2002: Very high mileage S55 and moderate mileage S430: Which is better value?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 25
Likes: 3
190E, C280, S55
2002: Very high mileage S55 and moderate mileage S430: Which is better value?
I am looking at two cars. Both 2002.
S430 is a single owner with 75K miles for $8500, a private sale (has sports package. Yet to see the car and its condition).
The other is S55 AMG with 135K miles on it from BMW dealer for $8900. I have seen the car few days back when it was listed for $12000. The dealer reduced the price today. It is in a good condition. According to carfax has been on sale since August.
Which is a better buy ? I think S430 with sports package and lower mileage is no brainer. Any reason S55 might be a better choice with its high mileage ?
S430 is a single owner with 75K miles for $8500, a private sale (has sports package. Yet to see the car and its condition).
The other is S55 AMG with 135K miles on it from BMW dealer for $8900. I have seen the car few days back when it was listed for $12000. The dealer reduced the price today. It is in a good condition. According to carfax has been on sale since August.
Which is a better buy ? I think S430 with sports package and lower mileage is no brainer. Any reason S55 might be a better choice with its high mileage ?
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 277
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From: Nebraska
2005 CLK500 cab, 2004 S600 designo mocha
PPI's are excellent for these cars, and hilarious to look at.
Watch out if one has an infamous cracked sunvisor bezel, that'll be like $500. Be expected to see probably AT LEAST $5k in suggested repairs, maybe double for the S55 with ABC suspension?
At least you'll know what you're up against. I'm just trying to soften the blow.
Drive both, value seems equal on each of them. The AMG will require higher maintenance costs. Go with your gut feel on each.
Watch out if one has an infamous cracked sunvisor bezel, that'll be like $500. Be expected to see probably AT LEAST $5k in suggested repairs, maybe double for the S55 with ABC suspension?
At least you'll know what you're up against. I'm just trying to soften the blow.
Drive both, value seems equal on each of them. The AMG will require higher maintenance costs. Go with your gut feel on each.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 25
Likes: 3
190E, C280, S55
Thanks guys! I finally pulled the plug and bought S55 home. It was no comparison after driving both the cars. The PPI was just over 3K for S340. Mostly regular stuff.
The dealership had already done the inspection on S55 and the suggestions for ABC were already on it with a couple of valve leaks. Dealership quoted about $2.5K to fix it. They let me take the car to my mechanic for inspection. He can probably help me fix the same for much lesser cost.
I am not at all familiar with S55 or S430. My very first buy. Didn't know what I am getting into and that ABC is such a common problem
My rear driver side strut assembly needs a fix (replacement I guess).
I went with my gut feel. The dealership had lowered the price by 3K over night and were ready to send it to auction. Given I got it for such a low cost, I don't mind putting in two grand for repairs. What should I be watching out for in future ??
The drive is great. Drove around 100 miles today. I guess it is going to be an adventure in terms of maintenance
The dealership had already done the inspection on S55 and the suggestions for ABC were already on it with a couple of valve leaks. Dealership quoted about $2.5K to fix it. They let me take the car to my mechanic for inspection. He can probably help me fix the same for much lesser cost.
I am not at all familiar with S55 or S430. My very first buy. Didn't know what I am getting into and that ABC is such a common problem
My rear driver side strut assembly needs a fix (replacement I guess). I went with my gut feel. The dealership had lowered the price by 3K over night and were ready to send it to auction. Given I got it for such a low cost, I don't mind putting in two grand for repairs. What should I be watching out for in future ??
The drive is great. Drove around 100 miles today. I guess it is going to be an adventure in terms of maintenance
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Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Clifton, NJ
96 and 08 911 turbos
Thanks guys! I finally pulled the plug and bought S55 home. It was no comparison after driving both the cars. The PPI was just over 3K for S340. Mostly regular stuff.
The dealership had already done the inspection on S55 and the suggestions for ABC were already on it with a couple of valve leaks. Dealership quoted about $2.5K to fix it. They let me take the car to my mechanic for inspection. He can probably help me fix the same for much lesser cost.
I am not at all familiar with S55 or S430. My very first buy. Didn't know what I am getting into and that ABC is such a common problem My rear driver side strut assembly needs a fix (replacement I guess).
I went with my gut feel. The dealership had lowered the price by 3K over night and were ready to send it to auction. Given I got it for such a low cost, I don't mind putting in two grand for repairs. What should I be watching out for in future ??
