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Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG Repair and Maintenance

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Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG Questions and Answers

removing the brake caliper
Maier, 2000 Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG, Peoria, AZ

How do you remove the caliper on a 2000 Mercedes E55 AMG from rotor to replace the pads as well as replacing the rotors ?
Thank you very much for your assistance in this matter.

A/C Compressor will not run
ddt, 1999 Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG, Lancaster, VA

After servicing A/C system how is EC reset?

Power locks and windows
prathermm, 2001 Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG, Mobile, AL

What causes the power locks and windows not to work? I have checked all fuses that I can find and none of them appear blown.

SBC Control Unit
mohd3333, 2004 Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG, New York, NY

Am having Mercedes E-240 (W211) Model 2004 - Am getting this message on my screen (Service Brake! Visit Workshop!)- Mechanic told (without connecting the car computer to any reader or anything) tha...

Battery Removal
pbh, 1999 Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG, Greensboro, NC

Is there a key involved in removing the rear seat to charge battery?

will driving through 2 feet of water damage the car?
dru, 2002 Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG, Sacramento, CA

will driving through 2 feet of water damage the car?

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Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG Car Reviews (2)

2006 Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG, 2006MercedesE55AMG, Santa Cruz, CA, August 23, 2009 17:02

First the bad news: The Airmatic Suspension has failed once at 36,000 miles and when it does the fender sits on the tire, and you need a flat bed to get to the dealer. I don't trust the Airmatic Suspension.

Also, while the lights are very good, they do not have the adaptive xenon lights as on my wife's Lexus RX330 for 1/2 the price, which also light around corners. Mercedes is not the leader here.

Now the GOOD NEWS

1. The AMG seats are clearly the best in the world. Deep bolsters that can be activated for turn by turn bolstering, or heated, cooled, or set to massage. Incredible for long distance travel, and the best in any car I've ever driven.

2. The AMG engine, handbuilt in Altenbach, allows the car (if you can keep the rear wheels in line with traction control off) to get to 60 mph as fast as my former Vipers or Vettes, basically 4.5 seconds or so depending on how good you are at keeping the car lined up. Or if you're lazy like me, put it in sport suspension, sport gearing, traction on, and just mash the throttle whenever you want to leave someone behind or get around traffic. The power is unbelievable, particularly for a car that seats 5, 4 in great comfort.

3. When the suspension is working right, you can actually feel the difference between comfort, Sport 1 and Sport 2. My daily commute is over Highway 17 in Calfornia with some off camber, decreasing radius turns, and the car handles them flat and smooth.

4. Brakes. For a 4000 pound sedan, once you get used to the feel of electronic brakes they work very, very, well. Not as easy to modulate as I would like, but absolute stopping is excellent.

This is a $90,000 car when new, and you can buy them now with 40K miles on them for $39,000 with excellent stereo, adequate Nav system, and all the bells and whistles you could ever want. This car was worth $90,000 when it was new. Now, comparing it to anything you can buy for under $100K, this is a steal, and a fabulous car.
2006 Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG, E55AMG, Olathe, KS, February 19, 2009 09:23

This is one of the fastest cars ever. It may not be #1 in speed, but it has to be in the top 10 if not the top 5. The attention to detail in the whole car is second to none. On the negative side, the gas mileage is not the best, but what do you expect out of a supercharged, 500 HP V8 anyway? 15-17 MPG anyway you drive it and all you can handle and 19-21 with your foot out of it and driving the speed limit. I'm glad gas is still cheap. I highly recommend any Mercedes to own and drive, but if you want to be able to take another couple with you or four of your friends in a premium well built luxury car and be able to out perform and flat out "OUTRUN" 99.9% of any car on the road, then you might want to consider the E55 AMG. The sports car hidden in a four door sedan. It's o.k. if you don't take my word on it, just read the history of Mercedes-Benz, AMG or anyone who owns one. By the way, if you do get a E55 AMG, always drive the speed limit, get a great detector or attorney. It will make your life and your drive more enjoyable, I guarantee it. Forget the Bowflex.

