[DonziDave]

Almost done on a deal for 1999 e55, 127k miles, overall exc condition.

The issues are:

tail lights inop - appear to be possibly disconnected (bulb removed), thinking this is an effort to avoid error codes thrown from faulty brake light switch

rubber gaskets between mirror and body are rotted, some rubber in well under wiper is sun damaged (both of these are minor, most people wouldn't notice)

lft front corner of engine bay is wet (oil) - appears to have new valve cover gaskets, leak possibly somewhere else, some valve cover bolts are wet (both sides, but doesn't appear these are serious enough to be causing left front problem)

top front of engine, vacuum(?) component (1/2 diameter, 3" long, sits verticle) attached by 6" section of white tubing, tubing is broken (no apparent symptons in running, starting), easy fix (replace tubing), but worried that this was done to hide other problem

TIA for any guidance.

-David

 

[dragoncoach]

Have a PPI (pre-purchase inspection) done BEFORE you hand over your money. Make sure it's a mechanic you trust and is reputable. Sounds like a lot of little issues. Have your indy make sure they are little and not going to be a large issues later. Good Luck. btw, how much is the seller asking?

 

[DonziDave]

Asking price is good (under $15k), working on final deal. This isn't my first benz, as I rebuilt the tranny in my W140 S500 by myself (and it worked for 75k miles until it got hit and totalled), owned SL600, 560sel, but I'm trying to learn the quirks and major hazards of e55 ownership.

Have arrangements for PPI at authorized dealer tomorrow.

Again, car is clean (leather is amazing for 120k miles, looks more like 10k), no dents, dings, drives REALLY fast without hesitation, vibration, noise, etc.

My real issue was the oil leaking - this isn't a major problem (usually) but can be a real pain to successfully find the problem and correct....

-David

 

[Musikmann]

You should be able to buy that car for considerably less than $15,000. From what I've read on here, the prices on those have recently dropped considerably, and that's a lot of miles too.

 

[dragoncoach]

Agreed. $15k is on the high side. I would think $12k wouldbe more in line. With various leaks and little odds and ends wrong, the car isn't perfect...which would possibly justify $15k. Another thing to remember, the car is a '99 as well.

 

[Musikmann]

Please let us know how the PPI went.

 

[DonziDave]

Inspection notes

PPI showed following issues:

rear tailights damaged - bulb holders won't screw in properly, work intermittenly

lft rear susp bushing boot damaged - bushing appears fine (for now, won't be for long)

shifter link bushing worn out - shifter clicks, but works fine

tranny sensor leaking

valve covers leaking

oil filter cap leaking

front lower ball joint worn out (doesn't affect driving (at least can't feel it))

CEL bulb removed (most likely to hide check light on)

Diagnostic/Error codes:

P0410 - secondary air injection malfunction (fixed by replacing vacuum hose)

C1200 - stop lamp switch Plausibility (I don't know what this means, but I imagine it has something to do with the damage to the taillights (or why someone was messing with the taillights so much...))

N1141 - set-actual configuration of D2B ring differs (audio system error)

There were several other STORED codes, (alarm activations, but I was told this is just history, and only the Current and Stored codes are "active" and need to be addressed)

So, that was about it. Otherwise, the car is straight and functional.

If nothing else pops up, I take delivery tomorrow.

-David

 

[Musikmann]

Thanks for the follow-up and good luck with it!

 

[mls92255]

I bought an 99 E55 several months ago for $15.3K and consider it a bargain against anything else that I was looking at. The car was in perfect condition.
I have no problems and no complaints. These cars are amazingly well put together. Have it serviced by a specialist.

 

[dragoncoach]

I don't know where you are located, but I just checked out a '99 E55 with about 75k miles, black with either black or charcoal interior. The owner is asking about $13.7. He just dropped the price from around $17k. The car is immaculate (you can eat off it) and the owner has all the records as well. He is extemely pickey about his cars. He also has a Bentley Turbo! He's in Woodside, California and a real nice guy. His name is Phillip and his phone # is 650-703-7550. If you are really interested in a '99 in excellent shape, give him a call.

 

[amgylover]

i bought a 99 for 13,000 with 64 thousand miles on it. diamond in the rough.

 

[andy300SL]

Damn, Id run from that car!

This car sounds awful! the cel bulb taken out? Thats really fucking shady man.

You are looking at a good 12-1400 to fix that crap.

I cant believe some of you are paying so much and i cant sell mine at 11k , not even one nibble.

ANDY

 

[DonziDave]

Well, I didn't run, I bought it.

replaced CEL (and since I had previously fixed a cracked vaccuum hose, it now stays off)

there were several "scary" issues with the car - the cel, the tail lights has been soldered on, the rims are ghetto (they are nice rims, just proof that the car wan't owned by an old lady...)

but there were also some very nice parts - the drivers seat shows almost no wear, which for a 135k car is saying something - not even the typical sagging left lower bolster - the engine is clean (honest, not recently detailed), and the fasteners don't show signs of poor wrenches or poor mechanical technique - the interior is as clean as it gets (I've bought a few cars, and I would call this interior exceptionally clean for a 50k, awesome for 135k)

Also, as much as I enjoy owning and driving these cars, I also thoroughly enjoy working on them. For me, it is more important to get an example that needs a little work but hasn't been messed with by the wrong hands, rather than one that is all "fixed" (for now...)

-David

 

[luiscalpa]

hey, enjoy your car, I love mine.
luis........

 

[pinoyk20]

where is the check engine light located on the guage? is it the LIMP mode light? thanks!

 

[DonziDave]

bottom right corner of gauge cluster

you can take the cluster out fairly easily using tools made from coathangers, or if you shop around I think I picked up my special tool for about $10 - there is a thread (somewhere here) with some pictures on where to insert tool

 

[pinoyk20]

can you pls post pics of where it is located my car is an w210 e55 amg 99model i dont know where to look for the check engine light....

 

[Lawrence1]

so how much did u buy it for?

 

[rainerg]

Hi donzi dave, I have been following the thread, how did you get on, is the car the sequential gearbox, ( blinker in the mirror job)? if not you are paying far too much . I would get the seller fix all the leaks or knock $5 g off. AMGs are expensive to repair and keep.
Cheers

 

[DonziDave]

Car purchased for $9k.

2500 miles since, car running great. Last tank got 20.5mpg (and I don't drive it slow...)

-David