Considered getting this beast over the LS430
02-23-11, 11:11 AM
#1
Racer
Thread Starter
Considered getting this beast over the LS430
A 2003+ S55 AMG - 493hp Supercharged V8
Was my dream car back when they came out in the 2000's. Now I see some are down to about 20% of what they originally cost. I bet these things are a blast to drive! I've heard AMG Benzs are more reliable since the engines are hand built? But I'd definately pay for at least a powertrain warranty.
I think the appearance of the Benz has held up far better than the last gen LS.
Was my dream car back when they came out in the 2000's. Now I see some are down to about 20% of what they originally cost. I bet these things are a blast to drive! I've heard AMG Benzs are more reliable since the engines are hand built? But I'd definately pay for at least a powertrain warranty.
I think the appearance of the Benz has held up far better than the last gen LS.
02-23-11, 11:23 AM
#2
that car is a beauty. If i had the funds set aside for potential repairs (dealer only stuff), i'd go for this or a M5. They are very good looking and timeless. I always go back to Consumer Reports and see what Benz owners are saying about their cars. Going into it, you'll at least be aware of what might go wrong.
02-23-11, 11:31 AM
#3
Lexus Test Driver
Very nice! I drove an 06 S500 and that thing was one of the best cars I've ever driven in my short yrs of driving. It was (and I hate to say this on CL) more buttoned down than the LS. There were virtually zero squeaks and rattles on it (yes I know the LS has minimal rattles, but I have a slight rattle in the dashboard and the window creak thing so this is just my pt of view). The AMG S-class is real sleeper. Anyone who knows cars can spot an M5, but the discrete AMG is only spotted by the more dedicated car nuts. Imagine all the shocked looks you'll get after you keep or beat the guy sitting next to you in his new sports car
02-23-11, 11:50 AM
#4
Racer
Thread Starter
"The AMG S-class is real sleeper"
Well, the Big Azz quad pipes in the back could be the give away even if someone debadged it.
I've seen a few 05s with under 100K miles for low $20K. I could do most of the diys myself with the help of the Benz forums. It would be my "going out car" so I'd only put less than 5000 miles a years. I'd use a beater to go to work. I'd need to do alot of research on forums and get prices for warranty, insurance etc if I am serious about owning one.
Well, the Big Azz quad pipes in the back could be the give away even if someone debadged it.
I've seen a few 05s with under 100K miles for low $20K. I could do most of the diys myself with the help of the Benz forums. It would be my "going out car" so I'd only put less than 5000 miles a years. I'd use a beater to go to work. I'd need to do alot of research on forums and get prices for warranty, insurance etc if I am serious about owning one.
02-23-11, 02:41 PM
#7
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monrovea
A 2003+ S55 AMG - 493hp Supercharged V8
Was my dream car back when they came out in the 2000's. Now I see some are down to about 20% of what they originally cost. I bet these things are a blast to drive! I've heard AMG Benzs are more reliable since the engines are hand built? But I'd definately pay for at least a powertrain warranty.
I think the appearance of the Benz has held up far better than the last gen LS.
Was my dream car back when they came out in the 2000's. Now I see some are down to about 20% of what they originally cost. I bet these things are a blast to drive! I've heard AMG Benzs are more reliable since the engines are hand built? But I'd definately pay for at least a powertrain warranty.
I think the appearance of the Benz has held up far better than the last gen LS.
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02-23-11, 03:15 PM
#8
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If you ever need to replace brakes on this I have heard rotors on AMGs are very pricey. I have heard on a CL AMG, each rotor is $900. I would check on this before you buy an AMG.
Charlie
Charlie
02-23-11, 03:26 PM
#9
Racer
its only 7 years old and yup, it's not expensive to buy.
Beware, I know some very rich people who never complained about the price of anything,
except the cost of owning their older Mercedes.
Beware, I know some very rich people who never complained about the price of anything,
except the cost of owning their older Mercedes.
02-23-11, 03:44 PM
#11
Lexus Test Driver
I should add that during my test drive of the S500, the tire pressure warning light came on along with some other light. Didn't affect how well the thing drove but it made me a bit uneasy. If you ever watch Top Gear, the main host Jeremy has had quite a few Mercedes recently. As a joke another presenter asked something like "have you been enjoying your Mercedes?" and Jeremy replies "well it's really like any Mercedes ownership experience: car breaks down, the shop takes a few days to fix it, get it back, and it's broken again".
