Looking to purchase a Mercedes S55 AMG
06-14-07, 04:28 AM
#16
I've also heard from staunch S class owners (who have owned each generation model for years) that the previous gen S class is one to avoid. They also say that the build quality of the new S is much better.
If you must, then it is definitely a good idea to get the extended warranty.
How about an 03'+ E55?
If you must, then it is definitely a good idea to get the extended warranty.
How about an 03'+ E55?
get an E55
06-14-07, 08:36 AM
#17
Lexus Champion
CLS 500/ 55 amg W221 S-Class
'03+ E55K > '01-'06 S55/ S55K just b/ c the W220 bodystyle looks so dated now that we have the W221.
Last edited by JAC JZS; 06-14-07 at 05:39 PM.
06-14-07, 09:46 AM
#19
I'm in the same boat as you...however I'm looking at the +04 (7 sp auto) 
Even though the mileage is low, price seems pretty high.
I've some some 03+ for about $45k with decent miles (30k).
The w220 amg has taaaanked in value big time, esp. the new w221 has come out.
As robarapta and other members mentioned, the 03+ should be better, supercharged, and cosmetic updates to the headlights and taillights, plus quad exhaust
I'm sure you checked out mbworld for the input.
Even some owners have complained about the 04+ are pretty horrible.
Fortunately, I have my GS for backup
Good luck, let us know what you decide on.
If you don't need that extra room, go for the CL55
Me, I've been pretty lucky:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...=282294&page=2
Even though the mileage is low, price seems pretty high.
I've some some 03+ for about $45k with decent miles (30k).
The w220 amg has taaaanked in value big time, esp. the new w221 has come out.
As robarapta and other members mentioned, the 03+ should be better, supercharged, and cosmetic updates to the headlights and taillights, plus quad exhaust
I'm sure you checked out mbworld for the input.
Even some owners have complained about the 04+ are pretty horrible.
Fortunately, I have my GS for backup
Good luck, let us know what you decide on.
If you don't need that extra room, go for the CL55
Me, I've been pretty lucky:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...=282294&page=2
06-14-07, 12:22 PM
#20
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This may sound to good to be true, but a company called Warranties 4 Wheels is offering me a "4 year unlimited mileage warranty". Plan is called "Titanium", which is there most comprehensive plan.
I have a quote from them for $2,700, zero deductible.
Not many companies are willing to insure the AMG Model, simply because the engine is hand built.
I have a quote from them for $2,700, zero deductible.
Not many companies are willing to insure the AMG Model, simply because the engine is hand built.
As OLT and others said, get a 03 500, its only 40 less HP and you will have the updated interior, larger NAV screen, crystal head and tailights and a 100k warranty.
Trust me AMG S-Class's are notable for the 500hp, so the 01 wont really do you much better than a 03 S500 perf wise anyway.
Good luck
06-14-07, 02:59 PM
#21
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Thanks for the positive/negative feeback. Kind of late now. After hours of wheeling and dealing, I purchased the car late last night. Agreed price was $36K. Car is now for going for there so called "300 point inspection" and buff/wax.
I did see some 03+ S55's, but they are rather rare in my area. And the avg price with 50K was $45-$48K. Couldn't justify it.... But I still considered it.
Even went on www.MercedesForum.com for some advice but zero responses.
Listen, I can live with the repairs, but now very much concerned about this air suspension.
I did see some 03+ S55's, but they are rather rare in my area. And the avg price with 50K was $45-$48K. Couldn't justify it.... But I still considered it.
Even went on www.MercedesForum.com for some advice but zero responses.
Listen, I can live with the repairs, but now very much concerned about this air suspension.
Last edited by kazam; 06-14-07 at 03:03 PM. Reason: Left some info out.
06-14-07, 03:06 PM
#22
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Thanks for the positive/negative feeback. Kind of late now. After hours of wheeling and dealing, I purchased the car late last night. Agreed price was $36K. Car is now for going for there so called "300 point inspection" and buff/wax.
I did see some 03+ S55's, but they are rather rare in my area. And the avg price with 50K was $45-$48K. Couldn't justify it.... But I still considered it.
Even went on www.MercedesForum.com for some advice but zero responses.
Listen, I can live with the repairs, but now very much concerned about this air suspension.
I did see some 03+ S55's, but they are rather rare in my area. And the avg price with 50K was $45-$48K. Couldn't justify it.... But I still considered it.
Even went on www.MercedesForum.com for some advice but zero responses.
Listen, I can live with the repairs, but now very much concerned about this air suspension.
06-14-07, 04:33 PM
#25
Thanks for the positive/negative feeback. Kind of late now. After hours of wheeling and dealing, I purchased the car late last night. Agreed price was $36K. Car is now for going for there so called "300 point inspection" and buff/wax.
I did see some 03+ S55's, but they are rather rare in my area. And the avg price with 50K was $45-$48K. Couldn't justify it.... But I still considered it.
Even went on www.MercedesForum.com for some advice but zero responses.
Listen, I can live with the repairs, but now very much concerned about this air suspension.
I did see some 03+ S55's, but they are rather rare in my area. And the avg price with 50K was $45-$48K. Couldn't justify it.... But I still considered it.
Even went on www.MercedesForum.com for some advice but zero responses.
Listen, I can live with the repairs, but now very much concerned about this air suspension.
the suspension is definaly something you should pay attention to, all 4 of mine was replaced under warrenty at 6k miles.. 2nd time for the front at 17k miles... you should go to the dealer and have them print a copy of service history(vehicle master inquiry) to see if the suspension were replaced by previous owner.
and here is a pic of the s55 i got invited to test drive.. the date was 1/8/2001
06-14-07, 04:43 PM
#26
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Damn son! Twice by 17k miles? I knew they were bad, but I didn't know it was reoccurring also! This guy's after market extended wty isn't going to cover this the first, second or third time they fail and 2001 to 2007 is past the original Mercedes dated wty even with the lower mileage.
YIKES.
YIKES.
06-14-07, 05:36 PM
#27
Lexus Champion
Congrat on your new car
the suspension is definaly something you should pay attention to, all 4 of mine was replaced under warrenty at 6k miles.. 2nd time for the front at 17k miles... you should go to the dealer and have them print a copy of service history(vehicle master inquiry) to see if the suspension were replaced by previous owner.
and here is a pic of the s55 i got invited to test drive.. the date was 1/8/2001
the suspension is definaly something you should pay attention to, all 4 of mine was replaced under warrenty at 6k miles.. 2nd time for the front at 17k miles... you should go to the dealer and have them print a copy of service history(vehicle master inquiry) to see if the suspension were replaced by previous owner.
and here is a pic of the s55 i got invited to test drive.. the date was 1/8/2001
06-14-07, 06:36 PM
#29
Lexus Test Driver
Congrats on the new ride!!
mbworld.org as stated earlier is the best Mercedes forum for technical content. benzworld.org is when you want to feel like the smartest person in the world. That's why I'm there.
mbworld.org as stated earlier is the best Mercedes forum for technical content. benzworld.org is when you want to feel like the smartest person in the world. That's why I'm there.
06-14-07, 09:21 PM
#30
yeah it was horrible.. the car was sitting most of the time too.. since I was a frequent visitor at the mercedes dealership I have seen a lot of them came in on a flatbad, one time i saw a car lowered all the way to the ground and the front wheel was hitting the fender.. exect same problem as everyone was having.... I see that you had a S430 may be you can share your expriance too?