Im planning on buying a 2006 S55 with 217k miles, now before you call me nuts. I believe its only been serviced at Mercedes, and its a single owner vehicle. The service records are a fat 5" stack of papers, and the car is in mint condition.

Im starting this thread because Id like some help in what to look for when I check this car out. If you have any advice on this engine id gladly take any pointers

Main issues I plan to look for:
- hooking up to the OBD2 to check oil pressure, "oil pickup gasket and oil cooler gasket"
- inspect the overall condition of hoses, and just other basic stuff, oil leaks, supercharger

 

OP the 5" stack of papers should make clear that the 220 chassis cars require a great deal of babysitting to keep in good nick.

As it goes.... The engine and transmission are the best parts of the car. This one has 217K miles so anything and everything is possible.

The improvements made with the 221 chassis over the 220 are many and varied. 222 Chassis cars are as much improved compared with 221 as 221 is over 220.

 

In my experience milage isn't a concern with proper maintenance. For example, a car with 30K miles that has sat for 10 years will require the same amount of work a car with 150K with little to no maintenance history. When looking over the maintenance records, pay more attention to what was done WHEN, rather then just what was done. These big body S-classes are high maintenance, but if service has been done by a certified dealer and they have been done so in recommended service intervals, you should be fine. I would trust a car with recent service records and 250K then a car with 30K and no service records thats been sitting.

Scroll down to Joe P's thread and read through everything i've been through in the last 2.5 years with mine.

Big ticket items which are a huge plus if they've been done recently:

- Motor mounts and Transmission mount (Transmission mount is simple, motor mounts not so much)
- Anything ABC related. Particularly the last time the Accumulators were replaced ( Again these are more of a time interval then milage interval) If pump has been replaced by dealer recently thats big bonus points. Shocks don't tend to go bad but ABC lines can certainly "get old". Blown ABC lines are usually a result of failed accumulators but not 100% always the case.
- Oil cooler gasket and Valve cover gaskets - common failure points but not terribly difficult to replace.
- Transmission service, specifically the conductor plate and 13 Pin connector. Common issue of having trans fluid wicked into the TCU and burning out the TCU causing limp mode issues. If not done in the last 5-7 years i would do it.
- Radiator replacement - They come from the factory with plastic end tanks that crack over time. They will start to leak and its a pain to replace them. If done another big bonus point.

Theres a ton more maintenance items and the list goes on and on. If you have access to the maintenance, post it here for us to scroll through and take a look at and we can guide you better. Familiarity and reading up will certainly help you.

They are some of the best cars when they're sorted properly, but to get to that point is a lot of time and money, as i've experienced. Other then a 221-222 Chassis as JohnLane has mentioned, theres not much more on the road i would want to upgrade to, specifically for long hauls and road trips. They are unmatched in terms of comfort and power. 2 years and 2 roads trips from PA to Florida round trip was an absolute pleasure.

- Joe

 

Here are my service logs. Keep in mind I'm **** and most everything that's been done is preventative. The car has never left me stranded or needed to be towed. 2026 service is incomplete as the shop I use is slow as hell. So far as $$$ go, don't ask.

 

Best way to not have an expensive toy that we really enjoy is to follow expenses.

As soon as one gets busy with the adding machine it gets replaced with a soul sucking appliance.

Don’t be that guy. She doesn’t need to know you drive your mistress.

 

Good news is my wife enjoys her time with my mistress almost as much as I do.

 

There is an '01 S55 AMG with only 87K miles, no accidents, clean Car Fax, for under $12K in Virginia.

Trenton O. Gibson
tgibson@highline-autos.com
Highline Autos
Direct: 602.909.9216
Office: 480.348.0777