New member - kicking around the idea of picking up an S55 (W220)
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'05 E55
New member - kicking around the idea of picking up an S55 (W220)
Like the title states - I'm kicking around the idea of picking one of these up as they seem like a great bargain! Low to mid teens is my budget and I do my own wrenching at home so for the most part, parts would be my only real concern. Also looking at the M5, but they are quite more expensive, plus the Mercs look better IMO and they appear to be built better, especially the interior. It's going to be for my wife (and I'll drive it some too - he, he, he) Thoughts??
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Joined: Aug 2010
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From: Kingsville Ontario (South of Detroit)
2003 S500 4Matic (SOLD) + 2004 S55 (SOLD) 2005 CLK 500 Cabriolet 2008 S 450
Even the parts are expensive. If you can't afford $1,000 + parts then my advice is to consider another type S class. I'm considering selling mine but I just can't walk away from the S class. If someone wants to trade an S class for an '04 S55 with new ABC components then let me know. On the other hand the S55 brings a smile to my face every time I drive it.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 91
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'05 E55
Even the parts are expensive. If you can't afford $1,000 + parts then my advice is to consider another type S class. I'm considering selling mine but I just can't walk away from the S class. If someone wants to trade an S class for an '04 S55 with new ABC components then let me know. On the other hand the S55 brings a smile to my face every time I drive it.
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Joined: Aug 2010
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From: Kingsville Ontario (South of Detroit)
2003 S500 4Matic (SOLD) + 2004 S55 (SOLD) 2005 CLK 500 Cabriolet 2008 S 450
The ABC system probably has the greatest amount of concern. The pump/strut failure seems to be a "sooner or later" issue and the parts to accomplish the repair are expensive. A new pump runs from $1,000 to $1,500+ and the struts are approximately $1,200 from the "stealership".
Re and Re-ing the pump is a 5 hr. minimum job requiring the ability to rodeo the car afterwards to determine pump pressures and strut compliances. Valving blocks need periodic attention with new "O rings" generally required.
My advice is to find an S55 that has had these issues already addressed.
All this being said the S55 will give you the most fun you can have with your clothes on.
Re and Re-ing the pump is a 5 hr. minimum job requiring the ability to rodeo the car afterwards to determine pump pressures and strut compliances. Valving blocks need periodic attention with new "O rings" generally required.
My advice is to find an S55 that has had these issues already addressed.
All this being said the S55 will give you the most fun you can have with your clothes on.
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'05 E55
Thanks J, I appreciate your PM and it was nice learning about your car which I would love to buy but it's a little over my budget for now.
H, not sure what you are getting at with your first statement but I like the second part.
H, not sure what you are getting at with your first statement but I like the second part.
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Joined: Jul 2007
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2006 s65. Ford Excursion 6.0. Pontiac GTO convertible. Porsche 944 Turbo SCCA car. Wife-E550 and 968
Never buy a budget AMG. It's like buying a budget Ferrari. Deffered maintenance on these cars will destroy you. Get the cleanest, most completely maintained (with records) one you can.
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'05 E55
I think that could be said about most cars actually. I don't really agree that it's like buying a Ferrari - Ferrari's are worlds apart. My goal is to get the best one I can find and there are several that I see already that seem a little iffy. I do my own maintenance, but I guess if someone takes it to somebody every time it needs something or the light goes off then yes - it would destroy them. Then again, not as much as buying none brand new - insane depreciation on these! Definitely not meant to be an investment.
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 783
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2006 s65. Ford Excursion 6.0. Pontiac GTO convertible. Porsche 944 Turbo SCCA car. Wife-E550 and 968
I think that could be said about most cars actually. I don't really agree that it's like buying a Ferrari - Ferrari's are worlds apart. My goal is to get the best one I can find and there are several that I see already that seem a little iffy. I do my own maintenance, but I guess if someone takes it to somebody every time it needs something or the light goes off then yes - it would destroy them. Then again, not as much as buying none brand new - insane depreciation on these! Definitely not meant to be an investment.
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From: DC area
2003 S600, 1988 RX-7 single turbo vert, 1998 BMW 740IL
I think we all can say that at the prices they sell for today you cannot buy a better car performance, ride comfort, style, and luxury options. I enjoyed every mile driven on mine so much I am buying a 07 just to upgrade the body style. If it was not for the abc time bomb I would say these cars are a must own. Strange thing is the CL and SL counterparts hold there resale with the same issues.
