A friend of mine is looking seriously at a couple local 2003/4 E55s and I would like to hear the impressions of current or former owners of this car. I really don't know that much about MBs and though I've driven one of these I like to hear what you guys think about the reliability of this generation of E55.

This will be my friends first fast car as he's driven Tahoes since I've known him. As it happens this is the same friend who was interested in my M5, but has changed his mind due to the fact that it's a 6MT and I really didn't want to sell it just yet.

I'd really like to hear about the reliability and running costs b/c the cars he is looking at have about 70k miles, however, the price is killer for that kind of power.

The one's he is looking at:
2004 Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG SUPERCHARGED Sedan LOADED!

03' Mercedes E55 AMG E-Class - not much the wheels, but that's a relatively easy fix

Thanks in advance, John

 

No love for the E55?





What about now?

 

I haven't owned one but I can tell you that it is best for him to get the latest model possible that falls within his budget. Make sure it has a full service history. I/C water pumps fail all the time but it is a cheap and easy fix. Brakes/rotors are expensive to replace as well as suspension components.
Good luck to your friend.

 

Best ones to get 05-06,

I would go for the 06 and immediately change it to Johnson 30 pump,

 

John,

Did you see my post on the other forum? Let me know if you are interested. Just shoot me a text.

Ben.

 

Hi there ... I've had an 06 from new. The car is fast out the box , but can be made to go silly fast. Some US guys have dipped sub 11sec 1/4m and ~130mph traps. Clearly to get this performance you need mods, but a good stock car can get under 12s - which is incredible for this tank.

70k miles is fine if the car is stock. If its been modded - then try get an after market warranty or what ever warranty you can. Its actually not the drivetrain but the cars electrics that can cause grief - and is inevitably costly to repair. Touch wood no drama for me yet at 14k miles.

Check the I/C water pump as has been mentioned, suspension ball joints in front, brake discs - dunno why but this car eats them like cheese. Engine mounts, transmission mounts, diff carrier and mountings to body.

You can mod these reasonably comfortably to 630hp without opening up the engine. I am at 613hp now and have used mods from a variety of suppliers, I suggest though you stick to one name e.g. Kleemann or Renntech and go through their packaged upgrades.

Car is very fast in a straight line and off the mark. A modded one is quicker than a chipped 996. Its not a great handling car (front heavy) and the Air suspension is not made for the track but for cruising. So dont expect BMW M handling, but then again its not bad.

The torque of this car is the most addictive thing about it ... it is truely unreal, and you can get these real cheap now.

 

I will disagree with the reliability above 60K in miles. Last April my 04 E500 lost the drivers side front shock at the beginning of the month, and the passenger side at the end of the month. Both times to the stealership for $2K each time. Just my .02, but I would stay away unless the car comes with a serious extended warranty.

 

Your issue was NOT unique to the Airamatic suspension to the E500. However the modules that control it for the E55 are different and there's a valve that's been reinforced on the AMG model due to higher pressures for the AMG.

I've seen many E500's sitting flat on the ground but rarely any E55. The AMG's are 'better built' Mercs for sure.

Not to mention the electronics were shite from 2003-2005.5; better off spending the cash for a 2006 IMHO. Better electronics.

 

I stand corrected, and should have bought an E55 obviously.

Still can't rep you.... Stupid rep system.

 

Thanks for the info guys, my friend is taking his time to make the decision