I do want to say that if I had the money, I would definitely go for an AMG Merc, probably the S-class. However, I would also consider an E39 BMW M5 (fun 6 speed man transmission as a bonus
) as well as a Jaguar XJR. However, that S-class still has ~100 hp on these (but it's heavier).
I do want to say that if I had the money, I would definitely go for an AMG Merc, probably the S-class. However, I would also consider an E39 BMW M5 (fun 6 speed man transmission as a bonus
) as well as a Jaguar XJR. However, that S-class still has ~100 hp on these (but it's heavier).
02-23-11, 03:47 PM
#12
Lexus Test Driver
. I heard one go by me and it rumbled like an old musclecar! It was absolutely incredible, all the sound and excitement of a sports car with the refinement of a topline luxo car. I watched a recent Top Gear episode where they featured an S65 AMG...730 ft/lbs of torque!!!!!!!!
Let's not forget this 2+ ton beast can keep up with a new 911 from 0-60. Damned impressive in my book.
02-23-11, 04:27 PM
#13
A 2003+ S55 AMG - 493hp Supercharged V8
Was my dream car back when they came out in the 2000's. Now I see some are down to about 20% of what they originally cost. I bet these things are a blast to drive! I've heard AMG Benzs are more reliable since the engines are hand built? But I'd definately pay for at least a powertrain warranty.
I think the appearance of the Benz has held up far better than the last gen LS.
Was my dream car back when they came out in the 2000's. Now I see some are down to about 20% of what they originally cost. I bet these things are a blast to drive! I've heard AMG Benzs are more reliable since the engines are hand built? But I'd definately pay for at least a powertrain warranty.
I think the appearance of the Benz has held up far better than the last gen LS.
I still want a (w215) CL55 amg though, but not prepared for the headaches that come with it.
However, it's not the engine/transmission that will get you. It's the electrical gremlins (sensors) that will annoy you. And if you guys are afraid of the air suspension on the UL, airmatics are not fun either. Fortunately, they are cheaper than lexus b/c ALOT of them break down prematurely
which lead s to aftermarket supplies. Arnott sells refurbished unit, but with great quality air suspensions. Having the amg, you'll have problems with the abc though.
Read up on mbworld.org (if you haven't already) .
http://www.mbworld.org/forums/s55-am...-w220-w221-52/
don't let this scare you:
tsb for the 2003 S55 AMG
2003 S55
Safety Recalls
TSB Number & Issue Date TSB Title
2004050015 AUG 04 Recall - Trunk Lid Spring Replacement
Service Bulletins
TSB Number & Issue Date TSB Title
P-88_70-39 MAR 05 Body - Outside R/V Mirror to Door Seal Damaged
P-32_50-24 MAR 05 Suspension - ABC Suspension Humming/Buzzing Noise
P-82_70-314C MAR 05 Cell Phone - High Pitched Whining Noises During Calls
P-68_60-37B JAN 05 Interior - Sun Visor Cover Broken
P-68_10-39 JAN 05 Interior - Unable to Open Glove Compartment
P-27_60-43 JAN 05 A/T - Rough Converter Engagement/Droning/Buzzing Noise
P-30_30-61 DEC 04 Cruise Control Inoperative
P-54_30-92A DEC 04 Instruments - Cluster Version Coding
P-82_10-419 DEC 04 Lighting - Condensation in Headlamps
P-32_25-19 DEC 04 Suspension - Shock/Strut Replacement Guidelins
P-18_00-17C DEC 04 Engine - Approved Engine Oils (Addition)
P-82_70-346B NOV 04 Cell Phone - Inoperative/Locks-Up
P-15_40-54 NOV 04 Charging System - Insufficient Charging
P-27_00-47A OCT 04 A/T - 722.6 Oil Leaks From Electrical Connection
