Thinking of buying an 02 or 01 S55, need advice
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From: Pacific Northwest
2001 S600 V12 Sold, 2011 Jaguar XFR Sold, 2017 S550 4-Matic, 2018 S63 AMG Sedan
Thinking of buying an 02 or 01 S55, need advice
Hello guys;
First of all; great forum! I've been so impressed wth the posts I've read. You guys seem to be passionate about your cars, quite knowledgable, and far more courteous than other forms I've used before.
I'm considering buying a S55 AMG. The two cars I'm considering are great, but I have reservations because of the high miles. The problem is these cars are the only s55's under 55K here in the Seattle area. The 2001 S55 has 90K on the odometer. The ABC message is on, but the dealer said he'll take care of that before I buy it. The price is 27K, so it's a great price for such a nice car. It seems to be really nice, and I especially like the chrome wheels.
The other car I'm considering is a 2002 S55 w/97K on the odometer. This car is immaculate, beautiful, and is at a large, long established, reputable dealer in the area. It's about 2K more than the other, so it's still a great price.
Any adivce or words of wisdom for a first time MB owner? What are some of the things I should look for when buying the car. Are there any things that I should know to look for that are special to this type of car? Is milage or age a more important factor? I'd like to stay under 45K if possible, so I'd love to find a nice 03 S55, but there isn't one available locally. if you guys know if there is one available near Seattle, let me know.
Otherwise, it looks like this will be my entry into the club, at least for another 18 months or so, when I plan to go ahead and upgrade to an S63.
Thanks,
Carlos
First of all; great forum! I've been so impressed wth the posts I've read. You guys seem to be passionate about your cars, quite knowledgable, and far more courteous than other forms I've used before.
I'm considering buying a S55 AMG. The two cars I'm considering are great, but I have reservations because of the high miles. The problem is these cars are the only s55's under 55K here in the Seattle area. The 2001 S55 has 90K on the odometer. The ABC message is on, but the dealer said he'll take care of that before I buy it. The price is 27K, so it's a great price for such a nice car. It seems to be really nice, and I especially like the chrome wheels.
The other car I'm considering is a 2002 S55 w/97K on the odometer. This car is immaculate, beautiful, and is at a large, long established, reputable dealer in the area. It's about 2K more than the other, so it's still a great price.
Any adivce or words of wisdom for a first time MB owner? What are some of the things I should look for when buying the car. Are there any things that I should know to look for that are special to this type of car? Is milage or age a more important factor? I'd like to stay under 45K if possible, so I'd love to find a nice 03 S55, but there isn't one available locally. if you guys know if there is one available near Seattle, let me know.
Otherwise, it looks like this will be my entry into the club, at least for another 18 months or so, when I plan to go ahead and upgrade to an S63.
Thanks,
Carlos
Last edited by carlosinseattle; Aug 20, 2007 at 02:02 AM.
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From: San Jose area
'19 E63S sedan
I'd recommend two things: lower mileage and buying a Starmark (CPO) car from a Mercedes dealer. You'll spend a little more up front, but probably save a lot over the next few years. That ABS light can cost $10,000 to fix and I wouldn't trust your dealer to fix it right, especially if it's not an MB dealership. A 2002 with the 2-year extension Starmark warranty (negotiate for that) will be good until sometime in 2009 (7 years from original delivery date) or 100,000 miles.
There are lots of cars on Autotrader. My dealer in San Jose has a 2002 with 31,000 miles, Starmarked, asking $44,000. There are dozens of them in California. You can fly to San Jose for $79 and drive the car home in two days. Just a suggestion. I'd keep looking for sure.
I don't know how tight the budget is, but the same dealer has a 2003 with 30,000 mile for $55,000. That extra $10,000 gets you another year's warranty and another 140 horsepower. It would sure be 10 grand well spent.
There are lots of cars on Autotrader. My dealer in San Jose has a 2002 with 31,000 miles, Starmarked, asking $44,000. There are dozens of them in California. You can fly to San Jose for $79 and drive the car home in two days. Just a suggestion. I'd keep looking for sure.
