s55sleeper

just bought a 2003 s55. Looking to make some upgrades to my car. any suggestions:
1. body work
2. engine
3. lighting
4. suspension (my left rear shock is leaking) wanted to know how should i go about this, go with arnott remanufactued or better of OEM
5. ETC. Open to any ideas on how to make this car break necks in anyway

GrepAwk

Depends on your wallet.

I would suggest skipping all the dolled up body kits. Stock is cool on these cars.

Engine will probably need supercharger oil changed, belts changed, maybe tensioner/pulleys.

Lighting: there is a factory lighted sill plate option that says AMG. Swaps in. The factory OE Hid lights work well.

Would you do the suspension work yourself? I found new strut unit from an online MB parts seller for discounted to sub $1.4k. Versus list price $1.7k, versus Arnott's remanufactured for $750ish? What's your tolerance for paying for new versus a reman unit with a warranty. (I've used Arnott for a different vehicle with air shocks and they are pretty good with honoring their warranty).

Your transmission and ABC systems will both break down at least once in 5 years. Plan for avoiding/preventing/paying for that. Fluid and filter changes are key.

ghiaguy

+1000, keep it classy and enjoy your new car!

arnottdoug

Quote:

Originally Posted by s55sleeper

just bought a 2003 s55. Looking to make some upgrades to my car. any suggestions:
4. suspension (my left rear shock is leaking) wanted to know how should i go about this, go with arnott remanufactued or better of OEM
5. ETC. Open to any ideas on how to make this car break necks in anyway

Sorry to hear about your air suspension problems. Is that left rear for your AMG an Airmatic or Active Body Control (ABC)?


If Airmatic Arnott has both a Remanufactured unit AS-2194 for $458.85 (Plus a $200 Core deposit) and a NEW Arnott designed unit AS-2606 for $579.52 which currently (Aug 2014 but subject to change) includes a $75 rebate if you return your core to us (Pre-Paid shipping label included).


The ABC Left Rear Strut SK-2461 is $628.95 plus a $300 Core Deposit. We engineered it to use a polyurethane seal to replace the OE rubber one which should last for many years.


Forum members can also get another 10% off up to $75 by using code MBSAVE10 when you place your order with Arnott (online or via phone). Does not include shipping, core or taxes if any.

GrepAwk

Hydraulic ABC was the highly touted standard suspension for the S55 AMG that year, in addition to the new supercharger "kompressor".

Also, hopefully you guys already have checked on this but....a good thing for Arnott to go find out is whether that poly O-ring is compatible with the Pentosin CHF11S synthetic hydraulic fluid. There are several types on natural rubber and synthetic rubber o-ring materials that will shrink/swell or become brittle in the presence of CHF11S.

theboogers

Abc rebuild for leak will eat up all the bucks. Need to flush system, get newer updated pump, and valve blocks. Otherwise car needs nothing to look good.

s55sleeper

thank you so much for the help guys. i actually went with arnott and the rear suspension is flawless. i don't feel anything in the rear. but as they say when u fix something on ur car next thing breaks. I'm hearing a squeak on my right ABC strut and i checked it out, no leak but the rubber is ripped. every time i hit a pot hole the car jumps bad. most likely going to change those too. Also when i drive i hear a rattle on my right side underneath the dash. idk if maybe their's something loose or what not. have to also get that checked out. and when i drive and want to punch it, the car lags for like 3 seconds and then it manages to pick up speed. idk if its the transmission or my supercharger. idk guys I'm very picky when it comes to cars and with this car the little things bother me the most and i tend to fix everything i find wrong with the car but the costs are ridiculous any thoughts?

Zax63

Nuthin more expensive than a cheap mercedes. Especially one with ABC. How many miles on the vehicle? Do you have service records and has the pump been replaced? I find once the parts in the system start breaking down, you commonly lose more than one strut. If you don't have deep pockets or do it yourself skills it can be an expensive vehicle to get "right." The E55 guys are very active and if you search that side of the forum you will likely find answers to address your supercharger lag questions.

corsaschnell

Fix your ABC issue and enjoy the car as is, she is a beauty and a very capable performer.