2004 S55 - Buy or pass?
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Joined: Oct 2013
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From: Ashburn, VA
2021 GLE63 AMG
2004 S55 - Buy or pass?
Hello. New here but found these forums invaluable with my recent restoration of a classic car. Anyway, shopping for a daily driver and wanted something not run of the mill. Need insight. Stumbled on a 2004 S55 with 50,000 miles for $20,500 at Carmax, which means I can get their Maxcare warranty (wouldn't buy the car without an extended warranty). The car screams unique and exotic car and my emotions say buy it. I'm 53 years old, 6'4", recently retired from the federal government and working for a defense contractor. Trying to balance sensible (the S class has plenty of room!) with exciting for a daily driver is not easy. Have to convince the wife a nine year old car is a logical move to replace my ailing 12 year old SUV. Not sure the S55 makes that case. Thinking with the Maxcare warranty my down side is limited and found a few threads here on that but not many. Of course, how qualified Carmax mechanics are to work on this car I don't know. Have also been cautioned by a friend with an E65 that winter driving can be tough with that much torque in the snow. Well, looking for that wisdom or caution from S55 owners, especially those with Carmax experience, to encourage me to buy or walk away. Car is on hold awaiting my decision. For the record, plan B is a 2011 Hyundai Genesis 4.6, if that tells you anything. Many thanks in advance.
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From: Houston
2003 W211 E55, 2003 W220 S600
warranty is always good to have in terms of out of pocket financial out lay.
The problem comes when you gat stranded due to car troubles that just pop up without any notice.
The problem comes when you gat stranded due to car troubles that just pop up without any notice.
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Joined: Aug 2010
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From: Tennessee
2005 S55, 2002 E430, 2007 CLK350, 2006 SL55, 2003 SL55
Itll be years ahead of the Genesis as far as ride and power and exclusivety, but they like gas and you cant get one serviced correctly at your local oil change shop...That is a great price for a low miles car too.
If it has not been serviced regularly it will need some ABC attention soon.. I have a 2005 model and havent seen any of the electrical gremlins others talk about, but mine is not a daily driver...it has 60K on it.
Id buy the S55 and roll with it.
My 2 cents.
mike
If it has not been serviced regularly it will need some ABC attention soon.. I have a 2005 model and havent seen any of the electrical gremlins others talk about, but mine is not a daily driver...it has 60K on it.
Id buy the S55 and roll with it.
My 2 cents.
mike
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2013
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From: Ashburn, VA
2021 GLE63 AMG
I did it.
Thanks, Mike. I bought it and dropped $3k for the extended warranty good for 6 years and another 50000 miles. Tomorrow I've owned it a week and I absolutely love it.
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From: Maryland
2025 S63. 2022 911 Turbo S, 23 BMW M5C
That is so great! Can you post some pics? Would love to see what you got... The Genesis to me is a nice car but I despise the interior. So generic looking. It's a great car... for someone else.
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Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 34
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From: Ashburn, VA
2021 GLE63 AMG
Pix - and already under the knife!
Posted photo in other thread but here ya go. Also, car made it 10 days before unscheduled checkup.....returned it to Carmax for minor punch list items and I mentioned there seems to be some tranny/torque converter slippage under gentle launch. Car has been relayed to an "offsite" MB service shop for further repair. Still under Carmax 30 day warranty and the extended one too, so not overly concerned.
Last edited by Supplyguy; Oct 24, 2013 at 10:16 AM. Reason: Photo vanished.
