03' S55 vs 04' S55 .. help!
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Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Piedmont, CA
2005 S55
03' S55 vs 04' S55 .. help!
Ok, I've been on this site long enough now to know some will eviscerate me over asking and not researching .. for the record, I have researched but want to be specific and have good knowledge making this purchase.
What are the differences between an 03' and 04' S55? I know the command is different, what is the new version called and how is it better? Other than that (and a much better ipod interface) .. are there other differences?
I'm seeing a lot of 03's but few 04's and up, so I want to know what I'm missing if I bite on and 03 (and will negotiate appropriately of course!).
Thanks all .. from a hopefully soon fellow AMG'er ..
What are the differences between an 03' and 04' S55? I know the command is different, what is the new version called and how is it better? Other than that (and a much better ipod interface) .. are there other differences?
I'm seeing a lot of 03's but few 04's and up, so I want to know what I'm missing if I bite on and 03 (and will negotiate appropriately of course!).
Thanks all .. from a hopefully soon fellow AMG'er ..
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,746
Likes: 1
BMW F02 (750Li) F10 (550i)
Ok, I've been on this site long enough now to know some will eviscerate me over asking and not researching .. for the record, I have researched but want to be specific and have good knowledge making this purchase.
What are the differences between an 03' and 04' S55? I know the command is different, what is the new version called and how is it better? Other than that (and a much better ipod interface) .. are there other differences?
I'm seeing a lot of 03's but few 04's and up, so I want to know what I'm missing if I bite on and 03 (and will negotiate appropriately of course!).
Thanks all .. from a hopefully soon fellow AMG'er ..
What are the differences between an 03' and 04' S55? I know the command is different, what is the new version called and how is it better? Other than that (and a much better ipod interface) .. are there other differences?
I'm seeing a lot of 03's but few 04's and up, so I want to know what I'm missing if I bite on and 03 (and will negotiate appropriately of course!).
Thanks all .. from a hopefully soon fellow AMG'er ..
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,746
Likes: 1
BMW F02 (750Li) F10 (550i)
Ok, I've been on this site long enough now to know some will eviscerate me over asking and not researching .. for the record, I have researched but want to be specific and have good knowledge making this purchase.
What are the differences between an 03' and 04' S55? I know the command is different, what is the new version called and how is it better? Other than that (and a much better ipod interface) .. are there other differences?
I'm seeing a lot of 03's but few 04's and up, so I want to know what I'm missing if I bite on and 03 (and will negotiate appropriately of course!).
Thanks all .. from a hopefully soon fellow AMG'er ..
What are the differences between an 03' and 04' S55? I know the command is different, what is the new version called and how is it better? Other than that (and a much better ipod interface) .. are there other differences?
I'm seeing a lot of 03's but few 04's and up, so I want to know what I'm missing if I bite on and 03 (and will negotiate appropriately of course!).
Thanks all .. from a hopefully soon fellow AMG'er ..
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 443
Likes: 118
'03 S55 (79K miles)
‘03 was the First year of the supercharger. Used the Command Nav unit that uses a CDs in the head unit for the map (7 of them for USA). Also plays up to 6 CDs from a cassette you load in the trunk. Has TV button in Europe. Can be upgraded to BT with a “puck” that sits under arm rest.
’04 used the updated Command unit using DVD for maps. Better screen and routing algorithm. ‘04 has more new car smell remaining in it.
If if you get a better deal on ‘03, go for it. There might some day be a premium for the 1st year car when it becomes a collectible....in 2035.
Buy the car with repair history showing the ABC system was recently sorted or repaired. Or otherwise low-ball somebody whose car is resting on its bumpstops and fix it yourself for cheap. (Parts cost money). Another common problem for both years is the air vacuum lines that operate all the door locks/soft close functions.
’04 used the updated Command unit using DVD for maps. Better screen and routing algorithm. ‘04 has more new car smell remaining in it.
If if you get a better deal on ‘03, go for it. There might some day be a premium for the 1st year car when it becomes a collectible....in 2035.