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Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG Problems

Brakes
  • Due to the size and materials of the brakes on these vehicles, the brakes start to squeak around the 50 percent wear point. The brake rotor surfaces become uneven, causing a lip to form at the outer edge of the rotor. Because of this, the rotors are usually replaced when the pads are worn (pad life varies depending on driving style and terrain).
  • Brake fluid should be flushed every two years to prevent premature anti-lock brake system (ABS) failure.
Engine
  • Oil leaks from the PCV vent housings on the valve covers and inspection plates on the front of the engine are common.
  • The rubber bond in the harmonic balancer can decay, which causes the balancer to move and work its way into the timing chain cover. If the balancer comes into contact with the timing cover while the engine is running, it will fracture and damage the timing case and potentially other surrounding parts. The harmonic balancer should be inspected at every service.
  • Oil leaks from the oil level sensor are common.
  • The crankshaft position sensors tend to fail. Symptoms of this are: The engine will crank—but not start—especially when the engine is warm. The car may start again if it is left to cool off, but it may run roughly or have poor performance. Communicating these specific symptoms to your technician can save diagnostic time.
Exhaust & Emissions
Suspension & Steering
  • Irregular and premature tire wear can be caused by the lower control arm bushings cracking and causing excessive movement at the control arm pivot point. Ball joints can also wear out prematurely, causing similar tire wear symptoms.
  • A squeak from the steering column is often related to a rubber boot in the column or a seal in the power steering rack.
Drive Train
  • A vibration felt through the center floor of the vehicle can be caused by driveshaft flex discs, which crack and shred, causing excessive driveshaft movement. Not repairing these can cause damage to the driveshaft center support bearing, or, in the worst case scenario, damage to the transmission or differential.
  • High mileage vehicles can leak from the transmission oil seals.
  • High mileage or older vehicles develop leaks at the differential seals and cover; the whole unit needs to be resealed to repair the leaks.
  • The bushings for the shifter lever wear out to the point where they break and fall out. This causes excessive movement (loose feel) in the shifter lever and a clanging-type noise when changing gears.
Electrical & Lights
  • Tail lamp housings can melt, resulting in a loss of contact for the brake light bulb holder. If this happens, the brake lights will not work. 
  • The third (high) brake light housings melt, resulting in a loss of electrical contact for the light, which stops working. A complete housing (contacts and lens) is needed to repair the problem. On certain vehicles, if this happens, the anti-lock brake system will not function. The brakes will work in normal mode, but not provide the ABS control.
  • Instrument cluster displays tend to fail, especially the clock and gear indicators; the instrument cluster needs to be replaced.
  • Brake light switch failure can cause the ESP and BAS warnings to illuminate.
  • PSE system, voice control module, or Tele Aid module failure can cause a lack of audio. These same modules can also cause dead battery conditions when they fail to "time out." Many electronic control modules are active even when the engine is off. If these modules stay active, they will drain the battery, which is why they have a timer built into the modules. The timer shuts down the modules after a preset amount of time (timing out). If a module does not time out, it will stay active and drain the battery.
Heating & Air Conditioning
  • Malfunctioning blower motor regulators can cause the blower motor to operate below the requested speed or not at all. Updated regulators are available; the blower motor and cover need to be replaced at the same time  to upgrade the system.
  • The evaporator temperature sensor can fail, causing the AC compressor not to cycle. If the AC compressor does not cycle on, the AC system will not blow cold air. If the AC compressor is stuck on, the air will be very cold at first, before warming up.

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Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG Recalls and TSBs

Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG Recalls (Recent)

Body, Interior & Misc.: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Campaign Number: 98V256000
Dates Manufactured: 07/1998 to 08/1998
Number of Vehicles Affected: 4,163
Model Years Affected: 1999
Date Owner Notified: 11/1998

Defect Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. A WRONG CLAMP MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED ON THE WINDOW AIR BAG UNITS.

Consequence Summary: THE WINDOW AIR BAG MAY NOT FULLY DEPLOY IN A SIDE-IMPACT COLLISION, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE VEHICLE OCCUPANT.

