aftermarket kit or buy new: Kompressor

[560DBleu]

Hi folks,
I am new to this thread.
Had an E420 a couple of years ago and was really taken by handling/performance.
Always wanted to try the E55 Amg, before the Kompressor was offered. Am now thinking about taking the plunge.
I like the older body style a lot and wonder:
Should I buy a 98 E55 and add an aftermarket compressor or shell out thousands more for the newer models with Kompressor.
Seems like a lot of money saved?
Excuse me if this has been hashed out already!

Just like you, I really prefer the W210 body styling vs the W211.

Bought my '00 E320 new, and kept it ever since (and loving it!). When I got the bug, I decided to do an engine swap for a 4.3 liter V8. Took it to Brabus, and had the engine rebored to 6.1 liters, and attached a Lorinser Kompressor. In addition to other engine mods, my car peaked on the dyno at 520 HP.

Looking back on it, I could have bought a new W211 E55 for the money, but it would not be the same as with all the custom mods that I have done on the car.

To sum it all up...it depends on your preference.

Good luck in your decision![;)]

[560DBleu]

These are awesome cars, completely different feel from any Benz I ever drove. (Of course, I have not driven any of the 2001+ models)
It was like a water bug darting around, 'wild horses', etc.
It looks like you got a wallop of HP from the conversion. Was there any other tuner you considered and how much did all the work cost?

I considered Kleemann and Renntech also. But in the end...Brabus and Lorinser caught my eye.

My car is still an ongoing project (but when does tuning ever end???), but I guess that it so far has cost me around the mid $40K's.

My only problem is still deciding on a body kit for the car. I really like the Wald kits.