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??

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.

Thanks for the reply. Is there a spot on here that discusses high failure rate items and the associated parts cost? Just which parts are you talking about? Thanks...

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.

Sent you an email and pm.

Here we go again...lol People, you're getting a 125k car for over 100k off the original sticker price.

That said, the W220 S55 Mercedes is one of the finest cars ever made.

Amen

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.

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.

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.

I was being melodramatic. They just have expensive parts and if someone has deferred fixing things it can stack up pretty quickly. And frankly, I was thinking more about my 65 than the 55, where my experience is focused. My bad. Good luck...doing your own wrenching will help dramatically.

PM sent for my 03 S600

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.