Looking to buy 03+ S55 AMG - Your input wanted!
#1
Looking to buy 03+ S55 AMG - Your input wanted!
Hello-
So Im thinking of making the switch to the S55. I've been day dreaming of this car for a while and now im starting to think of switching seriously. Currently im driving an 02 LS430 with every option available. I like the car its incredibly comfortable buy im running into some service issues. I have a bad leak in a tough place that will cost big $. The Mark Levenston sound system sounds like ****, might as well listen to music on my phone. I have a blown sub. I just finished the timing belt, valve cover gasket etc service and now my check engine light came on to replce the cat?! Anyhow, before buying the Lexus I came very close to buying an 03 S55 Designo that slipped away. The Lexus has almost 130K miles.
Heres my worry; I read some horror stories behind maintenence of this car and Im looking to you to clear some myths maybe? and give me the honest truth behind owning this car. I worry about the air suspension, funny oil leaks, transmission, some DIY servicing, and servicing electronic glitches.
So! the car I am considering is about 80K miles and 03+ I drive ALLOT! is this the car for me? I need reliablity. I understand used cars will need to be serviced, no problem. I just dont want a car to live in the mechanics garage. Please give me your feedback on this cars problem areas and some solutions. Also tell me if its best to just keep my car? Thanks!
heres the car im considering: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2003-...item439ee1ebd4
#2
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Mercedes S55 AMG
I have an 01 S55 with 130k miles now. I drive about 4k miles a month. Little things happen here and there - alternator went, certain sensors have to be changed, and I stay on top of the maintenance too.
It's not like the LS430- but much better. It's an AMG, fast and exciting to drive - there is more of that dynamic in it over the Lexus.
That's a beautiful car - but just have some money set aside for the maintenance as stuff does pop up. Find a good Mercedes Indy, the dealer is overpriced - but see if you can still get a warranty for this.
It's not like the LS430- but much better. It's an AMG, fast and exciting to drive - there is more of that dynamic in it over the Lexus.
That's a beautiful car - but just have some money set aside for the maintenance as stuff does pop up. Find a good Mercedes Indy, the dealer is overpriced - but see if you can still get a warranty for this.
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#5
I will say the ABC system is a problem for these cars. I just replaced lots of the main ABC parts not to long ago. BUT I still love this car.
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2006 s65. Ford Excursion 6.0. Pontiac GTO convertible. Porsche 944 Turbo SCCA car. Wife-E550 and 968
you are coming from a lexus, one of the most reliable cars on earth. I'd buy the s500 with lower miles, drive it for a couple of years, see how you feel about the benz driving experience vs the lexus and see if you think it is worth the extra cost to you. The 500 is way nicer to drive than the Lexus, but the 55 is way nicer to drive than the 500. The 55 will cost significantly more to maintain. Certain items will be similar (ABC for instance) but brakes are more, tires are more, etc. The 500 is a bit boring, but you are used to boring coming from the lexus. I agree on getting whatever you can put a warranty on. And buy the longest warranty possible. I'd save up some money, buy a low mileage 06 s55, and put a warranty on that.
#7
Thanks for the great response but here comes the stupid question, Im guessing ABC stands for (Active body control?) why is it so problematic? and are there other major trouble areas with these cars?
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#9
Yup you got it! The ABC has its problems BUT it works just plain old awesome. You can come into a turn at any speed really and there is zero body roll it is incredible. The ABC is pricey to fix because of the overpriced parts. Other than that really the cost of ownership between a 500 and 55 are close I think. I had a S500 before my S55 and I am so glad I switched to the Kompressor! Good luck with what ever you decide to do.
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Mercedes S55 AMG
The S55 is amazing - I would not pass it up for an S500. The power and AMG aspect of it is too good.
Definitely try to get one that you can still get an extended warranty, though - as these cars have a lot of stuff that can go wrong. They are strongly built vehicles, but have a lot packed into them and are performance machines.
When you accelerate an S55, you'll forget any other car you were considering.
(Well, unless you were considering an S65 or something - haha!)
Definitely try to get one that you can still get an extended warranty, though - as these cars have a lot of stuff that can go wrong. They are strongly built vehicles, but have a lot packed into them and are performance machines.
When you accelerate an S55, you'll forget any other car you were considering.
(Well, unless you were considering an S65 or something - haha!)
#11
Thanks guys! I found a local 03 S55 with close to 100K with full meticulous service history (even replaced the ABC system, hoses etc. under warranty at 76K miles). I am still hesitant because I need reliability as this would be my DD and I drive allot. I usually never take any car to the stealer for service, I stick with independent guys, so hopefully that helps in service costs?
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1987 Buick GNX,SL65 Black, 1987 Buick Turbo Limited, 2010 GT500
I have a S55 for sale
I love the car but I will part with it...$18500
Black on black...keyless go-easy trunk-dynamic seats
Smells new inside
Exterior had rock chips on hood and front bumper---95% HIGHWAY driven before I got it....
