Fast wagons are perhaps one of the most cultish of vehicle genres to date. There are those like me who have disdain for most SUVs and realize there are alternatives to moving your stuff around. As a single person without children, minivans are overkill for my demographic. It was Jeremy Clarkson who was quoted as saying a minivan signals to the world that “I’ve done my breeding. I’ve served my biological purpose, and now I’m waiting to die.” So ruling out a small van, where is one to turn for their hauling needs? How about Mercedes-Benz? Unlike Audi, Mercedes-Benz has not given up on a segment in the US market which it began to popularize decades ago. There are still loyal fans of the five-door variant of the E-class, now on its sixth generation if you count the W123 T-modell which started it all. Luckily, Mercedes-Benz has been kind enough to bring AMG tuned variants to a market with otherwise vanilla tastes when it comes to family cars. Today we’ll look at two very similar looking but different beasts, the E55 AMG and E63 AMG estates, both wearing the same shade of Graphite Gray Metallic for sale for sale from the same dealer outside of Philadelphia.
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 2005 Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG Estate on eBay
Year: 2005
Model: E55 AMG Estate
Engine: 5.5 liter supercharged V8
Transmission: 5-speed automatic
Mileage: 112,324 mi
Price: $20,990 Buy It Now
2005 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 5.5L AMG
*** 2005 MERCEDES E55 AMG WAGON *** CLEAN CARFAX REPORT *** NAVIGATION *** 5.5 LITER SUPERCHARGED V8 ENGINE *** 3RD ROW SEATING *** 18 INCH AMG WHEELS *** LEATHER INTERIOR *** HEATED AND AIR COOLED SEATS *** CD PLAYER *** HARMAN KARDON SOUND SYSTEM *** POWER SUNROOF *** POWER LOCKS *** KEYLESS ENTRY *** POWER SEATS ***
Both of the descriptions from the seller here leave a lot to be desired, especially whether records are available. Service history is key to any used car, but especially in the case of a high performance vehicle. Much more detail would be needed here. The price is about on par for what you would expect to pay for an E55 AMG Estate with this kind of mileage, barring no significant issues are lurking. Have a thorough PPI conducted, bargain a little bit and you could give the kids a smile on their way to football practice.
If you want something a little bit newer and normally aspirated, here’s a 2007 E63 AMG Estate with about half the mileage that we saw on the E55 AMG Estate above.
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 2007 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG Estate on eBay
Year: 2007
Model: E63 AMG Estate
Engine: 6.3 liter V8
Transmission: 7-speed automatic
Mileage: 53,488 mi
Price: $37,500 Buy It Now
2007 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 6.3L AMG
*** 2007 MERCEDES E63 AMG WAGON *** CLEAN CARFAX REPORT *** 3RD ROW SEATING *** NAVIGATION *** KEYLESS PUSH START *** LEATHER AND SUEDE INTERIOR *** HEATED AND AIR COOLED SEATS *** XENON LIGHTS *** CD PLAYER *** SATELLITE RADIO *** HARMAN KARDON SOUND SYSTEM *** POWER SUNROOF *** POWER LOCKS *** KEYLESS ENTRY *** POWER SEATS ***
Which one of these is my favorite? Without a doubt, I would choose the E55 AMG. Having owned a supercharged MINI Cooper S for years, there’s something about the whine from a blower that I love, no matter what kind of engine it is strapped to. Heck, I would supercharge my toilet if I could. That being said, I wouldn’t turn my nose up at either of these two fast wagons. It’s hard to find cars that are unique in this day and age, as safety, emissions and cost cutting rule the day. These AMG haulers will help you stand out.
-Paul
The E55 is certainly better value for the asking price. But I’ve read owners say the E63 is a better handling car. I would imagine the low end throttle response would reward the E63 too. Personally I am looking to start with a W210 2000-2002 euro E55 AMG touring imported to Canada, for half the price of the supercharged W211 E55.
Stock for stock the E63 is better in every way. Look up the numerous reviews. Very marginally faster, but looks better, sharper throttle response (this is the M156 after all), better brake feel, and better handling. Better interior as well. Sounds awesome. Better transmission. Paddle shifters. The w211 is also the last AMG wagon with 3rd row seats from the factory. The only reason to get the E55 is if you are into modding.
I would have to agree that either is a great pick. But then my practical side rises and I wonder where in America I could possibly use the full potential of either of these great cars. Sure it would be fun to play Clarkson and burn the tires off at a stop light. Sure it would be fun to make the run from Phoenix to LA in an hour and a half… Honestly, the best part of either is the exclusivity they provide. Speaking of exclusivity, the Estate version is a rare bird anyway and the AMG limits that even more.
I can honestly say that trading my 300TE for the ML350 was a poorly conceived transaction. I would not do it again. I’m going back to the Estate… in more ways than one…
I’d choose the E55. A bit more understated styling is easier to live with. It is much more of a sleeper only identified by enthusiasts. To me the E63 appearance is more at home parked at an estate or heading to a private airport; two places I would never go.
The E55 has a durable powertrain, but will have all the other annoying ancillary faults of pre-facelift W211s. The E63 enjoys the facelift reliability improvements, but then you have to worry about the well-known and expensive problems with the M156.
99% sure that I’m familiar with that exact E63 Wagon. CarFax is displaying it as having been offered for sale at Benz of Arlington, Virginia back in May at an asking price of $29,000. The car arrived at the dealership on May 21st, and I went to view it immediately. When I got there, I noticed several concerning things: The reverse lights were stuck on when the transmission was placed in “Park”. There was also significant orange peel on the left rear quarter panel, and the rear hatch alignment was slightly off. All signs pointed to a rear-impact accident at some point in the car’s history, despite the clean CarFax. A previous owner must have paid for the repairs out of pocket to keep the paper trail clean.
Within 24 hours of viewing the car, it was taken off the dealer’s website. I assumed that a private buyer picked up the car, but we can now see that the wagon was sent to wholesale auction almost immediately. Not a great sign. I don’t mean to bag on Selden Motors because I love their inventory, but it just so happens that I saw this particular car with my own two eyes. Buyer beware.