a little history: I have had 11 cars 6 BMW’s and im the definition of a backyard mechanic. currently i have an 04 E55 AMG with close to 170k miles.

I’m not incredibly knowledgeable but I do a lot of research and then tackle whatever problem and at least attempt to DIY, I have fixed many things but also learned some lessons on my limitations. at this point I do a lot of wrenching but for something like fuel injectors i have a mechanic do it. belts pulleys coolant tanks things like that i have no problem with. even the 16 spark plugs wasn’t too bad once i got the hang of it. I have been able to do a lot of work my self my car as well as I have paid a over 5k in my owner ship of 3 years maybe more considering tires and motor mounts and other amg things like gas and transmission service brakes suspension.

The car is not falling apart but as any german it is having its issues, i will says it one of the most reliable cars ive owned although it seems to always have an issue. sounds contradictory but if you’ve owned and out of warranty german car you know. the issues are the over engineered mercedes things, which i am used to with older german cars, i know what i signed up for. Every time i drive the car it makes me happy and i love it to death. I do not want to sell it or downgrade although it seems the financially responsible thing to do.

I am under 30 and have had tons of fun with this car, while it’s almost taken my life it’s saved it by possibly being one of the brightest part of my life as i am diagnosed with MDD.

Financially it is taking a toll and keeping me stagnant, i am thinking of finding a bucket car or trading it in for something more reliable and having a payment but i prefer cars of that era and newer cars i really don’t like as much. i thought about a c43 which i have driven. but im not willing to part with the e55 for a c43 even if its newer i dont care. parting with my paid off AMG doesn’t sit right with me. not daily it driving it is something i can live with though.

Does the cost of ownership justify keeping this car, or am i way too attached and need to grow up? I would like to get the car pristine and sell it one day as the conditions its in i wouldn’t get what it’s worth for it. i only live one time and i have never heard anyone say they dont regret selling their E55. not sure what it the best move .

thoughts?

TLDR: should i keep my e55 despite it being expensive to maintain and downgrade to a less desirable car or should i keep the e55, get a bucket and drive it on the weekend while fixing it and eventually sell it for more than I paid as it raises i value?