Hey guys, I am picking up a 2001 S55 AMG. I know the 03 has more power, but I found a really nice 01 S55 that is thousands less then the cheapest 03 - so it fits into my budget. I'm coming from a C280 sport, so I am sure I will feel the difference in power. (349HP, 391 lbs of TQ, weighs about 4200lbs)

Just curious - I know this is a heavy car and it's not as fast as the 03, but what typical cars will I be faster then on the road? Most non-AMG mercedes for sure, It's almost as fast as the newer 550 engines, but not quiet. (Less HP and 7spd difference)

Also, any issues that I should be aware of with this car? It has a clean carfax, service records, car looks good.

Also it will need a tint - any idea on what % looks good on a black S55? I want to be able to see the side view mirrors OK too, so maybe not too dark.

 

20% is great....you could still see outside of your car....

 

That sounds awesome! I happen to love the pre-Supercharged S55's. The wood steering wheel feels so nice and the car is probably one of the smoothest driving ever. What kind of mileage is on this 2001? I won't say you will be faster then most non-AMG cars. The 550 motor is far superior and you will not keep up. You will most likely be faster then any 500, 430, 350, 320, etc. Just remember that parts for these cars are expensive (you previously had a Mercedes, so I'm sure you know). For tint, I would go with 15% - 20%. There are some manufacturers who have tint in between there such as a 18%. It will look great and you won't have any visibility issues.

 

I love the low-end tq and grunt on this car too!

Right now I don't plan on doing any mods, but are there any good performance mods that I could do on this car to gain more power in the future? (Pulleys, ecu, and other stuff that won't break the bank but will give me good gains for the money)

Oh, and I am picking it up this week, I'll post pictures when I get it! It's black with grey interior.

 

my boy is getting a sl55, and doing the conversion, i will post pic when he gets it....

 

In regards to taking care of it, what should I always check in a car with higher mileage over time? I know the engine is pretty solid, but the S55 has some complex stuff - like the suspension, and things that can go wrong.

 

what kind of conversion?