The Mercedes Benz E55 Amg. Just the name evokes images of raw power, luxurious comfort, and understated aggression. Having spent considerable time behind the wheel of this iconic performance sedan, experiencing its highs and lows, it’s time to delve into a comprehensive review that goes beyond the surface. This isn’t just a drive; it’s an ownership experience, revealing the true character of a car that balances Autobahn-storming performance with everyday usability.
Unleashing the Beast: Performance and Driving Dynamics
The heart of the E55 AMG is its hand-built 5.4-liter supercharged V8 engine. This powerplant is responsible for the car’s legendary status, delivering breathtaking acceleration and a soundtrack that’s pure automotive symphony. The sheer thrust available at any speed is addictive. Forget downshifts – a simple press of the throttle unleashes a wave of torque that propels you forward with effortless ease. This engine isn’t just about brute force; it’s refined, responsive, and perfectly matched to the car’s character.
The transmission, while switchable in a somewhat counter-intuitive manner, ultimately becomes secondary to the engine’s dominance. Its primary function feels more like managing the V8’s immense power rather than actively participating in spirited driving. However, it’s worth noting that the transmission in this particular E55 AMG was a used unit, recently installed with a 90-day guarantee from Wincos in San Francisco, a repair shop I can confidently recommend for their service and expertise. This highlights a key aspect of E55 AMG ownership: maintenance and potential repairs are part of the equation, especially with older models.
Despite its limousine-like comfort, the E55 AMG is more than just a straight-line missile. While cornering might not be its primary focus, the chassis is surprisingly capable. The car maintains composure through bends, though its weight is always present. It’s a grand tourer at heart, rewarding drivers with exhilarating acceleration rather than razor-sharp handling. The Traction Control System (TCS), even by today’s standards, is remarkably well-calibrated. It allows for a playful amount of slip before intervening smoothly, ensuring safety without completely neutering the fun. For those seeking more thrills, disabling TCS (in a safe environment, of course) reveals a balanced chassis that’s willing to play, offering predictable breakaway and the potential for tire-smoking burnouts – activities famously enjoyed (and ticketed) by even Formula 1 champions.
The Luxury Cruiser: Comfort and Practicality
Beyond its performance credentials, the Mercedes Benz E55 AMG excels as a comfortable and practical daily driver. Its “limo qualities” are immediately apparent on long journeys. Highway miles melt away as the E55 AMG effortlessly cruises at speed, whether navigating the sweeping curves of coastal highways or battling stop-and-go traffic. The spacious interior is a haven of comfort, significantly larger than contemporary 3 Series and even 5 Series models. This generous space translates to genuine practicality, making it an excellent choice for families or anyone who values rear passenger room and trunk space. The interior materials, while perhaps appearing “dour” to some, exude a sense of premium quality and durability. Even with over 130,000 miles on the odometer, the cabin retains a solid, well-built feel that surpasses many modern cars.
The Realities of Ownership: Maintenance and Reliability
Owning a Mercedes Benz E55 AMG, particularly a used example, comes with the understanding that maintenance will be a factor. This particular car, while immensely enjoyable, has presented its share of age-related issues. Despite fitting new steering tie rods and undergoing alignment, a persistent “clonk” noise from the suspension, likely related to worn shock bushings, remains. This highlights a crucial point: keeping an older performance car like the E55 AMG in top condition requires dedication, time, and financial investment. As the previous owner rightly stated, it reaches a point where it demands more than some are willing to give.
Further issues have surfaced, including a drooping rear headliner, a common ailment in W210 Mercedes models. More concerning are the headlights. While equipped with early xenon units, standard on the E55 AMG and an upgrade option on lesser W210 models, their performance is notably poor, especially on low beam. Replacement options are costly, with complete units potentially exceeding a thousand dollars. While lens polishing might offer a temporary improvement, the underlying issue of aging xenon technology remains.
During more spirited driving, clouds of blue smoke emerged, initially causing alarm. However, subsequent inspections revealed no critical issues like coolant loss or significant oil consumption. Instead, a minor oil leak was detected on the front of one of the cylinder heads, likely a pre-existing condition but now more evident. Later, a “Check Oil” warning appeared intermittently, despite the oil level remaining consistent on the dipstick. Forum research suggests a faulty oil level sensor, a common W210 issue requiring oil pan removal for replacement – another example of the maintenance realities of E55 AMG ownership. Furthermore, fluctuating temperature gauge readings indicate a potential temperature sensor issue, mirroring a similar problem encountered and resolved on another vehicle. Finally, rust along the sunroof lip adds to the list of minor but present concerns.
Conclusion: A Livable Legend Worth the Effort?
Despite these accumulated minor issues, the overwhelming impression of the Mercedes Benz E55 AMG remains profoundly positive. Its blend of exhilarating performance, luxurious comfort, and surprising practicality is truly captivating. The sheer enjoyment derived from driving this car, from the thunderous V8 to its comfortable long-distance cruising ability, outweighs the inevitable maintenance demands. While not for the faint of heart or those seeking completely trouble-free motoring, the E55 AMG offers a unique and rewarding ownership experience. It’s a testament to Mercedes-Benz and AMG’s engineering prowess, a car that remains deeply desirable even as it enters classic territory. For those willing to invest the time and resources, the Mercedes Benz E55 AMG is more than just a car; it’s a livable legend.
