I want one too!
2,000 Miles with the S55AMG
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Newbie
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 15
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From: Texas
2003 S55, 2003 C32, 2001 ML55, 1957 Series 62 Cadillac Convertible
2,000 Miles with the S55AMG
Wow, where to start? It seemed like it took forever to get through the 1,000 mile "behave myself" breakin period. Every stoplight and stopsign was a temptation. At about 900 miles on the odometer, while passing a car on a two lane highway, it became neccessary to accelerate vigorously. I pulled out at about 70 mph and went past 140 in the blink of an eye. There was simply no effort envolved as far as the engine was concerned. The sound was truly inspirational.
I live in West Texas were it is truly HOT. I find that the temp gauge always indicates in the 85-90 C range, but the engine gets hot and stays that way for hours even parked in the gargage. The air conditioner seems to work better in the S55 than it did in my 2000 S500.
I have noticed several people talking about the tranny lugging the engine occassionally. I too have noticed that, but I rather like it because the exhaust note gets so deep and rumbly.
The car is everything I expected it to be. Not many people realize what it is, but those few that do will just stop and stare.
This is the third MB I have owned that was black. I swear the paint on this car seems as though it is a foot thick. This is the best factory paint job I have ever seen.
I live in West Texas were it is truly HOT. I find that the temp gauge always indicates in the 85-90 C range, but the engine gets hot and stays that way for hours even parked in the gargage. The air conditioner seems to work better in the S55 than it did in my 2000 S500.
I have noticed several people talking about the tranny lugging the engine occassionally. I too have noticed that, but I rather like it because the exhaust note gets so deep and rumbly.
The car is everything I expected it to be. Not many people realize what it is, but those few that do will just stop and stare.
This is the third MB I have owned that was black. I swear the paint on this car seems as though it is a foot thick. This is the best factory paint job I have ever seen.
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From: Moon
marta
Re: 2,000 Miles with the S55AMG
Originally posted by oaktree5
Wow, where to start? It seemed like it took forever to get through the 1,000 mile "behave myself" breakin period. Every stoplight and stopsign was a temptation. At about 900 miles on the odometer, while passing a car on a two lane highway, it became neccessary to accelerate vigorously. I pulled out at about 70 mph and went past 140 in the blink of an eye. There was simply no effort envolved as far as the engine was concerned. The sound was truly inspirational.
I live in West Texas were it is truly HOT. I find that the temp gauge always indicates in the 85-90 C range, but the engine gets hot and stays that way for hours even parked in the gargage. The air conditioner seems to work better in the S55 than it did in my 2000 S500.
I have noticed several people talking about the tranny lugging the engine occassionally. I too have noticed that, but I rather like it because the exhaust note gets so deep and rumbly.
The car is everything I expected it to be. Not many people realize what it is, but those few that do will just stop and stare.
This is the third MB I have owned that was black. I swear the paint on this car seems as though it is a foot thick. This is the best factory paint job I have ever seen.
Wow, where to start? It seemed like it took forever to get through the 1,000 mile "behave myself" breakin period. Every stoplight and stopsign was a temptation. At about 900 miles on the odometer, while passing a car on a two lane highway, it became neccessary to accelerate vigorously. I pulled out at about 70 mph and went past 140 in the blink of an eye. There was simply no effort envolved as far as the engine was concerned. The sound was truly inspirational.
I live in West Texas were it is truly HOT. I find that the temp gauge always indicates in the 85-90 C range, but the engine gets hot and stays that way for hours even parked in the gargage. The air conditioner seems to work better in the S55 than it did in my 2000 S500.
I have noticed several people talking about the tranny lugging the engine occassionally. I too have noticed that, but I rather like it because the exhaust note gets so deep and rumbly.
The car is everything I expected it to be. Not many people realize what it is, but those few that do will just stop and stare.
This is the third MB I have owned that was black. I swear the paint on this car seems as though it is a foot thick. This is the best factory paint job I have ever seen.
Nice review! makes me wanna goto my dad and beg endlessly for one as my graduation present, haha.
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Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 5
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From: Seattle, WA
OakTree5,
Congrats on your S55!!!!! What a Great sedan to drive!
We found ours about the same time as your post and had the distinct pleasure of putting on 3K miles in the first three weeks, a good part of it on long winding roads throughout the hills and mountains of Washington and Oregon. <Sigh>
Do you have the dynamic seat control?
Being VERY particular about seats, headrests, angles and bolstering, I have had to cross many otherwise fabulous vehicles off my potential list over the years. Much to my initial surprise, I can't say enough good things about the benefits of the dynamic seat bolstering and lumbar pulse... especially on those long and winding roads. They may be indulgent and slight, but, my oh my, what a refreshing impact over the course of a few to many hours.
Noted your mention of the tranny lugging occasionally. I agree with you on the feel and rumble, though.
Over the years, I have found it interesting how much can be found on 0-60, torque and weight specs, but in my experience there doesn't seem to be a rating for that ever so slight (to sometimes neck jarring) "reserved-butler" lag of the non-AMG Mercedes vs. by comparison, the smoother response of the (2003 especially) AMG transmissions. Any thoughts ...
_________
2003 S55--Just want to drive only long windy roads for the feel of the the dynamic seat bolstering. Front cabin feels a little less spacious from previous models with the molded consoles, but acceptable since shorter length is a plus
2003 SL55--Good looks, get's attention, FUN! ...and, yet still comfortable for long drives. Folding pano roof is the cat's meow, IMHO.
