E55 service f - cost estimate? Feedback on some issues?

[TrickyTrev]

So, after a week of work, I went to look at a low miler e55 today - previous post refers

It is great, but needs some TLC - for example, it needs a replacement visor / vanity mirror cover, has some bird poop damage to the passenger side door paint finish, and I couldn't get the comand screen to work whatsoever. Big buttons, and little buttons not working although the radio worked on the controls on the steering wheel

Also, it says it's 7000 miles until service f is due. I wonder what the cost of this is?

Grateful for feedback as ever chaps.

Thanks again

Trev

 

[Ginger55k]

What bit was great?? Comand can be an expensive fix especially the HK version. Think an "F" may be the 16 plugs that need changing along with other big jobs like the gearbox service, what was the mileage?

 

[TrickyTrev]

What bit was great?? Comand can be an expensive fix especially the HK version. Think an "F" may be the 16 plugs that need changing along with other big jobs like the gearbox service, what was the mileage?

Thanks - 47k miles

Do you think I am mad?

 

[Ginger55k]

No not at all, at 50K Plugs and gearbox, and the normal things at a service that would be called for on age it may have low mileage but if the comand is iffy what else is wrong with it.

Be sure to check the service history is complete.

 

[Vilus]

My E55 is booked in with my local Indie a week on Monday for an F service. I was quoted £968 by the Main Dealer in Ashford Kent. Checking through the list of items and costs:
Spark plugs £300
Active Charcoal Filter £80
Brake Fluid change £220
Fuel Fliter change £117
Coolant change £65

I showed the estimate to my Indie and he reckons it will cost me about half that as I don't need the brake fluid change as it was done just last year. I'm also thinking whether to bother with the plugs at the moment. They were changed less than 20k miles ago, but Mercedes recommend changing every four years to avoid them siezing so I am lead to believe? Mine has 72K on the clock.

 

[Ginger55k]

forgot to add if you ask for main dealer prices you would be in for a shock

 

[Ginger55k]

My E55 is booked in with my local Indie a week on Monday for an F service. I was quoted £968 by the Main Dealer in Ashford Kent. Checking through the list of items and costs:
Spark plugs £300
Active Charcoal Filter £80
Brake Fluid change £220
Fuel Fliter change £117
Coolant change £65

I showed the estimate to my Indie and he reckons it will cost me about half that as I don't need the brake fluid change as it was done just last year. I'm also thinking whether to bother with the plugs at the moment. They were changed less than 20k miles ago, but Mercedes recommend changing every four years to avoid them siezing so I am lead to believe? Mine has 72K on the clock.

actually surprised how cheap that quote from main dealer is

 

[TrickyTrev]

No not at all, at 50K Plugs and gearbox, and the normal things at a service that would be called for on age it may have low mileage but if the comand is iffy what else is wrong with it. Be sure to check the service history is complete.

As a complete bmw-nerd, I know a great deal about their high end cars so would be very happy to tick off all the issues. But since getting hosed by am e55 in my m5 a few years ago, I just have an urge for an e55. I plan to keep it for a few years so the mileage appeals..

Thing is, every button I tried, every option on the car - all worked. Airmatic lifted the car smoothly too. Vented seats worked fine, heating worked fine, folding mirrors -fine, seats -pulsing and movements - all fine. Except the comand system.

The screen lights up, comes on but does not populate with the graphics it should. I wonder whether it needs a reset. To be fair it also may not have the disk in, but even so, the radio display should work as normal.

The poop marks are three top-coat patches the size of a 20p piece which have been lifted / removed.

It has been for sale for 6 months now.

Where are you based Ginger? I am in Hitchin

Before I buy it - if I do- I will get a mercedes Pre purchase inspection done on it. But you'd be welcome to cast an eye too

 

[Vilus]

actually surprised how cheap that quote from main dealer is

This quote was based on their +7 year pricing, and does not include a courtesy car

 

[John]

But since getting hosed by am e55 in my m5 a few years ago, I just have an urge for an e55. I plan to keep it for a few years so the mileage appeals..

