first post, thinking of buying an e55 amg(w210)

[jonb]

hi guys.

this is my first post. what a great site!

i have to have an e55 amg(w210). ive wanted one for a while now but need some help off you guys.

what to i need to look for when purchasing? what areas are prone to failiure?

 

[Uncle Benz]

I think the first three things are service history, service history and service history. This will help when the rust appears. Open the doors and peel back the rubbers on the top edge of the doors. If you see rust here it will almost certainly be evident elsewhere too. You can do a search here for other rust problems, but in my experience the most shocking i have seen is in the front crossmember. If a benz history is up to date and comprehensive, they will pay for repairs, but that doesn't mean they can cure it for good!! Hope I haven't put you off because the driving experience is awesome!! Engine and gearbox reliability is very good and they wear the miles well. Keep us posted on what you find.

 

[stumpy]

Check thoroughly for accident damage. These cars were bought by people whos wallet size didn't match their driving ability.

 

[alexspurs61]

I think the first three things are service history, service history and service history. This will help when the rust appears. Open the doors and peel back the rubbers on the top edge of the doors. If you see rust here it will almost certainly be evident elsewhere too. You can do a search here for other rust problems, but in my experience the most shocking i have seen is in the front crossmember. If a benz history is up to date and comprehensive, they will pay for repairs, but that doesn't mean they can cure it for good!! Hope I haven't put you off because the driving experience is awesome!! Engine and gearbox reliability is very good and they wear the miles well. Keep us posted on what you find.

I second the comment about the rust. Bodywork/panels - see myriad posts on here - is one thing but have a good butcher's at the cross member. Mine - rather more humble '96 210 than your proposed AMG! - needed work on the cross member; having said that it was only a hundred quid to put right at my independent mechanic.

I haven't pursued dealership for rust warranty as mine has FSH but not FMBSH. Main areas - once again, see countless posts on this forum - are front wheelarches and bootlock

Cheers

 

[jberks]

As above. Nothing serious to worry about on the E55 spec. Clearly ensure that all the toys work proerly and it hasn't been reshapen but aside from that it should be ok.
Rust is the achilles heal of the 210, but many aren't that bad and as said, FBMSH and the dealer will sort it for you.
Key areas are wheel arches, boot lock, under door seals and the corss member. I accept that it can't be permanently cureed but the few areas that were fixed on my 210 never reappeared so it isn't all bad news, and the E55 is awsome.