titanle

I was wondering, are there any major differences between the 04,05 and 06.....

I might be purchasing one a few months down the road and am curious to know if there any major differences so as to decide whether to buy an 04 and save some money or get a newer model.

maw1124

When I researched mine I discovered: (a) that MY'06 was very limited production -- around 460 units for North America delivery. One might think of them as "leftover" '05's, but I wouldn't. It is the last year for what will probably go down as one of AMG's best engines, so one can imagine there might be some pride and sentimentality that went into them, or maybe not, or maybe but not worht the extra money; and (b) MB had worked out all of the recalls and other "kinks" that plagued the MY'03s and MY'04s by MY'05 and MY'06. I also notice that my MY'06 has 19-inch two piece wheels, where every other source I've seen quotes 18-inch one piece wheels. Those are the only differences I've run across. Anyone else?

titanle

hmmmm so the 05 and up are more reliable persay?

maw1124

That's what the published literature suggests anyway. Only Father Time knows for certain.

But my experience seems to bear this out so far. I purchased my car with a list of recalls, TSB's, expert advice as to common problems, etc., "in hand." My service advisor (a good friend of mine is a friend of the owner at this MB dealer) walked me through each of them and showed me how the manufacture dates associated with the recalls all preceded my build date (7/05 -- except for a one having to do with a noisy pulley, which they replaced under warranty after I complained about it).

My first word of this came when I was looking at a used MY'04 E55 in Florida at a Jaguar dealer. That car had leaky head cover gaskets, but one of their techs used to work at Mercedes, and took the car there for repair. The tech later told me that most of the problems (e.g., the ECU reprogram issues, suspension bobble, etc.), were (a) related to the E55's only, not the S55's because the S55's manage the engine heat better; and (b) were largely worked out by MY'05. So my conclusion was simple -- get a newer S55, not an older e55.

But like I said, only Father Time knows for certain.

titanle

Hmmmm I guess it would be safer to get a 05+ since the issues have been addressed. Maybe if I come across one with ext warranty or low mileage. I really want this car but i dont want to buy it and then end up having to spend $$$ on pricey repairs.

maw1124

Low mileage. And remember, you're only buying the service history. The cars are all the same coming off the lot. It's what happens to them AFTER that which makes all the difference. Good luck. The warranty just looks like an opportunity to waste time (arguing over what is and is not covered) and let someone else hold your money.

titanle

you make a good point. So it would be smarter to find one that has the major issues addressed.

Corsa9000

Of course the lower mileage demands a higher price. I just don't think there is any difference in a 2003 to 2006 S55. There are some items that are prone to failure such as ABC pump and others well covered in this forum.

Get a solid car, have it inspected and enjoy the ride. Good luck!

titanle

hmmm thanks for the info. ive seen a few 03s with roughly 50-60K selling for about 27K canadian, since im up north.

Bukwild

with the warrantee you can get on these cars from http://www.chryslerfactoryplans.com/
paying 27k + a 5 year 70k warrantee is a no brainer. thats a lot of car with the maintence being paid by someone else.

Corsa9000

Others may disagree but I highly recommend a warranty with any S Class car since no repair is inexpensive.

titanle

Hmmm Yeah I would get the warranty, we've owned mercedes before and repairs get very costly/