kazam

Maybe parting with my GS4 soon. Wanted to stay with Lexus but I truly don't like the style of the new GS, or an older LS(01+).

Have test driven a 2001 S55 AMG with 17K. Yes, that's right, 17K.

If I do buy, I'm sure to purchase an extended warranty up to 100K.

Here is the link to the S55 that I'm interested in.

What do you guys think?

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...ce=&cardist=11

Incendiary

How many years would the warranty run?

kazam

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.

XeroK00L

Warranty sounds good. Just make sure you have an AAA membership for towing and a backup vehicle to drive around when the S55 is in the shop. Other than that, congrats in advance to you on your new ride!

splitfire

iTrader: (6)

You should stay away from the older S class, those car are nothing but problems. I had full factory bumper to bumper warrrenty it was still pain the the a$$ for all those problem the car were having. One time I ask the service advisor at the dealer am I the only one that keep coming back for the suspension leak he said no this is common for all s class If you want a S class spend a little more get the S550 or S63, that car has been problem free.

Incendiary

That does sound like a good warranty. Review the terms/conditions carefully to know what is and is not covered prior to purchase. The company appears to check out well in the BBB website, so that's a good sign. And splitfire is right that early model W220's weren't the most reliable, but it's a pretty sweet ride... Good luck with whatever you decide.

pvmike1

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?

pvmike1

There was a segment on Top Gear that examined AMG's claim that the engines are hand built. Clarkson didn't buy it. Just by looking at the sheer number of AMG cars that are produced, Top Gear stated that it is impossible to hand build so many engines.

UberNoob

2001 S class are known to be pretty unreliable
i would get a backup car to drive too when it is in the shop

only after 2004~5, the S class is worth considering after MB fixing a lot of the reliability problems
the new generation of S550 are much better too

IronCobra

You should get the 05 LS430 he is selling for about the same price..

O. L. T.

iTrader: (17)

#1- if you purchase a S model from the dealer you can get it CPO for 100,000 miles.

#2- 2003 was the year the S became a reliable car. Pre-2003 cars had failures with the airmatic suspension and that is a $3000 repair that is guaranteed to any pre-2003 owner. With only 17k on the car you are SEVERELY at risk of failure of the air suspension. That's about the time they start cracking at the top of the canisters.

#3- If you buy the car from a private individual you're screwing yourself. Only Mercedes can give the CPO certified 100,000 mile wty. It covered the air suspension as well as the relays which are also prone to failure. The other wty will not cover this.

Basically you are buying into the worst case scenario.

- not CPO, no 100k wty

- 2001 was the worst year for failure because it was a first year for the w220 chassis S55

- aftermarket wty that will not cover the air suspension or electrical relay system

- you're paying nearly more than you'd pay to find a CPO 2003 S55 with a few more miles. but CPO to 100k

Gojirra99

I think the W220 came out in 1999 as a 2000 model, not 2001.

O. L. T.

iTrader: (17)

I left out the S55 part. I was obviously talking about his car when warning about problems.

Mercedes always seems to wait a year to add the AMG version of anything to a new line - as history recalls. The W220 S class should be a 2000 first year model with the AMG version in 2001.

Wouldn't change the fact they didn't work the bugs out until the 2003 revision.

Gojirra99

Since it's a 2001 S55, it is only outfitted with the naturally aspirated 5.4 L 367 hp V8 engine.
It's the 2002+ S55 models that are upgraded to the supercharged 5.4L 493 hp V8 motor. You are aware of that right ?

splitfire

iTrader: (6)

yeah they came out in 99 as 00 model, my friend has the one of the first one arrived in LA back in 99. S55 I think it came in mid 2000 as 01 model. i test drove the first S55 in orange county I probably still have pic in my computer... the 01 model was N/A compare to the 55k they are slow as pig.. Same for the s550 they were out like march last year as 07 model and s63 just came in about a month or so ago..