Discussion
Hi, I'm looking at getting into AMG ownership so just a bit of advice really please!
I'm going to look at an E55 estate tomorrow. It's an 04 with 55k on the clock. The seller says it has been serviced 3 times by merc. Could that be right? Doesn't seem enough for an 8 year old car.
Anything else to look out for?
Any help appreciated!
Cheers, Sean
I'm going to look at an E55 estate tomorrow. It's an 04 with 55k on the clock. The seller says it has been serviced 3 times by merc. Could that be right? Doesn't seem enough for an 8 year old car.
Anything else to look out for?
Any help appreciated!
Cheers, Sean
By the book, I believe 55s should visit the dealer every 12 months. However, I think most of us would accept once every two years as reasonable if the mileage is low enough. But 3 services in 8 years is too low. Quite possible that previous owner(s) failed to get book correctly stamped or DIY'd an oil change or two. Therefore, it doesn't mean that the car is not worth looking at. Just don't let the seller pretend it has FSH an expect top book price. I'd also get it checked over at Mercedes or by specialist before parting with cash.
Assyst is Mercedes variable service indicator, typically indicating a service is due between 10-15,000 miles or two years, on a high performance M113 engine which this car has, it is very important that an oil change is not over-extended or missed. If it turns out it was serviced at approx 14,000, 28,000, 42,000 miles and now at 55,000 then if everything else stacks up it may be fine.
The first thing I would do is look at the paperwork, then go to a respected Merc indipendant with the car. You really don't want to be rebuilding an AMG engine!
The first thing I would do is look at the paperwork, then go to a respected Merc indipendant with the car. You really don't want to be rebuilding an AMG engine!
Edited by anonymous-user on Thursday 21st June 17:33
Edited by anonymous-user on Thursday 21st June 17:34
Been reading the forums for a while, and thought it time to register and contribute. I took the plunge and purchased a 2003 E55K last October. Eight months into ownership I am in two minds to be honest. The car is an awsome machine, and a true pleasure to drive on the open road. However using the car on a daily basis, mainly local shopping trips I find the car totally pointless, sitting in traffic with 469 bhp gettting 7-8 MPG on a short cold start trip. On a run its a different story, and 25 mpg is possible.
Previously I did most maintenance on my BMW myself, however the AMG is a lot more complex and requires Star Computer Diagnostics to be connected even for routine maintenance such a bleeding brakes, charging the a/c etc. No dipstick for oil or trans fluid I find annoying. I did fail to appreciate what a complex machine the W211 E55 is. There are a lot of expensive items that can potentially go wrong. The first concern is the Airmatic suspension. Make sure this is fully functioning and there are no leaks. Air struts cost an arm and a leg. I believe the estate version has self levelling suspension also. Make sure the SBC brake pump has had the update from Mercedes to extend its working life. There have been issues with the pumps being timed out and needing replacement. The brakes should be checked also as they take a hammering. I looked at four cars before I purchased mine and they all needed new disks and pads. The discs are huge the fronts weighing in at 35 kg for the pair with eight front pads.
So far I have had just one heart stopping moment when a few days after purchase it started stalling when hot. I sought out a local Independent with Star Diagnostics a new crankshaft position sensor fixed the problem. The MOT noted a leaking diff seal. This is being fixed on Monday along with a C service, so I am expecting a four figure bill. The assyst computer on my car told me service due in 4000 miles, then the next day service due in 30 days. It was last serviced in Feb 2011, and has covered 7000 miles since.
One annoying thing is that most of the E55's did not come with a spare wheel, just an electric pump and a can of tyre weld. Not much help if you suffer a blow out. I managed to find an 18" spare on Ebay, but now I have half the bootspace as the battery is where the spare would normally sit.
I would advise you get the vehicle checked and confirm that the service history is all good. Most of the vehicles I looked at before were fitted with budget tyres, and the recent servicing had been neglected. If I was buying again I'm not sure I would buy an E55 AMG, but now I own it I do love driving it. Most important thing to remember is that you are not buying a £10-12K car, you are buying a £65K supercar that is eight years old!
