W210 E55 AMG buying advice please
Discussion
Hi all, looking at buying one and i'm interested to know if anyone here owns one currently or has done in the past. Not too bothered about servicing costs but i am concerned about potential problems, have heard the autoboxs go bang around 100k and that theres a strong possibility of rusting on some cars. If anyones got any advice it'd be appriciated.
Thanks,
Nic
Thanks,
Nic
Among other Mercs I have a W210 E240 - have had horrendous body rust problems certain models are known for it . Mine is a 2000 pre faclift model . Mercedes are aware of the problem and will do all within their power to worm out of an waranty liabilty unless all the history is 110% bang on . I had the boot lid painted by a non MB bodyshop and threw my claim out even although the problems related to my front wings !!
The rust issue affects the following on many E's of this ilk.
Places to look include :- Tops/bottoms of doors, bonnets,front wings, tailgates/boots around locks, front suspension mounts and front crossmember (both not easily spotted).
As a MB Club member I see many complaints/questions about this issue in the monthly mag and on the forums, the key to repairs being even considered seems to be the quality of the service history and the validity of the Mobilolife warranty.
It would appear that where Merc were initially replacing affected panels, but they now attempt to repair and instances of rust reappearing are popping up.
It might be worth paying Merc to carry out a corrosion check on a prospective purchase.
As regards reliability, if well maintained they are pretty bomb proof - but components are expensive especially the adaptive suspension bits.
Merc will say that the gearboxes are sealed for life but I believe specialists recommend and carry out oilchanges that do help prolong its life. Some do fail with little warning, although its best to avoid ones with juddery gearchanges.
As with all cars one only tends to hear bad news and I have seen a some good examples around - I think it just pays to be choosy.
An E55 is on my short list, along with an E39 M5 and S500 to replace my recently departed E46 M3 so I have been hunting and researching of late as well !
Good Luck
>> Edited by Egbert Nobacon on Wednesday 3rd May 12:17
Places to look include :- Tops/bottoms of doors, bonnets,front wings, tailgates/boots around locks, front suspension mounts and front crossmember (both not easily spotted).
As a MB Club member I see many complaints/questions about this issue in the monthly mag and on the forums, the key to repairs being even considered seems to be the quality of the service history and the validity of the Mobilolife warranty.
It would appear that where Merc were initially replacing affected panels, but they now attempt to repair and instances of rust reappearing are popping up.
It might be worth paying Merc to carry out a corrosion check on a prospective purchase.
As regards reliability, if well maintained they are pretty bomb proof - but components are expensive especially the adaptive suspension bits.
Merc will say that the gearboxes are sealed for life but I believe specialists recommend and carry out oilchanges that do help prolong its life. Some do fail with little warning, although its best to avoid ones with juddery gearchanges.
As with all cars one only tends to hear bad news and I have seen a some good examples around - I think it just pays to be choosy.
An E55 is on my short list, along with an E39 M5 and S500 to replace my recently departed E46 M3 so I have been hunting and researching of late as well !
Good Luck
>> Edited by Egbert Nobacon on Wednesday 3rd May 12:17
I have had 3 E class Mercs now including an E55. The others were an E320 and now I have an E430 estate. I have had no rust issues so far. It obviously pays to inspect each car carefully.
I found the E55 to be a superb fast express. Compared to the Alpina B10 I had the Merc was on par performance wise if a little behind when it came to the twisties. I was not a great fan of the interior colour scheme. Mine was black leather and black wood. Made the inside a little dark! Engine was smooth and responsive as was the 'box. Only gremlin I had was a head unit that kept 'hanging.' Tyre wear was fine if suspension is properly sorted. I have heard tyres can be ruined in short time if abused or alighnment is not spot on.
As always, buy the best you can afford. Look at plenty before commiting. I found several to be below par verging on very ropey before finding the right car.
Good luck
Paul.B
I found the E55 to be a superb fast express. Compared to the Alpina B10 I had the Merc was on par performance wise if a little behind when it came to the twisties. I was not a great fan of the interior colour scheme. Mine was black leather and black wood. Made the inside a little dark! Engine was smooth and responsive as was the 'box. Only gremlin I had was a head unit that kept 'hanging.' Tyre wear was fine if suspension is properly sorted. I have heard tyres can be ruined in short time if abused or alighnment is not spot on.
As always, buy the best you can afford. Look at plenty before commiting. I found several to be below par verging on very ropey before finding the right car.
Good luck
Paul.B
Having had a look around i'm disappointed how few cars out there are worth buying in this price range, most of the stuff i've seen has rot, even had a look at a 97 C36 AMG with FSH and 94k on it, all arches were rotten, did ask the local MB dealership about warranty repairs on it and they take the attitude that it was there when you bought it.
My 91 190E 2.5-16 didnt have a spot of rust on it, Merc really are quite shoddy now IME.
Nic
My 91 190E 2.5-16 didnt have a spot of rust on it, Merc really are quite shoddy now IME.
Nic
NicDale said:
Having had a look around i'm disappointed how few cars out there are worth buying in this price range, most of the stuff i've seen has rot, even had a look at a 97 C36 AMG with FSH and 94k on it, all arches were rotten, did ask the local MB dealership about warranty repairs on it and they take the attitude that it was there when you bought it.
My 91 190E 2.5-16 didnt have a spot of rust on it, Merc really are quite shoddy now IME.
Nic
What price range are you looking at?
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