The drive is great. Drove around 100 miles today. I guess it is going to be an adventure in terms of maintenance
The dealership had already done the inspection on S55 and the suggestions for ABC were already on it with a couple of valve leaks. Dealership quoted about $2.5K to fix it. They let me take the car to my mechanic for inspection. He can probably help me fix the same for much lesser cost.
I am not at all familiar with S55 or S430. My very first buy. Didn't know what I am getting into and that ABC is such a common problem
My rear driver side strut assembly needs a fix (replacement I guess). I went with my gut feel. The dealership had lowered the price by 3K over night and were ready to send it to auction. Given I got it for such a low cost, I don't mind putting in two grand for repairs. What should I be watching out for in future ??
The drive is great. Drove around 100 miles today. I guess it is going to be an adventure in terms of maintenance
Do a search for s55 operating costs or rondo cap.
I think he paid $15k in maintenance over 3 years on an NA s55.
Basically, the most expensive car you can buy is a cheap mercedes (s class especially)
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2012
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190E, C280, S55
well congrats on the purchase, but I think you may be in for a world of pain.
Do a search for s55 operating costs or rondo cap.
I think he paid $15k in maintenance over 3 years on an NA s55.
Basically, the most expensive car you can buy is a cheap mercedes (s class especially)
Do a search for s55 operating costs or rondo cap.
I think he paid $15k in maintenance over 3 years on an NA s55.
Basically, the most expensive car you can buy is a cheap mercedes (s class especially)
Are the operating costs high for S55 or the S-class in general? Are they prone to more frequent failures or these are more normal maintenance costs ?
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MBWorld Fanatic!
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Mercedes
s430 and s500 with airmatic are much less costly than s55 or s600 in terms of operating costs.
Its not maintenance , its failure items which are much more common on ABC cars
the ABC is the costliest problem area on s55 and s600. It can be $3k here, $6k there, people have spent $15k+ just on suspension work
the s600 , particularly the pre turbo models have several issues and should be avoided completely unless youre a mechanic, and the turbo v12 cars have expensive coil pack failures. that dont happen on the v8s
Its not maintenance , its failure items which are much more common on ABC cars
the ABC is the costliest problem area on s55 and s600. It can be $3k here, $6k there, people have spent $15k+ just on suspension work
the s600 , particularly the pre turbo models have several issues and should be avoided completely unless youre a mechanic, and the turbo v12 cars have expensive coil pack failures. that dont happen on the v8s
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Member
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 246
Likes: 105
2014 E350
2014 E350 just clicked off 57k miles.
Totally trouble free, and hope it stays that way as we're now off warranty! It's my wife's car, but I drive it on trips and errands together. What a great car ...LOVE it! And is also stellar tourer that gobs up highway miles in total comfort!
Edward
Totally trouble free, and hope it stays that way as we're now off warranty! It's my wife's car, but I drive it on trips and errands together. What a great car ...LOVE it! And is also stellar tourer that gobs up highway miles in total comfort!
Edward
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Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 143
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From: Framingham, MA
2016 CLS 400 4Matic
Why not consider....
2014 E350 just clicked off 57k miles.
Totally trouble free, and hope it stays that way as we're now off warranty! It's my wife's car, but I drive it on trips and errands together. What a great car ...LOVE it! And is also stellar tourer that gobs up highway miles in total comfort!
Edward
Totally trouble free, and hope it stays that way as we're now off warranty! It's my wife's car, but I drive it on trips and errands together. What a great car ...LOVE it! And is also stellar tourer that gobs up highway miles in total comfort!
Edward
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 347
Likes: 3
From: Tennessee
2005 S55, 2002 E430, 2007 CLK350, 2006 SL55, 2003 SL55
Thanks guys! I finally pulled the plug and bought S55 home. It was no comparison after driving both the cars. The PPI was just over 3K for S340. Mostly regular stuff.
The dealership had already done the inspection on S55 and the suggestions for ABC were already on it with a couple of valve leaks. Dealership quoted about $2.5K to fix it. They let me take the car to my mechanic for inspection. He can probably help me fix the same for much lesser cost.
I am not at all familiar with S55 or S430. My very first buy. Didn't know what I am getting into and that ABC is such a common problem My rear driver side strut assembly needs a fix (replacement I guess).
I went with my gut feel. The dealership had lowered the price by 3K over night and were ready to send it to auction. Given I got it for such a low cost, I don't mind putting in two grand for repairs. What should I be watching out for in future ??