Previously I did most maintenance on my BMW myself, however the AMG is a lot more complex and requires Star Computer Diagnostics to be connected even for routine maintenance such a bleeding brakes, charging the a/c etc. No dipstick for oil or trans fluid I find annoying. I did fail to appreciate what a complex machine the W211 E55 is. There are a lot of expensive items that can potentially go wrong. The first concern is the Airmatic suspension. Make sure this is fully functioning and there are no leaks. Air struts cost an arm and a leg. I believe the estate version has self levelling suspension also. Make sure the SBC brake pump has had the update from Mercedes to extend its working life. There have been issues with the pumps being timed out and needing replacement. The brakes should be checked also as they take a hammering. I looked at four cars before I purchased mine and they all needed new disks and pads. The discs are huge the fronts weighing in at 35 kg for the pair with eight front pads.
So far I have had just one heart stopping moment when a few days after purchase it started stalling when hot. I sought out a local Independent with Star Diagnostics a new crankshaft position sensor fixed the problem. The MOT noted a leaking diff seal. This is being fixed on Monday along with a C service, so I am expecting a four figure bill. The assyst computer on my car told me service due in 4000 miles, then the next day service due in 30 days. It was last serviced in Feb 2011, and has covered 7000 miles since.
One annoying thing is that most of the E55's did not come with a spare wheel, just an electric pump and a can of tyre weld. Not much help if you suffer a blow out. I managed to find an 18" spare on Ebay, but now I have half the bootspace as the battery is where the spare would normally sit.
I would advise you get the vehicle checked and confirm that the service history is all good. Most of the vehicles I looked at before were fitted with budget tyres, and the recent servicing had been neglected. If I was buying again I'm not sure I would buy an E55 AMG, but now I own it I do love driving it. Most important thing to remember is that you are not buying a £10-12K car, you are buying a £65K supercar that is eight years old!
vilus said:
Been reading the forums for a while, and thought it time to register and contribute. I took the plunge and purchased a 2003 E55K last October. Eight months into ownership I am in two minds to be honest. The car is an awsome machine, and a true pleasure to drive on the open road. However using the car on a daily basis, mainly local shopping trips I find the car totally pointless, sitting in traffic with 469 bhp gettting 7-8 MPG on a short cold start trip. On a run its a different story, and 25 mpg is possible.
Previously I did most maintenance on my BMW myself, however the AMG is a lot more complex and requires Star Computer Diagnostics to be connected even for routine maintenance such a bleeding brakes, charging the a/c etc. No dipstick for oil or trans fluid I find annoying. I did fail to appreciate what a complex machine the W211 E55 is. There are a lot of expensive items that can potentially go wrong. The first concern is the Airmatic suspension. Make sure this is fully functioning and there are no leaks. Air struts cost an arm and a leg. I believe the estate version has self levelling suspension also. Make sure the SBC brake pump has had the update from Mercedes to extend its working life. There have been issues with the pumps being timed out and needing replacement. The brakes should be checked also as they take a hammering. I looked at four cars before I purchased mine and they all needed new disks and pads. The discs are huge the fronts weighing in at 35 kg for the pair with eight front pads.
So far I have had just one heart stopping moment when a few days after purchase it started stalling when hot. I sought out a local Independent with Star Diagnostics a new crankshaft position sensor fixed the problem. The MOT noted a leaking diff seal. This is being fixed on Monday along with a C service, so I am expecting a four figure bill. The assyst computer on my car told me service due in 4000 miles, then the next day service due in 30 days. It was last serviced in Feb 2011, and has covered 7000 miles since.
One annoying thing is that most of the E55's did not come with a spare wheel, just an electric pump and a can of tyre weld. Not much help if you suffer a blow out. I managed to find an 18" spare on Ebay, but now I have half the bootspace as the battery is where the spare would normally sit.
I would advise you get the vehicle checked and confirm that the service history is all good. Most of the vehicles I looked at before were fitted with budget tyres, and the recent servicing had been neglected. If I was buying again I'm not sure I would buy an E55 AMG, but now I own it I do love driving it. Most important thing to remember is that you are not buying a £10-12K car, you are buying a £65K supercar that is eight years old!
but overall, it's not been unreliable for you Previously I did most maintenance on my BMW myself, however the AMG is a lot more complex and requires Star Computer Diagnostics to be connected even for routine maintenance such a bleeding brakes, charging the a/c etc. No dipstick for oil or trans fluid I find annoying. I did fail to appreciate what a complex machine the W211 E55 is. There are a lot of expensive items that can potentially go wrong. The first concern is the Airmatic suspension. Make sure this is fully functioning and there are no leaks. Air struts cost an arm and a leg. I believe the estate version has self levelling suspension also. Make sure the SBC brake pump has had the update from Mercedes to extend its working life. There have been issues with the pumps being timed out and needing replacement. The brakes should be checked also as they take a hammering. I looked at four cars before I purchased mine and they all needed new disks and pads. The discs are huge the fronts weighing in at 35 kg for the pair with eight front pads.
