Question about 2002 S55 AMG
 

I am considering buying a 2002 S55 AMG with 43,000 miles that is just off a Mercedes lease.Can someone tell me about the reliability of this model and if there are any potential problems relative to these models.Thanks in advance.

From an engine/trans standpoint you're okay, but I've read of electronic glitches on the pre '03 W220's.

The Airmatic suspension can be problematic as well. Major repairs cant cost upwards of $3K. Service records are a plus and it might be worth considering an after market warranty.

Goto http://forums.mbworld.org/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=16 for more info.

I suggest against any early W220.In 2000,I bought a brand-new (one of the first)S500.That car gave me so many problems.It was in the shop for weeks at a time.I traded-it in for a 1998 S500.

My buddie's '06 S500 had an instrument cluster that went kerflooey (term as gleaned from the dealer's service write up) and an AirMatic suspension that one day decided to have no Air and even less Matic.

2002 s55 amg
 

This car is just off a Mercedes lease.It's a beautiful car and is being sold by a dealer that I know and trust as I've bought 2 cars from him in the past.
I have no idea what I'm going to do!

Just buy it. Nice ride.

2003 s430
 

There is a 2003 s430 there with 30,000.I'm thinking that may be be a better, surer choice.This one is just off lease as well.Any opinions relative to these options.2002 S55 amg vs 2003 430?

The S55 is going to be a helluva lot more fun to drive. Granted, it's pre-blower, but still has the AMG V8 and AMG suspension/brakes.

What's the price diff? Is it worth it for that much more performance? Reliability? Doubt there's a significant difference.

Price difference
 

They are both $36,500.What's pre-blower mean?I'm not familiar with some of the changes or lingo.Thanks!

'03+ has the 5.4L motor which features a Lysholm supercharger. It increases output (from 354 horsepower and 391 pounds-feet) to 493 horsepower and 516 pounds-feet.

The supercharged cars are at least $45K,

Here's one for $39.5K on eBay
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2003-S55-AMG-53k-miles-Light-Gray-Interior-Keyless-GO_W0QQitemZ260115981519QQihZ016QQcategoryZ6336QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

The seller purchased it from Luxury Motors in Chicago. Their cars rarely come with any service history. Buyer beware.

That' a nice car on ebay
 

I went over this with a buddy of mine.He says to get the AMG because it's the best car.I'm going to look at the VMI tomorrow and if everything's ok that's the one I'll get.I'll have a 60 day warranty in case there are any major problems but like I said I know the guys I'm buying it from and they have a credible history with me and a great overall reputation.

The best reputation in the world won't prevent the air suspension from collapsing in the next 12 months or the electrical system from causing major issues.

I'm not understanding how the reputation of a dealer would mitigate serious quality and durability problems with the early W220?

If you buy it........just plan to spend $2-$3K on maintenance and repairs per year.........otherwise.........avoid it.

Who knows what'll happen. I know of 220's with over 100k w/no suspension issues. On the auto forums, you almost always read the horror stories, the extremes. Middle ground doesn't provide for much drama.

I would plan on tucking a few grand away every year for repairs and maint. or buy an aftermarket wty. Any car that runs ~$100K new will be expensive to own.

If money isn't an issue, then just go for it.

S55 vs 430 Verdict
 

Thanks to everyone for your imput.I made the choice today.It's good to know that this forum exists for new owners like me to read and learn.I'll be picking up the following car tomorrow:

Congrats. Be prepared to spend some bucks... though to some it's worth it. Others wish they'd bought a boring Lexus.

What color is that?