The drive is great. Drove around 100 miles today. I guess it is going to be an adventure in terms of maintenance
The dealership had already done the inspection on S55 and the suggestions for ABC were already on it with a couple of valve leaks. Dealership quoted about $2.5K to fix it. They let me take the car to my mechanic for inspection. He can probably help me fix the same for much lesser cost.
I am not at all familiar with S55 or S430. My very first buy. Didn't know what I am getting into and that ABC is such a common problem
My rear driver side strut assembly needs a fix (replacement I guess).I went with my gut feel. The dealership had lowered the price by 3K over night and were ready to send it to auction. Given I got it for such a low cost, I don't mind putting in two grand for repairs. What should I be watching out for in future ??
The drive is great. Drove around 100 miles today. I guess it is going to be an adventure in terms of maintenance
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 6,150
Likes: 533
Mercedes
Congrats on your S55 purchase! I have both an S430 and an S55 and they both will have the same issues with the vacuum systems, etc. With the ABC, make sure the fluid has been changed in the past year or so and always follow up if you see any leaking whatsoever. Dont let the ABC fluid get low and you should have no issues. If and when it does fail, I would recommend swapping to coil-overs and dropping the ABC altogether. I have an SL55 that I did this with and the ride change was un-noticable to me. I would recommend you do that yourself if possible, to save the conversion fee. My Two cents and enjoy your new purchase!
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 980
Likes: 224
2005 S500 Designo
Thanks guys! I finally pulled the plug and bought S55 home. It was no comparison after driving both the cars. The PPI was just over 3K for S340. Mostly regular stuff.
The dealership had already done the inspection on S55 and the suggestions for ABC were already on it with a couple of valve leaks. Dealership quoted about $2.5K to fix it. They let me take the car to my mechanic for inspection. He can probably help me fix the same for much lesser cost.
I am not at all familiar with S55 or S430. My very first buy. Didn't know what I am getting into and that ABC is such a common problem My rear driver side strut assembly needs a fix (replacement I guess).
I went with my gut feel. The dealership had lowered the price by 3K over night and were ready to send it to auction. Given I got it for such a low cost, I don't mind putting in two grand for repairs. What should I be watching out for in future ??
The drive is great. Drove around 100 miles today. I guess it is going to be an adventure in terms of maintenance
The dealership had already done the inspection on S55 and the suggestions for ABC were already on it with a couple of valve leaks. Dealership quoted about $2.5K to fix it. They let me take the car to my mechanic for inspection. He can probably help me fix the same for much lesser cost.
I am not at all familiar with S55 or S430. My very first buy. Didn't know what I am getting into and that ABC is such a common problem
My rear driver side strut assembly needs a fix (replacement I guess). I went with my gut feel. The dealership had lowered the price by 3K over night and were ready to send it to auction. Given I got it for such a low cost, I don't mind putting in two grand for repairs. What should I be watching out for in future ??
The drive is great. Drove around 100 miles today. I guess it is going to be an adventure in terms of maintenance
For the valve blocks I recommend these kits:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/195077209380
Pro tip when removing and installing the solenoids: use a heat gun to heat up the valve block.
Put only Pentosin (Now Fuchs) CHF11S or Febi Bilstein's equivalent. Do NOT use Liqui-Moly CHF11S.
Do the transmission mount (don't think, just do).
If you *really* want to dig in: do the rear rear subframe bushings when doing the rear ABC lines. It requires a special mercedes tool to do. You will want to use that (new bolts as well, but they come with the Febi kit).
Those are the ones that immediately come to mind.
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2025
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I am looking at two cars. Both 2002.
S430 is a single owner with 75K miles for $8500, a private sale (has sports package. Yet to see the car and its condition).
The other is S55 AMG with 135K miles on it from BMW dealer for $8900. I have seen the car few days back when it was listed for $12000. The dealer reduced the price today. It is in a good condition. According to carfax has been on sale since August.
Which is a better buy ? I think S430 with sports package and lower mileage is no brainer. Any reason S55 might be a better choice with its high mileage ?
S430 is a single owner with 75K miles for $8500, a private sale (has sports package. Yet to see the car and its condition).
The other is S55 AMG with 135K miles on it from BMW dealer for $8900. I have seen the car few days back when it was listed for $12000. The dealer reduced the price today. It is in a good condition. According to carfax has been on sale since August.
Which is a better buy ? I think S430 with sports package and lower mileage is no brainer. Any reason S55 might be a better choice with its high mileage ?
