Thread: E55, CLS500... Issues?

Contemplating [new] used car purchase. Two options that peak my interest and within the range I am will to spend are an E55 or CLS500. Both 2006.

Seems that any E55 in my range is going to be higher mileage (80k), versus much less for the CLS500 (40-60k).

Any experience with these cars? My Audi has been needing much attention lately and I am getting tired of dumping money into it.

What's your price range? How about a cls55? Do you plan on modding it? I would go for the e55 because of the power and the ability to mod it. The cls55 has the same engine as the e55 and looks better than the cls500

Based on the mileage he's talking for an E55 in his price range, a CLS55 will be way out of his range.

I own a E55 and I'm constantly dumping money into it. Both maintenance and mod wise. I really do enjoy keeping it up on maintenance and looking/feeling her best.

It's a pretty well known saying for a car that was once $90-100k, worth $30k now, will still cost to maintain like a $90-100k car.

Just be prepared when that first $2-3k repair bill comes up unexpectedly within the first months of ownership. An aftermarket warranty is a great thing to invest in but most companies are starting to drop AMG cars due to the average ticket cost of repairs.

But with all that said, I love my car and don't mind the costs associated with owning it.

I like the cls personally.

You might be able to pick up a newer E550 for about the same $$$, or even a CLS550 for a little more. The E550 will have nearly the same power as the older E55. Compared to the others the CLS500 is going to be a dog, stick with a 550 or 55 if you can.

Originally Posted by tgoss

I own a E55 and I'm constantly dumping money into it. Both maintenance and mod wise. I really do enjoy keeping it up on maintenance and looking/feeling her best.

It's a pretty well known saying for a car that was once $90-100k, worth $30k now, will still cost to maintain like a $90-100k car.

Just be prepared when that first $2-3k repair bill comes up unexpectedly within the first months of ownership. An aftermarket warranty is a great thing to invest in but most companies are starting to drop AMG cars due to the average ticket cost of repairs.

But with all that said, I love my car and don't mind the costs associated with owning it.

Thats right. I find myself explaining that same concept to a lot of people wonder why it costs so much to maintain a $30k [used] car.

This was the exact response I was looking for, thank you. I am currently facing these same issues with unexpected $2-3k repair bills. As a matter of fact it was $600, then $2600, then $400 all within 4-5 months.

Love the car, but just looking to get away from that as I dont like dumping thousands of dollars into a car only worth $8-9k at this point.

Originally Posted by FR8TRN

You might be able to pick up a newer E550 for about the same $$$, or even a CLS550 for a little more. The E550 will have nearly the same power as the older E55. Compared to the others the CLS500 is going to be a dog, stick with a 550 or 55 if you can.

Preferred choice would obviously be the AMG, but I guess I was looking to confirm what Ive heard about their reliability. My next question would be is the reliability of the 550 or 500 models comparable to that of the 55?

Originally Posted by Mark C

Preferred choice would obviously be the AMG, but I guess I was looking to confirm what Ive heard about their reliability. My next question would be is the reliability of the 550 or 500 models comparable to that of the 55?

Also, try to keep the mileage under 75K if your looking for an extended warranty, alot won't start coverage if the mileage is higher. But under that you can get it and with renewals continue coverage well beyond 100K.

Originally Posted by FR8TRN

The E550 will have nearly the same power as the older E55.

Maybe a W210 (2002 and below) E55 but certainly not a W211 E55. Those two cars aren't remotely in the same league.

Originally Posted by Mark C

This was the exact response I was looking for, thank you. I am currently facing these same issues with unexpected $2-3k repair bills. As a matter of fact it was $600, then $2600, then $400 all within 4-5 months.

I've been there with the car... within a couple of days

Originally Posted by Mark C

Preferred choice would obviously be the AMG, but I guess I was looking to confirm what Ive heard about their reliability. My next question would be is the reliability of the 550 or 500 models comparable to that of the 55?

550 and 500 should be very reliable, but that's not to say the 55 AMG car isn't. It's a roll of the dice with all of them. Just find a car that has the most documented service history available and make the most educated decision you can.