Thinking of Buying A S550!
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 440
Likes: 2
2001 CLK55 AMG
Thinking of Buying A S550!
Hi all,
Im stopping in from the AMG forum's. I am getting ready to start looking for a new car. Of course I'm keeping the AMG. The only problem I've had with the AMG was the throttle sensor and MAF. Typicall problems and thats it. Super reliable car! Love it!
I have been looking at 745LI's and S550's. I have been online reading reviews and comparing the 2 vehicles and such.
With that being said, I also do my own engine work on the AMG and have almost fully rebuilt the whole entire car because I want it showroom quality.
Ok so heres my questions...
Do any of you guys know how much harder it is to work on the S550's engine and general maintenence VS AMG's?
What should I be on the look out for when inspecting the S550's?
Whats the general maintenence cost wise like a year (service A/B)?
How reliable have your 550's been?
Whats your expierence been like owning the vehicle - Pros/Cons?
I want to know the truth!
As I said before I have read reviews and such but I wanted to ask you guys what you thought because I have been on MBworld for years and value all of your opinions!
Thanks guys!!!!!!
Im stopping in from the AMG forum's. I am getting ready to start looking for a new car. Of course I'm keeping the AMG. The only problem I've had with the AMG was the throttle sensor and MAF. Typicall problems and thats it. Super reliable car! Love it!
I have been looking at 745LI's and S550's. I have been online reading reviews and comparing the 2 vehicles and such.
With that being said, I also do my own engine work on the AMG and have almost fully rebuilt the whole entire car because I want it showroom quality.
Ok so heres my questions...
Do any of you guys know how much harder it is to work on the S550's engine and general maintenence VS AMG's?
What should I be on the look out for when inspecting the S550's?
Whats the general maintenence cost wise like a year (service A/B)?
How reliable have your 550's been?
Whats your expierence been like owning the vehicle - Pros/Cons?
I want to know the truth!
As I said before I have read reviews and such but I wanted to ask you guys what you thought because I have been on MBworld for years and value all of your opinions!
Thanks guys!!!!!!
Last edited by 400HP55; Aug 20, 2012 at 12:51 AM.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 440
Likes: 2
2001 CLK55 AMG
What I have found very interesting is that when I look for 745/750LI's there are lots for sell around 60-110k miles. But when I look for S550's there are very few for the same price range.
Last edited by 400HP55; Aug 20, 2012 at 01:56 AM.
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 49
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From: Brentwood, Tennessee
03 SL500 and 08 S550
BMW 7 Series engines have serious problems around 100k... that's why lots of BMW's are for sale... I traded my BMW 750Li for an S-550 and have never looked back. I don't think I'll ever buy a BMW again. The local BMW shop has definitely earned the name "stealership". Just my humble opinion.
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 48
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From: Myrtle Beach, SC
08 S-550, 03 BMW Z4, 02 Jeep Wrangler
I came from a 2005 E-500 and bought my S-550 a few months ago. Have gone through the dreaded steering wheel vibration and COMAND system problems on mine. My frustration is with the the dealers, they all seem mystified and claim that my S550 is the first they have ever heard of with such issues. Oddly I can can log onto the two main MB forums and find thread after thread detailing the exact problems.
At this point I am 50/50 whether I would buy it again.
jw
At this point I am 50/50 whether I would buy it again.
jw
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,522
Likes: 162
From: CT
Mercedes, Porsche, BMW, Tesla
We had a 2007 S550 and it was nothing but smooth cruising. It never went to the dealer for anything outside of scheduled maintenance. I'd say it was one of the more reliable cars we've owned, surprising since it was the first model year for the U.S. It was one of the later build 2007s with no sirius antenna on the trunk and the updated Neck-Pro head restraints that the early 2007s lacked.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,100
Likes: 4
From: ChiTown
06 Carrera4
There are people that have issues with s550. Some able to,leave winit some can't.
I got mine with 48k on the clock. No seriouse issues at 60 other than dynamic seats, but that is one of those toys that brakes allot. Needs new air bladders on both seats.
I think it's one of those where you hear allot when people have issues but nothing when it's smooth sailing. So it seems like there may be many issues.
I love mine, hopping to keep till 100k
I got mine with 48k on the clock. No seriouse issues at 60 other than dynamic seats, but that is one of those toys that brakes allot. Needs new air bladders on both seats.
I think it's one of those where you hear allot when people have issues but nothing when it's smooth sailing. So it seems like there may be many issues.
I love mine, hopping to keep till 100k
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,100
Likes: 4
From: ChiTown
06 Carrera4
And on BMW dealers.... In my area absolute crud of a company. My wife had a BMW and we dreaded going there. Always tried to scam and rip off. Horrible on loaners appointments and service advisers. Sales people don't event want to talk to service. So if you want to get any king of deal or help from your sales guy he wants nothing to do with it since service and sales always fight.
Not saying MB dealers are perfect, but much much better.
Not saying MB dealers are perfect, but much much better.