So far I have had just one heart stopping moment when a few days after purchase it started stalling when hot. I sought out a local Independent with Star Diagnostics a new crankshaft position sensor fixed the problem. The MOT noted a leaking diff seal. This is being fixed on Monday along with a C service, so I am expecting a four figure bill. The assyst computer on my car told me service due in 4000 miles, then the next day service due in 30 days. It was last serviced in Feb 2011, and has covered 7000 miles since.
One annoying thing is that most of the E55's did not come with a spare wheel, just an electric pump and a can of tyre weld. Not much help if you suffer a blow out. I managed to find an 18" spare on Ebay, but now I have half the bootspace as the battery is where the spare would normally sit.
I would advise you get the vehicle checked and confirm that the service history is all good. Most of the vehicles I looked at before were fitted with budget tyres, and the recent servicing had been neglected. If I was buying again I'm not sure I would buy an E55 AMG, but now I own it I do love driving it. Most important thing to remember is that you are not buying a £10-12K car, you are buying a £65K supercar that is eight years old!
a pair of front brake discs and pads is £470 from Mercedes, which is cheap for a car with 8 piston front calipers and 360mm discs.
how many miles has your car done?
the 55 supercharged engine and gearbox is known to very reliable provided it is looked after well.
AMGs should have an oil and oil filter change at least every 10k miles or 2 years, whichever comes first. I change my CLS55's oil and oil filter every 5 or 6 miles, in effect an interim oil change between Assyst service intervals.
Overall so far I have been very pleased with the car, and it has not given me any real problems. However as stated, I looked at four examples, private and forecourts, before I found the car I was prepared to take a risk on. As these vehicles get to a certain age, the third or forth owners start to cut corners and use cheaper parts. The quotes I got from warranty companies were not worth it. The big company that sells them direct wanted £1200 for 12 months with a max payout of £2k. The dealer I bought from offered me an RAC warranty for £450 with a max claim of £1000, so I decided to do without. The car I purchased was a one owner vehicle with full Mercedes history from a dealer in Sittingbourne. The car had been sourced in the trade as a part ex from a Porsche dealer in West London, the previous owner being a Doctor.
The diff seals leaking are a bit of a downer, costing around £500 to fit two £10 rubber gaskets! It is six hours labour requiring removal of the rear exhaust, and dropping the air suspension to remove the driveshafts. It is also due for a C service. Last October at 58k miles, it showed '7000 miles to C service', dropping down as the miles racked up. Then after showing '4000 miles to C service' it changed and said 30 days to C Service, at the beginning of May. The previous service was in Feb 2011.
It will need new discs and pads all round soon, as they are quite scored and rippled. I already bought new front discs for £130 from a Merc dealer on Ebay, and have been quoted £165 for front pads, £115 for rear discs, and £80 for rear pads. Thats all original Merc parts. I never use pattern parts for the brakes, especially on a car as powerful as this. I figure al in I'm looking at about £2k to get sorted, and then hopefullly that should be it for the next year at least!
The diff seals leaking are a bit of a downer, costing around £500 to fit two £10 rubber gaskets! It is six hours labour requiring removal of the rear exhaust, and dropping the air suspension to remove the driveshafts. It is also due for a C service. Last October at 58k miles, it showed '7000 miles to C service', dropping down as the miles racked up. Then after showing '4000 miles to C service' it changed and said 30 days to C Service, at the beginning of May. The previous service was in Feb 2011.
It will need new discs and pads all round soon, as they are quite scored and rippled. I already bought new front discs for £130 from a Merc dealer on Ebay, and have been quoted £165 for front pads, £115 for rear discs, and £80 for rear pads. Thats all original Merc parts. I never use pattern parts for the brakes, especially on a car as powerful as this. I figure al in I'm looking at about £2k to get sorted, and then hopefullly that should be it for the next year at least!