P-77_10-24 OCT 04 Body - Sliding Roof Water Leaks/Rattles
S-07_61-38F OCT 04 Engine/Transmission Controls - SCN Coding
P-82_30-399 OCT 04 Windshield - Blistering Near Rain/Light Sensor
P-42_20-49 SEP 04 Brakes - Noise From Rear of Vehicle
P-91_10-52B SEP 04 Interior - Front Seat Cracking Noise During Adjustment
P-33_15-12 SEP 04 Steering/Suspension - Knocking/Rumbling Noise on Bumps
P-82_30-366 SEP 04 Wipers/Washers - Wipers Chatter/Noisy After Blade Change
P-77_20-25 SEP 04 Body - Sliding Roof Malfunctions/Code 414 Set
P-82_10-201B SEP 04 Lighting - Front Turn Signal Inoperative
P-82_00-260A AUG 04 Audio System - CD's Won't Play or Eject
P-83_00-70 AUG 04 A/C - Inoperative/Codes Set/AC OFF Lamp Illuminated
P-91_40-67A JUL 04 SRS - Warning Lamp ON/DTC's B9183/B91A3 Stored
P-91_60-74 MAY 04 SRS - Coding Unnecessary
P-82_85-324A MAY 04 COMAND (R) System - Vehicle Battery Low/Dead
P-82_95-322A APR 04 Communications - 'Tele Aid Not Active' Displayed
P-00_45-77 FEB 04 Interior - Squeaking/Creaking Noise Kit
P-82_70-327 FEB 04 Cellular Phone - Cradle Kit Applications
P-82_95-305 FEB 04 Emergency Contact/Alarm System - System 'Runaway'
P-07_00-28F FEB 04 Engine Controls - Lack of Power/Hesitation/MIL ON
P-33_15-10 FEB 04 Steering/Suspension - Alignment Requirements
P-82_00-228B FEB 04 Audio System - Mutes Randomly
S-01_30-15 FEB 04 Engine - Cylinder Wall Damage Assesment
S-49_10-08 FEB 04 Exhaust System - Rattling/Hissing/Humming Noises
P-40_10-43 JAN 04 Tires - Michelin Pilot Sport A/S(R) Tires Not Approved
P-47_10-27 JAN 04 Fuel System - Fuel Filler Cap Hard to Remove/Install
P-82_30-316 DEC 03 Wipers/Washers - Erratic Intermittent Wipe Explanation
S-18_00-16A DEC 03 Gasoline Engine - Oil Sludging
P-54_30-103 NOV 03 Instruments/Audio - Radio Control System Settings
S-54_21-101 OCT 03 Engine Controls - ECM Flash Process Change
P-82_85-288 SEP 03 COMAND(R) System - Unable to Enter New Destination
P-82_85-264 JUL 03 Navigation System - Inoperative/Erroneous Guidance
P-82_10-266 JUL 03 Lighting - Right/Left Low Beam Out Message Displayed
P-14_30-15 JUL 03 Emissions - MIL ON/DTC P2003 Stored in Memory
P-54_30-73A JUN 03 Instruments - Electrical System Voltage Displayed
P-27_60-37 MAY 03 Antitheft System - Cannot Shut Vehicle OFF
P-20_10-23 MAY 03 Cooling System - Water Pump Leakage
P-91_60-57A MAY 03 SRS System - Control Module Service Precautions
P-54_21-85 APR 03 Lighting - False Check Headlamp Message/DTC's Set
P-91_60-58 APR 03 SRS System - Post Collision Impact Sensor Replacement
P-54_65-86 APR 03 Parking Assist System - Apparent Erroneous Activation
P-82_70-222 MAR 03 Cell Phone - Phone Won't Fasten Into Cradle Holder
P-67_00-09 MAR 03 Body - Windshield/Rear Glass Body Seam Corrosion
S-07_61-27A MAR 03 Engine Controls - ECM Reprogramming Procedure
P-80_57-20 FEB 03 Audio System - RF Interference Explanation
P-54_21-67A FEB 03 Lighting - 'Check Left Low Beam' Message Displayed
P-54_30-76 JAN 03 Instruments - '00000' Displayed on Odometer
P-54_30-77 JAN 03 Instruments - 'Display Defective' Displayed/Lamps ON
P-83_55-65 DEC 02 A/C - Compressor Cycles Frequently
P-32_50-12 DEC 02 Automatic Suspension - Hydraulic Fluid Leaks
P-82_85-210 NOV 02 Navigation/GPS System - Various Malfunctions
P-54_30-72 OCT 02 Instruments - Incorrect Engine Rpm's Displayed
P-82_62-169B OCT 02 Audio System - Various CD Player Malfunctions
S-82_70-135B OCT 02 Fiber Optics System - Configuration/Version Coding
P-32_50-11 AUG 02 Air Suspension - Pneumatic Suspension Message Displayed
