S55 info for new/existing owners
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!
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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spindle, exhaust, control arm, tranny mount. Once tightened all down, noises were gone.




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
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
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




