Looking to buy 03+ S55 AMG - Your input wanted!
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 411
Likes: 29
From: Aiken, SC
2007 S600
90+ k miles on my 04 S55 without ever having had or heard of an electrical Gremlin. ABC yes but electrical? What are you talking about?
ON SUSPENSION
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
From: The OC CA, USA
C280 and soon to be E55 or S55
So i talked to a intendant Mercedes specific repair & service shop, OC Benz and he said that it really wasn't a car that was easy to maintain as all of you have said i just needed i bit more clarification on the ABC and its cost. So my main fall back car was a E55 and he said that that was a much more reasonable & sensible car & said it was very fun to drive.
So I thank you for all of you answers and help in making my decision. so ill be in the E55 forum...lol
So I thank you for all of you answers and help in making my decision. so ill be in the E55 forum...lol
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 783
Likes: 13
2006 s65. Ford Excursion 6.0. Pontiac GTO convertible. Porsche 944 Turbo SCCA car. Wife-E550 and 968
So i talked to a intendant Mercedes specific repair & service shop, OC Benz and he said that it really wasn't a car that was easy to maintain as all of you have said i just needed i bit more clarification on the ABC and its cost. So my main fall back car was a E55 and he said that that was a much more reasonable & sensible car & said it was very fun to drive.
So I thank you for all of you answers and help in making my decision. so ill be in the E55 forum...lol
So I thank you for all of you answers and help in making my decision. so ill be in the E55 forum...lol
ON SUSPENSION
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
From: The OC CA, USA
C280 and soon to be E55 or S55
in reading through the posts, I certainly do not come to the conclusion that "all of us have said" it is an easy car to maintain. I think a bunch of us have said "it is a frickload of work to maintain." For an 18 year old, an E55 is a better choice. Actually, for an 18 year old, an E320 cdi is a better choice, as without racing school you will likely hurt yourself or worse yet others.
As for what i said before that is true not every one said that it would be a harder car to maintain however it is a lot of patients (something i don't have) and a lot of money a bit more that I'm will put out for only repairs. If they were performance upgrades that different but its over all just a little to costly to me.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 769
Likes: 5
From: New York
Mercedes S55 AMG
Well, with a budget of 18k, you really won't find a lower mileage example of S55's and E55's. (w211)
Sure, you may be able to sneak in a 2003 E55 or S55 with really high miles for 18k, but I am really certain that is not a good idea. It will be out of warranty, and you will start to incur costs of maintenance, since a lot of little things do go wrong with these cars, especially with higher miles if they've been neglected. Trust me, I have an S55 with 148k miles - so I know how it's like. I love the car, but it is not cheap to maintain and little things do often go wrong.
Now, here is a much smarter decision. You want an AMG, and have a budget of 18k. Sure, that can be done. You will have to get an older AMG, though. Here are some options, ALL of which you can find for under 18k with fairly good mileage and condition.
Maintenance for these will be better for the most part, except the S55 below which has ABC and may be a bit more since it's more complicated.
W220 S55 2001/2002: Not the supercharged one, but you'll more easily find these in the mid-teens. It's still fast, an AMG, and an S class. Plus you will be a bit under budget and be able to find a well-maintaned example.
W210 E55: Same engine as the above S55, but in a lighter car - still very quick. The S55 is nicer and more modern, but this E55 is lighter and can be most likely found cheaper.
CLK55: W208 Once again, same engine - but even lighter. 0-60 times of 4.9 seconds, it's a fast car and still looks good.
C32 AMG: The C55 is still more expensive for a good example, but the C32 can be found for this price. It's a fast car, and looks good.
Sure, you may be able to sneak in a 2003 E55 or S55 with really high miles for 18k, but I am really certain that is not a good idea. It will be out of warranty, and you will start to incur costs of maintenance, since a lot of little things do go wrong with these cars, especially with higher miles if they've been neglected. Trust me, I have an S55 with 148k miles - so I know how it's like. I love the car, but it is not cheap to maintain and little things do often go wrong.
