Getting ready to buy
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 83
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From: Stamford, CT
s600
Getting ready to buy
The Corvette is almost sold and the wife wants a Mercedes. I want a powerful car, and she wants plush. The obvious compromise is the AMG s-class.
So, I've found several '03-'04 S55s for around $23k. I know 6 months ago this might have been cheap, but nobody is buying cars due to the economy, and there are quite a lot of cars like this out there. I was originally looking at a standard s-class, but I've been warned over and over to get the 2003 model or newer because of problems with the older W220s. Did they get the S55 "right" starting in '03, or should I look for an '04 or even '05?
How does this car compare to a regular S500? We test drove a S500 4 matic and it rode very nicely- and the wife loved it. Will the AMG **** her off (will the ride be rougher)? I've about got her talked into the AMG, but she's worried about the ride- most sport versions of luxury cars have stiffened suspensions and ride rougher. Also, is the supercharged engine as reliable as the standard one?
Thanks!
So, I've found several '03-'04 S55s for around $23k. I know 6 months ago this might have been cheap, but nobody is buying cars due to the economy, and there are quite a lot of cars like this out there. I was originally looking at a standard s-class, but I've been warned over and over to get the 2003 model or newer because of problems with the older W220s. Did they get the S55 "right" starting in '03, or should I look for an '04 or even '05?
How does this car compare to a regular S500? We test drove a S500 4 matic and it rode very nicely- and the wife loved it. Will the AMG **** her off (will the ride be rougher)? I've about got her talked into the AMG, but she's worried about the ride- most sport versions of luxury cars have stiffened suspensions and ride rougher. Also, is the supercharged engine as reliable as the standard one?
Thanks!
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From: San Diego
G63 AMG, SL65 AMG, CLS550, S550, Tesla Model S Performance, Challenger SRT8
I owned an S55 AMG model year '01 when they first came out. Definitely one of my favorite Mercs I've ever owned. I never had any problems with it (and I had a 5 year lease!!). The car was smooth when cruising, but was a monster when you floored it. 
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2006
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Well this sounds all to familiar. I sold my Z06 to get a S class a few years ago. Now I have a 2003 S55 and LOVE it! These cars are crazy strong. The ride is very nice, no complaints at all. You will be happy with a AMG.
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Joined: May 2008
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From: USA
2018 S63, lowered
I sold my Pro-Charged C6 to get my S65. It's the best decision I ever made. This thing is sick- 11.54@122 bone stock with the exception of DR's and all the luxury/reliability to go with it. The AMG S class is second to none when it comes to comfort and power, IMO. You'll be very happy.
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Joined: Sep 2005
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From: LA
s63, e55
How does this car compare to a regular S500? We test drove a S500 4 matic and it rode very nicely- and the wife loved it. Will the AMG **** her off (will the ride be rougher)? I've about got her talked into the AMG, but she's worried about the ride- most sport versions of luxury cars have stiffened suspensions and ride rougher.
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From: Lynchburg, VA
S63
I second that comment. A car's seating comfort is the number one criteria for my wife, always has been! We had a 07 S550. She wasn't quite happy with the passenger seat when getting out of the car. The upper leg side bolster is very stiff. One day we saw a S63 at the dealer and I asked her to sit in it. The S63 has multi-contour seats which lets you adjust firmness of all the different areas of the seat. I dialed the sides to soft, she sat in it, I switched on massage, and 1 week later we bought a new S63. Thank you seats!
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 83
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From: Stamford, CT
s600
Thanks guys. Unfortunately I can't afford a S63. Does the S55 ride nice? That's very important to my wife- if the car doesn't ride as nice as the regular S500, she will beat me with a stick. 
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Super Member
Joined: Jul 2005
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From: South Florida
2007 S65, 2005 Nissan Armada
Sounds like you need a new wife not a new car!! LOL I had an 05 E55 and it rode great. I would guess the S55 would be about the same or better.
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Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 83
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From: Stamford, CT
s600
Ok, thanks guys for all the help.
One more question. How many miles is too many miles? Normally I wouldn't even ask the question because every car I've ever had in the last 20 years was good for 200k miles plus. But this one is supercharged, an therefore might not last quite as long. I'm looking at some cars for sale in the 83000 to 100000 mile range. Now normally I like to do the 50k 100k thing- buy at 50k and sell at 100k, but we have a new baby and our budget is pretty tight at <$23k.
