Should I stay away from 2002 S55?
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Joined: Sep 2006
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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
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,057
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From: NJ
2009 SL63 AMG
As in all AMG Mercedes, the motor is hand assembled and is very durable. The issues with the W220 S Class are prominent in the AirMatic Suspention, which provides the driver with a very smooth ride, yet also is costly to repair. In regards to the motor and transmission, I cannot recall any issues I have heard (maybe some of the other members have some horror stories) on the W220 S Class. However, I strongly recommend either purchasing a CPO vehicle or purchasing an extended warranty. If anything goes wrong, it will easily pay for itself. Good luck.
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Joined: Sep 2006
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2002 S55 Reliability
My wife and I have enjoyed our 2002 S55 for 2 years. For what it is worth, it has been a wonderful car for us, it hasn't posed any quality or repair issues (it currently has 50,000 miles). Based on our experience, make sure it is a "good" car (check the repair history) as there are some lemons out there.
The only issue we have had is with the hands-free phone ( a Motorola Timeport - a piece of junk phone) which predates Bluetooth and is very expensive and a bit of a pain in the neck to replace (we have had to buy a Bluetooth Puck and phone from wireless4MB.com, and the cradle from Mercedes (not "one-stop" shopping as getting the information from both parties in order to ensure compatibility is like extracting teeth). We are still in this process so don;t know what the final bill will be (estimate the parts to be $500 + phone + installation).
Good Luck!
The only issue we have had is with the hands-free phone ( a Motorola Timeport - a piece of junk phone) which predates Bluetooth and is very expensive and a bit of a pain in the neck to replace (we have had to buy a Bluetooth Puck and phone from wireless4MB.com, and the cradle from Mercedes (not "one-stop" shopping as getting the information from both parties in order to ensure compatibility is like extracting teeth). We are still in this process so don;t know what the final bill will be (estimate the parts to be $500 + phone + installation).
Good Luck!
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 443
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'03 S55 (79K miles)
Producer...check out MY 2003's too.
The '03 S55 was the model year where they slapped on the Supercharger to boost the HP from 350 to 493. The sticker price went up approx $7K from year to year. Maybe that delta is smaller now in the used market.
If the price diff is only 3 or 4K from 2002 to 2003 on the used market, I'd recommend spending the extra money. Pre-Safe, ABC Hydraulic suspension tuning, and Drive Dynamic seats also became standard in 2003.
On the otherhand, if the whole world shuns the 2002 because they really want the 2003 with Kompressor, then the price savings on a 2002 might be more significant. I haven't checked this.
If the price diff is only 3 or 4K from 2002 to 2003 on the used market, I'd recommend spending the extra money. Pre-Safe, ABC Hydraulic suspension tuning, and Drive Dynamic seats also became standard in 2003.
On the otherhand, if the whole world shuns the 2002 because they really want the 2003 with Kompressor, then the price savings on a 2002 might be more significant. I haven't checked this.
