Need Help-perspective S55 AMG owner
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 57
Likes: 3
From: Savannah, GA/Mystic/CT
2009 E350 4matic wagon, 1980 450SL, 2011 GL450
Need Help-perspective S55 AMG owner
Hi. I am looking at a 2003 S55 AMG with a bit under 70K miles. It has had 3 or 4 owners with th current owner for 3 yrs. I brought it to local MB dealer for a PPI. The only issue that jumped out during my test drive was the sticking in PARK issue which the dealership believes is the stoplight switch (they couldn't replicate the problem) They also found a laundry list of things to be done. The biggies are 1) the front shocks as they claim the top bushings are broken and under load it is fine, but when they put it on the lift the shocks separate from the body ($3400); 2) the ball joints are getting worn and need to be replaced - car seemed to drive fine and I pushed it ($1100); 3) Transmission cooling lines beginning to leak ($400).
Any thoughts?
Any thoughts?
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 443
Likes: 118
'03 S55 (79K miles)
So the shocks have "separated" from the body? I confess I don't have direct experience on the "bushings" for the shocks. But it seems to me that a rubber donut or triangle on the top of a shock column should not be such a big deal. Dealer's estimate probably just includes completely swapping out both shocks at dealer MSRP. NO FINESSE TO ACTUALLY ADDRESSING THE SPECIFIC PROBLEM. My shocks rattle when I go airborne over a hill but I'm not too concerned about that.
There are more pressing issues with ABC like getting a fluid exchange, filter change, and cleaning out the valve blocks. Do the valve blocks first.
Dealers tend to just "swap out parts". I suggest ignoring the "bushings" issue. Read Howard's posts about ABC service and skip the bushings for now.
There are more pressing issues with ABC like getting a fluid exchange, filter change, and cleaning out the valve blocks. Do the valve blocks first.
Dealers tend to just "swap out parts". I suggest ignoring the "bushings" issue. Read Howard's posts about ABC service and skip the bushings for now.
PLATINUM SPONSOR
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 3,834
Likes: 65
From: Texas
2003 CL55
Get the ABC working first (clean, flush, filters, etc.) and use aftermarket ABC struts, as they cost a lot less, when you are ready to buy them.
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E63 Biturbo, UPD Cold Air induction kit, UPD performance crank pulley and UPD adjustable rear suspension with ride height adjustment.
CL55 UPD Cold Air Boost kit, UPD 3000 stall converter, UPD 77mm SC clutched pulley and beltwrap kit, Custom long tubes, UPD crank pulley , UPD suspension kit, UPD SC pulley, Aux. HE, Trunk tank w/rule 2000 pump, Mezeire pump, UPD 5pc idler set, Aluminum rotor hats.
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E63 Biturbo, UPD Cold Air induction kit, UPD performance crank pulley and UPD adjustable rear suspension with ride height adjustment.
CL55 UPD Cold Air Boost kit, UPD 3000 stall converter, UPD 77mm SC clutched pulley and beltwrap kit, Custom long tubes, UPD crank pulley , UPD suspension kit, UPD SC pulley, Aux. HE, Trunk tank w/rule 2000 pump, Mezeire pump, UPD 5pc idler set, Aluminum rotor hats.
www.ultimatepd.com
instagram @ultimate_pd
facebook.com/ultimatepd
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
S 55 AMG
My S55
Well I've done a lot of research these few weeks cause my ABC System is bad so there is a few good swap out Kits like Strutmasters For the Hydro ABC system but I decided to fix my ABC system and use Arnott Struts and it's a Pump out that's Cheaper that's really Good 2 and u want to Fix the ABC system ASAP