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Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 382
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From: LI, NY
(1960) 300d, S550 AMG S500 S600 560SEL
on AMG engine, you are practically covered for life (as far as details and what to do in case of trouble), they have a devoted engineer (who build/assembled your engine) from the plant that you can always call for free, each AMG engine is build by one person and this are hand assembled and the signature of the person who build that engine is on the top portion of the engine with his personalize name plate. Some minor issues may arise from the S550 AMG the likes of rough reving along the 1,500 RPM and 2,500 RPM, the pneumatic air pump for the suspension is not that durable, the charcoal filter shut off valve, the rear strut creeping noise, and thats about it, the rest are almost trouble free and fun to use, the ride is super fantastic and comfortable.
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Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 382
Likes: 4
From: LI, NY
(1960) 300d, S550 AMG S500 S600 560SEL
400hp55 both versions are great car, not too much trouble to be hassled with. If you want power go for the AMG but the S550 has an AMG body kit and suspension version, you might want to take a look at it before you decide to drop in the dollar.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 420
Likes: 3
From: Houston, TX
2002 Mercedes S 430(GONE), 2001 E320(GONE), 2007 S550(GONE), 2009 BMW X6(GONE), 2014 S550
In my experience S550 is very reliable car, it feels like it built better than previous S-class. I had W220 before and boy i spent more than the car cost during 2 years of owning it. I would say you should look for 40-50k miles car, then if you will have an eye on one, make sure to check transmission, engine mounts and steering column. Thats the issues that i commonly hear about from S550 owners. I really doubt that one can buy a 100% reliable car if its used.
MBWorld God!
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 31,273
Likes: 3,916
From: on my way
2012 CLS63
good customer service can make it or break it......
I'm currently looking onto a S550 too....
only thing is the one I built online will cost more than
my 2012 cls63 LOL
also, the redesigned car is right around the corner for 2014....
ths time next year we'll have the new model hitting the showrooms.....
if not sooner
I'm currently looking onto a S550 too....
only thing is the one I built online will cost more than
my 2012 cls63 LOL
also, the redesigned car is right around the corner for 2014....
ths time next year we'll have the new model hitting the showrooms.....
if not sooner
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 556
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From: Berlin
2018 C63s
Look for a lightly used (20k-30k miles) 2010 S550. You get the updated lights and gadgets, although no turbo V8. Regardless, you'll be in the $55k-65k range and still have warranty. They've already taken the biggest depreciation hit, and shouldn't sink as much as the pre-facelift W221's when the new 2014 comes out. Shouldn't be *too great* of a loss when selling in a year or so.
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 811
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From: Bay Area
08' S550, 04' E320 4matic, 03' Acura TL-S 6 speed, 1968 Vespa P150
Got my 08 @ 36k miles now @ 53k June of last year, it sat in service for a total of 6 weeks during this period. It's mainly due to the fact that MB service department are quick at blaming the problem on ANYTHING that is aftermarket EVEN the tires. LOL
The S550 is more reliable than the S500 for sure but not even half as reliable as my 04 E320 4matic. I neglect that car and drive it like a beater vehicle and it kept on going strong and never had an issue in the 7 years of owning it.
IMHO, there are too much option in the S550 that hasn't be tested and proven yet. The earlier adopter always get the hits.
If you're concerned about reliability and don't care for looks go for an LS460. You're almost guaranteed better service at any Lexus dealer ship and they truly take care of you even giving you a nicer loaner car.
If money isn't an issue and you don't mind having your service department knows you by name, then the S550 is for you. LOL The engine seems solid but all the little **** in the car is going to kill you when it go out since you can't troubleshoot it when it goes out.
I went with the S550 cause the body is just too sexy to resist.
The S550 is more reliable than the S500 for sure but not even half as reliable as my 04 E320 4matic. I neglect that car and drive it like a beater vehicle and it kept on going strong and never had an issue in the 7 years of owning it.
IMHO, there are too much option in the S550 that hasn't be tested and proven yet. The earlier adopter always get the hits.
If you're concerned about reliability and don't care for looks go for an LS460. You're almost guaranteed better service at any Lexus dealer ship and they truly take care of you even giving you a nicer loaner car.
If money isn't an issue and you don't mind having your service department knows you by name, then the S550 is for you. LOL The engine seems solid but all the little **** in the car is going to kill you when it go out since you can't troubleshoot it when it goes out.
I went with the S550 cause the body is just too sexy to resist.
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 650
Likes: 24
From: Texas
2015 White/brown Nappa S550, '13 S550 4 matic, 11 S550 sold, '10 S550 Sports BLACK 08 S550 P3 sport
as far As i know amg kit is only the body kit not suspensions, of course it does come with 19' or 20 " tires with 5 spoke rims.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 440
Likes: 2
2001 CLK55 AMG
Very interesting and thanks for all the feedback. Does anyone here own or have owned a LS460?
I just don't want to jump into one big money pit. I've done it before on previous cars as you guys have as well on previous cars, or I hope not. Its almost like a hit or miss with the car buying used. You get a good one or you get a money pit.
I just don't want to jump into one big money pit. I've done it before on previous cars as you guys have as well on previous cars, or I hope not. Its almost like a hit or miss with the car buying used. You get a good one or you get a money pit.
Last edited by 400HP55; Aug 27, 2012 at 03:12 AM.
