S55 AMG, S65 AMG , S63 AMG (W220, W221) 2001 - 2013 (Two Generations)

High Mileage M113 NA S55. Should I stay away?

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Old May 25, 2022 | 12:04 PM
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1987 Porsche 928 S4, 2009 Mercedes E350, 2011 Mercedes GL450, 2003 Mercedes ML350
High Mileage M113 NA S55. Should I stay away?

Hi, looking at a 2001 S55 in my area with 160k miles. Owner says it's very well maintained, and being an ABC car, I assume most issues with the pump have been addressed given the mileage.

What else should I look for? Not my first AMG car as we have a w209 CLK55 in the family I maintain.

Thanks
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Old May 27, 2022 | 07:56 PM
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'06 MB S55 AMG; '04 Audi Allroad 4.2; '05 BMW M3 Conv.; '92 MB 500E
Unless it’s dirt cheap, you’ll always want a Kompressor if you’re going to put up with the same issues at that mileage. $.02

Dealing with that vintage stereo will cost you a few grand as well.

maw
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Old May 28, 2022 | 04:19 PM
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Originally Posted by Uranium238
I assume most issues with the pump have been addressed given the mileage.
Monstrous assumption!!!! The way it was dealt with might have been to put coilovers on it, making it not ABC at all. At a minimum, see if the dash button changes the ride height like it's supposed to.

I'll echo the previous sentiment about the supercharger. I bought a 2003 S55 that I knew was a project car. It had good performance when I bought it, but not what I would expect from nearly 500 horsepower. Turns out, the supercharger wasn't even being driven! The pulley had sheared, and while the belt was intact and turning the pulley, there was no connection to the supercharger!


Couple hunnert bucks on eBay for a new pulley assembly, and let me say this clearly... Having had both supercharged and not, you want the supercharger. That car will never compare to a 2003 or newer car.
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Old May 28, 2022 | 06:45 PM
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Originally Posted by Uranium238
Hi, looking at a 2001 S55 in my area with 160k miles. Owner says it's very well maintained, and being an ABC car, I assume most issues with the pump have been addressed given the mileage.

What else should I look for? Not my first AMG car as we have a w209 CLK55 in the family I maintain.
I would assume the other way around: if there isn't a record for it, assume it hasn't been done.

Check for leaks, normal raise/lower operation and if you have a STAR setup, the operating pressure of the system and any stored ABC codes.

On a road test, try and find some rougher roads and see if a warning light flashes over a bump (indicates failing accumulators).

Ask the current owner about sagging if left parked for a few days. Inspect the reservoir area carefully to see if it's dirty from old fluid or if there is fluid spilled into the engine bay.

As for the rest of the car, you know the M113 / 722.6 combo already and how stout it is when taken care of. At 160K miles, I'd be more concerned about the transmission not being serviced.

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