Corrective Summary: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE WINDOW AIR BAG UNITS AND, IF THE WRONG OR INCORRECTLY INSTALLED CLAMP IS FOUND, THE ENTIRE UNIT WILL BE REPLACED.

Recall Notes: OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN NOVEMBER 20, 1998.OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-FOR-MERCEDES (1-800-367-6372). ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

Body, Interior & Misc.: AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
Campaign Number: 01I005000
Dates Manufactured: 10/1999 to 02/2000
Number of Vehicles Affected: 2,038
Model Years Affected: 2000

Defect Summary: THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 2000 SLK AND E-CLASS VEHICLES. SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENTS HAVE OCCURRED WHEN THE VEHICLE IS LEFT PARKED IN HIGH TEMPERATURES DURING WARMER MONTHS.

Corrective Summary: MERCEDES-BENZ DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SIDE AIR BAG FREE OF CHARGE. MERCEDES-BENZ HAS DECIDED TO CONDUCT A SERVICE CAMPAIGN TO REPLACE THE SIDE AIR BAG. OWNERS CAN CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372, CONCERNING THIS PROGRAM.

Body, Interior & Misc.: SEAT BELTS
Campaign Number: 03V534000
Dates Manufactured: 08/2003 to 10/2003
Number of Vehicles Affected: 4,348
Model Years Affected: 2004
Date Owner Notified: 12/2003

Defect Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, SOME SEAT BELT BUCKLES MAY HAVE A BURR ON A METAL COMPONENT OF THE LOCKING MECHANISM. THE PRESENCE OF THE BURR COULD PREVENT THE SEAT BELT FROM LOCKING UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES.

Consequence Summary: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.

Corrective Summary: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SEAT BELTS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON DECEMBER 22, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.

Recall Notes: MERCEDES-BENZ RECALL NO. 2003 120006.CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION¿S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

Brakes: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Campaign Number: 04V296000
Dates Manufactured: 10/2001 to 05/2004
Number of Vehicles Affected: 143,387
Model Years Affected: 2003, 2004, 2005
Date Owner Notified: 10/2004

Defect Summary: ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE ELECTRONIC MONITORING SYSTEM OF THE SENSOTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL (SBC) IS DESIGNED TO MONITOR THE PRESSURE GRADIENT WITHIN THE HIGH PRESSURE LINE OF THE BRAKE SYSTEM. IF AN UNACCEPTABLE PRESSURE GRADIENT IS DETECTED, THE SYSTEM WILL SWITCH, AS IT IS DESIGNED TO DO, INTO THE HYDRAULIC FUNCTION MODE.

Consequence Summary: IF VEHICLES ARE NOT ROUTINELY SERVICED AND HAVE EXTREMELY HIGH MILEAGE COMBINED WITH A HIGH NUMBER OF BRAKE ACTUATIONS, OR A HIGH BRAKE ACTUATION FREQUENCY, THE PUMP MOTOR OF THE SBC MAY RUN OUT OF PERMISSIBLE TOLERANCES, THEREBY TRIGGERING THE HYDRAULIC FUNCTION MODE.

Corrective Summary: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SBC HYDRAULIC UNIT, REPLACING IT IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 21M 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.

Recall Notes: MERCEDES-BENZ RECALL NO. 2004 050014.CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION¿S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

Brakes: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Campaign Number: 05V133000
Dates Manufactured: 06/2001 to 03/2005
Number of Vehicles Affected: 204,000
Model Years Affected: 2003, 2004, 2005
Date Owner Notified: 08/2005

Defect Summary: ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE SENSOTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL (SBC) SYSTEM MAY PREMATURELY SHIFT TO THE HYDRAULIC BACK-UP FUNCTION MODE, DUE TO DETERIORATION OF THE WIRING HARNESS CONNECTION, OR DUE TO PREMATURE FAILURE OF THE HYDRAULIC PUMP.

Consequence Summary: IN THE HYDRAULIC BACK-UP MODE, THE DRIVER HAS BRAKING POWER SUFFICIENT TO STOP THE VEHICLE, ALTHOUGH GREATER BRAKE PEDAL PRESSURE IS REQUIRED AND THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL WILL BE NOTICEABLY LONGER.

