Merc E430 vs E320 Vs E55AMG Advice

[ashley miller]

Advice for a first time Merc purchaser required:

I am looking at upgrading my current Audi A4 2.4 to a Mercedes e-class, and I need a bit of advice concerning potential running costs. Appologies if I ask anything silly, but I've got to ask or I wouldn't know.

What fuel consumption should I expect from E320/E430/E55? Mostly motorway, with a bit of town for luck. My Audi does about 33mpg average (official 30mpg), so I would hope E320 would be 28 ish, E430, 26 ish and E55 24 ish? Am I close?

Servicing? I've been quoted £230 for a major service from Nationwide Autocentres, which includes changing plugs, air filter, oil filter, fully synthetic oil, coolant change, brake fluid change etc etc.. Is this good?

Tyres: What sort of life would I expect (gentle driving....honest!)

Any help you could give would be very much appreciated.

 

[nickg]

If an E430 does 26mpg and an E55 does 28 mpg then over 10,000 miles (average over a year?) the difference in fuel consumption would be 32 gallons, which, if I have got my numbers right works out at a cost of approx £100.
If £100 either way will sway your decision, then forget either and go and buy a bicycle.
I would imagine that the running costs of an E430 are virtually identical to an E320 (on average). For me the E430 would be the preferred choice every time because you will get more performance for your money.
Either way, if you are unlucky, a big repair job will cost you more than the average car would - but hey, life's too short to worry about that kind of thing isn't it?

PS I get about 18-20mpg out of my SL60 AMG. I would imagine you would struggle to get more than 20-22 out of an E55.

 

[mark.t]

great price

Servicing? I've been quoted £230 for a major service from Nationwide Autocentres, which includes changing plugs, air filter, oil filter, fully synthetic oil, coolant change, brake fluid change etc etc.. Is this good?



is that for a ford ...small mortgage required for the two big guns

 

[jimti]

E320/E430/E55?
Tyres: What sort of life would I expect (gentle driving....honest!)

Are you sure? E430/E55 and drive gentle?

 

[clegsr]

I'd get some insurance quotes before looking at MPG, I was quoted around £600 MORE for the E55 over the E430, - that's a lot of petrol.

As for tyres, I have 18 inch AMG wheels with Pirelli Rosso tyres, and the hurting bit is picking up a bolt or puncture - they are so low profile that they immediately damage the tyre wall if they run flat and can't be repaired - which means a brand new tyre at around £190 or so..., (yes, each)

 

[KLP 92]

I don't find the E55 insurance that much more than a S500 or S600.
With regards to fuel economy my E55 has returned 24 mpg on the first full tank and 23 mpg on the second full tank. Mixed motorway and town driving inc stop start traffic. Its alot better than my old S600. Its less heavy on fuel than my old SL500 which was a happy surprise! The car doesn't need to be driven hard, it flies even with half the accelerator pressed! Also on motorways i rarely find the need to push it down to 4th gear, a tendency with my last S class. The E430 feels slow to drive in comparison, even though its so powerful.
I would personally buy a E55 over a E430. The E55 even though on 18 inch wheels rides alot better than a E430.
Tyre wise you can find tyres brand new on ebay for £100-120 each.

 

[KLP 92]

And the E320 is slow in comparison! I agree with Nick, if your budget doesn't allow the E55 then go for the E430.
Theres a nice one on ebay:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=4522978097

 

[KLP 92]

Servicing? I've been quoted £230 for a major service from Nationwide Autocentres, which includes changing plugs, air filter, oil filter, fully synthetic oil, coolant change, brake fluid change etc etc.. Is this good?



is that for a ford ...small mortgage required for the two big guns

Merc want £800-900 for that job on the E55. Independents such as George Fraser are about the £500-600 mark. Bearing in mind the E55 has 16 plugs at £9 each! (but they only need changing every 50k)

 

[ashley miller]

Thanks for all your help.

For info the £230 service was for the E430, and it was £200 for the E320. Apparantly the service is to Merc standards and will not invalidate any sort of warranty. Which is nice.

Another question I forgot to ask earlier was is there any real diference between the facelifted cars (1999 onwards) apart from the tiptronic box??

Thanks

 

[rirhill]

Hello Ashley

I have a E320 and its a great car. I get on average motorway driving 30-34 at a steady 80-90. On average around town about 24 mpg. Its a lovely smooth engine with a lot of get and go.
But I am heading down the E55 path as its a different car all together. I love the AMG 8 cyclinder engine. I believe in servicing there are not too much extra to service and you could take it to the independent garages for plug changes, brakes etc.

I hope this helps.
Cheers
Ian

 

[KLP 92]

Hello Ashley

I have a E320 and its a great car. I get on average motorway driving 30-34 at a steady 80-90. On average around town about 24 mpg. Its a lovely smooth engine with a lot of get and go.
But I am heading down the E55 path as its a different car all together. I love the AMG 8 cyclinder engine. I believe in servicing there are not too much extra to service and you could take it to the independent garages for plug changes, brakes etc.

I hope this helps.
Cheers
Ian

Brake discs for the E55 are £150+ VAT each and the pads are £115 +VAT for the front set!
Nearly fell off my chair when i found out a complete change of discs and pads will cost £1000 inc labour! (thank god they don't need changing yet )

 

[rirhill]

Brake discs for the E55 are £150+ VAT each and the pads are £115 +VAT for the front set!

Thats one thing I will be checking before buying then.

Thanks for that.
Cheers
Ian

 

[glojo]

I think buying any AMG is all about buying a flagship model and you must accept that they are going to be 'slightly' more thirsty, and maybe more expensive to maintain.

If you cannot afford either, then it is perhaps advisable to walk away. If you can afford them, then go for it, go for it big time and enjoy the vehicle. I have not heard of anyone complaining about being disappointed with the performance or 'street cred' of their AMG.

Oh, just remembered, MAFF much prefers his oil burner (Joke)


Good luck with your decision,
John

 

[n1ckyp]

i have a e430 for sale, £1800, (cost over £60000 new) in palmers green london, this car flys, you will not hear the engine, it sits on motorway 70mph at 2000 rpm,

 

[EDZ649]

i have a e430 for sale, £1800, (cost over £60000 new) in palmers green london, this car flys, you will not hear the engine, it sits on motorway 70mph at 2000 rpm,

Think he may be sorted now, this thread is over four years old!

 

[Rayny]

Well spotted Leigh

 

[d w124]

Think he may be sorted now, this thread is over four years old!

5 next month