S55 AMG, S65 AMG , S63 AMG (W220, W221) 2001 - 2013 (Two Generations)

S55 info for new/existing owners

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Old Dec 3, 2010 | 12:44 PM
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S55 info for new/existing owners

Just wanted to give back to the community regarding my experience in owning my 2006 S55.
Purchased the car w/ 28k miles.

Issues and stories so far owning it for 6 mo:

One tire pressure monitor sensor failed, so had them all initially replaced with the ones at America's Tire store. They ordered the Beru ones, but for some reason it did not work with the car/computer. So I then went to an indy MB mechanic, and had them swapped them out for OEMs, as the new OEMs now have an 8 year battery life, and it is has a 1 yr warranty on them. America's Tire will not warranty theirs, unless it fails w/in something like 60 days.
The indy mechanic had to use the Star computer to log each TPMS sensor, after that, they all worked. Expensive repair($200 each), but I should be good for at least 7 years. So for this particular vehicle, you may not want to waste your time with aftermarket ones.

Noticed a loss of power after a few hard WOT on the highway. After reading some threads, I had the supercharger water pump replaced even though my mechanic could not determine what the problem was. After the pump was replaced, no more loss of power. Cost was $200 for the Bosch pump.

Got an ABC warning msg on the dash while I was in Vegas. I brought the car to the BenzDoctor and he immediately looked at the car and did a free diagnosis on it. Turns out the shock sensor had an open circuit, and since the sensor is built into the shock, the shock had to be replaced. I didn't have him do it, as I was able to drive it home to LA. Pleasant experience w/the Benz Doctor, highly recommended.

I didn't feel like spending $1200+ dollars on a shock that only has 34k miles on
it, so after again searching through threads here, Arnott Industries came up. Even though they specialize in air suspension parts, I decided to call them anyways to see if they had the hydraulic shock for my car. They took my VIN and was able to get me a rebuilt shock for $650!!! It is on the way now, and I'm going to have my indy install it. The guys at Arnott were pleasant to work with and even better - the shock is supposed to have a LIFETIME warranty on it!! One less shock to worry about. What a great deal. I'll follow up later on how the install went.

Last issue now is that I hear creaking/popping sounds coming from the front and back of the car when I turn the wheel right/left w/ the car moving at 20mph. Going to get it checked out at G&N Motors in LA, I hear they are the best in town. We'll see. Could be ball joints, tie rods? Who knows.

That's all for now, good luck w/yours!
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Old Dec 3, 2010 | 01:13 PM
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Thx for sharing.
The creaking/pop sounds...probably related to control arms/bushing/joints - that's what happened to my S55.
You sound very resourceful and are smart about what you do.
Congrats, and keep up the good sharing.
Patrick
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Old Dec 5, 2010 | 09:16 PM
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which shock went bad?> do you remember the code?
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Old Dec 6, 2010 | 11:49 AM
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Originally Posted by Viet_Amg408
which shock went bad?> do you remember the code?
It was the right rear shock. I didn't get the exact code#, but from what I remember the Star computer said something like "open circuit" for that shock.
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Old Dec 6, 2010 | 01:08 PM
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Pinto
Originally Posted by 06S55
It was the right rear shock. I didn't get the exact code#, but from what I remember the Star computer said something like "open circuit" for that shock.

c1129 or b22/6? right rear plunger sensor


mine is doing samething.. updates if you got it fix..


thanks
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Old Dec 7, 2010 | 12:24 AM
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Originally Posted by Viet_Amg408
c1129 or b22/6? right rear plunger sensor


mine is doing samething.. updates if you got it fix..


thanks
Hey your sig is at tully and quimby. LOL awesome.

Nice write up OP. Wanted to buy an S55 but the problems will drain my pocket faster than a guzzling hummer.
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Old Dec 7, 2010 | 01:40 AM
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Originally Posted by Sako
Hey your sig is at tully and quimby. LOL awesome.

