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I'll be adding an '03 S55 to the stable next week and have been trying to get my due diligence out of the way in the meantime. I had a PPI performed on the car which helped negotiate the price down another $3K.....so money well spent for a detailed inspection with pics and a nice report.
The first order of business is getting the maintenance up to par. It's mostly a few oil leaks, fluid flushes, front brakes and the inevitable motor mounts.. The car had a well documented maintenance history up until 2015, not so much after that. It's bone stock right now and I'd eventually like to perform some modest power upgrades, but reliability is my ultimate goal.
Last edited by S_Holford; Dec 20, 2022 at 11:29 AM.
Reason: Added pics
'06 MB S55 AMG; '04 Audi Allroad 4.2; '05 BMW M3 Conv.; '92 MB 500E
Nice S55. Have a look at this car, and the maintenance sheet @8899 prepared for the sale. He was a member here and we worked with him when he bought the car and was in the same position you're in today. I would do pretty much everything he has listed on his maintenance spreadsheet if it hasn't been done already.
EDIT ... well maybe not everything but definitely the fluids, filters, mounts and dampers. ABC fluid consider every 3/30. Transmission fluid consider every 5/50 with plugs (and the valve cover gaskets that are almost certainly leaking, because they leak every 5 years.) And don't forget the supercharger fluid. I like the RaceIQ 83mm clutched pulley and tune, after you've upgraded the intercooler pump.
Nice S55. Have a look at this car, and the maintenance sheet @8899 prepared for the sale. He was a member here and we worked with him when he bought the car and was in the same position you're in today. I would do pretty much everything he has listed on his maintenance spreadsheet if it hasn't been done already.
EDIT ... well maybe not everything but definitely the fluids, filters, mounts and dampers. ABC fluid consider every 3/30. Transmission fluid consider every 5/50 with plugs (and the valve cover gaskets that are almost certainly leaking, because they leak every 5 years.) And don't forget the supercharger fluid. I like the RaceIQ 83mm clutched pulley and tune, after you've upgraded the intercooler pump.
i already have a couple grand in parts and fluids waiting to be changed. I went through this with my CLK, said I wouldn’t put myself through this again and here we are!
The car already has a belt wrap kit and updated pulleys. A SC pulley is in future plans but I want to fix all the neglected items first. I believe I have a bad passenger front DCM, the keyless go isn’t working and neither is the trunk assist.
'06 MB S55 AMG; '04 Audi Allroad 4.2; '05 BMW M3 Conv.; '92 MB 500E
Ha!! This is no CLK -- a couple grand is table stakes. I just answered your call for due diligence. The trunk assist, keyless go and DCM are known issues at least. You knew that AMG crack would keep calling you. The first hit (your CLK) is free. Now you're in high cotton -- enjoy the ride.
I'm an addict myself as I just came from a local dealership looking at an AMG GT 63. I think I'll go drive it in the morning. I should have done so today. But jumping out of my S that car seems a little cramped. Then again, I no longer have 2 kids in the back seat, so we'll see.
Ha!! This is no CLK -- a couple grand is table stakes. I just answered your call for due diligence. The trunk assist, keyless go and DCM are known issues at least. You knew that AMG crack would keep calling you. The first hit (your CLK) is free. Now you're in high cotton -- enjoy the ride.
I'm an addict myself as I just came from a local dealership looking at an AMG GT 63. I think I'll go drive it in the morning. I should have done so today. But jumping out of my S that car seems a little cramped. Then again, I no longer have 2 kids in the back seat, so we'll see.
maw
Yep, the W208 started it all lol! This car is a different animal but I like it. I’m enjoying the comfort and room for sure. I don’t mind doing the work because I find these cars interesting.
I’d looked into the W220 issues long before I bought one of these so I’m prepared. I originally wanted a CLS55 but the S-class grew on me.
A little update on the car....
It's been on jack stands for a month undergoing mass maintenance as I have time. So far this is my list of what's done and what's remaining. I'm eager to drive the car so I hope to wrap this up today.
-New brake pads/rotors all the way around, including stainless brake hoses and flush
-Fresh oil change, resealed breathers and changed gaskets, changed oil cooler/filer housing seals. Finishing up the breather hoses today when I have patience to fight the driver's side
-Motor mounts & trans mount
-New air filters
-New battery
-New tires
-Plug/wires
-Crank sensor
-New drive belt & tensioner, new SC belt
-New pulsation damper
-New conductor plate, connector & filter, performing flush later today
Still have to flush the ABC system and will probably change the fuel filter today. Also have the SC oil to change.
This car has been another one of those cases of getting what you pay for. However, at least I know everything will be current and done to my expectations.
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
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