Buy the car with repair history showing the ABC system was recently sorted or repaired. Or otherwise low-ball somebody whose car is resting on its bumpstops and fix it yourself for cheap. (Parts cost money). Another common problem for both years is the air vacuum lines that operate all the door locks/soft close functions.
Last edited by GrepAwk; Aug 10, 2018 at 11:13 AM. Reason: Added info
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 2,637
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From: Phoenix
222 S-65
Search nOOb. Couldn't resist.
Rule #1. Don't buy the first year of a complicated new model such as an S-55 as MB quickly realizes a number of things need updating. Much of which done for 2004.
Rule #2. If you can swing it get a 2008 and newer 221 S-Class as soooo much of what was so troublesome in the 220 chassis has been solved.
I wish the supercharged 5.5 liter got used in the 221 Chassis or MB turbocharged the 6.2 right out of the gate. Alas... They figure it out over time.
Rule #1. Don't buy the first year of a complicated new model such as an S-55 as MB quickly realizes a number of things need updating. Much of which done for 2004.
Rule #2. If you can swing it get a 2008 and newer 221 S-Class as soooo much of what was so troublesome in the 220 chassis has been solved.
I wish the supercharged 5.5 liter got used in the 221 Chassis or MB turbocharged the 6.2 right out of the gate. Alas... They figure it out over time.
Last edited by JohnLane; Aug 10, 2018 at 12:50 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 443
Likes: 118
'03 S55 (79K miles)
Regarding Rule 1: I usually agree. However, the SL55 AMG was launched a year earlier and those are the guys that suffered the supercharger pains first. I still learn a lot from their forums. The supercharger problems are:
- squeak noise when clutch engages at throttle up
- front bearing wears out and needs replacement.
- clutch surface wears out and needs replacement (rare)
Same problem for all years. I’ve only experienced the squeak (since new, and still there) These are serviceable items on the supercharger, compared to a turbo failure which usually requires complete replacement and fishing out impeller blades from the exhaust.
And if if you want a supercharger (not a turbo), you have to stay in the W220 S55.
- squeak noise when clutch engages at throttle up
- front bearing wears out and needs replacement.
- clutch surface wears out and needs replacement (rare)
Same problem for all years. I’ve only experienced the squeak (since new, and still there) These are serviceable items on the supercharger, compared to a turbo failure which usually requires complete replacement and fishing out impeller blades from the exhaust.
And if if you want a supercharger (not a turbo), you have to stay in the W220 S55.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 2,637
Likes: 1,222
From: Phoenix
222 S-65
Regarding Rule 1: I usually agree. However, the SL55 AMG was launched a year earlier and those are the guys that suffered the supercharger pains first. I still learn a lot from their forums. The supercharger problems are:
- squeak noise when clutch engages at throttle up
- front bearing wears out and needs replacement.
- clutch surface wears out and needs replacement (rare)
Same problem for all years. I’ve only experienced the squeak (since new, and still there) These are serviceable items on the supercharger, compared to a turbo failure which usually requires complete replacement and fishing out impeller blades from the exhaust.
And if if you want a supercharger (not a turbo), you have to stay in the W220 S55.
- squeak noise when clutch engages at throttle up
- front bearing wears out and needs replacement.
- clutch surface wears out and needs replacement (rare)
Same problem for all years. I’ve only experienced the squeak (since new, and still there) These are serviceable items on the supercharger, compared to a turbo failure which usually requires complete replacement and fishing out impeller blades from the exhaust.
And if if you want a supercharger (not a turbo), you have to stay in the W220 S55.
They all need to be maintained. I prefer the supercharger. Loved how my E-55 went. Wish that MB had cooked up a clever way to use one (or more!) to make the bent-12 especially amusing. Alas they did not. In any case.... Turbocharger failures are rare compared with the '80s. We all change our oil and use Mobil-1 or another suitable synthetic. Change the oil in your supercharger. You will not forget the odor.
My point being that cars the engines found their way into got a LOT better in newer cars. Many things MB got right in the 221 that were forever annoying in the 220 + new exciting annoyances in the 221.
