I've got a line on a pretty good deal on both a 2001 S55 and a 2002 S55. I was wondering if anyone knows offhand the changes, if any, made to the S55 between these 2 model years. Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

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David
'01 CLK55
'01 330Ci

Save for the 2003.

I have not ruled it out, but I'd probably never buy one new (even with the supercharged V8) as it's hard for me to justify spending 100k+ on an automobile. I'd like to pick up a sedan, though, to round out the fleet and I have my eye on the S55 for some time. Thinking about getting an '02 and trading up in a year or so when the '03's start showing up as pre-owned.

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David
'01 CLK55
'01 330Ci

I don't know of any real difference between the '01 and '02. You are right about paying substancially more for an '03. Three months ago I bought an '02 S 55 that was in Mercedes factory service as a "press/VIP" car. It was titled as new, had the warrenty extended to a 6yr/100,000 miles at no additional cost and has been wonderful. It would have cost me $25,000 more for an '03 and all I would have got was slightly different headlights, taillights, a 0-60 time one second faster (5.6 v 4.6) and a worse MPG. How many of us are going to use the full performance of the engine with any regularity? When it comes time to replace it I'm going to ask my dealer if he can get me an '04 or '05 under the same deal.

davidb,

what is the asking price for each vehicle?
also how many miles are on each one?
plus options and condition?

There were no changes from the '01 to the '02.
I would buy whichever one you like better and can get the best deal on.

That is not entirely true. There were small changes such as improved SMS in the COMAND system, minor changes in the instrumentation mounted multi function display, etc. But for the most part, no major changes.

Yup, very minor changes like, 3 seat memory settings on the 2002, as opposed to the 2001 that has 2 memories and a useless "E" setting. Also, on the 2002, you can change the car setting in the multi function display while the car is moving I believe... doesn't have to be parked.
And the base price went up a thousand or two from the 2001. lol

Can't think of much else.

Not sure about the used car prices of the 2001-2 S600 vs. the S55, but if they are close, maybe you should look into the 600. The interior is much nicer and the performance is about the same.