I know the w211 has had some problems. Did the E55 have the same suspension and problematic brake system of the other w211?
If I were to shop for an E55, are there years that are better than others? For example, avoid 2003, but 2004 onward ok?

Alternatively, I may just consider replacing my 1997 E420 with a 2001-2002 E55. Perhaps those are as solid as my E420 (which has been really good for 7 years, and now at 140kmi)

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2008 S550
2010 GLK350
1997 E420 (retired)
2005 CLK500 (retired)

why get rid of your current car when its been good to you?

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1986 300SDL, 211K,Dealership serviced its whole life
1991 190E 2.6(120k)
1983 300D(300k)
1977 300D(211k)

One would expect any AMG to have had the bejeezus run out of it.

I'd worry a lot more about the motor than the things you're suggesting.

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Kent Christensen
Albuquerque
'07 GL320CDI, '10 CL550. '01 Porsche Boxster
Two BMW motorcycles

You are probably right, my car has really been good so why change... Just a little bored with it by now.
I would like to consider a w211 at some point in the next year, but perhaps that is unwise given its reliability record.

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2008 S550
2010 GLK350
1997 E420 (retired)
2005 CLK500 (retired)

Our W211 has been 100% reliable.

All the previous year problems have been fixed.

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Kent Christensen
Albuquerque
'07 GL320CDI, '10 CL550. '01 Porsche Boxster
Two BMW motorcycles

The 1st year of any model car is suspect. The W211 falls into that as well.

Look at a later one.

__________________
MERCEDES Benz Master Guild Technician (6 TIMES)
ASE Master Technician
Mercedes Benz Star Technician (2 times)
44 years foreign automotive repair
27 Years M.B. Shop foreman (dealer)
MB technical information Specialist (15 years)
190E 2.3 16V ITS SCCA race car (sold)
1986 190E 2.3 16V 2.5 (sold)
Retired Moderator

I wish I had read that from M.B. DOC earlier. Just bought a 1996 W210 (first year), waiting for delivery.

__________________
1996 E320 since 1/16/08, 171K miles as of Feb 2011

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1989 300CE - R.I.P. Dec 29 2007
Other MBs (sold): 1992 300E-24 - 1979 350SLC - 1984 230E - 1990 300CE