So what do you think about and S55 with, say, 85k miles? How much life does it have in it? Thanks again!
One more question. How many miles is too many miles? Normally I wouldn't even ask the question because every car I've ever had in the last 20 years was good for 200k miles plus. But this one is supercharged, an therefore might not last quite as long. I'm looking at some cars for sale in the 83000 to 100000 mile range. Now normally I like to do the 50k 100k thing- buy at 50k and sell at 100k, but we have a new baby and our budget is pretty tight at <$23k.
So what do you think about and S55 with, say, 85k miles? How much life does it have in it? Thanks again!
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Joined: Feb 2009
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From: Lynchburg, VA
S63
That is a tricky question, but I'll gladly share my opinion on this. I think the most important factor is how the car was driven and maintained. Was it used just on the road or also on the track? How many owners? I would not hesitate to buy a one-owner car if he/she has all service records and the car does not show signs of misuse. Of course there should be no leaks; the underside should be dry, especially around the oil pan. Pull the dipstick. If the oil is at the correct level and looks clean, good for you. Again, if the owner can show you that he/she took good care and always cared about maintenance you have less to worry.
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 575
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From: Lake Norman
CTS-V 2013 Wagon
C131,
I have an S55 2003 and it is excellent. I came from an s500 previously and this one is not quite as floaty and handles much better at highway speeds and in the curves. Power is ridiculous too. Mine is for sale for $22,000 if you are in the east coast area. http://charlotte.craigslist.org/ctd/1090787069.html
Good luck with your search,
Warren
I have an S55 2003 and it is excellent. I came from an s500 previously and this one is not quite as floaty and handles much better at highway speeds and in the curves. Power is ridiculous too. Mine is for sale for $22,000 if you are in the east coast area. http://charlotte.craigslist.org/ctd/1090787069.html
Good luck with your search,
Warren
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Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Arizona
SL55AMG, Ferrari 348, Ferrari Testarossa, Ferrari F40, Ferrari Mondial t, Ducati 916, Indycar
Seriously... they are good cars. But you should be smart and get the best car you can afford. Have it inspected by a Merc store. Check the records, etc. All common sense stuff when it comes to buying used cars. Sometimes the cheapest car isn't the best buy.
I also love my SL55. Had it since new and it has been great! Good luck and let me know when you start to think it's slow!
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jul 2008
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From: Stamford, CT
s600
Thank you everyone! I will definitely use your advice. I'm in Greenwich, CT, so NC is a little far away for me. Thanks for the offer though.
The best part about living where I do is that EVERYONE drives German machinery, and there are lots of cars to choose from. AMGs are pretty rare- you see about 3 or 4 per day out of at least 100 Mercs you'll see if you drive more than 30 minutes a day. We've found two we are looking at- a 2003 with 82000 miles and a 2004 with 95000 miles. Neither has been driven to Manhattan every day- which is important. Driving to and from the city every day is very hard on any car, and most of the folks who live around here work on Wall Street. (not me- I'm a simple power plant manager)
I'll let you know how it all goes. Thanks again for the help- and if you have anymore advice, keep it coming!
The best part about living where I do is that EVERYONE drives German machinery, and there are lots of cars to choose from. AMGs are pretty rare- you see about 3 or 4 per day out of at least 100 Mercs you'll see if you drive more than 30 minutes a day. We've found two we are looking at- a 2003 with 82000 miles and a 2004 with 95000 miles. Neither has been driven to Manhattan every day- which is important. Driving to and from the city every day is very hard on any car, and most of the folks who live around here work on Wall Street. (not me- I'm a simple power plant manager)
I'll let you know how it all goes. Thanks again for the help- and if you have anymore advice, keep it coming!
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Joined: Apr 2008
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From: U.K.
SL 63 W/B AMG , S600,C220
Before I bought my S600 I was going to buy a S500 or a S55. I never
got to drive the S55 but I drove the S500. I found it very bland with
modest power. When I test drove the S600 it blew my mind, it felt
like a big CL65 with a little less power. I use my S600 most of the time because of it's load carrying capabilities, it really is a fantastic car and
only cost me 25 grand.
got to drive the S55 but I drove the S500. I found it very bland with
modest power. When I test drove the S600 it blew my mind, it felt
like a big CL65 with a little less power. I use my S600 most of the time because of it's load carrying capabilities, it really is a fantastic car and
only cost me 25 grand.
