Future S55 AMG Owner?
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Joined: Mar 2015
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Ford Saleen
Future S55 AMG Owner?
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!
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!
Member
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 118
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S55 Designo
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
Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 246
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From: SoCal
2012 GL450, 2013 Lexus GS350 F-Sport
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.
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.
Last edited by islandbeef; Mar 12, 2015 at 01:30 AM.
Thread Starter
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Ford Saleen
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?
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?
Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 246
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From: SoCal
2012 GL450, 2013 Lexus GS350 F-Sport
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 627
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From: SF
E-Class
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!
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!
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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
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. 
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2007
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From: PHX/PIE/OMA ---> Yes, all three
E55 then E63, now back to an E55
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!
That said, and if you've budgeted for it - they're fun & great cars!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,052
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From: PHX/PIE/OMA ---> Yes, all three
E55 then E63, now back to an E55
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 11
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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.
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.
Junior Member
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 20
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2005 S55 AMG
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/
Junior Member
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 68
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From: Cleveland, Ohio
2005 AMG S55
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.
Junior Member
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 41
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From: La Quinta, CA
CL600 E55 / SL500
S55
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.
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'06 MB S55 AMG; '04 Audi Allroad 4.2; '05 BMW M3 Conv.; '92 MB 500E
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
Cheers,
maw
For a ride.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 443
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'03 S55 (79K miles)
Oil, ABC, transmission, soft-close air pump
"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?).
Check out Howard's recommendations for maintaining the W220 systems.
("Soylent Green is people" --Charleton Heston?).
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,264
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'06 MB S55 AMG; '04 Audi Allroad 4.2; '05 BMW M3 Conv.; '92 MB 500E
Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 90
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From: SoCal USA
S65 AMG
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.
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.
