I almost traded in my car for a black 05 E55 with 27k miles (CPO $47500). The car drives fantastic and the single owner took care of the vehicle. What do you guys think? They are offering $27k for my car but I think there's wiggle room in the price and trade-in. I'm still thinking about it!

 

Every single person I know that has had Benz's...from the pretend rich c230's all the way up to one tuned by Rentech they all had problems. And those problems are expensive problems. They all said the same thing. You buy a Benz and sell before the warranty is up or you lease them. I like them. And that E55 is pimp, but the quality and expensive repair costs are what keep me away.

 

The difference in power between your GS and E55 is nothing short of dramatic. I love the 55 engine, it is a mean torque moster. The E55 is flat out fun to drive.

The interior of both vehicles are both nice, however, the GS has a huge advantage in terms of the nav system. The nav in my E63, well, sucks. I'd imagine the nav in the '05 E55 would be just as bad or worse.

I'm sure everybody will remind you that the reliability advantage goes to Lexus. I'd also advise avoid getting any AMG model out of warranty, but thankfully the E55 you're considering is a CPO. Also, FWIW, my wife's '06 E350 had no issues during the 3 years she drove it and my E63 has been perfect as well.

The GS300 is the "safe" choice and a great car. However, life is short, get the car you will enjoy driving more. In spite of the crappy nav system and poor gas mileage, I still get a huge smile every time I drive my E63. Can't say that was the case with my GS430. Good luck with your decision.

 

I agree..Get it while you can. If the objective is to buy the most reliable car everytime, we'd all be driving a Toyota Corolla by now. Sometimes you have to sacrifice because no car can do it all. Dump the E55 once you're out of warranty though.

 

I was concerned when I read the carfax report. It had no major issues but prior to 20k miles the owner had to get an oil leak checked, alternator replaced, rack/pinion steering replaced and some other stuff. The CPO warranty will only take it to May 2010.

 

run. fast.

 

definitely not get this car, seems like it had problems before...

but overall, you can't even remotely compare the gs to e55, or e63, or any amg for that matter. they are just another animals.

in fact we are considering either the m5 or the cls63, still not sure. e63 was on our list as well, but we dropped it coz' it's not as stylish and also, keep in mind the e class is being redesigned for next year. that means if you get the e55, it will suddenly become an OLD car next year. doesn't make sense to me.

i don't know the cpo market for mb, almost 50k for a 05 that sounds quite some money. have you checked what your monthly payment is like? (if you are going to finance) maybe you can see if leasing a new one would make more sense

m and amg cars, they are nice to try on, but personally i don't think i will own them

 

We've had 0 probs on our 2003 E320, but it has barely any miles.

My buddy's C32 was also fine, until he got into a major accident. Then, it's never been right, but I put all the blame on the HUGE accident (surprised they didn't total it - t-boned by a speeding Expedition).

 

If you haven't done so already, start talking to people at mbworld.org .
If you do buy a car, most definetly stay with a CPO car. While researching a MB toy for myself (03-06 SL55), I found that replacing/rebuilding the 5.5SC motor for the AMG SL's was said to be $75,000.00 ?????!!!!!!!!!! That's nearly half of the original MSRP !!
The SC motor was also prone to defective intercooler pumps.

AMG cars are sweet toy's but you better make sure you can afford to fix one !

 

We at 360 forged have an 11sec CLS 63 with 150 Shot of Nitrous, Full Exhaust, Carbon Fiber Intake.. No cats... 16k hard miles... ZERO ISSUES AT all.. MB makes a serious car... only thing wrong with the car is a little **** that controls the headrest on the drivers seat... Stupid little ****.... but all in all +11111 on MB.

youtube 360 forged so you can see it in action along with our 997 with 750HP!

 

yup, kind of why we are considering the 63 series now since it's NA

 

If you're just a mere mortal in the financial department (like me), lease it under a CPO plan and dump it when the warranty expirers.

FYI.....I understand AMG is dumping the 6.3NA already and going back to FI for future cars ! Too many AMG enthuisiast complaining about the lack of low and mid-range power.

 

Come on Henry, just pull the trigger on a '09 CLS63

Quite a few nice upgrades on the '09...the COMAND system is almost bearable now

 

If I were you, I would get the E class. You wont have vibration issues with this car at all. They are rock solid. I love my mercedes Ml350 and I plan to get a Mercedes sedan next spring to replace my GS.

 

I have to agree 110%. The problems you will have wont be the kind that will leave you stranded in am parking lot ( like an american car will), but it will have you visiting the dealership for electrical problems to say the least. Dont get me wrong, I LOOOOOVE benzs, but from a distance.