I don't know how tight the budget is, but the same dealer has a 2003 with 30,000 mile for $55,000. That extra $10,000 gets you another year's warranty and another 140 horsepower. It would sure be 10 grand well spent.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,825
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From: Pacific Northwest
2001 S600 V12 Sold, 2011 Jaguar XFR Sold, 2017 S550 4-Matic, 2018 S63 AMG Sedan
I'd recommend two things: lower mileage and buying a Starmark (CPO) car from a Mercedes dealer. You'll spend a little more up front, but probably save a lot over the next few years. That ABS light can cost $10,000 to fix and I wouldn't trust your dealer to fix it right, especially if it's not an MB dealership. A 2002 with the 2-year extension Starmark warranty (negotiate for that) will be good until sometime in 2009 (7 years from original delivery date) or 100,000 miles.
There are lots of cars on Autotrader. My dealer in San Jose has a 2002 with 31,000 miles, Starmarked, asking $44,000. There are dozens of them in California. You can fly to San Jose for $79 and drive the car home in two days. Just a suggestion. I'd keep looking for sure.
I don't know how tight the budget is, but the same dealer has a 2003 with 30,000 mile for $55,000. That extra $10,000 gets you another year's warranty and another 140 horsepower. It would sure be 10 grand well spent.
There are lots of cars on Autotrader. My dealer in San Jose has a 2002 with 31,000 miles, Starmarked, asking $44,000. There are dozens of them in California. You can fly to San Jose for $79 and drive the car home in two days. Just a suggestion. I'd keep looking for sure.
I don't know how tight the budget is, but the same dealer has a 2003 with 30,000 mile for $55,000. That extra $10,000 gets you another year's warranty and another 140 horsepower. It would sure be 10 grand well spent.
I'll have to familiarize myself with Starmark, and what it is. It sounds like the warranty runs out at 100K. That would make sense, since the two cars I'm looking at are at 90K & 97K. I imagine the previous owners didn't want to have the car outside of the warranty period.
The cars I'm looking at are both under $30K, and the 2003 S55 is stickered at 59K w/39K on the odometer.
The 2001 I'm looking at has the ABC warning showing, and it definitely needs the ABC. When I drove the car it had far more body roll than the other car with the properly functioning ABC. That active suspension is a great feature.
What kind of mileage can I reasonably expect from a car like this? Will it make it to 150K fairly trouble free miles, or are these cars ticking timebombs? Does anyone have a s55 with over 120K on the odometer? What types fo problems should I expect at the 100K mark?
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1989 Toyota Tercel EZ - dyno'd @ 70whp/77wtq
'01-'02 S55 is not supercharged. That's why you see the '03 is priced a lot higher on top of the mileage itself. The engine is way more powerful.
IMO, the N/A M113 engine ('01-'02 S55) is bulletproof. I had a W210 E55 (same engine as '01-'02 S55) and never had any mechanical problems except MAF (easy DIY and parts only cost $100-$150). If I were you, even though I preferred cars w/ warranty, I still wouldn't feel too concerned buying N/A M113 engine w/o warranty. Just make sure that it's a well-maintained car. Of course, w/ high-mileage car, it would be harder to resell in the future.
For '03+, I wouldn't touch high-mileage and out-of-warranty cars.
That's about the engine.... about the electronics, all german cars have issues
and the later the year, the better...
Just my 2c.
IMO, the N/A M113 engine ('01-'02 S55) is bulletproof. I had a W210 E55 (same engine as '01-'02 S55) and never had any mechanical problems except MAF (easy DIY and parts only cost $100-$150). If I were you, even though I preferred cars w/ warranty, I still wouldn't feel too concerned buying N/A M113 engine w/o warranty. Just make sure that it's a well-maintained car. Of course, w/ high-mileage car, it would be harder to resell in the future.
For '03+, I wouldn't touch high-mileage and out-of-warranty cars.
That's about the engine.... about the electronics, all german cars have issues
and the later the year, the better...Just my 2c.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,825
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From: Pacific Northwest
2001 S600 V12 Sold, 2011 Jaguar XFR Sold, 2017 S550 4-Matic, 2018 S63 AMG Sedan
Thanks Zoink
I test drove a 04 S55 today. WOW!!!!!
That car is amazing. Now I want to definitely get an 03-05 model. I don't want to spend over 55K, so my choces will be limited. If anyone here has one to sell, let me know. I'm talking to a guy from this forum in San Diego who wants to sell his car. Maybe it will work out.
