w211 E500 road test?

[media116]

Has anyone come across a decent UK road test of the w211 E500, giving all the facts and figures? I've scoured the internet but can't find much at all that's not American.

 

[Dave's E55 AMG]

Does this mean you've given up on the 55?

 

[media116]

No, not entirely! I'm just trying to use my head not my heart, and thinking that maybe, at the moment, I don't have enough cash to spend on an E55. It's quite off-putting reading about some of the problems people have experienced with older E55s, and it's making me think that perhaps the sensible thing would be to go for a model that may present fewer head and wallet aches in the future!

Am I being a timid fool?!

 

[Dave's E55 AMG]

No, not entirely! I'm just trying to use my head not my heart, and thinking that maybe, at the moment, I don't have enough cash to spend on an E55. It's quite off-putting reading about some of the problems people have experienced with older E55s, and it's making me think that perhaps the sensible thing would be to go for a model that may present fewer head and wallet aches in the future!

Am I being a timid fool?!

You will always ask yourself "what if"

I've had no problems with mine other than typical E class W211 problems which you will still get with a E500.

Engine wise which I think that's what your worrying about - I've had no problems and have no concerns with. It's one of the best engines in the world

 

[media116]

Thanks Dave! May I ask how old your car is and what its total mileage is?...I know you travel a lot!

Also did you buy yours from an M-D main agent or an independent?

 

[Dave's E55 AMG]

Thanks Dave! May I ask how old your car is and what its total mileage is?...I know you travel a lot!

Also did you buy yours from an M-D main agent or an independent?

It's an Aug 03
full Mb history until I got it and I use my friends to look after it at MB tech.
Mileage 99750 on todays reading which 80% is motorway mileage.
I bought it from MB Bristol in Sept 06
The car used to belong to Alan Stubbs the footballer - so the car has a very high spec.

 

[media116]

So you had the reassurance of an M-B Warranty to fall back on. The car's I've been looking at are all at independents, so lack the comfort of that particular safety net! The main dealers seem virtually dry at the moment, with regard to E55s. I have little faith in independent warranties...not usually worth the paper they're written on! So that's my dilemma: a five or six-year-old car bought with a non-existent warranty...doesn't sound that tempting, does it?! OK if you're talking about a Mondeo....but an AMG?!

 

[Alex M Grieve]

So you had the reassurance of an M-B Warranty to fall back on. The car's I've been looking at are all at independents, so lack the comfort of that particular safety net! a five or six-year-old car bought with a non-existent warranty...doesn't sound that tempting, does it?! OK if you're talking about a Mondeo....but an AMG?!

I believe that Indys are quite keen to enhance their reputation and their business - no less so than dealers. It would be a short sighted Indy who would sell you a dud car.

I recall back in 2000 buying a 1994 124 estate (280TE) with over 100K on it, not through the Indy, but at his recommendation from one of his other customers "willing buyer, willing seller". I paid £8K for a car that might have cost 12 on a dealer's forecourt. It had no flaws for the 2 years and 16,000 that I kept it.

Although the Indy did not sell me the car, and therefore avoided the Sale of Goods Act, he nevertheless got me an excellent bargain from which both parties benefitted.

By all means do all the "due dilligence" and exercise all the normal skepticism when buying. Be prepared to walk away if the deal or the car are not right. But if you are keen on the product, for good reason, don't be put off. After all, we all eulogise about the legendary robustness of MB and their ability to do high mileages. And it is the fact that it a couple of years old with some miles on it that makes it affordable.

 

[Dave's E55 AMG]

So you had the reassurance of an M-B Warranty to fall back on. The car's I've been looking at are all at independents, so lack the comfort of that particular safety net! The main dealers seem virtually dry at the moment, with regard to E55s. I have little faith in independent warranties...not usually worth the paper they're written on! So that's my dilemma: a five or six-year-old car bought with a non-existent warranty...doesn't sound that tempting, does it?! OK if you're talking about a Mondeo....but an AMG?!

I did have a warranty for the fisrt 12 months but that has now expired, it's just a case of keeping it serviced with regular oil changes and Mobil 1

 

[stumpy]

So you had the reassurance of an M-B Warranty to fall back on. The car's I've been looking at are all at independents, so lack the comfort of that particular safety net! The main dealers seem virtually dry at the moment, with regard to E55s. I have little faith in independent warranties...not usually worth the paper they're written on! So that's my dilemma: a five or six-year-old car bought with a non-existent warranty...doesn't sound that tempting, does it?! OK if you're talking about a Mondeo....but an AMG?!

It's worth registering interest with dealers and finance houses alike as there may well be cars in the system that aren't 'public'. Particularly right now with the meltdown in full swing. You won't believe some of the metal I've been offered. If only I could get the funding

 

[media116]

OK, so can anyone recommend any good indys specialising in used MBs?

 

[Dave's E55 AMG]

It's worth registering interest with dealers and finance houses alike as there may well be cars in the system that aren't 'public'. Particularly right now with the meltdown in full swing. You won't believe some of the metal I've been offered. If only I could get the funding

Bl**dyhell stumpy haven't you got enough?

 

[stumpy]

Bl**dyhell stumpy haven't you got enough?

These are cars for work I'm talking about. DBS still on the line for 72k anyone?

 

[100%Bitch]

You will always ask yourself "what if"

You will. I know I would have.

 

[television]

OK, so can anyone recommend any good indys specialising in used MBs?

Jaymanic in Nuneaton is good "mercland"

http://dealerservices.autotrader.co.uk/66954/mercland_stock.htm

 

[stumpy]

Carlians in Horsley are also good

 

[media116]

Thanks for those suggestions. Funnily enough, Carlians are one of the companies I've been talking with! Have you bought from them, Stumpy?

 

[stumpy]

Bought and sold from them. Gavin has always looked after me well.

 

[media116]

So I'm guessing that that's a 'no' on the E500 UK road test front, then?!

 

[television]

I have had a good look and could not find one