Now, here is a much smarter decision. You want an AMG, and have a budget of 18k. Sure, that can be done. You will have to get an older AMG, though. Here are some options, ALL of which you can find for under 18k with fairly good mileage and condition.
Maintenance for these will be better for the most part, except the S55 below which has ABC and may be a bit more since it's more complicated.
W220 S55 2001/2002: Not the supercharged one, but you'll more easily find these in the mid-teens. It's still fast, an AMG, and an S class. Plus you will be a bit under budget and be able to find a well-maintaned example.
W210 E55: Same engine as the above S55, but in a lighter car - still very quick. The S55 is nicer and more modern, but this E55 is lighter and can be most likely found cheaper.
CLK55: W208 Once again, same engine - but even lighter. 0-60 times of 4.9 seconds, it's a fast car and still looks good.
C32 AMG: The C55 is still more expensive for a good example, but the C32 can be found for this price. It's a fast car, and looks good.
ON SUSPENSION
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
From: The OC CA, USA
C280 and soon to be E55 or S55
I was told by my indie Benz service shop that i would have a hard time keeping the C-AMG on the road. as for the CLK as Motor trend said a few years ago its for ladies who lunch.
I was recommended both the 210 & 211,
as for the 01/02 S i wanted the modern interior (the seats and dash/center console). as for the the 211 I've seen a few all between 90-115k mi. I like the available mods and the more modern look of the the 211.
And i really kinda want that Supercharger
I was recommended both the 210 & 211,
as for the 01/02 S i wanted the modern interior (the seats and dash/center console). as for the the 211 I've seen a few all between 90-115k mi. I like the available mods and the more modern look of the the 211.
And i really kinda want that Supercharger
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
09 R350
Thanks for the honest opinion, I won't be scratching my head for my 18 year old who is ready with a list of his own models.
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 870
Likes: 1
Pinto
I was told by my indie Benz service shop that i would have a hard time keeping the C-AMG on the road. as for the CLK as Motor trend said a few years ago its for ladies who lunch.
I was recommended both the 210 & 211,
as for the 01/02 S i wanted the modern interior (the seats and dash/center console). as for the the 211 I've seen a few all between 90-115k mi. I like the available mods and the more modern look of the the 211.
And i really kinda want that Supercharger
I was recommended both the 210 & 211,
as for the 01/02 S i wanted the modern interior (the seats and dash/center console). as for the the 211 I've seen a few all between 90-115k mi. I like the available mods and the more modern look of the the 211.
And i really kinda want that Supercharger
if you like it man, just buy it don't listen to people.
ayy you sure you 18... u look like 30's bro... lol..i add you on call of duty 2
Last edited by Viet_Amg408; Oct 25, 2010 at 12:55 AM.
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
From: Mission Viejo CA
2003 S55 AMG W-220
I bought my W220 about 4 months ago, 87,000 miles 90 now. I was concerned with he same maintenance issues, and looked at alot of s 55s. If you can distinguish the difference between a hammered one, and one that has been taken care of, that need be all your concern. For example - Mercedes emblems in the windows, taillights. Be sure to run the abc swith multiple times, it should kompress up and down quickly, within a few seconds. Hammer it !!! Make sure the tranny doesn't slip, an whale on the breaks (17 in slotted 8 cylinder brAkes will stop FAST!!) you will be happy with your purchase. I promise!!!!! Food for thought, this is what I have done. I work 60 miles away from home, so I bought a beater to drive on freeway!! Run up the miles on that, then when I come home I enjoy my AMG around town. You do want to avoid winding out mileage on this car , it is an exotic and you will want to take care of it!!! If you find a good shop the maintenance isn't as bad as you think. I know with 90k on it a warranty will cost 3500 dollars for 24k miles. I didn't do it. Mind you, I beat the ****!!!!!! Out of my car 
it's hard not to when you have 500 horsepower to play with. Good luck, and hope to see you around the forum with your new ride.
