Discussion
i'm looking for a change, i want to replace the saab and get a E55. i've seen a very tidy 2003 E55 AMG, totally clean inside and out.
Before I check out the car I want the low down on the E55, warts and all.
What should I look for on the E55?
Is rust an issue on the W211? I did notice the bottom of rear arches showed some bubbling.
How bad is the mpg on the motorway at NSL speeds?
How long do tyres last?
Is the suspension/engine/electrics capable of taking big miles (100k+?). I do 20+K a year which is 90% motorway, I want to be confident that the car is capable of handling big miles.
I'm I crazy to consider such a car?!
cheers
NST
Before I check out the car I want the low down on the E55, warts and all.
What should I look for on the E55?
Is rust an issue on the W211? I did notice the bottom of rear arches showed some bubbling.
How bad is the mpg on the motorway at NSL speeds?
How long do tyres last?
Is the suspension/engine/electrics capable of taking big miles (100k+?). I do 20+K a year which is 90% motorway, I want to be confident that the car is capable of handling big miles.
I'm I crazy to consider such a car?!
cheers
NST
Had a 2003 E55 for 3 years and loved it.
Rust was still an issue on the earlier W211s, seems to be OK after 2006ish.
Mileage on motorways isn't too painful, early - mid 20's if you don't hammer it, though another story round town.
Managed 27.5 once, though the most bored I've ever been.
Had no issues with the suspension etc. though bottom ball joints were replaced under warranty. A common fault apparently?
Electrics were OK, fly by wire throttle thing went (again, done under warranty) engine and box no problems, though make sure that the transmission fluid has been changed. (sealed for life rubbish)
There were problems reported with the SBC units, this should be OK on a 2003 car, though if it's not been replaced may be worth budgeting for it?
Can't help with the big miles, I sold mine after putting 20,000 on it (yep, in three years)
The rust thing on the one you mention would be my main concern, though if the book's fully stamped, maybe able to get it done under warranty, provided you've owned it for 6 months. (I think, can't remember now)
COMAND is an extra worth having, and the heated/cooled & massage seats are a nice touch, as is keyless go.
I'd probably have another one, though needed a change. Still miss it.
Rust was still an issue on the earlier W211s, seems to be OK after 2006ish.
Mileage on motorways isn't too painful, early - mid 20's if you don't hammer it, though another story round town.
Managed 27.5 once, though the most bored I've ever been.Had no issues with the suspension etc. though bottom ball joints were replaced under warranty. A common fault apparently?
Electrics were OK, fly by wire throttle thing went (again, done under warranty) engine and box no problems, though make sure that the transmission fluid has been changed. (sealed for life rubbish)
There were problems reported with the SBC units, this should be OK on a 2003 car, though if it's not been replaced may be worth budgeting for it?
Can't help with the big miles, I sold mine after putting 20,000 on it (yep, in three years)
The rust thing on the one you mention would be my main concern, though if the book's fully stamped, maybe able to get it done under warranty, provided you've owned it for 6 months. (I think, can't remember now)
COMAND is an extra worth having, and the heated/cooled & massage seats are a nice touch, as is keyless go.
I'd probably have another one, though needed a change. Still miss it.
Update
Love the car. completely and utterly looney. love it. But, this particular car needs some work doing to it. Just some of the things I noticed
-Indicators aren't working correctly
-Steering wheel is 45degrees to the right on the straight ahead
-Warning lights on the speedo display
-Rust on the rear arches
Having looked at the history, the car does seem to have been looked after, but not knowing alot about Mercs I was suprised at the amount of work that had been carried in the last 4 years. The servicing didn't seem to expensive though, it was all the other bits and bobs (electrical and mechanical) that had replaced. What was interesting was the air suspension, it had been in twice in the last 5 years.
Maybe the later models are more reliable? Certainly put me off alittle (not completely!)
NST
Love the car. completely and utterly looney. love it. But, this particular car needs some work doing to it. Just some of the things I noticed
-Indicators aren't working correctly
-Steering wheel is 45degrees to the right on the straight ahead
-Warning lights on the speedo display
-Rust on the rear arches
Having looked at the history, the car does seem to have been looked after, but not knowing alot about Mercs I was suprised at the amount of work that had been carried in the last 4 years. The servicing didn't seem to expensive though, it was all the other bits and bobs (electrical and mechanical) that had replaced. What was interesting was the air suspension, it had been in twice in the last 5 years.