Not a surprise but wasn't really a fair fight - the E55 is up another 76BHP > 100BHP or thereabouts and 200NM of torque on the E39 - and not a whole lot heavier.

V10 M5 would be a different proposition. I nearly got to find out the comparison but the M5 didn't 'try' let's just say.

 

[TrickyTrev]

Bad ass....

My e39 was mint too. What was more gaulling was I had just had the macs done and a full inspection service....it's performance was very very close to factory. Still had my ass handed to me...

Now as a bmw-Philemon, I ised to counter with ' yeah but in the twisted you couldn't keep up.. Having driven the e55 recently I think that is also tosh for the normal driver. On a track - maybe.

That said I gave a smart **** in an e90 m3 sweaty palms the other day in my 4.4tdv8 range rover. As we went around the roundabout on to the a1 he blipped it down a few gears. I selected sport mode, and as soon as it's straighted up he nailed it as did I. Up to 70mph (ahem!) he could not get away.... I have 516ft/lb of torque and 313hp vs 414hp and half the torque. Oh how I snickered!

Also, Just enquired about a cls 55 IWC - let's see how that goes..

A few vids on YouTube suggest that event the e60 m5 it's closer than you think - high revs play second fiddle to torque for a very long time on a drag strip!

 

[TrickyTrev]

I hate smart text!

 

[Major774]

Best to find another car if the one you are looking at has Comand issues.

 

[Ginger55k]

Where are you based Ginger? I am in Hitchin

Before I buy it - if I do- I will get a mercedes Pre purchase inspection done on it. But you'd be welcome to cast an eye too

I am a bit to far away on the south coast, my advice find a good local MB indie with star for any inspection you may require.

 

[Ginger55k]

If the car you have looked at is top line mechanically and the comand is the only issue you could factor into the deal the cost of a comand upgrade, but you would need to find out the costs involved, the Harmon Kardon being more expensive to upgrade.

 

[DSB SL AMG]

Best to get a local recommended MB indie to do the inspection...most charge 1/1.5 hr labour so well worth it, plenty on here!

As a complete bmw-nerd, I know a great deal about their high end cars so would be very happy to tick off all the issues. But since getting hosed by am e55 in my m5 a few years ago, I just have an urge for an e55. I plan to keep it for a few years so the mileage appeals..

Thing is, every button I tried, every option on the car - all worked. Airmatic lifted the car smoothly too. Vented seats worked fine, heating worked fine, folding mirrors -fine, seats -pulsing and movements - all fine. Except the comand system.

The screen lights up, comes on but does not populate with the graphics it should. I wonder whether it needs a reset. To be fair it also may not have the disk in, but even so, the radio display should work as normal.

The poop marks are three top-coat patches the size of a 20p piece which have been lifted / removed.

It has been for sale for 6 months now.

Where are you based Ginger? I am in Hitchin

Before I buy it - if I do- I will get a mercedes Pre purchase inspection done on it. But you'd be welcome to cast an eye too

 

[John]

Now as a bmw-Philemon, I ised to counter with ' yeah but in the twisted you couldn't keep up.. Having driven the e55 recently I think that is also tosh for the normal driver. On a track - maybe.

Yes, although the E55K isn't as planted as say my M3 Evo was, it's by no means bad in cornering. In Sport II, I've shamed a few cars with the handling (although that may well be a driver issue too) which probably thought I couldn't go round bends.

Michelin Pilot Sport 2s running 265/285 means it sticks well to the road, despite the extra weight.

 

[Rory]

Brake Fluid change £220

Blimey - I feel bad now for fretting that the A service my car needs was quoted at £190!

 

[Major774]

Complex SBC makes the brake fluid change more expensive

 

[TrickyTrev]

Guys

how easy would it be for the dealer to swap the not working COMAND for one that works fine but is in a e350 ?

The other stuff we can fix but the broken COMAND the receive wisdom suggests this is a huge cost item to sort out...

Cheers