I test drove a 04 S55 today. WOW!!!!!
That car is amazing. Now I want to definitely get an 03-05 model. I don't want to spend over 55K, so my choces will be limited. If anyone here has one to sell, let me know. I'm talking to a guy from this forum in San Diego who wants to sell his car. Maybe it will work out.
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Joined: Feb 2004
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1989 Toyota Tercel EZ - dyno'd @ 70whp/77wtq
Consider an E55 if you don't mind smaller size..... it's faster also 'coz it's lighter.... you could get an '05 w/ few options and quite low mileage or '04 loaded and low mileage for $55K.
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2001 Mercedes S55 AMG
Hello guys;
First of all; great forum! I've been so impressed wth the posts I've read. You guys seem to be passionate about your cars, quite knowledgable, and far more courteous than other forms I've used before.
I'm considering buying a S55 AMG. The two cars I'm considering are great, but I have reservations because of the high miles. The problem is these cars are the only s55's under 55K here in the Seattle area. The 2001 S55 has 90K on the odometer. The ABC message is on, but the dealer said he'll take care of that before I buy it. The price is 27K, so it's a great price for such a nice car. It seems to be really nice, and I especially like the chrome wheels.
The other car I'm considering is a 2002 S55 w/97K on the odometer. This car is immaculate, beautiful, and is at a large, long established, reputable dealer in the area. It's about 2K more than the other, so it's still a great price.
Any adivce or words of wisdom for a first time MB owner? What are some of the things I should look for when buying the car. Are there any things that I should know to look for that are special to this type of car? Is milage or age a more important factor? I'd like to stay under 45K if possible, so I'd love to find a nice 03 S55, but there isn't one available locally. if you guys know if there is one available near Seattle, let me know.
Otherwise, it looks like this will be my entry into the club, at least for another 18 months or so, when I plan to go ahead and upgrade to an S63.
Thanks,
Carlos
First of all; great forum! I've been so impressed wth the posts I've read. You guys seem to be passionate about your cars, quite knowledgable, and far more courteous than other forms I've used before.
I'm considering buying a S55 AMG. The two cars I'm considering are great, but I have reservations because of the high miles. The problem is these cars are the only s55's under 55K here in the Seattle area. The 2001 S55 has 90K on the odometer. The ABC message is on, but the dealer said he'll take care of that before I buy it. The price is 27K, so it's a great price for such a nice car. It seems to be really nice, and I especially like the chrome wheels.
The other car I'm considering is a 2002 S55 w/97K on the odometer. This car is immaculate, beautiful, and is at a large, long established, reputable dealer in the area. It's about 2K more than the other, so it's still a great price.
Any adivce or words of wisdom for a first time MB owner? What are some of the things I should look for when buying the car. Are there any things that I should know to look for that are special to this type of car? Is milage or age a more important factor? I'd like to stay under 45K if possible, so I'd love to find a nice 03 S55, but there isn't one available locally. if you guys know if there is one available near Seattle, let me know.
Otherwise, it looks like this will be my entry into the club, at least for another 18 months or so, when I plan to go ahead and upgrade to an S63.
Thanks,
Carlos
Just an FYI- If your not tech savy, be very careful with these higher mileage S55's. No warranty, and your stuck with a single repair for $5-10K.
Last edited by kazam; Aug 22, 2007 at 02:49 PM.
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Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,825
Likes: 792
From: Pacific Northwest
2001 S600 V12 Sold, 2011 Jaguar XFR Sold, 2017 S550 4-Matic, 2018 S63 AMG Sedan
Zoink: I don't sant an E-Class because of the leg room. I'm 6"4" and weigh around 280, not fat, just big from college sports. I'm driveing a Q45 now and like the room.
Kazam: Thanks for your thoughts. I agree that a warranty would be best, regardless of mileage. I've narowed my choice to 03's or better, but I'm not going to spend tons of money either, 45K tops. This makes it really hard to find the right car, but I'm confident that if I remain patient the right car will come along.
I still might buy this sweet 01 S55 w/51K on the odometer. It's only 31K, and the warranty isn't very expensive because fo the mileage.