Congrats on your S55!!!!! What a Great sedan to drive!
We found ours about the same time as your post and had the distinct pleasure of putting on 3K miles in the first three weeks, a good part of it on long winding roads throughout the hills and mountains of Washington and Oregon. <Sigh>
Do you have the dynamic seat control?
Being VERY particular about seats, headrests, angles and bolstering, I have had to cross many otherwise fabulous vehicles off my potential list over the years. Much to my initial surprise, I can't say enough good things about the benefits of the dynamic seat bolstering and lumbar pulse... especially on those long and winding roads. They may be indulgent and slight, but, my oh my, what a refreshing impact over the course of a few to many hours.
Noted your mention of the tranny lugging occasionally. I agree with you on the feel and rumble, though.
Over the years, I have found it interesting how much can be found on 0-60, torque and weight specs, but in my experience there doesn't seem to be a rating for that ever so slight (to sometimes neck jarring) "reserved-butler" lag of the non-AMG Mercedes vs. by comparison, the smoother response of the (2003 especially) AMG transmissions. Any thoughts ...
_________
2003 S55--Just want to drive only long windy roads for the feel of the the dynamic seat bolstering. Front cabin feels a little less spacious from previous models with the molded consoles, but acceptable since shorter length is a plus
2003 SL55--Good looks, get's attention, FUN! ...and, yet still comfortable for long drives. Folding pano roof is the cat's meow, IMHO.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 15
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From: Texas
2003 S55, 2003 C32, 2001 ML55, 1957 Series 62 Cadillac Convertible
Hello:
Yes I do have the Dynamic Seats. They are a special part of the "pacakage". Oftimes, if on a long drive, I will used the seat massage system with the Dynamic Seats and that even makes my sore back feel better.
Yes I do have the Dynamic Seats. They are a special part of the "pacakage". Oftimes, if on a long drive, I will used the seat massage system with the Dynamic Seats and that even makes my sore back feel better.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Texas
2003 S55, 2003 C32, 2001 ML55, 1957 Series 62 Cadillac Convertible
Hello:
Yes I do have the Dynamic Seats. They are a special part of the "package". Oftimes, if on a long drive, I will use the seat massage system with the Dynamic Seats and that even makes my sore back feel better.
I have noticed what you are referring to in the car mag world. It is my contention that all car mags overlook and rundown MB evenever possible. It seems to me that they have had a very diffiuclt time over the last few months looking at and comparing non MB cars and coming up with a justified decision as to which car is best in whatever class they are looking at. The AMG cars (from the C32 through the S55) are so far beyond similar non MB cars that there is no comparison. Car mags just hate to admit this however!
I too have 3000 miles currently on my S55. The engine is still very tight, but my GOD! It has simply an unbelievable amount of power. My wife complains (and rightfuly so!) that we can be driving along a deserted 4 lane highway, and for NO REASON whatsoever, I will nail the accelerator and go past 120 to 130 and 140 or so. There is no other car to pass. What's the Deal? she asks. I explain I just had to hear the sound of the quadrophonic sound of the exhaust .......... Do you know what I am talking about?
Yes I do have the Dynamic Seats. They are a special part of the "package". Oftimes, if on a long drive, I will use the seat massage system with the Dynamic Seats and that even makes my sore back feel better.
I have noticed what you are referring to in the car mag world. It is my contention that all car mags overlook and rundown MB evenever possible. It seems to me that they have had a very diffiuclt time over the last few months looking at and comparing non MB cars and coming up with a justified decision as to which car is best in whatever class they are looking at. The AMG cars (from the C32 through the S55) are so far beyond similar non MB cars that there is no comparison. Car mags just hate to admit this however!
I too have 3000 miles currently on my S55. The engine is still very tight, but my GOD! It has simply an unbelievable amount of power. My wife complains (and rightfuly so!) that we can be driving along a deserted 4 lane highway, and for NO REASON whatsoever, I will nail the accelerator and go past 120 to 130 and 140 or so. There is no other car to pass. What's the Deal? she asks. I explain I just had to hear the sound of the quadrophonic sound of the exhaust .......... Do you know what I am talking about?
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 497
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*LOL* I've only got the E55 but I know exactly what you mean. My wife will turn and start hitting me on the arm and screaming " SLOW DOWN!! YOU KNOW I HATE IT WHEN YOU DRIVE LIKE THAT!". Sometimes you just can't help it... your foot just has a mind of it's own. I'm still waiting to hear from someone with the s55 that's done the Renntech upgrade... I'd love to see what it does for it!
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From: Moon
marta
Originally posted by kaneman
*LOL* I've only got the E55 but I know exactly what you mean. My wife will turn and start hitting me on the arm and screaming " SLOW DOWN!! YOU KNOW I HATE IT WHEN YOU DRIVE LIKE THAT!". Sometimes you just can't help it... your foot just has a mind of it's own. I'm still waiting to hear from someone with the s55 that's done the Renntech upgrade... I'd love to see what it does for it!
*LOL* I've only got the E55 but I know exactly what you mean. My wife will turn and start hitting me on the arm and screaming " SLOW DOWN!! YOU KNOW I HATE IT WHEN YOU DRIVE LIKE THAT!". Sometimes you just can't help it... your foot just has a mind of it's own. I'm still waiting to hear from someone with the s55 that's done the Renntech upgrade... I'd love to see what it does for it!
I think there is an upgrade that will get the E55 engine back to other V8 kompressor stats..they detuned it so it doesn't seem that much faster than the other 55's.
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