Corrective Summary: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A BRACKET AND REPLACEMENT GROUND WIRE TO THE SBC PUMP UNIT ON ALL VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. ADDITIONALLY DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE SBC PUMP UNIT IN SL VEHICLES PRODUCED DURING A LIMITED PRODUCTION PERIOD. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 8, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.

Recall Notes: MERCEDES-BENZ RECALL NO. 2005070007 AND 2005110001. CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

Electrical & Lights: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Campaign Number: 08V303000
Dates Manufactured: 11/2002 to 05/2008
Number of Vehicles Affected: 404
Model Years Affected: 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006

Defect Summary: MERCEDES-BENZ IS RECALLING MY 2006-2008 M-CLASS, R-CLASS, MY 2005-2009 SLK-CLASS, MY 2005-2008 C-CLASS, MY 2003-2004 AND 2006-2008 CLK-CLASS, MY 2003-2008 E-CLASS, MY 2004 AND 2008 CL-CLASS, MY 2008 CLS-CLASS, MY 2004 AND 2007-2008 S-CLASS, MY 2003 G-CLASS, AND MY 2003-2004, 2006 AND 2009 SL-CLASS VEHICLES. A SOFTWARE CALIBRATION NUMBER (SCN) CODING RECEIVED ON THE AFFECTED VEHICLES DURING A RECENT WORKSHOP VISIT WAS INCORRECT. DEPENDING ON THE MODEL YEAR AND MODEL AFFECTED, THE RESULTS OF AN INCORRECT SCN CODING CAN AFFECT A NUMBER OF VEHICLE SAFETY AND EMISSION FUNCTIONS INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING TYPES OF FUNCTIONS: (1) THE FUEL GAUGE READINGS MAY BE INCORRECT; (2) A STUCK FUEL-LEVEL SENSOR MAY NOT BE DISPLAYED IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER; (3) THE OBD SYSTEM MAY CAUSE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE INCORRECTLY; AND, (4) THE SPEEDOMETER MAY BE OUT OF TOLERANCE.

Consequence Summary: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE ELECTRICAL FUEL PUMP MAY NOT RECEIVE A CRASH SIGNAL THAT IS REQUIRED FOR THE FUEL PUMP TO DISCONNECT AND PREVENT FUTURE FUEL DELIVERY AS DESIGNED.

Corrective Summary: DEALERS WILL RECODE THE SCN FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING AUGUST 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.

Recall Notes: MERCEDES-BENZ RECALL NO. 2008 070001.CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

Suspension & Steering: STEERING
Campaign Number: 03V289000
Dates Manufactured: 01/2003 to 03/2003
Number of Vehicles Affected: 554
Model Years Affected: 2003
Date Owner Notified: 08/2003

Defect Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE NUT ON THE BOLT WHICH CONNECTS THE STEERING GEAR TO THE STEERING COUPLING MAY NOT BE TIGHTENED CORRECTLY.

Consequence Summary: THE LOOSENING OF THE NUT COULD RESULT IN A SLIPPING OF THE CONNECTION OVER TIME, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Corrective Summary: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLES AND TIGHTEN THE NUT ON THE BOLT IF NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 21, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.

Recall Notes: MERCEDES-BENZ RECALL NO. 2003-08003.CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION¿S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

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Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG Technical Service Bulletins (Recent)

None reported.

 

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Recent Mercedes-Benz Repair Estimates

Rotate Tires
2003 Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG in Rowland Heights, CA
$26 - $33
Oxygen Sensor Replacement
2005 Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG in Atlanta, GA
$179 - $251
Radiator Replacement
2004 Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG in Springfield, VA
$764 - $1174
Starter Replacement
2004 Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG in Springfield, VA
$381 - $617
Thermostat Replacement
2004 Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG in Springfield, VA
$218 - $329

Most Common Mercedes-Benz Repair Estimates

Brake Pad and Rotor Replacement
$578 - $1317
Maintenance Service A
$181 - $262
Maintenance Service B
$312 - $609
Spark Plug Replacement
$267 - $384
Oil and Filter Change
$69 - $119