P-82_85-197 AUG 02 Navigation System - Poor Performance
S-07_08-001 JUL 02 Engine Controls - Software Calibration Number Coding
P-83_00-61 FEB 02 Interior - Vinegar Like Smell in High Temperatures
P-82_30-178 FEB 02 Wipers/Washers - Wiper Blades Come loose
S-82_70-179A FEB 02 Cellular Phone - V60 Programming Instructions
P-83_40-60 JAN 02 Automatic Temperature Control - Inoperative
Safety Recalls
TSB Number & Issue Date TSB Title
2004050015 AUG 04 Recall - Trunk Lid Spring Replacement
Service Bulletins
TSB Number & Issue Date TSB Title
P-88_70-39 MAR 05 Body - Outside R/V Mirror to Door Seal Damaged
P-32_50-24 MAR 05 Suspension - ABC Suspension Humming/Buzzing Noise
P-82_70-314C MAR 05 Cell Phone - High Pitched Whining Noises During Calls
P-68_60-37B JAN 05 Interior - Sun Visor Cover Broken
P-68_10-39 JAN 05 Interior - Unable to Open Glove Compartment
P-27_60-43 JAN 05 A/T - Rough Converter Engagement/Droning/Buzzing Noise
P-30_30-61 DEC 04 Cruise Control Inoperative
P-54_30-92A DEC 04 Instruments - Cluster Version Coding
P-82_10-419 DEC 04 Lighting - Condensation in Headlamps
P-32_25-19 DEC 04 Suspension - Shock/Strut Replacement Guidelins
P-18_00-17C DEC 04 Engine - Approved Engine Oils (Addition)
P-82_70-346B NOV 04 Cell Phone - Inoperative/Locks-Up
P-15_40-54 NOV 04 Charging System - Insufficient Charging
P-27_00-47A OCT 04 A/T - 722.6 Oil Leaks From Electrical Connection
P-77_10-24 OCT 04 Body - Sliding Roof Water Leaks/Rattles
S-07_61-38F OCT 04 Engine/Transmission Controls - SCN Coding
P-82_30-399 OCT 04 Windshield - Blistering Near Rain/Light Sensor
P-42_20-49 SEP 04 Brakes - Noise From Rear of Vehicle
P-91_10-52B SEP 04 Interior - Front Seat Cracking Noise During Adjustment
P-33_15-12 SEP 04 Steering/Suspension - Knocking/Rumbling Noise on Bumps
P-82_30-366 SEP 04 Wipers/Washers - Wipers Chatter/Noisy After Blade Change
P-77_20-25 SEP 04 Body - Sliding Roof Malfunctions/Code 414 Set
P-82_10-201B SEP 04 Lighting - Front Turn Signal Inoperative
P-82_00-260A AUG 04 Audio System - CD's Won't Play or Eject
P-83_00-70 AUG 04 A/C - Inoperative/Codes Set/AC OFF Lamp Illuminated
P-91_40-67A JUL 04 SRS - Warning Lamp ON/DTC's B9183/B91A3 Stored
P-91_60-74 MAY 04 SRS - Coding Unnecessary
P-82_85-324A MAY 04 COMAND (R) System - Vehicle Battery Low/Dead
P-82_95-322A APR 04 Communications - 'Tele Aid Not Active' Displayed
P-00_45-77 FEB 04 Interior - Squeaking/Creaking Noise Kit
P-82_70-327 FEB 04 Cellular Phone - Cradle Kit Applications
P-82_95-305 FEB 04 Emergency Contact/Alarm System - System 'Runaway'
P-07_00-28F FEB 04 Engine Controls - Lack of Power/Hesitation/MIL ON
P-33_15-10 FEB 04 Steering/Suspension - Alignment Requirements
P-82_00-228B FEB 04 Audio System - Mutes Randomly
S-01_30-15 FEB 04 Engine - Cylinder Wall Damage Assesment
S-49_10-08 FEB 04 Exhaust System - Rattling/Hissing/Humming Noises
P-40_10-43 JAN 04 Tires - Michelin Pilot Sport A/S(R) Tires Not Approved
P-47_10-27 JAN 04 Fuel System - Fuel Filler Cap Hard to Remove/Install
P-82_30-316 DEC 03 Wipers/Washers - Erratic Intermittent Wipe Explanation
S-18_00-16A DEC 03 Gasoline Engine - Oil Sludging
P-54_30-103 NOV 03 Instruments/Audio - Radio Control System Settings
S-54_21-101 OCT 03 Engine Controls - ECM Flash Process Change
P-82_85-288 SEP 03 COMAND(R) System - Unable to Enter New Destination
P-82_85-264 JUL 03 Navigation System - Inoperative/Erroneous Guidance
P-82_10-266 JUL 03 Lighting - Right/Left Low Beam Out Message Displayed
P-14_30-15 JUL 03 Emissions - MIL ON/DTC P2003 Stored in Memory
