Considering a 2007 Mercedes Benz E550? It’s a model that offers a blend of luxury and performance, but as with any vehicle of this age, especially one with potentially high mileage, there are key areas to inspect before making a purchase. This guide, from a Mercedes-Benz repair expert, highlights the critical points to evaluate on a 2007 E550.
One initial point raised was regarding vehicle history, specifically mentioning theft. While a theft record might slightly impact resale value, the crucial factor is whether any damage incurred during such incidents was properly repaired. For a car that’s over 15 years old, expecting a flawless history is unrealistic. Minor accidents or incidents are common. Focus on the quality of repairs rather than the mere presence of a past event.
Mileage is a significant factor. A 2007 Mercedes Benz E550 with 150,000 miles is considered high mileage. At this point, a pre-purchase inspection is not just recommended, it’s essential. Generic inspection reports might not reveal specific Mercedes-Benz related issues. You need a thorough check focusing on known weak points of this model.
Fortunately, the 2007 E550, equipped with the M273 engine, is outside the production range known for timing chain problems that plagued earlier Mercedes models. However, the E550 does come with its own set of common issues.
A primary concern is the Airmatic suspension system. While the original post suggests that failures would likely have occurred by now, it’s still vital to inspect the system. Airmatic issues are a well-known Mercedes-Benz problem. Dealer repairs can be costly, around $1000 per corner. Aftermarket solutions like Arnott offer more affordable options, approximately $500 or less per corner. The E350 models of the same era did not feature Airmatic, so this is an E550 specific point of attention.
Another common issue with the M272 and M273 engines (which includes the E550’s engine) is the intake manifold. Look for signs of intake manifold problems. A preventative measure you can consider is replacing the oil separator/breather cover. A failing oil separator can lead to oil coating the intake flaps, causing them to gum up and eventually break. If neglected, broken flaps can fall into the engine, leading to severe damage. Inspect the lever in front of the intake manifold for stiffness, which can indicate early stages of this issue.
Given the mileage, expect wear and tear on various components. This includes suspension parts like ball joints, tie rods, control arms, bushings, and sway bar links. Also, check motor mounts, flex discs, and brakes. Engine-related wear items include the tensioner, pulleys, belt, oil cooler and coolant gaskets, and rear oil plugs. A well-maintained car might have had these items addressed, but verification is crucial.
The 2007 E550 often came with the Premium 2 Package (P2), which included desirable features like bixenon headlights and Keyless Go. While these are benefits, Keyless Go door handles are known to fail. Moisture can corrode the switches, causing the lock/unlock function to malfunction. Test all door handles to ensure the Keyless Go system works correctly on each door. Replacement handles can cost $200-$300 each. If some handles are faulty, you can still use the key fob, but factor this potential repair into your purchase decision. Speaking of keys, confirm you receive two keys with the vehicle. Keyless Go fobs are more expensive to replace (around $500+ from the dealer), so ensure both are present and functional. Consider using a tracking device like a Tile or AirTag to prevent key loss. Parktronic, another likely feature, is a useful parking assist system worth verifying is operational.
In conclusion, a 2007 Mercedes Benz E550 can be a rewarding purchase if you are aware of its potential issues and conduct a thorough pre-purchase inspection. Focus on the Airmatic suspension, intake manifold, mileage-related wear, and Keyless Go system. With careful evaluation, you can make an informed decision and potentially enjoy the luxury and performance of the E550.
