6 Months with my '03 s55

Nov 22, 2003 | 08:00 PM

rekjr40

Thread Starter

Almost a Member!

Joined: Jun 2003

Posts: 53

Likes: 1

From: Newport Beach, Calif

2003 S55

6 Months with my '03 s55

So far the only minor complaints I have with this car is the apparent supercharger clutch squeak between the 1st and 2nd gear shift. It is only heard if the windows are down but I am going to see what, if anything, can be done about it at the first service. The only other complaint I guess is that the brake peddle could have some more cushioning so it doesn't clunk as much when speedly released. Sounds like a softer stop is called for.
All in all I've had 6 months of trouble free driving and a lot of fun with this car. I still can't think of another car that combines the comfort, practicability for me, and speed of this car. Bottom line it is faster than most, not as fast as some.

Nov 24, 2003 | 05:15 AM

Bilal

Super Member

Joined: Aug 2003

Posts: 834

Likes: 0

From: Manchester, UK

Mercedes-Benz A170 CDI

not as fast as some...? Are you kidding me. It'll take a 911 Turbo and 360M, aston martin's vanquish gets vanquished..

To beat it you would need a GT2. 575M, Lambo Murcie. All of which are genuine sports cars. So you're in pretty exclusive territory. And let's not go onto discuss vipers/corvette's and tuned civics.

Nov 24, 2003 | 09:31 AM

rekjr40

Thread Starter

Almost a Member!

Joined: Jun 2003

Posts: 53

Likes: 1

From: Newport Beach, Calif

2003 S55

Quote:

Originally posted by Bilal
not as fast as some...? Are you kidding me. It'll take a 911 Turbo and 360M, aston martin's vanquish gets vanquished..

To beat it you would need a GT2. 575M, Lambo Murcie. All of which are genuine sports cars. So you're in pretty exclusive territory. And let's not go onto discuss vipers/corvette's and tuned civics.

Thus the truth to the quote, "faster than most, not as fast as some"?

Nov 24, 2003 | 09:54 AM

Bilal

Super Member

Joined: Aug 2003

Posts: 834

Likes: 0

From: Manchester, UK

Mercedes-Benz A170 CDI

yeah.. I guess you're right. But how many Gt2's and murcie's do you come across every day?

Oh wait, i forgot you live in cali.

, Not manchester

Nov 24, 2003 | 10:16 AM

rekjr40

Thread Starter

Almost a Member!

Joined: Jun 2003

Posts: 53

Likes: 1

From: Newport Beach, Calif

2003 S55

Quote:

Originally posted by Bilal
yeah.. I guess you're right. But how many Gt2's and murcie's do you come across every day?

Oh wait, i forgot you live in cali. , Not manchester

Yes there are some awesome cars running around this area. Newport Beach has its share of car enthusiasts. For me the S55 was the best compromise between power, speed, comfort and practicality, that I could find. Still, even here, not everyone knows what it is and so there are opportunities for surprise. One fun run was against a 2001 Corvette 6-speed. The guy was blown away but the old guy in the limo pulling away from him. He's turned out to be a fun acquaintence at the local weekly car show. The fellow in the Subaru Sti is still in shock

Probably the most fun is downing the local gold chained Porsche drivers who just have to be the first away from the stop light. I like to wear my old beat up golf hat for those times. Extra points when they have their trophy girl friend aboard

All in all a fun car for "old farts", 63, like me.

Nov 24, 2003 | 12:27 PM

Bilal

Super Member

Joined: Aug 2003

Posts: 834

Likes: 0

From: Manchester, UK

Mercedes-Benz A170 CDI

Couldn't agree more. Part of the appeal of an AMG car is its sleeper status, and coupled with a powerful engine under the hood, and long gearing, all of the AMG cars will do 180mph+. They may not be the fastest to 200mph, but at least they will break that barrier.

Nov 24, 2003 | 03:03 PM

rekjr40

Thread Starter

Almost a Member!

Joined: Jun 2003

Posts: 53

Likes: 1

From: Newport Beach, Calif

2003 S55

Quote:

Originally posted by Bilal
Couldn't agree more. Part of the appeal of an AMG car is its sleeper status, and coupled with a powerful engine under the hood, and long gearing, all of the AMG cars will do 180mph+. They may not be the fastest to 200mph, but at least they will break that barrier.

In the U.S. we are saddled with the 155 mph limiter. Of course there aren't many places around here where even that speed can be done with a degree of safety. I still want to make time to go over to the Brabus shop and see more about their upgrade for the S55.. Just pulleys, intercooler and ECU modes.. At least find out more about it.

With the largest Mercedes dealer in the U.S. sitting in Newport there are plenty of AMG cars running around this area. Just on my drive to breakfast this morning I saw a SL55, E55, CL55, S600 on the road.

Yes the sleeper status is great fun at times. Although sometimes that comes back the other way. I got creamed by a 1992 Infiniti Q45 that looks and sounds stock. I've seen it around so it wasn't a complete surprise. I can't remember the company that does the mods but the thing flew. But then what goes around comes around