gnma

Hi guys,

I've searched a little, and am getting a feel for the S55. The fear of SBC failure has got me looking at trading in my perfectly running E500 for something else, and now would be a good time to explore the obliterating power of a 469hp S55. I try my best to DIY, but I'm learning some MB's just need to be taken to the dealer/indy.

So a few things I would like to confirm and ask are:

Does the S55 W220 use a conventional braking system? (2003-2006 E-Class, & CLS used SBC which if failed resulted in very little braking power. For the W220, I assume rotors, pads, fluids, etc are DIY without any WIS needs. Is this right?

Is the 5 spd. transmission DIY serviceable? (the 7spd is not - a one-time 39K dealer service is recommended).

Is there an oil - dipstick?

How many batteries in this beast? (I just don't know what to expect with MB. Who would have known the E-Class used a different braking system from the conventional braking system, hence the need for a second battery)?

Common to the W211 are airmatic failures. Arnott Industries provide excellent prices for replacement parts. Can the same be said for the W220? I read something about ABC maintenance - can one elaborate please?

From my search, the W220 seems bulletproof (like the W210 AMG), but I'd like to ask if there are any areas of concern. Older E-Class and C 32's suffered from bad Valeo radiators leaking glycol into the tranny causing failures. I know earler S-Class models suffered from interior dashboard lights failing but was covered by warranty. I suspect this issue prevails with the AMG's also.

I've also heard of intercooler pump failures common in the E55's. I suspect that is prevalent here too, but is an easy, inexpensive DIY.

My E500 runs perfect, and I love the car, but I'm very concerned about potential SBC failure to the point that I may ditch her. Its a shame actually.

Tks. for your help!

02Drunkenup

A W220 will be far more problematic than an E.

Being a S55 only extends those problems. ABC suspension, and when that does go out (which I hear is inevitable), replacements and repairs costs easily into 4 digits.

I would think that SBC is on the W220, the braking response on the 430 is pretty bad compared to others I've tried.

Tons of electronics reside in the S' cabin which require that second battery, but those electronics will break sometime.. On my car, the recliners have broken twice, the bottoms don't heat, and the CD player is fubar (facelift W220s fixed this problem I hear).

Now I sorta get the idea you don't know what ABC is. ABC replaces Airmatic in the S55, S600 and S65 (optional on lower models). Instead of airsprings, it uses pneumatic adjustable shocks. Traditionally it is more expensive to maintain and repair, but Arnott does make replacements AFAIK.

I probably got some facts wrong up there so somebody could probably come in and correct me, but theres a quick intro the W220's many issues.

malahhaor

Look here; not AMG but still great info for W220:
https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...tart-here.html

mrbenzes

Not sure what car the other guy is talking about...My 2005 S55 has only one battery in the trunk. No SBC on my car, it is a hydraulic only system...the rotors are expensive though. Same ABC issues as all of the S cars (except S430 has a steel suspension). I looked long and hard at the E55K cars before deciding on the S55...In my opinion it is superior in every facet except quarter mile times (I dont race or abuse mine so 1/4 times are meaningless to me). Mine has almost every option available and they all work fine (54K miles) I have had zero issues in my ownership and will be doing all maintenance as DIY unless I have to get the dearler to hook up diagnostics, STAR etc.
No oil or tranny dipsticks, but I bought he shop types for both on Ebay...the tubes are there, but no sticks, only caps.
Fo my 2 cents the S5 is worth every penny for the additional issues it may cost...I have driven 300SEL 6.3 cars for years and they brought the same expenses...but are still worth it.
Good luck on your search...I reccomend the lowest mile car you can afford...the ABC will eventually fail on all of these cars as the hoses and pump....just as the radiator, power steering, etc lines will fail on ANY/EVERY car.
Mike

mrbenzes

Oh yeah, no SBC means the brakes WONT CUT YOUR FINGERS OFF when you try to replace the pads...be careful on those SBC cars!

Mike

02Drunkenup

Yeah, I didn't think I knew that much about the W220 but I wanna point out that the S430 (as well as the S500) if not equipped with ABC, have airmatic, I know this since everytime the electronics get wet my car goes slammed and tells me to go to the dealer for airmatic problems.

mrbenzes

Sorry for the s430 misquote, I was referring to the 2005 models...all have ABC except the s430, which has steel.

Mike

02Drunkenup

Interesting, you learn something new every day on this forum

mrbenzes

yes, I agree...I have read of several s500/s600/S55 owners that have considered changing out the ABC systems for the S430 steel to save money in the long term...probably really change the handling I would say.
Mike

gnma

Thank you all for your help. It seems the real issue with a W220 is the ABC. Well the E500 has its similar issues with Airmatic. Apart from that it seems the car is pretty bulletproof. Everything breaks anytime - that's the nature of every car. I'm trying to get a feel for the DIY aspect of the W220, and if there are any major areas of concern as I feel the SBC is a deal breaker for the 2003-2006 E and CLS models. Thanks once again!

mrbenzes

I have done all of my work on my W220 so far...I havent had a major issues, but the tranny fluid, oil, Brakes, all filers, etc are pretty straightforward. I plan on flushing the ABC fluid and filter soon. I did run the car in drive while the wheels were off the ground and the ESP and ABS warnings went nuts...Once I got the car back on the ground it all reset itself.

