Thinking of upgrading from my E430 to E55 AMG...questions

[Red66GT]

So, I've owned my E430 for a few years now and thinking of stepping up. I'm a DIY guy and have purchased some of the MB specific tools to do some of the standard maintenance (tranny dipstick, fan tools, I've done the brakes, replaced a radiator and battery, etc). I'm interested in the basic differences between the E430 and the E55.....specifically mechanically. 1) Can I use the same tools mentioned above on the E55? 2) Which E55s are supercharged? 3) Is the rearend the same? Tranny? 4) What about lowering? Is it necessary with these cars? I lowered mine and bought the rear adjustable camber arms.....same needed with the E55? They look lower than the E430 stock. 5) I've read on these boards some of the comforts that are different like vented front seats, but what else is different (cosmetically as well as creature comforts)? 6) I have Lorinser Staggered 18's on mine, should I keep em and will they fit the E55 just as well, or should I just sell em with the car and get something else? I guess I'm asking if the wheels that fit the E430 and E55 are the same....interchangebale? I'm lookin at 2001 and 2002 models. Thanks!

To remove this ad, register today or login if you already are registered!

[Esh]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_W210

This should help some.

[Mike K]

Good evening Red66,

Nice pics on your car.

Without getting too wordy, there are almost way too many differences to list. Body trim, special fenders, engine, suspension, interior, optional equipment on yours that is standard on the AMG, etc. Some would say a completely different car.

If you use the "search" function on this and benzworld, you'll find a few very knowledgeable members that have listed many of the differences.

With the market being as it is, you should be able to pick up a very nice E55 at a very reasonable price. Trust me, you'll never regret going to the AMG.

Now, don't ask about the cost of replacement parts because then, you'll find that "AMG" means "All Money Gone".

Good luck with your decision.

Mike K.

[Lawrence1]

^ fenders are the same. not that it's that important but ...

front brakes are a rip off indeed ... (retail on 2 front rotors alone is $600+)
tires cost $$$$ and rears will need replacing quite often(275/35/18 not a cheap size)
you can use your tools
the wheels will fit fine
many differences. e55 looks like a 2000+ e430 sport, except the wheels which are 18in staggered AMG monoblocks
e55 sits lower but not by much. you can reuse the suspension you bought for the e430 if you can keep it
tranny is beefed up some, not much on the W210, shifts are a little quicker
W210 is not supercharged, 2003-2006 w211 e55 are supercharged
the seats are perforated on 2000+ W210 E55s, not necessarily vented unless you have cooled seats(fairly rare option). heated seats were standard however.
rear end ratio is 2.81 i beleive, open diff(non-LSD) although a Quaife is available for $$$$.

i hope this answers some of your questions.

good luck with your search.

DONT FORGET TO CHECK FOR RUST. The W210 is rust prone more than any other car ive ever seen and it is a big issue especially with cars that come from midwest or east coast. try to keep your search local(i see you're in Reno so CA cars would be preferred)

[Esh]

While the fenders may be the same, you can't take a regular W210 fender and slap it on an AMG. AMG fenders are essentially regular W210 fenders but they are rolled to allow the AMG wheels/tires to fit properly.

If you ever get in an accident where they need to replace a fender they will be ordering a regular fender but will have to roll it.

[Lawrence1]

^ incorrect. i used a regular e320 fender on my E55 when i had to replace it. it fits fine, no rolling required.

[armaniE55]

Only time you will need to roll your fenders if your going big and wide....

Armani

P.S
Come to the Darkside


Check out my sig..99 E430 which I loved to death S500 back to W210 E55... Owned for over a year doesn't get a day old.. This is a Classic car..It's one of those cars that's a keeper (2nd car)

[Esh]

Originally Posted by Lawrence1

^ incorrect. i used a regular e320 fender on my E55 when i had to replace it. it fits fine, no rolling required.

http://www.mbworld.org/forums/3712305-post30.html

[AMS Performance]

if you just want to do the 5.5L motor swap, thats relatively easy up from a 430. But to do a full conversion its a waste of money.

Best option = clean your car up as nicely as possible, sell the 430, buy a 55 for a few grand more... TRUST ME its the best way to go, don't waste time & money. It will always add up to more to convert a car than it is to out right buy a nicer/newer/higher model.

2 cents

[AMS Performance]

if you just want to do the 5.5L motor swap, thats relatively easy up from a 430. But to do a full conversion its a waste of money.

Best option = clean your car up as nicely as possible, sell the 430, buy a 55 for a few grand more... TRUST ME its the best way to go, don't waste time & money. It will always add up to more to convert a car than it is to out right buy a nicer/newer/higher model.

2 cents

[Mike K]

Originally Posted by Lawrence1

^ incorrect. i used a regular e320 fender on my E55 when i had to replace it. it fits fine, no rolling required.

Just going by my build sheet and experience by other members. A previous E55 owner has found this out the hard way. His dealer used a standard fender and had to go back and replace with one rolled from the factory. Your choice.

You'll certainly find out if you lower the car by any amount and carry any load.

Take care.

Mike K.

[45acp]

Originally Posted by Red66GT

So, I've owned my E430 for a few years now and thinking of stepping up. I'm a DIY guy and have purchased some of the MB specific tools to do some of the standard maintenance (tranny dipstick, fan tools, I've done the brakes, replaced a radiator and battery, etc). I'm interested in the basic differences between the E430 and the E55.....specifically mechanically.

1) Can I use the same tools mentioned above on the E55?

2) Which E55s are supercharged?

3) Is the rearend the same? Tranny?

4) What about lowering? Is it necessary with these cars? I lowered mine and bought the rear adjustable camber arms.....same needed with the E55? They look lower than the E430 stock.

5) I've read on these boards some of the comforts that are different like vented front seats, but what else is different (cosmetically as well as creature comforts)?

6) I have Lorinser Staggered 18's on mine, should I keep em and will they fit the E55 just as well, or should I just sell em with the car and get something else? I guess I'm asking if the wheels that fit the E430 and E55 are the same....interchangebale?

I'm lookin at 2001 and 2002 models.

Thanks!

don't know how much you're looking to spend, but with the market the way it is, ever consider a '03-'06 w211 e55 (supercharged)? the increased hp is incredible compared to the w210.

oh, and to those who say the regular w210 e and amg fenders are the same, they are not....e55 fenders are slightly rolled on the inside lip. feel the inner lip of your e55, and the next time you get a chance, feel the inner lip of any regular w210. but that is the ONLY difference.

[Red66GT]

Thanks for all the replies guys!

[JamE55]

Originally Posted by Lawrence1

W210 is not supercharged, 2003-2006 w211 e55 are supercharged