All, I am looking at picking up an E55 AMG. I am looking at the 2003-2005 years and am looking at mileage ranging from 20k to 35k. Are these cars reliable as the car I'd be buying would be coming out of warranty soon. I don't want to get into a situation where my warranty ends and things start going wrong that cost an arm/leg to fix.

Thanks in advance,
Peter

 

Google "mercedes reliability"
I've owned 3 mb's, would not own another.

 

I've owned 2 AMG's, no problems.

The '04 has a maintenance plan (inc. oil changes) which they discontinued in '05.
The '05 has an improved steering rack and brake refinements, but you pay for service.

 

lexpro - wow, not what I was hoping for!

DFW - thanks for the information, that is good to know. The two that I'm looking at are an 03 and an 04.

Thanks!
Peter

 

our benzes are pretty solid, no issues.

 

im sure you can get one certified with 100k warranty, then you're even better off in resale as you can push the 100k warranty as a plus

 

Bit the bullet...picking up an 03 E55 with 16k miles... I will post pics when I get her!
Peter

 

awesome nice choice, just bought one a couple weeks ago - love the car thus far

 

Congats. I have an '06 and it has been the perfect. Only benz I have ever had that was problem free. Just have to buy rear tires alot.

 

sweet choice peter..what color?..ps...did you consider the m5?

 

03 seem to have lot of problems dont know what! i have 06 but this seems to be talked about at MBworld there is a sticky about the problems check it out.

 

I'm sorry I didn't see this sooner but as a former W211 owner I would not advise anyone to get an '03.

Mine was an electronic nightmare. My service advisor and I were on a first name basis. Cool guy and I would totally recommend him but that isn't the way you want to make friends.

It's so bad that IIRC the Starmark extended warranty specifically *excludes* electronics.

M-Bworld owners seem to feel that the newer the better when it comes to reliability. Since '03 was the first year for the W211 and lots of new technologies were being introduced in the '03s like SBS and fiber optic audio/computer connections etc... I should have known better and stayed away.

That was my first (and likely last) M-B.

 

Joe - I got tectite gray with black interior... I didn't consider the M5 b/c the new one is too pricey for me and the old was only manual tranny. I need an automatic for daily driving duties...

lig - this particular car has had all recalls and work done at the MB dealer here in Houston (Greenway). It is still under warranty and has 16k miles on it, I am hopeful I don't run into any major problems with it.

Peter

 

Where in Houston are you? Id like to compare your gray to mine.

I had an M5. I'm enjoying this car more.

 

Love the E55... I know someone that had one and never had any trouble with it...he bought an E63 now.

Are you keeping the IS or the MB is going to be the new daily?