worry about?

[Goatboy]

I just did this exact trade. I bought at £2900 98 car with history but due a big service. I spent £1800 Front wishbones, Discs and pads, Spark Plug service(there are 16 plugs) and assorted other bits. Car runs really well and as mentioned before the car doesn't need more power than that. I am happy with my car and what I spent. You could buy a very good car for more but I wanted to know that the work had been done so bought a solid car at the cheaper end of the spectrum and got it up straight.

Oh and rust ...Yes it is a prob. I reckon £750 - 1000 to completely sort mine but for the moment it is not noticeable so am waiting until I can afford to not care that that money is not coming back.

I really like the car it slips by very well and has a surprisingly small car feel to it.