dvast8n

Long time lurker, first time poster!

I'm looking to buy a 2005 S55 AMG. This would be my first AMG model car. A little about the car, it's meticulously clean car, ~78K miles, 2 owner car. The gentleman would like $15,500 OBO for the car.

Questions:
1. Is KBB typically close on book value? Reason I ask is, all of the other S55 AMG models I run into about the same price, it's typically higher. According to KBB it's worth about a little over $14K.

2. Any known model issues I should look for in a 2005 S55 AMG?

I appreciate you guys reading my post! Thank you in advance! I look forward to being a contributing MB member!

WillyG

No known problems with the 2005 year to my knowledge. See if you can get any past service records. Raise the car up and down a few times make sure everything is moving right. Skower the forums there is plenty S55 buying guides. I'm sure he will come down from that price a bit. Other than that, i love my S55

dvast8n

Are 2005 S55 AMG's plagued with ABC issues?

islandbeef

AMG's will be pricey to fix, right off the bat. Are you up to the challenge? Will this be a daily driver or a show car?

If money's not an issue and you don't mind visiting your mechanic often, go get it and enjoy!

I honestly think you're doing the seller a favor by taking it off his hands, I'd lower your offer.

dvast8n

I had the car inspected by dealer and one of the items identified was ABC was seeping. The recommended action plan stated to watch it and check it at the next service. I inquired about ABC and the potential issues and cost of repairs. I was told "thousands." I don't mind turning wrenches but a little searching people essentially say let the experts fix it. This car would be my first AMG that I would drive daily.

Seller doesn't want to give the car away nor do I want to dump a bunch of money right away to fix ABC issues. I guess at this point I'm inquiring about the likelyhood that the seeping ABC is going to turn into a costly headache in the near future?

islandbeef

This car wants to screw you both ways....before you even purchase it.

/pass

sakodik

Its been a long time since I owned my 2003 S55, but for the first 3 months, I had to push the ABC button to raise my car from off the ground every morning. I had the ABC red light screen, it would go away after. It sank on the driver side and I had the mechanic replace whatever it needed.

I forgot what it was called, but it fixed the issue until the right side failed! Cost roughly 5k in 6 months just for that issue alone, excluding service a/b, engine mounts, rotors, etc. So unless you can have the owner drop or fix the known issue with ABC, I would run!

dvast8n

Thanks guys!

Zax63

i've had 15k plus in ABC issues in the past 4 years. I daily drive the car. All four struts, the pump, various hydraulic lines that are nearly impossible to get to, etc. I think I have a valve block going now. It all started with weeping lines.

dvast8n

Hopefully this won't be me! (Knock on wood) We came to terms on a lower price. I'll pick the car up next week.

Is extended warranty an option on these cars?

oldsinner111

I've seen alot of upgrades to the s55 engine.Lighter pulleys,and larger injector to get her over 600 hp.

jpohl402

If this would be your first AMG or first Benz, be prepared for a fairly significant amount of maintenance (most likely.)
That said, and if you've budgeted for it - they're fun & great cars!

jpohl402

Usually. I never purchased one but it's probably not a bad idea! Look into it!

Sunny_AMG

You are always going to have some sort of problem with the ABC system. Main problems are the front and rear valve blocks, it's the seals inside these valve blocks that go bad overtime.

Another problem you are gong to have on your 722.6xx transmission is the electrical connector plug. This problem is and can be very expensive if the ATF gets into the TCU. I would get the transmission oil changed properly, meaning have it extracted through a vacuum system and have the electrical connector plug changed at the same time with an original Mercedes part.

Also, at some point in your ownership of a W220 S55, you will see oil leaking around the valve cover gasket and the oil breather section. You will have to get the gaskets changed and the top part will need sealant. Cleaning the old sealant will require time and patience.

These are some of the main issues with the M113K engine, however, these are fantastic cars. My 2004 has only 48,000 miles and it's in pristine condition and i love her to bits.

Hope this info helps and happy driving friend.

Hank Kingsley

I was able to get out to the end of 2017 or 30,000 K (whichever comes first) for a little under $4K when I purchased my 2005 S55 in January.


http://securedrive.ca/

Soylent Green

I too like you just acquired a 2005 S55. Mine has 68k on it and the previous owner who did all his own mechanical work on the car gave me 10k worth of receipts for parts he put on the car during the last 4 years. Fortunately for me he already switched out the tandem pump and the accumulators. He told me to change the fluid biannually and flush the brake fluid once a year as he did. I plan on following his instructions as the car has zero issues right now. Nicest car I have ever owned.

jerryjerry

Enjoy your ride when you acquire it. They are beautiful cars. I own a E55 and never had it drop. Fast auto. Just be selective when you accelerate. I'm selling mine; I have a CL600 & a SL500. I will miss my AMg.

maw1124

I think between posts 14 and 16 above, you have what you need. Consider the valve cover gaskets an every 5 year thing. Definitely tend to the ABC fluid every two years with the coolant and brake fluid (depending upon how much you drive the car). They are great cars at this money, but most cars haven't been taken care of the way we're advising. So you may have to spend some money up front to get it onto a good path. I've had mine for 6 years and it's been a great car, based on this maintenance regime.

Cheers,

maw

Soylent Green

I'm fixin to take mine out for a blast right now. So much power, such great handling. What a great machine.

GrepAwk

"These tend to be the most often mentioned repairs which means they should be the most often maintained systems to prevent the repairs," said Yogi Berra.

Check out Howard's recommendations for maintaining the W220 systems.

("Soylent Green is people" --Charleton Heston?).

maw1124

Well said.

maw

corsaschnell

I had a 2004 S55. Yes there were several issues with ABC leaking and hoses and clamps not handling the high pressure, each time cost was around $1K to repair.

Other problem was with the supercharger clutch, when it engaged it made a chirping noise, it was repaired under warranty at 32K miles.

Besides that no other issue for 4 years of ownership.