Purchasing a used performance vehicle, especially one with the pedigree of an S55 AMG Mercedes-Benz, always comes with an element of intrigue and necessary due diligence. Having recently acquired this W220 generation S-Class AMG, albeit not for an extended period, the initial drive revealed a compelling blend of power and luxury. The engine purred smoothly, and the ride quality was remarkably comfortable, reaffirming the inherent sophistication of the Mercedes-Benz engineering. Crucially, the climate control system, both air conditioning and heating, functioned flawlessly, a welcome sign in a car of this age. Most of the electronic features operated as expected, with a few exceptions that, based on experience with similar models and online resources concerning the W220, appear to be relatively straightforward to address.
However, as with any pre-owned vehicle, particularly one boasting advanced technology from its era, a few areas require attention. The DVD-based navigation system, for instance, struggled to initialize, suggesting a potential issue with media readability. Upon ejecting the navigation disc, it was confirmed to be the original media supplied with the car. This points towards possible causes such as a dirty laser lens or weakened laser optics within the navigation processor. Should acquisition of this S55 AMG Mercedes-Benz proceed, a spare W211 navigation processor from my parts inventory could offer a swift resolution. Similarly, the Alpine 6-disc CD changer encountered a magazine ejection malfunction. Visual inspection through the changer door revealed a disc loaded in slot one, yet the tray failed to return to the magazine upon ejection command. This suggests a mechanical issue within the changer mechanism.
Initially, the soft-close door feature worked seamlessly. However, this functionality has since ceased. This symptom strongly indicates a likely issue with the Pneumatic System Equipment (PSE) fuse, a common point of failure in these systems. While a fuse replacement is a simple first step, further investigation for potential leaks within the pneumatic system might be necessary. Personally, I find enjoyment in addressing these types of electrical and mechanical nuances, as it allows for the preservation of the original equipment and enhances the vehicle’s overall condition. Modifying the car with aftermarket components, such as replacing the original head unit for a more modern alternative, is not in my plans. Even the minor pixelation issue on the display screen, presenting as a persistent gray area, would be addressed by sourcing a genuine replacement display rather than opting for an aftermarket solution. The simultaneous failure of the door locks and soft-close system further reinforces the suspicion of a PSE-related problem. The diagnostic approach will involve checking the PSE fuse, performing a system reset, and meticulously inspecting for pneumatic leaks.
Alt text: A detailed view of the powerful engine bay of an S55 AMG Mercedes-Benz, showcasing the hand-built AMG V8 Kompressor engine.
The previous owner mentioned acquiring the S55 AMG Mercedes-Benz with the instrument cluster already displaying the odometer as “——“. Consequently, the vehicle’s options, including the sophisticated DISTRONIC adaptive cruise control, were not readily apparent. The erroneous instrument cluster coding also affected the telematics system, which was incorrectly configured for D2B instead of MOST. This resulted in the TEL, NAV, and AUDIO displays showing only “—“, as if these systems were not properly initialized. The seller conveyed that the previous owner was informed that the cluster merely required “programming” by a dealer or a specialist. It is plausible that the owner had already consulted with a local Mercedes-Benz dealership and was presented with an unviable or excessively expensive solution, likely involving complete cluster replacement. Subsequently, attempts to find independent specialists capable of “programming” the existing cluster may have proven more challenging than initially anticipated, leading to the issue remaining unresolved. Utilizing diagnostic tools, I was able to correctly code the instrument cluster to the Drive Authorization System. This immediately rectified the odometer display by retrieving the mileage data directly from the Electronic Ignition Switch (EIS), as expected. Furthermore, recoding the Telematics to MOST, and enabling the DISTRONIC and Dynamic Seats options within the cluster configuration, restored full functionality to all relevant menus and displays.
Having prior experience with a W221 S600, where DISTRONIC PLUS was a standard feature, the presence of distance control buttons near the gear shifter in this S55 AMG Mercedes-Benz and the absence of the protective grille cover piqued my interest. Reviewing the CarFax report revealed a prior collision with a deer, likely explaining both the grille damage and the presence of DISTRONIC, which might not have been immediately obvious without a functioning instrument cluster display.
Intriguingly, the S55 AMG Mercedes-Benz is fitted with the same tire size on all four wheels, a 245-section tire, which deviates from the factory-recommended staggered setup. Despite this non-standard configuration, traction remains surprisingly robust, even under spirited driving. This characteristic, coupled with the car’s responsive acceleration, raises suspicion of a possible ECU tune. However, without the owner’s explicit consent to delve into the car’s software, reading the ECU to confirm a potential tune is not currently appropriate. Visually, the car presents no obvious external modifications. A more thorough inspection, including an undercarriage examination, would be necessary to assess for aftermarket exhaust components or differential upgrades. The car’s handling and power delivery also suggest the possible presence of a Limited Slip Differential (LSD). Unlike my S600, which relies on the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) to manage wheel spin by braking the slipping wheel and transferring power, this S55 AMG Mercedes-Benz exhibits no such intervention. Power is delivered to the road with remarkable efficiency, accompanied by the signature deep growl of the AMG V8 Kompressor engine. The immediate and forceful power delivery from the supercharger contrasts noticeably with the more progressive power build-up of turbocharged engines. Connecting diagnostic equipment and accessing the engine control unit’s actual values revealed that the supercharger clutch remains engaged at all times. This observation further fuels the suspicion of a fixed supercharger pulley modification, a common performance upgrade. Having driven a CLS55 AMG equipped with a fixed pulley, I recall the pronounced wheelspin, particularly when accelerating from a standstill or during cornering. This S55 AMG Mercedes-Benz, however, exhibits significantly better traction control in similar scenarios, adding to the mystery.
Alt text: Front three-quarter view of a sleek silver S55 AMG Mercedes-Benz, highlighting its aggressive AMG styling and iconic Mercedes-Benz grille.
Visual inspection of the rear panels and doors suggests no prior paintwork. In my experience, when model designation emblems are removed for panel refinishing, they are rarely reinstalled in their exact original positions. Subtle inconsistencies in emblem placement, such as being slightly too high, too low, or incorrectly spaced, are often telltale signs. Conversely, it is highly probable that the hood and front fenders were refinished following the deer collision. However, the “V8 Kompressor” lettering on the fenders appears to be original or meticulously reapplied, indicating attention to detail during any potential repair work.
Minor discrepancies in the panel gaps between the hood and front fenders are present but are within acceptable tolerances and could be easily adjusted. The only notable inconvenience related to the hood is a slight misalignment of the passenger-side latch. The interior hood release successfully disengages the driver-side latch, but the passenger-side latch requires manual assistance from outside the vehicle while the interior release is activated. Lubricating the latch mechanism has not resolved the issue, suggesting a minor physical misalignment or a similar mechanical constraint. However, given that this is not currently my vehicle, a more in-depth investigation of this minor hood latch issue has not been prioritized.
In conclusion, this inspection of the used S55 AMG Mercedes-Benz reveals a vehicle with significant potential and a few age-related quirks. While some electronic and mechanical issues require attention, the core driving experience remains impressive, hinting at underlying performance enhancements. Further investigation and careful restoration would undoubtedly unlock the full potential of this iconic AMG model.
