Should I stay away from 2002 S55?
09-05-2006, 11:54 PM
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Should I stay away from 2002 S55?
Could somebody shed some light on the quality and reliability of a 2002 S55? I read consumer reports and the reliability of S-series during that year seems to be very bad (at least comparing to the Japanese). Otherwise, whatever user reviews I found for that model and year seem to be pretty good plus the re-assurance that at least some parts are handcrafted by AMG. So, while I would love to pick up a 2002 S55 with 50K or so miles (or even fewer if I can find one), I am worried about having to bring it to the shop every month for out-of-warranty repairs. I can't find anything else that matches my needs in comfort and performance, so I would love to buy one, but if repair bills start coming in after the purchase at a unreasonable rate, my wife will surely kill me! 
Any advise would be appreciated. Many thanks! -Victor
Any advise would be appreciated. Many thanks! -Victor
09-06-2006, 02:48 AM
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AMG E55, Stage 1, Strait Pipe from Primary Cats
Could somebody shed some light on the quality and reliability of a 2002 S55? I read consumer reports and the reliability of S-series during that year seems to be very bad (at least comparing to the Japanese). Otherwise, whatever user reviews I found for that model and year seem to be pretty good plus the re-assurance that at least some parts are handcrafted by AMG. So, while I would love to pick up a 2002 S55 with 50K or so miles (or even fewer if I can find one), I am worried about having to bring it to the shop every month for out-of-warranty repairs. I can't find anything else that matches my needs in comfort and performance, so I would love to buy one, but if repair bills start coming in after the purchase at a unreasonable rate, my wife will surely kill me! Any advise would be appreciated. Many thanks! -Victor
Any advise would be appreciated. Many thanks! -Victor
09-06-2006, 09:20 AM
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'19 E63S, ‘16 CLS63 RIP, '09 E63 Gone, '06 M5 Gone, '97 Supra TT Gone
You're going to have to install a spigot in your aorta to pay for the repairs on an '02 PLUS you're going to be down 100 ponies on everyone else in a 55. Horrible, horrible move. You might as well ***** yourself with a hepatitis needle while you're at it.
09-06-2006, 01:13 PM
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2004 S55 AMG
Try to look for a 2003 and up. The sheer power is worth it alone. I have been to the dealer at least 3 times already. I would hate to have to pay for the repairs if i didn't have a warranty.
09-25-2006, 01:17 AM
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CLS55
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09-25-2006, 09:09 PM
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I just traded in a 2001 S55. It was a great car. Yes, it's "only" 362 HP but in the grand scheme of things that's nothing to be ashamed of. The car was fairly reliable, but I would not recommend owning any AMG off-warranty, especially an S-class.
There are plenty of Starmark (CPO) 2001's and 2002's around. Yes, you pay extra, but with a the 2 year extension the car is covered for 7 years from date of sale or 100k miles. Figure a 2002 sold in June 2002, and you will be covered until June 2009.
All the 220s are cheap now, so with a little bit of shrewd negotiating you could have a great car for less than $40k, worry-free for almost three years.
There are plenty of Starmark (CPO) 2001's and 2002's around. Yes, you pay extra, but with a the 2 year extension the car is covered for 7 years from date of sale or 100k miles. Figure a 2002 sold in June 2002, and you will be covered until June 2009.
All the 220s are cheap now, so with a little bit of shrewd negotiating you could have a great car for less than $40k, worry-free for almost three years.
10-10-2006, 11:47 AM
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2008 E63 Estate, 2017 Land Rover Range Rover diesel, 1978 Jeep CJ7 Golden Eagle
Don't be scared, I've had mine for a year.........
.......and driven that crap out of it and has only seen the mechanic because I bought it from a Fla. wholsaler on eBay w/64K mi and he failed to disclose a suspension system failure. Cost me $4K to fix, but since I got it for a $10K discount I wasn't that upset. OF COURSE the '03 Komp is a no brainer, if you have an extra $30K worth of nickles jingling in your pocket (will be my next car) but if the '02 fits your price level, DON'T BE SCARED. While the Jap cars are very nice, the Benzo and specifically the AMG is for the driver who needs that extra 10% of everything driving. Besides, their tires are too skinny.
I have Club Raced a 911 with PCA for years and although I haven't driven all, the S55 is the finest road car I've owned. Kinda like a Carrera S meets Surburban, like the perfect ****tail, Makers & water, NEAT. Go for it, I would again, today.
Thanks you BMW cats for hangin out, and if you insist on slamin the star, keep workin and soon you'll get there, or here, then you'll stop.
Rock on.
I have Club Raced a 911 with PCA for years and although I haven't driven all, the S55 is the finest road car I've owned. Kinda like a Carrera S meets Surburban, like the perfect ****tail, Makers & water, NEAT. Go for it, I would again, today.
Thanks you BMW cats for hangin out, and if you insist on slamin the star, keep workin and soon you'll get there, or here, then you'll stop.
Rock on.
11-03-2006, 02:29 PM
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cls63 ACURA NSX ESC-o-LADE
I have an 01 s55. A while back I was looking to trade it in for 03-04. The stealerships wanted to rape me on the trade in.So I figuredit wasnt worth it.
I would reccomend that you go for an 03 or newer.
But whoever says that an 01 is **** has no idea what they are talking about.
It doesnt have the supercharger but it is still a fast f-in car.You cant go wrong on whatever year you pick just get the extended warranty.
Good Luck
Paul M
01 s55
95 nsx-t ctsc supercharged
07 esc-o-lade esv
I would reccomend that you go for an 03 or newer.
But whoever says that an 01 is **** has no idea what they are talking about.
It doesnt have the supercharger but it is still a fast f-in car.You cant go wrong on whatever year you pick just get the extended warranty.
Good Luck
Paul M
01 s55
95 nsx-t ctsc supercharged
07 esc-o-lade esv
11-03-2006, 04:22 PM
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02ml500sport/maxima06-6speed
lol DEFF get the 03 , 02 its just different level much less power it is pretty fast lol like you'll be racing hooked up g35's lol and beemers 545's lol and 03 u'll be racing ferraris , m3 , m5, it has much better looking front bumper and headlights , im saying 02 is nice also i've driven one actualy a week ago its good but no comparasin to the 03 , let me tell you its better of getn a newer s500 then with a big screen already nice clear headlights, amg package, big new bumper, less milige etc . and if your gona get the 03 s55 its like your realy going to be happy REALY HAPPy its grrrrrrr monster lol
12-28-2007, 07:26 PM
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hilarious!
BTW, I just posted that I was looking for an '03, but the wife put the kaibasch on it for the $$ alone.I'll show her your post....
