Question about 2002 S55 AMG - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

lttk913 · #1 05-07-2007, 05:15 AM

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.

The Swede · #2 05-07-2007, 10:36 AM

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.

snp8990 · #3 05-07-2007, 03:24 PM

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.

PaulC · #4 05-07-2007, 07:30 PM

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.

lttk913 · #5 05-08-2007, 05:31 AM

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!

The Swede · #6 05-08-2007, 10:41 AM

Just buy it. Nice ride.

lttk913 · #7 05-08-2007, 06:19 PM

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 Swede · #8 05-08-2007, 06:27 PM

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.