2005 Mercedes-Benz S55 AMG
The 2005 Mercedes-Benz S55 AMG is a high-performance luxury sedan that boasts impressive power and a comfortable ride. The S-Class range also included other engine options such as the naturally aspirated V8 S500, and the V12 S600. The S55 AMG is equipped with a supercharged 5.4-liter V8 engine producing 493 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. Owners generally appreciate the car’s strong acceleration, luxurious features, and stately presence. However, potential drawbacks include high maintenance costs, complex electronics prone to failure, and the car’s age, which can lead to increased component wear and tear. All engine options were only offered with the 5-speed automatic transmission.
Engine
5.4L Supercharged V8 (M113K)
- Intercooler Pump Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Reduced engine power, especially noticeable during hot weather or after sustained periods of acceleration. The car might feel sluggish or unresponsive. Diagnostic trouble codes related to the intercooler system.
- Solution: Replace the intercooler pump. Upgraded pumps are available.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Engine stalling, rough idling, or failure to start. The check engine light may illuminate.
- Solution: Replace the crankshaft position sensor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+
- Recalls: None Found
- Supercharger Clutch Failure
- Description/Symptoms: A loud screeching or grinding noise coming from the engine bay, especially during initial acceleration or when the supercharger is engaged. Reduced boost and performance.
- Solution: Replace the supercharger clutch or the entire supercharger assembly.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Valve Cover Gasket Leaks
- Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks around the valve covers, often dripping onto the exhaust manifolds, causing a burning smell.
- Solution: Replace the valve cover gaskets.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
- Recalls: None Found
- Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Poor idling, hesitation during acceleration, reduced fuel economy, and potential stalling. Check engine light illumination.
- Solution: Replace the MAF sensor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
5-Speed Automatic (722.6)
- Conductor Plate Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Erratic shifting, getting stuck in a gear, transmission slipping, or not shifting at all. Diagnostic trouble codes related to the transmission.
- Solution: Replace the conductor plate and potentially the valve body.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Torque Converter Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibration, especially at low speeds or during acceleration. Transmission slipping or not engaging properly.
- Solution: Replace the torque converter.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $2000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Fluid Leaks
- Description/Symptoms: Transmission fluid leaks, often from the pan gasket, input shaft seal, or electrical connector. Low transmission fluid level can lead to shifting problems.
- Solution: Replace the leaking seals or gasket.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Airmatic Suspension Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The car sitting low on one or more corners, failure to raise or lower, error messages on the dashboard, a hissing sound from the air struts.
- Solution: Replace the affected air struts, air compressor, or valve block.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2500+ (per strut) , $500-$1000+ (compressor)
- Recalls: None Found
- ABC (Active Body Control) Suspension Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Similar to Airmatic issues, but specific to cars equipped with ABC. Includes sagging suspension, warning lights, and hydraulic fluid leaks. Can lead to a very rough ride.
- Solution: Replace the affected ABC struts, pump, or valve block. Flush and refill the hydraulic fluid.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $3000+ (per strut), $1000-$2000+ (pump)
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Battery Drain
- Description/Symptoms: The car’s battery draining overnight or within a few days of being parked. Can be caused by various electrical components not shutting down properly.
- Solution: Diagnose and repair the faulty component causing the drain. Common culprits include the seat control modules, COMAND system, or alarm system.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1000+ (depending on the cause)
- Recalls: None Found
- COMAND System Issues
- Description/Symptoms: The COMAND (Cockpit Management and Data) system malfunctions, including navigation, audio, and climate control issues. Screen flickering, freezing, or failing to power on.
- Solution: Attempt a software update, or replace the COMAND unit.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Instrument Cluster Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The instrument cluster malfunctioning, with gauges not working properly, warning lights illuminating unnecessarily, or the entire cluster failing to power on.
- Solution: Repair or replace the instrument cluster.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Rust
- Description/Symptoms: Rust forming on the door panels, wheel wells, and other body panels, particularly in areas exposed to road salt.
- Solution: Repair or replace the affected body panels and repaint.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $2000+ (per panel)
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Sunroof Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Sunroof failing to open or close properly, getting stuck, or making excessive noise.
- Solution: Repair or replace the sunroof motor, regulator, or tracks.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Seat Control Module Issues
- Description/Symptoms: The power seats malfunctioning, with the inability to adjust the seat position, lumbar support, or headrest.
- Solution: Repair or replace the seat control module.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2005 Mercedes-Benz S55 AMG, while a performance luxury vehicle, is prone to several common issues due to its age and complex systems. The most concerning problems revolve around the suspension (Airmatic or ABC), transmission, and electrical components. Repairs can be expensive, particularly for suspension and transmission-related failures. Rust can also be a significant issue, especially in regions with harsh winter climates. Potential buyers should have the car thoroughly inspected by a qualified mechanic familiar with Mercedes-Benz vehicles before purchase and be prepared for potentially high maintenance costs.