it's hard not to when you have 500 horsepower to play with. Good luck, and hope to see you around the forum with your new ride.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 312
Likes: 3
From: San Francisco
2000 mercedes benz s430
Wow this is an old thread but I just wanted to say that i have a 2000 s430 that i bought with 119k. I got it from the original owner that took REALLY good care of the car. I'm talking not even a single scratch or ding anywhere. I had it for about six months and had no major issues just small wear and tare stuff. I got all the service records from the previous Owner and looks like the car had lots of its work done between 75-90k. I also have a buddy with a 01 cl500 with 68k and his car is in service alot. I seen from personal experience that if you buy cars like these its better to get over 100k or really low miles like under 60k. Also matters who the previous owners were and how it was taken care of.
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 7
Likes: 2
From: NY
LOL BAMG...take a hit? man the car was $130k just 6 years ago....lol....$18500? The drivetrain is worth $10k.....
if the car is broken it may be worth less....
But the a drivetrain from a 2005 E55 recently sold on ebay for $11k
The car is underrated PERIOD.....
IE...a lexus LS430 with 150k miles 2005 is still worth $15k wholesale...
In 4 years they only built less then 4k s55's....they build over 50k LS Lexus's yearly....
MSPR on a LEXUS was $73k loaded...the s55 was over $125k
If your Lexus breaks it will be expensive to fix just like the Benz....
THIS IS a MERCEDES not a CHEVROLET.....130k miles taken care of is = to a Chevrolet with 30k miles.....remember $125k of parts were put in the car new...
a 221k miles 2003 silver s55 went through auction 2 months ago for $15,200
nothing wrong with the car.....no options with a grey ash interior....
is this car going to depreciate? you tell me ...2003-2004 s500'S ARE still wholesaling with 100k miles for $13k.....wanna see?
at $18500...you can drive the **** out of it...put on another 50k miles...and still sell it for $16k....
WHO IS NOT GOING TO BUY A 12 sec. 500HP Mercedes in perfect running condition for $16k? I would all day long.......
My 130k mile car will outrun a brand new challenger or camaro ss with mods that cost almost $20k more....
if the car is broken it may be worth less....
But the a drivetrain from a 2005 E55 recently sold on ebay for $11k
The car is underrated PERIOD.....
IE...a lexus LS430 with 150k miles 2005 is still worth $15k wholesale...
In 4 years they only built less then 4k s55's....they build over 50k LS Lexus's yearly....
MSPR on a LEXUS was $73k loaded...the s55 was over $125k
If your Lexus breaks it will be expensive to fix just like the Benz....
THIS IS a MERCEDES not a CHEVROLET.....130k miles taken care of is = to a Chevrolet with 30k miles.....remember $125k of parts were put in the car new...
a 221k miles 2003 silver s55 went through auction 2 months ago for $15,200
nothing wrong with the car.....no options with a grey ash interior....
is this car going to depreciate? you tell me ...2003-2004 s500'S ARE still wholesaling with 100k miles for $13k.....wanna see?
at $18500...you can drive the **** out of it...put on another 50k miles...and still sell it for $16k....
WHO IS NOT GOING TO BUY A 12 sec. 500HP Mercedes in perfect running condition for $16k? I would all day long.......
My 130k mile car will outrun a brand new challenger or camaro ss with mods that cost almost $20k more....
I just bought a high mileage S55 and had to spend a few dollar on maintenance. It was a lot, but when you are driving that machine to the shop it really seems worth it. When you are driving another car and thinking about buying the S55 is the only time it will seem like a lot.
When you factor your interest on the Lexus and all the padding in the payments you are really spending the money anyway. With a major repair on the S55, that car can get VERY close to a new car payment in yearly cost. But I like to support my local mechanic over the banks and insurance companies. So I am always buying older cars and just maintaining them.
