2004 Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG

The 2004 Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG is a performance sedan that combines luxury with impressive power. It came exclusively with a 5.4L Supercharged V8 engine, producing 469 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. It was paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission. Owners love the car’s incredible acceleration and comfortable ride. Common complaints revolve around the cost of maintenance and repairs due to the car’s complexity and age.

Engine

5.4L Supercharged V8 (M113K)

• Intercooler Pump Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The intercooler pump, responsible for cooling the air entering the engine, can fail. This leads to reduced power, especially during hot weather, and can trigger a check engine light.
  • Solution: Replace the intercooler pump.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found
• Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The crankshaft position sensor can fail, causing the engine to stall or fail to start.
  • Solution: Replace the crankshaft position sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found
• Supercharger Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Supercharger whine or loss of boost pressure can indicate issues with the supercharger itself. Bearings can wear out, or the supercharger clutch may fail.
  • Solution: Rebuild or replace the supercharger.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve Cover Gasket Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks from the valve cover gaskets are common on older engines. This can lead to oil consumption and a burning smell.
  • Solution: Replace the valve cover gaskets.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-Speed Automatic (722.6)

• Conductor Plate Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The conductor plate inside the transmission can fail, causing erratic shifting, limp mode, or complete transmission failure.
  • Solution: Replace the conductor plate and potentially the valve body.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Torque converter failure can cause shuddering, stalling, or a complete loss of drive.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Air Suspension Failure (Airmatic)
  • Description/Symptoms: The air suspension system (Airmatic) is prone to leaks and failures. Symptoms include the car sitting unevenly, failing to rise, or displaying a warning message. Air struts, the air compressor, and the valve block are common failure points.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty air strut(s), air compressor, or valve block.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,000+ per strut; $500 - $1,200 for the compressor; $300 - $600 for the valve block
  • Recalls: None Found
• ABC (Active Body Control) Suspension Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: ABC suspension issues can manifest as uneven ride height, stiff ride, or warning lights. Components like the hydraulic pump, accumulators (spheres), and struts are susceptible to failure.
  • Solution: Replace faulty ABC components. Flushing the system regularly can help prevent failures.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies greatly depending on the component; pump replacement $1,500 - $3,000+, accumulators $300 - $800 each, struts $1,000 - $2,500+ each
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• EIS (Electronic Ignition Switch) Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The EIS can fail, preventing the car from starting or causing intermittent electrical issues.
  • Solution: Replace the EIS.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500
  • Recalls: None Found
• SAM (Signal Acquisition Module) Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: SAM units control various electrical functions and can fail due to corrosion or electrical issues. This can lead to problems with lights, wipers, or other systems.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty SAM unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,200
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive battery drain can be caused by various electrical issues, including faulty modules or parasitic draws.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair the source of the battery drain.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies widely depending on the source of the drain.
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust can develop on various body panels, especially around the wheel arches, door edges, and under the trim.
  • Solution: Repair or replace rusted panels.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies widely depending on the severity of the rust.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Headlight Lens Clouding
  • Description/Symptoms: The headlight lenses can become cloudy or yellowed over time, reducing visibility.
  • Solution: Polish the headlight lenses or replace the headlights.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200 for polishing; $300 - $1,000+ for replacement
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Pixel Loss in Instrument Cluster/COMAND Screen
  • Description/Symptoms: Pixels in the instrument cluster or COMAND screen can fade or disappear, making it difficult to read the information.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the instrument cluster or COMAND screen.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The sunroof mechanism can fail, causing the sunroof to jam or not open/close properly.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the sunroof mechanism.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2004 Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG, while offering exceptional performance, is prone to several issues due to its age and complex systems. Suspension problems (Airmatic/ABC), electrical glitches (EIS/SAM), and transmission issues are the most common and can be quite expensive to repair. Engine-related issues such as intercooler pump and valve cover gasket problems are also frequently seen. Overall, prospective buyers should be aware of the potential for costly repairs and maintenance before purchasing this vehicle.