2002 Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG

The 2002 Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG is a high-performance variant of the W210 E-Class, known for its potent engine and comfortable ride. While the standard E-Class offered various engine options, the E55 AMG was exclusively equipped with a hand-built 5.5-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine producing 349 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise its exhilarating acceleration, refined handling, and luxurious interior. Common complaints revolve around the cost of maintenance, potential for expensive repairs due to its age and complexity, and potential rust issues.

Engine

5.5L M113 V8

• Crank Position Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The engine may stall, hesitate, or fail to start. Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) related to the crank position sensor may be present.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty crank position sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve Cover Gasket Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks are visible around the valve covers, potentially causing a burning smell as oil drips onto the exhaust manifolds.
  • Solution: Replace the valve cover gaskets.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found
• Motor Mount Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive engine vibration, noticeable during idle or acceleration. Thumping or knocking noises may be heard.
  • Solution: Replace the engine mounts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-Speed Automatic (722.6)

• Conductor Plate Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Erratic shifting, getting stuck in gear, or failing to shift altogether. Diagnostic trouble codes related to the transmission may be present.
  • Solution: Replace the conductor plate within the transmission.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering during acceleration, slipping between gears, or harsh shifting.
  • Solution: Replace or rebuild the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $2500
  • Recalls: None Found
• Pilot Bushing Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks near the electrical connector of the transmission, potentially causing shifting problems.
  • Solution: Replace the pilot bushing (also known as the connector sleeve or adapter plug) and clean the electrical connector.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Air Suspension Failure (Rear)
  • Description/Symptoms: The rear of the car sags or droops, especially after being parked. The air compressor may run excessively or fail completely. Error messages may appear on the dashboard.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty air struts/springs, air compressor, or valve block.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000+ (per strut/spring); $500 - $1000 (compressor); $300-$600 (valve block)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Ball Joint Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noises from the suspension, especially when going over bumps.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty ball joints (often requires replacing the entire control arm).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800 (per side)
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Instrument Cluster Pixelation
  • Description/Symptoms: Pixels on the instrument cluster display fade or disappear, making it difficult to read information.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the instrument cluster.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000
  • Recalls: None Found
• Window Regulator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The windows operate slowly, erratically, or not at all.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty window regulator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500 (per window)
  • Recalls: None Found
• PSE Pump Failure (Pneumatic System Equipment)
  • Description/Symptoms: Central locking system malfunctions, seat adjustments fail, trunk soft close feature stops working.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the PSE pump.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1200
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust (Wheel Arches, Door Bottoms, Jack Points)
  • Description/Symptoms: Visible rust on the body panels, especially around the wheel arches, door bottoms, and jack points.
  • Solution: Rust repair, bodywork, and repainting.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies greatly depending on severity, $500 - $5000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The sunroof may be noisy, slow to open or close, or get stuck.
  • Solution: Lubricate the sunroof tracks and mechanism, or replace the sunroof motor or regulator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Center Console Wood Trim Cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: The wood veneer on the center console trim pieces may crack or delaminate.
  • Solution: Replace the affected trim pieces.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800 (depending on the piece)
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2002 Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG, while a desirable performance sedan, is prone to certain issues due to its age and complexity. Engine issues like valve cover leaks and crank position sensor failures are relatively common and can be moderately expensive to address. The transmission can suffer from conductor plate and torque converter problems, leading to significant repair costs. Suspension issues, particularly with the air suspension, are a known weak point and can also be costly. Electrical problems, like instrument cluster pixelation and PSE pump failures, are also frequently reported. Finally, rust is a concern in certain climates. Overall, owning a 2002 E55 AMG requires a proactive approach to maintenance and the expectation of potentially high repair bills to keep it in top condition.