Kazam: Thanks for your thoughts. I agree that a warranty would be best, regardless of mileage. I've narowed my choice to 03's or better, but I'm not going to spend tons of money either, 45K tops. This makes it really hard to find the right car, but I'm confident that if I remain patient the right car will come along.
I still might buy this sweet 01 S55 w/51K on the odometer. It's only 31K, and the warranty isn't very expensive because fo the mileage.
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Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Miami, FL
2013 E63 AMG
Go with the E55 AMG 2001-2002 I'm tall as well, and I went from an S to an E fast with lots of room. Test drive one before you say it's too small for you. Also the S55 has some problems I was told the 2004-2008 S AMG's are way better on repair problems. Any way you go AMG is where to land.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,825
Likes: 792
From: Pacific Northwest
2001 S600 V12 Sold, 2011 Jaguar XFR Sold, 2017 S550 4-Matic, 2018 S63 AMG Sedan
[QUOTE=Dawson AMG;2391087]Go with the E55 AMG 2001-2002 I'm tall as well, and I went from an S to an E fast with lots of room. Test drive one before you say it's too small for you. Also the S55 has some problems I was told the 2004-2008 S AMG's are way better on repair problems. Any way you go AMG is where to land.[/QUOTE
Dawson; I tried the E-Class, but it wasn't comfortable. I sat in the car and it wasn't any more comfortable than most cars. Thanks for the suggestion, especially considering the $$ I could save with an E-Class.
Dawson; I tried the E-Class, but it wasn't comfortable. I sat in the car and it wasn't any more comfortable than most cars. Thanks for the suggestion, especially considering the $$ I could save with an E-Class.
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Joined: Sep 2007
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2003 s55 amg
s55 amg
i would definetly stick to a 2003 to 2005 s55 amg, remember the supercharger will increase the vehicle resale value dramatically.
i have an 03 s55 amg and i bought it used for 58,000 about a year ago, i also bought an aftermarket warranty for and extra 3500.00 that will take the car to 100,000 miles (although i havent had to use it yet).
i had a 93 400sel before which was a great car but everytime something went down it was VERY expensive to repair.
i will probably sell the car next year and get into a cls55amg, but maybe not.
these cars are an enginnering wonder! mine is absolutely fully loaded (the manuals are about 600 + pages) but the car is pretty easy to figure out.
i get around 16 m.p.g. and my buddy has an 05 corvette and my car leaves him in the dust from zero to eternity!!! (really pissed him off
!!!)
i have an 03 s55 amg and i bought it used for 58,000 about a year ago, i also bought an aftermarket warranty for and extra 3500.00 that will take the car to 100,000 miles (although i havent had to use it yet).
i had a 93 400sel before which was a great car but everytime something went down it was VERY expensive to repair.
i will probably sell the car next year and get into a cls55amg, but maybe not.
these cars are an enginnering wonder! mine is absolutely fully loaded (the manuals are about 600 + pages) but the car is pretty easy to figure out.
i get around 16 m.p.g. and my buddy has an 05 corvette and my car leaves him in the dust from zero to eternity!!! (really pissed him off
!!!)
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 13
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2001 Mercedes S55 AMG
[QUOTE=carlosinseattle;2391599]
IMO, I'm not a fan of any 00+ E55, especially the 03+. Compared to the S55, the E55 greatly lacks in style, and I feel strongly about this. This alone, should be enough to opt out of the E55.
E55 Speed- exceptional, but that's it for me.
Good Luck
Go with the E55 AMG 2001-2002 I'm tall as well, and I went from an S to an E fast with lots of room. Test drive one before you say it's too small for you. Also the S55 has some problems I was told the 2004-2008 S AMG's are way better on repair problems. Any way you go AMG is where to land.[/QUOTE
Dawson; I tried the E-Class, but it wasn't comfortable. I sat in the car and it wasn't any more comfortable than most cars. Thanks for the suggestion, especially considering the $$ I could save with an E-Class.
Dawson; I tried the E-Class, but it wasn't comfortable. I sat in the car and it wasn't any more comfortable than most cars. Thanks for the suggestion, especially considering the $$ I could save with an E-Class.
E55 Speed- exceptional, but that's it for me.
Good Luck
