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Still have not finished the white W221 2011 S550 I am rebuilding from a flood, but came across another W221.
The experience (apprenticeship ) on the White 2011 S550 gave me some insight on what to better look for in a flood W221. I did not expect to find one so soon.
On 2 SEP 2021 I purchased another auction W221, this time a 2012 S550.
This 2012 S550 was MB dealer maintained (with records showing regular visits), lived its entire lif in Florida, was serviced by the same MB dealer, and has a long list of options to include designo interior. Hope to pickup tomorrow in Florida. It was owned by Progressive Insurance. I was the high bidder yesterday, but Progressive declined my bid and did not counter offer. Today they put it back for auction next week, with a buy it now just $675 more than my offer. Decided to buy it now rather than let it go back to auction.
A good thing that is not typical is it appears the air shocks are holding (inflated). That suggests the air shock system is tight, the car was not running while it was flooded, and is a recent flood victim. Its nicely optioned. I was surprised it didn't have distronic. Has options like the split rear power seats with climate control, etc.
All indications very well taken care of. No initial visual signs of "flood" damage. Suspecting it was clogged drain allowing water to enter the car. No smells in the car, no signs of any mold. Interior is near spotless. Under the carpet is wet and they must come out. Unlike my white rebuild that sat at the auction house for nine or so months waiting for a title, this car appeared to get water logged the last week of July.
The car was at a independent euro specialty repair shop AFTER the flood from what I can tell. They have awesome reviews on google. They took some interior things apart and did not reassemble. Likely told by insurance to stop any more chargeable work. One things missing is OBD connector....... Sure they removed the panel that held it.... Glad this is my second w221 flood as I have some experience on how it should be. The shop working on it appeared focused on the interior LIN BUS as the issue. I spent ten hours on the LIN BUS, but could not find the culprit. It was instead the front SAM.
Spent labor day weekend working on her. She is all finished. Somehow the front SAM failed, which was shocking as it was clean and dry as a can be. Dried out the interior and she is all good to go. Flood occurred because
of clogged drains and contributing was poor battery installation at the MB dealer which left a piece of the battery (see picture) block a alternate drain hole.
Great car to rehabilitate. You will love the Designo interior. I think you got Designo paint too. What is the color?
Thanks- the repairs are done, took about 30 hours. Would of been less but I went down a LIN BUS issue path, when all it was ... was the front SAM. I had to put the interior back together which I did last Sunday. The rear seats are the reclining type.
The Designo paint is CAVANSITE BLUE METALLIC FINISH. Not a color I am deeply found of but it will work.
typo
Last edited by MikeKerr7; Sep 18, 2021 at 07:17 PM.
Thanks so much for posting that- great to get a comparison of value. My cost on this one is under 8k USD. Of course, I will loose quite a bit on the white one that is still not ready for "prime time".
When I first got into the W220s, I lost on my first S500. Did super well picking out the next three I bought at salvage auction. Seems I need to buy the first one to figure out to look for in the future.
Last edited by MikeKerr7; Sep 18, 2021 at 06:55 PM.
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