2004 Mercedes-Benz S55 AMG

The 2004 Mercedes-Benz S55 AMG is a high-performance luxury sedan known for its powerful supercharged engine and opulent features. Besides the S55 AMG, the W220 S-Class generation also included other engine options like the V6 S350, the V8 S430 and S500, and the V12 S600. The S55 AMG boasts a hand-built 5.4-liter supercharged V8 engine that produces 493 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. Owners often praise its impressive acceleration, comfortable ride, and sophisticated technology. However, the car is also known for its complex systems, which can lead to expensive repairs, and its depreciation can be significant.

Engine

5.4L Supercharged V8

• Intercooler Pump Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The intercooler pump circulates coolant through the supercharger’s intercooler, cooling the intake air. A failing pump can cause reduced engine power, especially during hot weather or under heavy load. The car may go into limp mode.
  • Solution: Replace the intercooler pump.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The crankshaft position sensor can fail, leading to difficulty starting the engine, stalling, or rough running.
  • Solution: Replace the crankshaft position sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve Cover Gasket Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks from the valve cover gaskets are common as the gaskets age and harden. Visible oil around the valve covers and a burning oil smell are typical symptoms.
  • Solution: Replace the valve cover gaskets.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $700+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-Speed Automatic (722.6)

• Conductor Plate Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The conductor plate inside the transmission houses the solenoids and sensors. Failure can cause erratic shifting, getting stuck in gear, or complete loss of gear engagement.
  • Solution: Replace the conductor plate and filter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The torque converter can fail, resulting in shuddering during acceleration, poor fuel economy, and transmission slippage.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Airmatic System Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The Airmatic air suspension system is prone to failures. This can manifest as the car sitting low on one or more corners, a “Visit Workshop” message on the dashboard, or a complete loss of air suspension. Components that commonly fail include the air struts, air compressor, and valve block.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty air struts, air compressor, or valve block. Individual components can be replaced, but a full system overhaul may be necessary in severe cases.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2000+ per strut, $500 - $1500+ for the compressor, $300 - $800+ for the valve block
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Instrument Cluster Pixel Loss
  • Description/Symptoms: Pixels in the instrument cluster’s LCD screens can fade or disappear, making it difficult to read important information.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the instrument cluster.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Electronic Trunk Closer (ETC) Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The electronic trunk closer may fail to latch or unlatch properly, or the system may stop working altogether.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the ETC motor, latch, or control module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The S55 AMG has a complex electrical system that can be prone to parasitic battery drains. This can result in a dead battery, especially if the car sits for extended periods.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair the source of the battery drain. This often involves checking the various control modules and electrical components for excessive current draw.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ (diagnosis), repair cost varies depending on the issue
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust can occur, particularly around the wheel arches, door bottoms, and trunk lid.
  • Solution: Repair and repaint the affected areas.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+ per area
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The sunroof mechanism can fail, causing it to become stuck or operate erratically.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the sunroof motor, tracks, or cables.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Command System Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The COMAND system, which controls navigation, audio, and other functions, can experience failures. This may include screen issues, software glitches, or complete system malfunction.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the COMAND unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2004 Mercedes-Benz S55 AMG, while a luxurious and powerful vehicle, is known for its potential maintenance and repair costs. Common issues include problems with the Airmatic suspension, transmission conductor plate failure, intercooler pump, and electrical system glitches. The severity of these issues can range from minor inconveniences to major mechanical failures. The cost to repair these issues can be significant, making it important to thoroughly inspect the vehicle before purchasing and to budget for potential repairs. Due to the age of the vehicle, many rubber seals and bushings are likely dry rotted and cracked and in need of replacement.