MILES 130K...what? yes and it was a certified car..super maintained
I have put 5000 miles on this car with zero issues in the last 2 months
My friend is a CERTIFIED AMG/Mercedes mechanic...
Changed the oil and air filters and belt when I bought it--
Had new brakes on the car when I got it...I am the 3rd owner
Will spin the tires at 40 mph in the dry...this car has incredible performance
with an easy 130k miles
Black on black...keyless go-easy trunk-dynamic seats
Smells new inside
Exterior had rock chips on hood and front bumper---95% HIGHWAY driven before I got it....
MILES 130K...what? yes and it was a certified car..super maintained
I have put 5000 miles on this car with zero issues in the last 2 months
My friend is a CERTIFIED AMG/Mercedes mechanic...
Changed the oil and air filters and belt when I bought it--
Had new brakes on the car when I got it...I am the 3rd owner
Will spin the tires at 40 mph in the dry...this car has incredible performance
with an easy 130k miles
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2004 S55 (SOLD, miss it every day), 2009 GL550
I love the car but I will part with it...$18500
Black on black...keyless go-easy trunk-dynamic seats
Smells new inside
Exterior had rock chips on hood and front bumper---95% HIGHWAY driven before I got it....
MILES 130K...what? yes and it was a certified car..super maintained
I have put 5000 miles on this car with zero issues in the last 2 months
My friend is a CERTIFIED AMG/Mercedes mechanic...
Changed the oil and air filters and belt when I bought it--
Had new brakes on the car when I got it...I am the 3rd owner
Will spin the tires at 40 mph in the dry...this car has incredible performance
with an easy 130k miles
Black on black...keyless go-easy trunk-dynamic seats
Smells new inside
Exterior had rock chips on hood and front bumper---95% HIGHWAY driven before I got it....
MILES 130K...what? yes and it was a certified car..super maintained
I have put 5000 miles on this car with zero issues in the last 2 months
My friend is a CERTIFIED AMG/Mercedes mechanic...
Changed the oil and air filters and belt when I bought it--
Had new brakes on the car when I got it...I am the 3rd owner
Will spin the tires at 40 mph in the dry...this car has incredible performance
with an easy 130k miles
I would part with mine for around $35K
2004, only 31K miles, 9.9 out of 10 on body and paint, 31K miles, new left side struts ($3,400 warranty repair ), and 3/45K left on full Fidelity warranty
It hasn't been messed with, either. The only mod is my addition of the bluetooth puck for hands free calling (a must-have).
#14
Your car sounds great! out of my budget though. The one I looked at is an 03 with close to 90K miles. Asking $17,800. It turns out there are some ABC issues so Im walking away...far away
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2004 S55 (SOLD, miss it every day), 2009 GL550
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2004 S55 (SOLD, miss it every day), 2009 GL550
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1987 Buick GNX,SL65 Black, 1987 Buick Turbo Limited, 2010 GT500
mine is a 2004....still smells new inside...great car
I would put my car up against any 40k mile car any day .....zero issues with the ABC or anything else
My 60k S65 has more interior noise then my 130k s55....
my car also has a built in Calibre radar...a $1300 dealer setup..totally integrated in car....
This system saved my *** twice already on the HIGHWAY....I love it
My 60k S65 has more interior noise then my 130k s55....
my car also has a built in Calibre radar...a $1300 dealer setup..totally integrated in car....
This system saved my *** twice already on the HIGHWAY....I love it
#21
I don't doubt what you are saying though lets be honest. Market value (not kbb because kbb has never sold a car) of your car says 18,500 is steep for 130K miles any way we slice it. If you put 20K miles and decide to sell it, you would be lucky to sell at $12,000. The truth is any car with that much mileage will take a hit no matter how clean. Again, I don't doubt your car is clean or as you say it is. I would just say unfortunately it has to take a hit price wise or just keep it and drive it?
#22
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1987 Buick GNX,SL65 Black, 1987 Buick Turbo Limited, 2010 GT500
it is at its lowest point...regardless of miles
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....
Last edited by retardedmunk; 04-30-2010 at 12:37 AM.
#23
Im not comparing your car to any american built scrap. Im not talking about power, I'm talking about market values and what makes sense. An S55 is a rare car, I'm not arguing that, its probably a fantastic car to own and drive daily. I know German cars can go forever (I've owned a few), Im just saying that 150,000 miles of anything will scare people. Logically a buyer thinks, well how many miles before I have to rebuild the car all over again and replace all the replaced parts, again. How much life is in the car, in the electronics, the Kompressor, the ABC system before it fails, gaskets, etc.
