"Brutus" the e55k Project

[Grovsie31]

When are you getting one? or have one already?

Wouldn't mind one that's for sure.

 

[Deleted member 37751]

Did you have an earlier one or later one?

2011 60 plate:

How does it compare performance/engine wise to the E55?

6 speed ZF box quicker, e-Diff (changes between open and limited slip Diff) gets the power down a lot better, sounds awesome; pops and crackles for fun.

I loved mine, reminds me so much of the E55K but just that bit better in areas adds up to a great car.

 

[Grovsie31]

That's lovely, what made you get rid of it?

Hopefully they continue to drop in price, wouldn't mind one when I fancy a change in a few years.

 

[french]

SPX it looks HUGE , is it bigger than the E55K & how is the handling in comparison?

 

[Deleted member 37751]

That's lovely, what made you get rid of it?

I owned it for six months which is an eternity for me!

SPX it looks HUGE , is it bigger than the E55K & how is the handling in comparison?

It certainly doesn't feel big, it's quite sprightly actually and when you press the Dynamic button it firms up the suspension, opens the exhaust more and makes the gear changes snappier.

I do love my W211 E55K's, I really do, but because the only real progression from one is a facelift E63 at circa £35k, the XFR slots in between very nicely. Go and take one out for a drive, great cars and fantastic value.

 

[Deleted member 37751]

Apologies for taking your thread off topic Gav but at least it's about another supercharged V8!

 

[merc85]

Apologies for taking your thread off topic Gav but at least it's about another supercharged V8!

That is true, No probs

 

[merc85]

Suspension rebuild/replacement, And clean up

Well Brutus has had, All the wishbones replaced, Hub carriers rubbed down and painted, underside cleaned up refreshed, and £1,200 of Arnott front Air Units.

This is how he now stands!







And i tell you what it doesnt half drive like New! gone is all the knocking vibs and soggyness "if thats a word lol"

I had to order a new olive / fitting as one kit was missing from the Arnott units, "Good old ECP" hummmm

 

[merc85]

Some may think im mad but now im left with a stunning e55k which starts, stops and go's like new. "well almost"

 

[merc85]

I didnt give up and its all the better for it, unlike my wallet but hey, we all knew that would happen

 

[AMGeed]

£1,200 of Arnott front Air Units.
I had to order a new olive / fitting as one kit was missing from the Arnott units, "Good old ECP" hummmm

So even with ECP's discount (supposedly 25%), they still wanted £1200 for a pair of front airmatic struts?

 

[AMGeed]

Just to satisfy my curiousity, how much have you spent on front suspension parts Gav?

The car is looking great BTW. Money well spent.

 

[merc85]

So even with ECP's discount (supposedly 25%), they still wanted £1200 for a pair of front airmatic struts?

Yes bud, I got them for £500 each plus vat, but i get that back through my Business, I spend around 8k a month with Ecp , i did have a cheaper option Air dominance, but seeing as the front struts only lasted 18k i thought id get them from Arnott.

Air dominance Were £429 each inc vat. Pay your money take your chance.

 

[merc85]

Well, thats a little unfair as i buy extremly well with common Suspension stuff like Wishbones and track rod ends and the likes.

Without going through all the bills retail wise probably £180 a side inc track rod ends, then the Air struts. Dont forget the Airmatic pump also which again was Arnott/Wabco which was £228. (very roughly)

I've done all the work myself, along with a hand from a good friend.

Did i mention that the car was sold with a "impression" of no immanent big bills looming lmfao

 

[merc85]

Sunning it up

Brutus Last Sunday

 

[Lenny63]

You've big balls my friend - tackling all thag in your garage floor !

Hugely impressed

 

[merc85]

You've big balls my friend - tackling all thag in your garage floor !

Hugely impressed

Lol thanks for the kinds words Lenny,

 

[Abb]

Just read your whole thread Gav, hats off to you pal. Just to let you know, that you are not alone, had similar issues with my 1 owner 'mint' CLS 55 when I got it, started with a seized caliper piston and went on to become keyless handles not working, front suspension struts giving up, suspension arms, camber arms, cracked alloys, oil cooler etc etc. Thought about throwing in the towel a few times but it gets to the point when theres too much money tied up in it, so soldiered on regardless. At least you didn't have the labour costs to fork out for (which I had the pleasure of doing) and are safe in the knowledge that the work HAS been done and to a high standard.
Pleased for you that it's turned out nice in the end, its absolutely stunning!

 

[french]

Wow I must have been lucky ...so far ...I have just had to replace the Pilot Bush, the G/box conductor plate, filter & ATF plus. 2 rear tyres , I changed the oil & Air filter & oil for Mot last week. Had advisory on the ball joints ,so am now about to fit two lower front ball joints, while I am there I will replace the brake pads.( anyone have a G clamp press they want to sell?

I do have the two spots of alloy corrosion on the boot lid & some 3-4 small marks on the rear bumper which I have been quoted £400. So all good as I will have owned it for 1 year mid December.

Fair play to you Gavin, you have soldiered on & now have a really nice car ...I think your green car & my Blue car are far nicer than the silver /black offerings...especially in the sunlight where they change colour lol

 

[merc85]

Wow Abb, Perhaps it's a Black car thing doh.... 2 of my keyless handles dont work either, I've a few more small jobs to sort out but my Next purchase fingers crossed will be a 2nd key lol.

Thankyou it does make me feel a little better that i'm not alone, It was a Heart over head purchase and tbh i was getting fed trailing the country looking at others. I suppose i paid the price in a way.