Carmax S55 Update or "Someday I Will Drive My Car Again"
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: Ashburn, VA
2021 GLE63 AMG
Carmax S55 Update or "Someday I Will Drive My Car Again"
Bought my 2004 S55 (50,000 mi) from Carmax for $20k + extended warranty in October. I've owned the car 72 days, and actually driven it 20 of those. The rest of the time it has been with Carmax (or outsourced by them) for repairs. First major repair was broken engine mounts - fixed. Second major event was ABC light - repair was a failed wiring harness. Third time in was a biggie and the car has been in for a month - some punch list items as well as bent rim, bad wheel bearing (caused by rim?), transmission slippage, and the replacement keys Carmax had me buy ($900) don't work - MB dealer suspects control module. The Carmax service folks have been great - call me every day with an update and provided a decent loaner. The transmission was dropped and I believe rebuilt by a tranny specialist. Carmax is trying to source a new rim but says they can't find an OEM 2004 AMG rim and are trying to figure out next steps. Welcome any advice here on that. They haven't gotten to the wheel bearing or Key Go yet. Separately, during the brief period I had the car between events two and three, I bought brand new snow tires from Tie Rack and had them installed in Tysons Corner. When I got home and removed the summer tires from the car I learned that the installer cut two of them off the rim to break the bead. WTF? They agreed to replace the two, but the other two are worn and I asked about me buying replacements for those. The rears aren't made anymore. Now I need a whole set. We reached a deal of $450 for four Continental Extreme DWS I'll install in the spring. When will this end?
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 986
Likes: 6
From: Kingsville Ontario (South of Detroit)
2003 S500 4Matic (SOLD) + 2004 S55 (SOLD) 2005 CLK 500 Cabriolet 2008 S 450
The thrill of an S55 go on and on but so do the repair bills. After owning more than 40 cars in my lifetime I can honestly say my '04 S55 is the most expensive to maintain. On the other hand it's the most exciting fun car I've ever owned. Either get rid of the S55 or get used to maintenance issues.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: Ashburn, VA
2021 GLE63 AMG
Not unhappy
The thrill of an S55 go on and on but so do the repair bills. After owning more than 40 cars in my lifetime I can honestly say my '04 S55 is the most expensive to maintain. On the other hand it's the most exciting fun car I've ever owned. Either get rid of the S55 or get used to maintenance issues.
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 579
Likes: 37
Bought my 2004 S55 (50,000 mi) from Carmax for $20k + extended warranty in October. I've owned the car 72 days, and actually driven it 20 of those. The rest of the time it has been with Carmax (or outsourced by them) for repairs. First major repair was broken engine mounts - fixed. Second major event was ABC light - repair was a failed wiring harness. Third time in was a biggie and the car has been in for a month - some punch list items as well as bent rim, bad wheel bearing (caused by rim?), transmission slippage, and the replacement keys Carmax had me buy ($900) don't work - MB dealer suspects control module. The Carmax service folks have been great - call me every day with an update and provided a decent loaner. The transmission was dropped and I believe rebuilt by a tranny specialist. Carmax is trying to source a new rim but says they can't find an OEM 2004 AMG rim and are trying to figure out next steps. Welcome any advice here on that. They haven't gotten to the wheel bearing or Key Go yet. Separately, during the brief period I had the car between events two and three, I bought brand new snow tires from Tie Rack and had them installed in Tysons Corner. When I got home and removed the summer tires from the car I learned that the installer cut two of them off the rim to break the bead. WTF? They agreed to replace the two, but the other two are worn and I asked about me buying replacements for those. The rears aren't made anymore. Now I need a whole set. We reached a deal of $450 for four Continental Extreme DWS I'll install in the spring. When will this end?
I LOVE my S55.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: Ashburn, VA
2021 GLE63 AMG
This seems like a car that was just having ongoing ignored maintenance and then they decided to trade it in instead of getting it all fixed. Remember when these cars were new they cost 120K+- so they cost a lot to keep rolling. Also it can not be ignored that they have 500hp/500tq+- and that is still a very respectable number in todays "modern" super cars.
I LOVE my S55.
I LOVE my S55.
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 579
Likes: 37
Yea looks like CarMax is taking it pretty bad on this one.