You are right, its a bullet of a car. That's the point, because it is, one starts to worry about how much of that bullet is still left. How much abuse has it gone through, and how much will the next owner pay to fix it.
I can tell you this about the wholesale market. The only people looking to buy cars like this in really high mileage (160 - 200K) will be Europeans. I see them at the auctions. The S55 I was looking at was bought wholesale 03 with 90,000 miles for $17,800. Anyway, no two cars sold wholesale or retail will ever go for the same money. Its just about finding the right buyer.
Here's the point, I don't mind high mileage cars because I drive allot anyway so I would rather buy them depreciated. But an S55 with the electrical gremlins I hear about (on this forum and others) worry me. I have no problem servicing cars, I know Im not buying a camry. I just don't want to rebuild an S55, I want to drive it and enjoy it. Air / hydraulic suspension worries me, it always has. I never found a fault in simple suspension, coilovers? So my best bet is to find the newest S55 with the lowest miles and the most documented service history. Even then its worth $100 to get checked at MBZ meticulously.
You are right, its a bullet of a car. That's the point, because it is, one starts to worry about how much of that bullet is still left. How much abuse has it gone through, and how much will the next owner pay to fix it.
I can tell you this about the wholesale market. The only people looking to buy cars like this in really high mileage (160 - 200K) will be Europeans. I see them at the auctions. The S55 I was looking at was bought wholesale 03 with 90,000 miles for $17,800. Anyway, no two cars sold wholesale or retail will ever go for the same money. Its just about finding the right buyer.
Here's the point, I don't mind high mileage cars because I drive allot anyway so I would rather buy them depreciated. But an S55 with the electrical gremlins I hear about (on this forum and others) worry me. I have no problem servicing cars, I know Im not buying a camry. I just don't want to rebuild an S55, I want to drive it and enjoy it. Air / hydraulic suspension worries me, it always has. I never found a fault in simple suspension, coilovers? So my best bet is to find the newest S55 with the lowest miles and the most documented service history. Even then its worth $100 to get checked at MBZ meticulously.
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2004 S55 (SOLD, miss it every day), 2009 GL550
Im not comparing your car to any american built scrap. Im not talking about power, I'm talking about market values and what makes sense. An S55 is a rare car, I'm not arguing that, its probably a fantastic car to own and drive daily. I know German cars can go forever (I've owned a few), Im just saying that 150,000 miles of anything will scare people. Logically a buyer thinks, well how many miles before I have to rebuild the car all over again and replace all the replaced parts, again. How much life is in the car, in the electronics, the Kompressor, the ABC system before it fails, gaskets, etc.
You are right, its a bullet of a car. That's the point, because it is, one starts to worry about how much of that bullet is still left. How much abuse has it gone through, and how much will the next owner pay to fix it.
I can tell you this about the wholesale market. The only people looking to buy cars like this in really high mileage (160 - 200K) will be Europeans. I see them at the auctions. The S55 I was looking at was bought wholesale 03 with 90,000 miles for $17,800. Anyway, no two cars sold wholesale or retail will ever go for the same money. Its just about finding the right buyer.
Here's the point, I don't mind high mileage cars because I drive allot anyway so I would rather buy them depreciated. But an S55 with the electrical gremlins I hear about (on this forum and others) worry me. I have no problem servicing cars, I know Im not buying a camry. I just don't want to rebuild an S55, I want to drive it and enjoy it. Air / hydraulic suspension worries me, it always has. I never found a fault in simple suspension, coilovers? So my best bet is to find the newest S55 with the lowest miles and the most documented service history. Even then its worth $100 to get checked at MBZ meticulously.
You are right, its a bullet of a car. That's the point, because it is, one starts to worry about how much of that bullet is still left. How much abuse has it gone through, and how much will the next owner pay to fix it.
I can tell you this about the wholesale market. The only people looking to buy cars like this in really high mileage (160 - 200K) will be Europeans. I see them at the auctions. The S55 I was looking at was bought wholesale 03 with 90,000 miles for $17,800. Anyway, no two cars sold wholesale or retail will ever go for the same money. Its just about finding the right buyer.
Here's the point, I don't mind high mileage cars because I drive allot anyway so I would rather buy them depreciated. But an S55 with the electrical gremlins I hear about (on this forum and others) worry me. I have no problem servicing cars, I know Im not buying a camry. I just don't want to rebuild an S55, I want to drive it and enjoy it. Air / hydraulic suspension worries me, it always has. I never found a fault in simple suspension, coilovers? So my best bet is to find the newest S55 with the lowest miles and the most documented service history. Even then its worth $100 to get checked at MBZ meticulously.
Example: Struts leaking in your ABC suspension? That will be $1,700 EACH, please, labor not included. Of course, that's the dealer price of the parts, I have read here that you can get rebuilt and 3rd-party struts for much less, but still 4 or 5 times the price of a "shock absorber'.