Mike

dls55amg

hello all
has anyone with an s55 amg experience a intermitant no start condition ,battery and starter are ok ,happens once every week or so,several people say it could be crank pos sensor,

Sher Judge

Coul'nt have said it better myself.

The S55K is a Legend

mrbenzes

Just a question, is this with the keyless start? If so, does the car start the first time when you insert the key into the dash? It could be the button on the shifter that is the issue. Also make sure your foot is on the brake when trying the keyless.
Mike

DRTYLNDY

Hey Mike,
I think you may be a bit confused. The S65, S600, and S55 have the ABC suspension and the S500 and S430 have the Airmatic suspension. So I am not sure what you meant by saying it is steel? You could have also special ordered the ABC on the S500 but not really sure about the S430.
Johan

mrbenzes

You are correct, I broke out my 2005 document and ABC is standard on the S55, S600 and S65..and some others. ABC is optional on S500 and S430. Airmatic is standard on the S430 and S500.

The airmatic has steel coil springs, steel torsion bars and variable "air" shocks for damping and height control.

The ABC system uses no torsion bars or independent coil springs. The entire vehicle support is controlled with the ABC hydraulic cylinder.

Mike

DRTYLNDY

I am still a bit confused Mike. The S430 has NO steel springs. Unless inside the airmatic strut there is a spring but I don't think so. The S500 and the S430 have the same suspension.
Johan

mrbenzes

Of course you have the airmatic car, so you will know more than I about what is underneath...I'm only relaying what the specs say. I cut this spec from the following site:

http://autos.yahoo.com/mercedes-benz.../features.html

<LI aria-expanded=true class="yat-collapsible expanded" role=group _yuid="yui_3_1_1_3_131075389876468">Suspension. Click to collapse.

• Rear Stabilizer Bar
• Front Stabilizer Bar
• Independent Multi-Link Front Suspension With Coil Springs, Anti-Dive Geometry and Variable Rate Shock Absorbers
• Independent Multi-Link Rear Suspension With Coil Springs, Anti-Dive Geometry and Variable Rate Shock Absorbers
• AIRmatic Adaptive Variable Suspension
• Front and Rear Automatic Load Leveling

I rest my case.
Mike

DRTYLNDY

Hey Mike, I am by no means trying to start anything at all. I did own a airmatic S500 a few years ago but now I have ABC like you. I also have the S55, my Dad has a S430.
Johan

mrbenzes

It all cool...I originally thought that it was all conventional steel, and they didnt even have airmatic shocks...this is why these forums are so useful.
Mike

dls55amg

no,this is using the key,taking a chance with the crank sensor,it was shipped on 7-14,so im hoping it will be in tommorow,from what ive heard & seen its not a big job ,fingers crossed ,its been in garage since mid june

mrbenzes

Good luck with the CPS , let us know how difficult the install was.
Mike

jd986s

I have both 2005 E500 and 2005 S55. E 500 is much cheaper to maintain compare to S55. If you're in the US, SBC is covered for 10 year unlimited miles. When airmatic goes bad, replace it with Arnott unit which is only $400 with exchange. Airmatic pump is only $300 at Arnott.

With W220 S55, you'd have to worry about
1) ABC suspension
2) pneumatic door closing (parts are 600 each door and PSE pum in the trunk)
3) Drive dynamic seats (standard) could go bad
4) Supercharger clutch has 'chirp', if it bothers you it could cost well over $2k to replace
5) IC pump failure is common
6) Washer tank leak at "T" connector is very common
7) Transmission stuck in park is common


ABC suspension issues can be very expensive to fix. You'll need to do rodeo everytime (very few independent can work on ABC suspension). There are two valve blocks (over $1800 each to fix), ABC pump (most fail at 70k miles), ABC struts (4) and ABC lines.

If you're concern with pricing and reliability, W220 especially AMGs and V12 would not be a good choice. W211 are much cheaper to maintain. SBC brakes are on early W211 03-06 (also 07-09 E63), CLS, SL R230 and SLR.

The front battery is for SBC cost $140 from parts.com and if you're careful with it, it'll last 7 years. SBC has extended warranty for 10 years. Airmatic is much cheaper and simpler to fix than ABC.

my 2 cents.

dls55amg

just finished the cps ,install was less than 30 min,strange the install was done at same time i got the no start issue,it started immediately,check engine came on ,i then revved motor to 2grand & slowly backed down ,per tip on this website,an hour later it restarted & check engine light was off,any info regarding the s55 amg would be greatly appreciated,after all we are here to enjoy & help each other,thanx to all who share the expieriences & especially johan,no mater how small or big the experience,more info to come garage is one thing,hiway is another,thanks againg to all.

don