GL
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 870
Likes: 1
Pinto
Anyone want to buy my 03 s55 fully serviced by mechanic owner ?
i have 140k on the clock...everything is excellent...except a small dent in the hood...easy bodyshop fix for couple hundred bucks
let me know.. looking for 16-17k.. reasonably market price !!!
i have 140k on the clock...everything is excellent...except a small dent in the hood...easy bodyshop fix for couple hundred bucks
let me know.. looking for 16-17k.. reasonably market price !!!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,071
Likes: 0
From: NoVa
2004 S55 (SOLD, miss it every day), 2009 GL550
Best offer over $20,000 gets it.
Did i mention the killer warranty? Don't drive AMG without one!!
ON SUSPENSION
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
From: The OC CA, USA
C280 and soon to be E55 or S55
My thoughts have not changed. I still want E55 or CLS55, I was driving a clients 12 CLS63 and It's quite a bit of fun, or my friends 12 E350 Turbo'ed...also quite a bit of fun....I want that fun stock....and then the other day BenzWorks hosted an open house and an E55 running like 600+ hp did one of the best burn outs id seen....
No another client of mine has a GS 430, and that thing is nice and has a sweet sound....but is still not what I'm looking for in a car....
No another client of mine has a GS 430, and that thing is nice and has a sweet sound....but is still not what I'm looking for in a car....
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 312
Likes: 3
From: San Francisco
2000 mercedes benz s430
I would buy one wigh 120k over one with like 80k for a much better deal
OTE=bamg;4045759]So if we had an opportunity to buy a high mileage S55 AMG or a much newer (possibly heavier optioned) S500 Designo what would you chose?[/QUOTE]
OTE=bamg;4045759]So if we had an opportunity to buy a high mileage S55 AMG or a much newer (possibly heavier optioned) S500 Designo what would you chose?[/QUOTE]
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,071
Likes: 0
From: NoVa
2004 S55 (SOLD, miss it every day), 2009 GL550
I wouldn't buy one at 60k that didn't have a reliable warranty.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 312
Likes: 3
From: San Francisco
2000 mercedes benz s430
This is the sad fact. I have had many mbz's and BMW's and so have most of my friends. These cars are all have the same problems and usually around the same mileage. All major parts go out between 65-110k. I am saying this from personal experience. People that say i am crazy buying a German car with over 100k are basically crazy them selves. Ether buy one with low miles with warranty or buy one with 115k plus. I bought my s430 with 118k and put 20k within a year with no major problems (knock on wood).
Having just survived a gigantic repair bill at the 60k mark i would almost agree with this. The big stuff that will fail will certainly haved failed by 120k, or at least be obvious to an educated consumer. However, could they possibly be nearing a second failure?
I wouldn't buy one at 60k that didn't have a reliable warranty.
I wouldn't buy one at 60k that didn't have a reliable warranty.
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Johns Creek, GA
Now: 2003 S55; 2001 E430 Designo; past: 1999 E430, 2002 ML500, 2005 E500, 1996 C280; 2006 E320 CDI
I bought an S55 in Sept 2011 with 28K miles on the clock. It now has 42K on it. I've owned many, many cars, this is my 3rd favorite all time and now I can't imagine driving something else. That said, previous owner had a full extended warranty and it paid over $8K to fits things (ball joints, motor/transmission mounts, new COMAND head unit, and troubleshooting a 900 milliamp parasitic drain----get the right battery even if you have to pay the $400 for it!). ABC is solid and the tech says it's the dryest one he's every seen even at 10 years old. First brake change comining up, which will be expensive. Mileage. Solid 15 in town and 21 on the interstate average. It's fun. No one can outrun me, and most can't at half throttle. Play with the handling til you get it like you want it. For me, 41psi front, 38psi rear and keep the ABC in sport mode. Believe it or not, turn in much better (at least with this set of tires) with higher pressure in the fronts.