P-54_30-73A JUN 03 Instruments - Electrical System Voltage Displayed
P-27_60-37 MAY 03 Antitheft System - Cannot Shut Vehicle OFF
P-20_10-23 MAY 03 Cooling System - Water Pump Leakage
P-91_60-57A MAY 03 SRS System - Control Module Service Precautions
P-54_21-85 APR 03 Lighting - False Check Headlamp Message/DTC's Set
P-91_60-58 APR 03 SRS System - Post Collision Impact Sensor Replacement
P-54_65-86 APR 03 Parking Assist System - Apparent Erroneous Activation
P-82_70-222 MAR 03 Cell Phone - Phone Won't Fasten Into Cradle Holder
P-67_00-09 MAR 03 Body - Windshield/Rear Glass Body Seam Corrosion
S-07_61-27A MAR 03 Engine Controls - ECM Reprogramming Procedure
P-80_57-20 FEB 03 Audio System - RF Interference Explanation
P-54_21-67A FEB 03 Lighting - 'Check Left Low Beam' Message Displayed
P-54_30-76 JAN 03 Instruments - '00000' Displayed on Odometer
P-54_30-77 JAN 03 Instruments - 'Display Defective' Displayed/Lamps ON
P-83_55-65 DEC 02 A/C - Compressor Cycles Frequently
P-32_50-12 DEC 02 Automatic Suspension - Hydraulic Fluid Leaks
P-82_85-210 NOV 02 Navigation/GPS System - Various Malfunctions
P-54_30-72 OCT 02 Instruments - Incorrect Engine Rpm's Displayed
P-82_62-169B OCT 02 Audio System - Various CD Player Malfunctions
S-82_70-135B OCT 02 Fiber Optics System - Configuration/Version Coding
P-32_50-11 AUG 02 Air Suspension - Pneumatic Suspension Message Displayed
P-82_85-197 AUG 02 Navigation System - Poor Performance
S-07_08-001 JUL 02 Engine Controls - Software Calibration Number Coding
P-83_00-61 FEB 02 Interior - Vinegar Like Smell in High Temperatures
P-82_30-178 FEB 02 Wipers/Washers - Wiper Blades Come loose
S-82_70-179A FEB 02 Cellular Phone - V60 Programming Instructions
P-83_40-60 JAN 02 Automatic Temperature Control - Inoperative
Last edited by GS3Tek; 02-23-11 at 04:34 PM. Reason: links, tsbs
02-23-11, 04:34 PM
#14
Lexus Test Driver
There isn't a wrong answer here! The Benzes in general ALL cost alot to maintain, that's common knowledge. What it boils down to is if the buyer is willing to deal with the cost. I myself owned a Benz, not a AMG but, the cost can be an issue. Benz isn't as bad as said, as far as reliability. Its luck of the draw. Like one member said, his friend has 100,000 miles on the odometer and no issues in 3 years!
I say if you like it buy it, then at least you can then say via experience if you should buy Benz in the future. You live one time then its over and if you want the AMG experience, go for it. You can always sell a Benz to a Benz lover. I know plenty!!! I think you will enjoy the Benz ride alone and the electrical tech issues are a matter of tolerance, I couldn't tolerate it. No engine or transmission issues! LGNM
I say if you like it buy it, then at least you can then say via experience if you should buy Benz in the future. You live one time then its over and if you want the AMG experience, go for it. You can always sell a Benz to a Benz lover. I know plenty!!! I think you will enjoy the Benz ride alone and the electrical tech issues are a matter of tolerance, I couldn't tolerate it. No engine or transmission issues! LGNM
Last edited by usermel; 02-23-11 at 04:38 PM. Reason: a few!!
02-23-11, 07:35 PM
#15
Lexus Test Driver
^Definitely agree with Usermel. People say BMW is unreliable but I have not had any mechanical or electrical failures in the ones I've owned. In fact, they are very well made cars that will last just as long any Lexus. I'm sure Mercedes is the same way. I see tons of Mercs from the 80s still running around and looking great.