Maybe the later models are more reliable? Certainly put me off alittle (not completely!)
NST
NST said:
Update
Love the car. completely and utterly looney. love it.
They certainly are good fun. Love the car. completely and utterly looney. love it.
NST said:
But, this particular car needs some work doing to it. Just some of the things I noticed
-Indicators aren't working correctly
-Steering wheel is 45degrees to the right on the straight ahead
-Warning lights on the speedo display
-Rust on the rear arches
This would put me off completely I'm afraid. In particular the steering (knocked about a bit possibly?) and the rust. You've seen it on the rear arches, but where else is it? Also, if I were selling a car, all warning lights would be out (legitimately, not by removing bulbs/disconnecting)-Indicators aren't working correctly
-Steering wheel is 45degrees to the right on the straight ahead
-Warning lights on the speedo display
-Rust on the rear arches
NST said:
Having looked at the history, the car does seem to have been looked after, but not knowing alot about Mercs I was suprised at the amount of work that had been carried in the last 4 years. The servicing didn't seem to expensive though, it was all the other bits and bobs (electrical and mechanical) that had replaced. What was interesting was the air suspension, it had been in twice in the last 5 years.
Has all the servicing been done by MB? Mine was seldom less than £500 for a full service, though admittedly other bits were always done as well.NST said:
Maybe the later models are more reliable? Certainly put me off alittle (not completely!)
NST
The later models seemed to solve a lot of the problems associated with the early ones.NST
As I said earlier, I'd be tempted to leave this one alone. There are plenty of these about, including some good early examples.
NST said:
Maybe the later models are more reliable? Certainly put me off alittle (not completely!)
NST
+1 with Daveenty on this. I have a face-lift '01 E55 (W210) was looking to upgrade to the W211 however my research revealed issues with brakes and airmatic.NST
Some owners have resorted to removing the airmatic completely, the system has computerised diagnsotics so you end up dreading a warning prompt which means a trip to the stealers.
We also have a C320 CDI which still goes to the stealers for servicing/problems. I would strongly advise you get a warranty if you decide to buy the car.
Edited by amokwa on Wednesday 7th April 13:58
Edited by amokwa on Wednesday 7th April 13:59
had one since sept and love it, there are loadsa problems - as with all cars, the more options you have the more potential problems!
heres a few of the common (& some expensive things to look for)
- airmatic suspension can leak and cost abt £1k per cprner to replace the struts
- compressor pump abt £200 to replace, after a few blasts it stops working hence the supercharger feeling goes away
- brakes, defo check these as these are abt £1k to replace disks\pads all round
- check all the electrics and toys work as they should, check the seat and all the motors.
- rear door lighting - if the door cards have been off its likely that the ribbon cable used for the lighting wire would have snapped (£50 per side to replace)
- transmission oil change - make sure this has been done
- suspension knocks- ball joints\bushes.
try and go for a late 2004 onwards model as they fixed a rad issue which screwed the gearbox and changed the paint type and alot of the internal electrics to better components.
ive not heard of rust on the w211 being a problem, good luck!
heres a few of the common (& some expensive things to look for)
- airmatic suspension can leak and cost abt £1k per cprner to replace the struts
- compressor pump abt £200 to replace, after a few blasts it stops working hence the supercharger feeling goes away
- brakes, defo check these as these are abt £1k to replace disks\pads all round
- check all the electrics and toys work as they should, check the seat and all the motors.
- rear door lighting - if the door cards have been off its likely that the ribbon cable used for the lighting wire would have snapped (£50 per side to replace)
- transmission oil change - make sure this has been done
- suspension knocks- ball joints\bushes.
try and go for a late 2004 onwards model as they fixed a rad issue which screwed the gearbox and changed the paint type and alot of the internal electrics to better components.
ive not heard of rust on the w211 being a problem, good luck!
Thanks all.
I found out today the car is sold. I wasn't going to buy it for a number of reasons
1) It was actually over priced
2) number of issues!
I definitely want a E55. I don't think I could live without all that power! the car reminds of my jag with 4 doors.
I might play the waiting game alittle and see what the new E Class does the prices.
cheers
NST
I found out today the car is sold. I wasn't going to buy it for a number of reasons
1) It was actually over priced
2) number of issues!
I definitely want a E55. I don't think I could live without all that power! the car reminds of my jag with 4 doors.
I might play the waiting game alittle and see what the new E Class does the prices.
cheers
NST
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