W210 E55 - clearing up a few things....

[jamesk]

Hi guys - long time reader, first time poster hehe.

Sorry to burden you with a crappy "buying advice" post first up but, hey, you are the experts

Am a long time fan of this car and have done the forum searches to learn what I can but a few things still seem unclear to me.

I have seen a very nice looking silver E55 - registered Jan 2000 I think so it is the facelift with satnav - 79k miles so about average and a FMBSH allegedly. I am going to view the car at the weekend if I can and establish that the history is what the description implies.

Rust - does the car have to have a FMBSH to get anything treated? The service intervals are every 12 months aren't they? I can't seem to find THE answer to this problem.

Other than that it would be nice if the car had new tyres/disks/pads - anything else?

Many thanks in advance

 

[stats007]

Service intervals are on the ASSYST system so can be anything up to 2 years depending on how the car is driven.

It has been seen that you don't need a FMBSH to get warranty work done - but bearing in mind MB seem to be making up the rules as they go along it's always going to be handy to have a FMBSH.

Grav can probably advise in details about what to look for - the engines are pretty much solid if maintained properly.

 

[jamesk]

That was quick! Thx for the response.

Aside from key mechanical areas to look for in the history etc, what is the real world mpg? I currently drive an E34 540 BMW which is a lovely car but starting to show her age. We get about 19mpg in mixed conditions - mainly local shortish journeys to be fair. I don't expect it to be better but is it comparible? I hear horror stories of low teens and even single figures :bannana:

 

[stats007]

In all honesty it depends how heavy your right foot is! 26mpg is realistic at 80mph on the motorway - maybe 15 around town.

 

[High-Lo]

Its got to be this one then

E55

Was down there last week for a look around. They like their AMG's

 

[nickg]

amazing price for so much car!! 12 grand - incredible. Bite their arm off if its as good as the pics look.
5.5l V8 amg e class merc for the price of a ford focus................

 

[gaz_l]

In all honesty it depends how heavy your right foot is! 26mpg is realistic at 80mph on the motorway - maybe 15 around town.

My C43 can manage a couple of MPG better than that - but it's a bit lighter and obviously has a smaller engine. I average 20 with mostly short runs, and to be honest I don't drive with economy as my top priority.

If you're used to the Beemer's thirst, I doubt the E55 will worry you too much.. unless you take it to a track day

Cheers,

Gaz

 

[jamesk]

Its got to be this one then

E55

Was down there last week for a look around. They like their AMG's

It WAS that one. It sold last night

I am gutted as I had made the fatal mistake of talking myself into it financially. I cannot honestly remember having seen a facelift model with COMMAND before.....

To be fair they came across very well and have some lovely stock so I will keep my eyes on them. If anyone else happens across a similar car let me know

 

[BenzComander]

amazing price for so much car!! 12 grand - incredible. Bite their arm off if its as good as the pics look.
5.5l V8 amg e class merc for the price of a ford focus................

Agree, that could be the start of another thread! Is there a better bargain performance saloon out there

Car looks great, lucky new owner!!

 

[nickg]

Good question!
What are prices like for the supercharged Jag S-type R?
Other than that you're looking at an M5 which is more expensive, and what else?

 

[stats007]

Maserati Quattroporte is you're a bit mental.

 

[jamesk]

The V8 XJR is firmly in the price bracket but post 2000 is needed for uprated chain tensioners and nikasil peace of mind so only just.

Besides which they are a bit small inside which is why I have mentally ruled out the C43 or C32's - can anyone pursuade me otherwise? 2 kids under 4 and associated junk has to fit

 

[BTB 500]

2 kids under 4 and associated junk has to fit

E55 estate would be good then, there was a supercharged one with over 500 bhp at Cargiant not that long ago

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Besides which they are a bit small inside which is why I have mentally ruled out the C43 or C32's - can anyone pursuade me otherwise? 2 kids under 4 and associated junk has to fit

Both are available as estates

 

[jamesk]

There is a lovely C32 estate in th garage linked above but I am worried about the cabin space. I am 6'5" and behind me when I am driving needs to fit a daughter...

 

[glojo]

My advice would be to get one with a full, un-interrupted Mercedes-Benz service history. No so called specialist, or independant expert. A full main dealer service history. We have read a number of posts where folks have been lucky and had 'goodwill' repairs to their cars, but if your asking for advice then we must be accurate with what we say.

Also carry out an HPI check, plus another very important point. Ask if it has had any bodywork repairs! These MUST be carried out by an approved agent otherwise again the warranty is at risk. I love the 55AMG. The noise alone is to die for, but the vehicles you are looking at have a TERRIBLE reputation for corrosion. Make sure you have your finest toothed comb when you check any prospective purchase. Pull back the rubber seals on all the door surrounds, pillars etc. Pay attention to the number plate fittings. Look everywhere and do not be dazzled by the shine, or the patter of the sales person.

Good luck,
John

 

[GRAV888]

I agree with John.
Look in places you wouldn't normally.
Especially under the back seat and around the seams in the engine bay.

 

[jamesk]

The c32's don't have a rust issue do they? I will try one for size as I do prefer the general shape of that model but the E55 looks and sounds sooo good I am a V8 nut really, my current 540 is too quiet but a fantastic engine and my previous car was a Griffith 500 which wasn't

As an example I saw this black E55 and enquired about its history and mobilo validity and the seller replied stating that it was with MB at this very moment having about 70% of the body resprayed. Now call me cynical but is that not worthy of a mention in the ad??

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=007&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=170074128668&rd=1&rd=1

I suppose thats a testament to ebay as much as it is to the W210 though...

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

How about an ML55?

Because of the more upright seating position your height/legroom combined with rear passenger shouldn't be a problem. And it has a V8