Use Brembo pads they are about £110 for a complete set front and rear. I use OEM disks though but got mine with a good discount through http://www.alloywheelsdirect.net/ give them a call.
Running an AMG needn't be much more expensive than any premium saloon if you find a decent local Indie with Star Diagnostics. Some AMG parts are a bit more expensive, eg. front brake pads, but then there are eight of them! Insurance will cost a bit more, but the 'smiles per miles' that you get from planting your right foot down with a clear road are priceless.
As I said in a previous post, when stuck in traffic with 469 bhp and the trip computer showing 7 mpg it does seem a bit pointless. The type of driving you do will greatly affect fuel consumption. It will need premium fuel to run at it's best. My e55 averages 14 mpg around town, and I can squeeze 25 mpg on a run without too much fun. Short cold start trips to my local Tesco show 7-8 mpg on the trip computer. You need to sit a do some maths, and get the car checked out before you part with any cash.
As I said in a previous post, when stuck in traffic with 469 bhp and the trip computer showing 7 mpg it does seem a bit pointless. The type of driving you do will greatly affect fuel consumption. It will need premium fuel to run at it's best. My e55 averages 14 mpg around town, and I can squeeze 25 mpg on a run without too much fun. Short cold start trips to my local Tesco show 7-8 mpg on the trip computer. You need to sit a do some maths, and get the car checked out before you part with any cash.
Edited by vilus on Sunday 24th June 15:27
chibs said:
Guys, sorry for jumping in but before I really jump in I'd be interested in your thoughts. Im coming out of co car to buy a sports saloon. I looked at xf but wife hates it so turned attention to a cls 55 amg, forecourt price 15995. I do about 17k a year, am I mad??
discussed relatively recently: http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0...I went through the same decision-making recently before buying a CLS63. I researched CLS AMG for months before taking the plunge. The decision was easier in my case as I do only about 6k per year. Therefore, petrol costs are not the biggest expense of car ownership.
£16k is not much for a car of the calibre of a CLS55. There are plenty of these cars around with 100k miles on the clock so it seems that they'll take high mileage. Also, of all the cars I researched before buying, it seemed that servicing was modestly priced for a car of this performance, much cheaper than M5 and the likes of a Quattroporte. I'm inclined to think that they will remain desirable into the medium term and become a Mercedes classic in the long term.
For my low mileage, I anticipate £1 per mile running costs. Higher p.a. mileage would likely lower this to about 80p per mile (a 320 diesel of the same age would be about 60p per mile).
With a CLS55 or similar, I suspect you'll drive with a permanent smile on your face for an extra 20p per mile. You'll have to judge for yourself whether it's worth the extra cash.
£16k is not much for a car of the calibre of a CLS55. There are plenty of these cars around with 100k miles on the clock so it seems that they'll take high mileage. Also, of all the cars I researched before buying, it seemed that servicing was modestly priced for a car of this performance, much cheaper than M5 and the likes of a Quattroporte. I'm inclined to think that they will remain desirable into the medium term and become a Mercedes classic in the long term.
For my low mileage, I anticipate £1 per mile running costs. Higher p.a. mileage would likely lower this to about 80p per mile (a 320 diesel of the same age would be about 60p per mile).
With a CLS55 or similar, I suspect you'll drive with a permanent smile on your face for an extra 20p per mile. You'll have to judge for yourself whether it's worth the extra cash.
I have recently bought an SL55 AMG. 2003 with 46k miles. Mercedes have never really been my thing to be honest. I had just sold my Ferrari 456M and called a friend who is a dealer. He had just taken the SL55 in part exchange. I had a look and thought it was cheap so bought it to run about in whilst I looked for something else. Well, I never thought I would say this but WHAT A CAR! Lovely looking, drives amazing, and is relitively cheap to keep. And very very fast indeed! It is also very economical given the engine size and weight of the car. I have to say, I am converted. I would recommend the SL55 to anyone. It's a perfect daily driver for me. I did put it straight into a main dealer for a service, new tyres, discs and pads, new batteries and it also needed a new alternator. It's now perfect and still stands in at sub £20k. They are just so much car for the money! Am now keeping it! :-)
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