Looking at a 2003 s55
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Joined: Feb 2009
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e55
Looking at a 2003 s55
New to this board.
I'm looking to buy a road car. I seem to be putting a lot of drive time in and need something that does not kill me on a 4 or 5 hour road trip (I take 2 or 3 time a week).
I came across a 2003 s55 with 55k on it. On first walk around the car is in good shape not perfect but with the miles I will put on a car that's ok with me. They are asking 22k for the car it's from an estate sale and don't have many records. They last owner owned the car for 2 years and put 7k miles on the car.
Is there anything in particular you look for on an s55 (major know problems to stay away from) I'm going to take it to the MB dealer to have then check it out. I've not owned a MB before and want to make my first ownership experience good one.
What kind of fuel economy do you guys get from one of these on the hwy?
I've also noticed I can't figure out a few of the controls is there anywhere on line that I can look up some of the features and how they work?
Sorry for the long winded questions thanks in advance.
I'm looking to buy a road car. I seem to be putting a lot of drive time in and need something that does not kill me on a 4 or 5 hour road trip (I take 2 or 3 time a week).
I came across a 2003 s55 with 55k on it. On first walk around the car is in good shape not perfect but with the miles I will put on a car that's ok with me. They are asking 22k for the car it's from an estate sale and don't have many records. They last owner owned the car for 2 years and put 7k miles on the car.
Is there anything in particular you look for on an s55 (major know problems to stay away from) I'm going to take it to the MB dealer to have then check it out. I've not owned a MB before and want to make my first ownership experience good one.
What kind of fuel economy do you guys get from one of these on the hwy?
I've also noticed I can't figure out a few of the controls is there anywhere on line that I can look up some of the features and how they work?
Sorry for the long winded questions thanks in advance.
Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 117
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From: Florida
03 S55 AMG
03 S55
I have an 03 S55 that I bought 2 years ago and love the car. If it doesn't have a warranty buy one. This unless you're VERY financially secure. I paid $5300 for a 7 year 110K mile bumper to bumper with a $100 deductible. Something will go wrong with your car and everything is expensive to repair. Shift control module, replaced twice @ $500 each. ABC valve replaced @ $2200. Get the picture. I'm not saying that they're that problematic its just that when something does go wrong it's very costly. I love the car regardless. Its very comfortable & very fast. I'm going to hold on to it for a couple more years and upgrade to an 07 S65 "hopefully".
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 443
Likes: 118
'03 S55 (79K miles)
Great car for cruising long distances. Comfortable seats. Includes ventilated cushions and active seat zone inflation, which also can serve as a mildly effective lower back massager. Good HVAC. Tons of leg room for you AND the rear seat passengers, even if your seat is slid far back.
Nice arm rest placement, and padded center console keeps a few soda cans cool in summer.
I get about 21 mpg highway, if I keep it under 70mph and don't stomp the gas when entering the highway or passing. Great power for passing.
Noise: As a rule, a Mercedes is quieter than any other American boat you could drive. Especially when you get it up to 80, 90 or 100MPH. But expect to hear the exhaust and road noise (wider/stiffer tires) a bit more in the S55 than a more cushey S500.
The 2003 MY had a CD based NAV system, but it works well. You have to change disks to the correct zone. So if you drive from Boston to Ohio, you hae to change disks to see your destination. Only has 6-disk CD changer in the trunk, which can get a bit old, but you also can plug an iPod or MP3 player into the "AUX" stereo jack in the glove compartment. Just make sure you have fresh batteries in the player.
Nice arm rest placement, and padded center console keeps a few soda cans cool in summer.
I get about 21 mpg highway, if I keep it under 70mph and don't stomp the gas when entering the highway or passing. Great power for passing.
Noise: As a rule, a Mercedes is quieter than any other American boat you could drive. Especially when you get it up to 80, 90 or 100MPH. But expect to hear the exhaust and road noise (wider/stiffer tires) a bit more in the S55 than a more cushey S500.
The 2003 MY had a CD based NAV system, but it works well. You have to change disks to the correct zone. So if you drive from Boston to Ohio, you hae to change disks to see your destination. Only has 6-disk CD changer in the trunk, which can get a bit old, but you also can plug an iPod or MP3 player into the "AUX" stereo jack in the glove compartment. Just make sure you have fresh batteries in the player.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,681
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From: SF
07 E63 06 CLK55 Cab 03 P-car C4S