Nice write up OP. Wanted to buy an S55 but the problems will drain my pocket faster than a guzzling hummer.

sorry off topic a bit..

naw its capitol/silvercreek plaza <T_T>
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Old Dec 10, 2010 | 11:06 PM
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Oh nm, thought it was food for max on lower right. lol.
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Old Dec 21, 2010 | 07:07 PM
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S55 AMG
hey, i have a 2006 S55 AMG, is your an AMG also. believe it or not, i have had the SAME exact problems with mine. if you got a replacement shock for an AMG for 650.00 i want to know about it. i have the same problem ABC message and already determined is the front right shock sensor. they wanted 2000.00 to replace and install.
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Old Dec 21, 2010 | 08:25 PM
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Pinto
CHECK OUT http://www.arnottindustries.com/part...18_pid143.html

$599 +200 CORE..
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Old Dec 21, 2010 | 09:53 PM
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S55 AMG
thanks, the difference in price buys a lot of Christmas gifts.
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Old Dec 22, 2010 | 09:06 AM
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They don't have the hydropneumatic shocks listed on the site, so call them up and give them your VIN, Ours is $650 + $200 core. Good deal. I haven't installed mine yet but will do so soon. Then it should be about 2 hrs labor to install and configure the system.
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Old Dec 29, 2010 | 05:32 PM
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2006 S55
Found out that the clunking noises when turning left/right at 20mph were some 'loose' bolts on:
spindle, exhaust, control arm, tranny mount. Once tightened all down, noises were gone.
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Old Jan 2, 2011 | 01:13 PM
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Finally got the rebuilt shock installed. No more "ABC Visit Workshop" error msg. I looked at the old shock and the top mount area around the rubber cavity was a bit loose/cracked causing it to swivel which then most likely ruined the shock sensor. $250 labor for install, configure and fluid.
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Old Jan 2, 2011 | 02:02 PM
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Pinto
DO YOU HAVE PIC OF THE RUBBER CAVITY?
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Old Jan 3, 2011 | 01:44 PM
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No I already mailed the shock back.
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Old Jan 7, 2011 | 01:46 PM
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'06 MB S55 AMG; '04 Audi Allroad 4.2; '05 BMW M3 Conv.; '92 MB 500E
"Noticed a loss of power after a few hard WOT on the highway. After reading some threads, I had the supercharger water pump replaced even though my mechanic could not determine what the problem was. After the pump was replaced, no more loss of power. Cost was $200 for the Bosch pump."

Has anyone else had problems with the supercharger water pump? I hear the the SC shuts down when it gets hot, as in with WOT acceleration. Is the water pump the cure at all times? I'm trying to get a representative sample here if others have had the problem. I've had the problem, but not often enough to worry about it. I rarely step on this thing -- most passengers are a bit un-nerved by it.

Thanks in advance. Happy New Year Fellas!

maw
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Old Jan 11, 2011 | 07:16 AM
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Originally Posted by maw1124
"Noticed a loss of power after a few hard WOT on the highway. After reading some threads, I had the supercharger water pump replaced even though my mechanic could not determine what the problem was. After the pump was replaced, no more loss of power. Cost was $200 for the Bosch pump."

Has anyone else had problems with the supercharger water pump? I hear the the SC shuts down when it gets hot, as in with WOT acceleration. Is the water pump the cure at all times? I'm trying to get a representative sample here if others have had the problem. I've had the problem, but not often enough to worry about it. I rarely step on this thing -- most passengers are a bit un-nerved by it.

Thanks in advance. Happy New Year Fellas!

maw
very common, have the mb mechanic check your IAT (intake air temp) after a some hard driving. It happened on my 06 s65, there have been a few updates to the pump. Ask the e55 guys because they are always talking about this problem. I think they tend to drive a little harder than you s55 guys.
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Old Jan 11, 2011 | 01:16 PM
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Originally Posted by Zax63
very common, have the mb mechanic check your IAT (intake air temp) after a some hard driving. It happened on my 06 s65, there have been a few updates to the pump. Ask the e55 guys because they are always talking about this problem. I think they tend to drive a little harder than you s55 guys.
NOT TRUE; I DRIVE MINE HARD TOO.

ecu open bypass valve (bleed off charged air.) once it detect high intake temp...

Mind ic pump went bad too..replace it with a cobra/boshe pump
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