Thinking of S55 AMG LWB

[MercMan1]

Hi Guys,

I am thinking of heading back to the petrol world with a bang. Having driven an E320cdi and S320cdi for a few years I am contemplating an S55 AMG Lwb.

Before take this leap I wanted the experts opinions on the following:
1) Should I go for such a car?
2) Examples I am looking at are:
2003 MERCEDES-BENZ S55KL

2003 Mercedes S55 5400 cc AMG Kompressor Long Wheel Base 42000 Miles 5.4

3) I know fuel economy should not really be discussed with such a vehicle, but tentatively (he says crossing his fingers ) what sort of mpg can I expect in town driving and school runs.
4) I understand servicing is more expensive for AMG vehicles, but does that mean that the local MB dealer will charge more or do I have go to a MB AMG specialist dealer for servicing?
5) What sort of things should I look out for when inspecting these cars prior to purchase and is an MB pre-purchase inspection advisable?

Hope to hear from you experts soon!!

Thanks in Advance...btw..this is my first post..so be gentle with me!! :bannana:

Regards,

M

 

[EDZ649]

Hi Guys,

I am thinking of heading back to the petrol world with a bang. Having driven an E320cdi and S320cdi for a few years I am contemplating an S55 AMG Lwb.

Before take this leap I wanted the experts opinions on the following:
1) Should I go for such a car?
2) Examples I am looking at are:
2003 MERCEDES-BENZ S55KL

2003 Mercedes S55 5400 cc AMG Kompressor Long Wheel Base 42000 Miles 5.4

3) I know fuel economy should not really be discussed with such a vehicle, but tentatively (he says crossing his fingers ) what sort of mpg can I expect in town driving and school runs.
4) I understand servicing is more expensive for AMG vehicles, but does that mean that the local MB dealer will charge more or do I have go to a MB AMG specialist dealer for servicing?
5) What sort of things should I look out for when inspecting these cars prior to purchase and is an MB pre-purchase inspection advisable?

Hope to hear from you experts soon!!

Thanks in Advance...btw..this is my first post..so be gentle with me!! :bannana:

Regards,

M

Welcome aboard, nice choice of car!

Fuel economy on the school run will be sub 15mpg probably in a 55 Kompressor.

Make sure the brakes are good, discs are very expensive for AMG cars.

Check for rust around the arches etc.

Most MB dealers will be able to service an AMG car, they are not that different from the standard MB's. You do not need an AMG specialist.

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Servcing is not a problem - all Mercedes dealers will be able to service and repair them. I can't imagine a specialist would have a problem either.

If you shop around servicing is no more expensive than the equivalent non-AMG. AMG specific parts are expensive though, so as suggested above get one with good brakes or negotiate a suitable discount on the purchase price.

 

[MercMan1]

EDZ649 & Bobby Dazzler - thanks chaps for your thoughts, much appreciated. Still thinking about it.

 

[N7OGP]

why should the dealer charge more for an AMG service, all they do is change the oil a filter, no difference to a normal car.

 

[st4]

why should the dealer charge more for an AMG service, all they do is change the oil a filter, no difference to a normal car.

There is when it comes to pads and brake discs which on the AMGs is a fair chunk more.

Remember, this is a £100,000 car aimed at those who probably didnt even pay for the running of the car themselves (CEO types). Its a licence for MB to print money for themselves.

It will be a very expensive car to maintain.

 

[Adam230K]

In terms of costs, think of it this way; The servicing costs and most things will be identical to another S-class (which wont be 'cheap') but its just when you come to replace certain items (brakes, esp discs are a good example), expect to pay a hefty premium.

If you use it around town... I'd expect sub 15 mpg as EDZ says.... my bloody car gets about 18 in town and I have to be VERY gentle (with a v8 in town, you realistically don't need to floor it anyway, but hey). A few heavy pedals could send that down to 12mpg and beyond.

But on the bright side, expect 25 + mpg on a long run from that car. Who knows, if you play the 'mpg game' while on a motorway you might be able to pull off 30mpg!

 

[st4]

Maybe an S500 would be a more suitable alternative, V8 and plenty quick without the pitfalls of SC pumps and minus the hideous AMG additional costs.

I expect (LTD) to enter now!!!

 

[Adam230K]

Maybe an S500 would be a more suitable alternative, V8 and plenty quick without the pitfalls of SC pumps and minus the hideous AMG additional costs.

I expect (LTD) to enter now!!!

Coming from his 320cdi he wont feel it.... he needs the Kompressor

 

[st4]

Coming from his 320cdi he wont feel it.... he needs the Kompressor

He will, its a fair chunk faster.

300bhp plays 190ish bhp. Torque is a bit more in the 320cdi but once the S500 starts to rev (beyond 4k) the peak power will overtake the peak power of the S320cdi and as we all know power is a measure of the work done, torque merely the effort applied to the work.

over specific rev bands you'll feel the benefit of forced induction but ultimately an S500 will monster an S320cdi.

For the best effect the OP should consider a lighter E500!!!