I recently joined the forums after acquiring an 01 S55 AMG. At the time during my purchase, I didn't realize the 03+ models came with the kompressor (silly me). Over the next few weeks, I did a lot of research and learned a lot about the W220 S55. I have also driven a few 03+ models since my purchase to get a feel of that extra power and torque compared to the NA.

Everybody raves about the 03+ versions because of the power and rightly so. I have read the W220 Encylopedia posts in the Quality and Comparison, Buying Advice section by forum member Skylaw.

But I still am torn whether I should keep the 01 S55 or go with a 03+ S55 so I want people here to give their opinions and experience. This car will be my daily driver (keep that in mind when giving advice/opinion!) As a DD, I feel like I won't necessarily need all that power but as a car guy it's nice to know that owning a 03+ rivals lots of cars out there today with that 4.6 0-60 time.

So I wanted to start this discussion on some questions I still had:

1. Quality was improved 03+ with the electronics and 04+ had nano clearcoat. What other improvements were made? (I am really interested in this question since it will be my daily driver) Was the ABC suspension quality improved? (assuming proper maintenance/flushes are done).

2. Was the kompressor headache free like the NA people say it is? I would think a NA would involve less headaches in the long term over one with a kompressor. Are these additional problems (clutch & chirp, cooler failing) that potentially can happen with a kompressor outweigh the 'thrill' while driving it as a daily driver? I am an aggressive driver so I do floor it from time to time

3. I guess this last question is this: 5.7 versus 4.6 0-60 time. For the car enthusiasts that have an opportunity to own a few fast cars in their lifetime, does a 1.1 second difference really that noticeable for a daily driver?

I look forward to having a good discussion around this topic and getting more involved with this community in the very near future with my new ownership! I have attached a few pictures of the S55 I bought.

 

The power difference is tremendous, the rest of the car is largely the same aside from a newer radio/nav system in the 04+.

If you really are going to daily it, get a nice clean well maintained example that's optioned the way you want and enjoy. If you need a fast W220, get a 600, for less than 55 money and it's stupid powerful luxury boat nature.

 

If the power difference is tremendous, then you got me drooling for a 04+ model! Yeah I am eyeing a 04 S55 that would only be $3k more for what I bought my 01 for that looks to be well maintained. I will definitely need to do a through inspection if I do get more serious after considering opinions from other members.

From threads here, it's been posted that W220 2004 models saw mechanical improvements but does that apply to S55 models as well? (since these cars had ABC and not Airmatic as an example)

I've read that about the V12s but it seems like in terms of reliability, the V8 is a better pick for a daily from what I've read on this forum. People rave about the M113 engine being bulletproof.

 

They are both good engines but with 4 extra cylinders maintenance cost is higher and coils are more expensive.

 

Suggest the 04 or later S55. It's a great daily driver.

V8 more robust/plentiful/easier to maintain for less money than V12.
Single supercharger more accessible than twin turbos.
Exhaust sound is much awesomeness in tunnels.
'04 command system got DVD-based nav instead of CDs.

Abc is obviously problematic, but if you work on your own car....they need maintenance. But I suppose later years will last longer.
I don't recall many other differences from '03 to '04.

 

I went from a 2001 S600 to a 2004 S600, and it's a huge step up in lots of ways. ABC is no better, but everything else is. 1.1 sec gives you little idea of the extra power.


Nick

 

I've had my '04, daily driver, for about 2 months. It's great and the comfort is amazing for it age. I agree with what other have said start with something in great condition and you'll enjoy it tremendously.

I'm new to MB but not performance. If you are a performance guy, go with the S55. You will enjoy!

Shardul and Eurocharged are your friends, there is more unleashed power lurking inside.

Not to jack your thread, if you look you will find.

 

I use my 03 S55 as a daily driver and drive a lot. I have done 150K Miles on it and the Engine and Tranny are still in good shape. Had 2 ABC pumps in that time and rebuilt the front suspension twice. Also did 3 Motor Mounts and a lot of Tranny Mounts. I am now at 230K Miles and mechanically the car is sound. Lots of other little issues though (Dynamic seats and massage wont work anymore on both seats since all of the bladders are heavily leaking, Passenger seat sensor bad (bypassed with a chip) Tele Aid went bad so i programmed it out and so on) but the car still drives well enough. So for reliability ill give the car a A-. She has left me stranded only once when a ABC High Pressure Hose burst. At this point i will drive the wheels of it and then get me a newer S-Class.
Best of Luck in your decision making.

 

Check out my S55 for sale.
https://cargur.us/f44wD

 

Sounds like the ABC is the same for either of these model years. Can anyone confirm?

For everyone who has the kompressor model, how much maintenance has the kompressor required especially ones with high mileage like PillDrives

Could you clarify how "everything else is" better?

If I floor it when I merge onto the highway, the acceleration between the 00-02 and 03-06 is barely noticeable?

 

The ABC is the same for all 215/220 regardless of year or spec. If it has ABC, it's the same system design.

There's a large difference in power, drive both and compare. It's hard to describe. Nick is saying, just saying 1.1 sec doesn't do justice to the difference, one car feels decently powerful, the other is downright fast.

 

As far as the Kompressor goes mine has been great. Changed Oil twice now (Oil from AutoHaus AZ Part Number AD-000989620109 for $12) and my Clutch Pulley Bearing went bad once about 110k ago. Replaced that one with 45BG07S5DL-2DS from BearingsDirect.com for $40 and thats it. No other issues at all.
Good Luck.

 

The 2003 is much faster.

Nothing wrong with a 2002 - perfectly good car - but why have 300hp when you can have 500?

All 2003 cars have much better interiors - better materials, better built, better seats, better COMAND.

Nick

 

Yes, he said 110k miles AGO.

Stuff lasts forever on these cars. Get your maintenance intervals down, every 2 years, every 30k, 50k, 100k, whatever, the blown 55 from AMG will go forever, like any other SClass. Think about that, in the luxd out, 4300lb W220. That's a very different car than a W140 or a W221. And they respond spectacularly to even the most basic maintenance, like any other SClass.

maw

 

Also the 2003 and up have the facelift.

 

Thanks for confirming the ABC is the same. I guess only car enthusiasts think like this...why only have a fast car when you can own a ridiculously fast car?

I definitely appreciate the better quality build if I was going to own this for the long term.

That's awesome to hear PillDrive! Sounds like no headache at all. Obviously oil and clutch need maintenance as they wear but 110k is amazing.

I agree preventative maintenance is the key to any car lasting.


Do you guys experience the 'chirp' I've read on these forums? What MY are affected?
Haven't really found a thread that fixes this chirping unless you make it clutchless: https://mbworld.org/forums/w211-amg/...-c-pulley.html

 

chenzbenz:
See my PM to you about my experience. For the benefit of others in the future...

I have had the "chirp" since I bought the car new off the dealer's lot. After 80K miles and 14 years, I am comfortable saying that it's the normal slip squeak you would get from aggressive acceleration, trying to instantaneously spin the stationary supercharger's guts by mashing a clutch against a pulley that's already spinning at 1.5K RPM. The tensioner spring absorbs some of the shock. There could be a little belt slip too.

It doesn't always happen if you drive normally and don't mash the gas.

Sure it means the clutch surface is gradually wearing. I'm not concerned.

I am going to do a teardown on mine soon to check the front shaft oil seal.

 

If the kompressor doesn't chirp under daily driving conditions then that will be a big bonus. I wouldn't want to hear it in stop and go traffic I would be using this as a daily driver. I don't mind it chirping during the times I floor it!