Hey everyone! New here got some questions.
09-08-2011, 09:04 PM
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04 S55
Hey everyone! New here got some questions.
Well to start I am exactly as my name says a kid, I'm only 20. A little background, I've got 6 cars already, I'm building up a '79 Camaro with a Carbuerated LQ9 Should be around 500 HP finished. I currently drive a '94 Honda Civic with over 200K miles to work every day. I have an '03 Acrua RL that sits at home 5 days a week.
I know that I currently own debateabley the most reliable car made, With practically no maintinence other than oil changes. I was just wondering what are the problem areas with these cars? I've seen they have suspension problems, this seems to be the most pressing issue to me.
I'm going on saturday to look at a silver '03 S55 with 60k miles. I was just wondering what I should be looking for when I check it out? I've also seen that some people think that higher mileage cars are the way to go is this true?
Thanks for the imput, Stuart
I know that I currently own debateabley the most reliable car made, With practically no maintinence other than oil changes. I was just wondering what are the problem areas with these cars? I've seen they have suspension problems, this seems to be the most pressing issue to me.
I'm going on saturday to look at a silver '03 S55 with 60k miles. I was just wondering what I should be looking for when I check it out? I've also seen that some people think that higher mileage cars are the way to go is this true?
Thanks for the imput, Stuart
09-09-2011, 08:28 AM
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2005 S55, 2002 E430, 2007 CLK350, 1981 380SL
Low miles are good, but you dont want something (any brand of car) that has been sitting for months or years. Check all of the electronics - windows HVAC, seats, etc. also make sure there is no crash repairs thare are being hidden. Any leaks should be discussed and check the fluids in the ABC and PS areas. The car should be very quiet and solid with 60K miles. Look at the brakes and rotors because they will be fairly pricey. rear tires wear twice as fast as the fronts...even on a non-abused car...a 60K car will be on its third set of rears. and most of all...MAKE SURE IT IS A GENUINE AMG, not a clone...check the serial with carfax...that will give you an idea of past damages as well.
Your other cars will be considered as throwaways after you get an S55 or S65....just prepare yourself for it.
Mike
Your other cars will be considered as throwaways after you get an S55 or S65....just prepare yourself for it.
Mike
09-09-2011, 05:00 PM
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04 S55
Low miles are good, but you dont want something (any brand of car) that has been sitting for months or years. Check all of the electronics - windows HVAC, seats, etc. also make sure there is no crash repairs thare are being hidden. Any leaks should be discussed and check the fluids in the ABC and PS areas. The car should be very quiet and solid with 60K miles. Look at the brakes and rotors because they will be fairly pricey. rear tires wear twice as fast as the fronts...even on a non-abused car...a 60K car will be on its third set of rears. and most of all...MAKE SURE IT IS A GENUINE AMG, not a clone...check the serial with carfax...that will give you an idea of past damages as well.
Your other cars will be considered as throwaways after you get an S55 or S65....just prepare yourself for it.
Mike
Your other cars will be considered as throwaways after you get an S55 or S65....just prepare yourself for it.
Mike
09-09-2011, 05:44 PM
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2005 S55, 2002 E430, 2007 CLK350, 1981 380SL
It has a reservoir on the left side of the engine, as does the PS pump right in front of it.
Anywhere you see a leak from the front bumper to the rear bumper...these cars are nearly totally covered underneath by plastic shields, so a leak can go a long way before it shows or hits the ground.
Mike
Anywhere you see a leak from the front bumper to the rear bumper...these cars are nearly totally covered underneath by plastic shields, so a leak can go a long way before it shows or hits the ground.
Mike
09-21-2011, 08:59 PM
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2004 SL500, 2003 S55, 2002 S430 RIP, 1999 ML430, 1999 SLK Sports 230 Compressor "Sold"
I know I am chiming in late, I have just purchased a month ago an 03 S55 with 59K miles. I too had time to think about it. and Why did I go to worse maybe? Previously I owned/drove a 2002 S430 with airmatic. In June I was involved in a freeway accident that ended up totalling my s430 with 110K miles. I thought about all kind of cars to replace my S430 including Hybrids. I wanted an S55 but because of owning a S430 I knew what "increased" maintenance would be if I went the S55 route. After pondering and after test driving many many cars I ended up with the S55. No other feeling but MB/AMG feeling. I know about the ABC issues as my wife drives an SL500.
Here is an advice for you if you went ahead and purchased the S55. When faced with a issue with your car Don't jump right away to your dealer, do some research upfront if you are able to about the issue and see if you have options to repair the issue.
You can save a lot of money ny being patient and some due diligence.
Here is an advice for you if you went ahead and purchased the S55. When faced with a issue with your car Don't jump right away to your dealer, do some research upfront if you are able to about the issue and see if you have options to repair the issue.
You can save a lot of money ny being patient and some due diligence.
