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should i buy an 05 g55 or newer g550

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Old Oct 14, 2015 | 12:20 AM
  #1  
Cpt.Joe1983's Avatar
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From: Pensacola fl
Mercedes s600
should i buy an 05 g55 or newer g550

Trying to decide wether i should get an older g55 with more power or get a newer g550 with less power. I sold my s65 and just sold my wifes audi a4 and we want an suv for an upcoming child. I love going to car shows and customizing my vehicles. I dont care too much about power but another 100hp is a lot. Guess im wondering what other who have drove both would say. This will be my first g wagon. And my wife will drive it as well. Is the new 550 enough power? Can it be easily tuned for a bit more? Would a g55 be too much for a family friendly suv with new born? Is there a ride difference? Any info or advice would be greatly appreciated.
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Old Oct 15, 2015 | 04:10 AM
  #2  
victordakhteh's Avatar
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2003 G55 AMG
Originally Posted by Cpt.Joe1983
Trying to decide wether i should get an older g55 with more power or get a newer g550 with less power. I sold my s65 and just sold my wifes audi a4 and we want an suv for an upcoming child. I love going to car shows and customizing my vehicles. I dont care too much about power but another 100hp is a lot. Guess im wondering what other who have drove both would say. This will be my first g wagon. And my wife will drive it as well. Is the new 550 enough power? Can it be easily tuned for a bit more? Would a g55 be too much for a family friendly suv with new born? Is there a ride difference? Any info or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Hi there,

I have had both before and honestly if you get a newer G550 you will be perfectly fine, especially if you don't need the extra power, which it doesn't sound like you do. Besides the power difference, the body is wider on a G55, but you can upgrade that on a G550 if you are willing to spend more. Other than that the G550 already has a good kick to it as far as power, it will take off really well. The sound is just as aggressive. One difference again would be steering, a G55 will be tighter than a G550 and clearly this is because of the wheels and tires being different between the two models. If your wife will drive it, I would go with a G550, My girlfriend struggles with my G55 steering and complain's. Also if you want to work on your Gwagon and make it more off road like the G550 will be just fine. I hope this helps.
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Old Oct 16, 2015 | 03:41 PM
  #3  
chsu74's Avatar
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From: CT
GL 450, 993TT, Cayenne Diesel, 964C4
I am looking at G wagons too and am facing the same question. I am leaning towards a G55 because of the stronger 5 sp transmission.

I have a GL diesel w/ 7 speed transmission and it gets clunky trying to find the right gear 20-35 mph around corners. There are also reported valve body issues failing.

The 5sp gearbox is rated almost up to 800lbs of torque while the 7sp is rated up to around 550lbs torque. Fairly clear which one is more durable.

Kicker is '09 and newer G55s are still in the high $60Ks with around 50-60K miles. Want the newer hard drive based command system at least..
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Old Oct 16, 2015 | 04:32 PM
  #4  
victordakhteh's Avatar
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2003 G55 AMG
Originally Posted by chsu74
I am looking at G wagons too and am facing the same question. I am leaning towards a G55 because of the stronger 5 sp transmission.

I have a GL diesel w/ 7 speed transmission and it gets clunky trying to find the right gear 20-35 mph around corners. There are also reported valve body issues failing.

The 5sp gearbox is rated almost up to 800lbs of torque while the 7sp is rated up to around 550lbs torque. Fairly clear which one is more durable.

Kicker is '09 and newer G55s are still in the high $60Ks with around 50-60K miles. Want the newer hard drive based command system at least..
In my opinion high $60k for one around 50-60k miles is too much. I would check out eBay or Mercedes Benz Nation Wide CPO inventory sometimes you find a good deal there, I missed an opportunity on a 2010 G55 with only 30k miles and it was 72K so imagine what you could find with some time spent searching.
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Old Oct 16, 2015 | 04:48 PM
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chsu74's Avatar
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From: CT
GL 450, 993TT, Cayenne Diesel, 964C4
Originally Posted by victordakhteh
In my opinion high $60k for one around 50-60k miles is too much. I would check out eBay or Mercedes Benz Nation Wide CPO inventory sometimes you find a good deal there, I missed an opportunity on a 2010 G55 with only 30k miles and it was 72K so imagine what you could find with some time spent searching.
Agreed! I am thinking low to mid $60s is the value today. That is why I don't own a key to a Gwagon yet. However, 05-08 low mile G55 are all asking $60K plus so there is no incentive for sellers to drop their asking prices. I have to wait for Feb of 2016 to do something. Hope there is someone who will come to their senses..

I am also looking for something a bit more unique in outside and interior combo. No blk/blk or silver/blk for me unless it's a screaming deal. Even then, it's got to be a silver/blk. Have way too many blk/blk and wife agreed with this purchase if it is not blk/blk..
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Old Oct 20, 2015 | 02:49 PM
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KeithG500's Avatar
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2005 G500 Silver
2011 G55

The miles are a little high, but the price isn't too bad...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mercedes-Ben...m=111797038342
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