Having spent a month behind the wheel of a 2001 Mercedes-Benz S55 Amg, it’s time to share a comprehensive review, especially for enthusiasts seeking insights into the earlier W220 generation AMG models (2001-2002) often overshadowed by their supercharged successors from 2003 onwards. My S55 AMG, boasting nearly 100,000 miles, comes in Obsidian Black (197) with a sophisticated grey nappa leather interior. This review will cover various aspects, including the ownership experience and potential issues to consider.
Stepping inside, the interior of the S55 AMG immediately conveys a sense of luxury and craftsmanship. While my initial preference leaned towards a black interior, the grey nappa leather has proven to be an excellent choice, providing a visually appealing contrast and an air of refined elegance. The seats are exceptionally comfortable, offering a wide array of adjustments to cater to individual preferences. Beyond basic adjustments, they feature both heating and cooling functions, along with a pulse massage feature. While the massage function is subtle, the heated seats are a welcome and effective comfort, particularly in colder climates.
The rear passenger area of the Benz S55 AMG is equally impressive, offering generous space and comfort. Rear occupants will find ample legroom and headroom, making it ideal for longer journeys. The inclusion of rear climate controls adds a touch of personalized comfort for back-seat passengers. Thoughtful details like the fold-down vanity mirrors further enhance the luxurious experience. Notably, my vehicle is equipped with the optional rear power seats, allowing for reclining and adjustments, comparable to first-class seating. Rear side window and sunshades are also present, though with tinted windows, their use is less frequent.
Visibility from the driver’s seat is excellent. The expansive windshield and well-designed A-pillars provide a clear view of the road ahead. While rear visibility has some typical sedan blind spots, the Parktronic system significantly mitigates this. This feature is particularly useful in tight maneuvering situations, providing audible alerts to obstacles, enhancing parking and low-speed navigation safety. The Distronic system, Mercedes-Benz’s adaptive cruise control, initially felt a bit daunting to use. However, with familiarity, it becomes a valuable asset, especially on long highway drives. It allows for relaxed cruising while maintaining a safe following distance. Even when Distronic is disengaged, the system provides a visual warning – a flashing red indicator on the instrument panel – if the car gets too close to the vehicle ahead, serving as an “Attention Assist” feature, foreshadowing systems found in newer Mercedes-Benz models.
The COMAND system, while reflective of its era, remains functional and integrated. An updated 2009 GPS disc set was purchased for $275 plus tax to enhance navigation capabilities. The GPS system is admittedly dated compared to modern systems and requires some acclimatization. However, it is functional and well-integrated with the car’s overall controls. The in-dash CD changer works well but is limited to standard audio CDs, lacking MP3 CD playback. The integrated phone system, unfortunately, is outdated. Bluetooth integration upgrades can be costly, potentially reaching $1,500. As a workaround, a Bluetooth earpiece is a practical alternative. Satellite radio installation presents a challenge due to the absence of an AUX input. Options include using the tape deck with an adapter or hardwiring an FM adapter, although the latter’s effectiveness is debated.
Overall, the interior of the 2001 Benz S55 AMG is beautifully crafted and remarkably well-preserved for its age. Its condition often leads observers, particularly those less familiar with cars, to believe it’s a much newer model, often guessing 2005 or later. A discreetly installed Escort 9500xi radar detector adds a practical layer of awareness for driving conditions.
Moving to the exterior, the S55 AMG’s design is undeniably striking. The AMG body kit dramatically enhances its visual presence, lending an aggressive yet sophisticated aesthetic. The wide rear tires contribute to a powerful stance, while the signature AMG twin-tip exhaust finishers add a sporty touch. The original AMG wheels are a design highlight, perfectly complementing the car’s overall character. The only exterior modification made was the addition of 35% window tint, maintaining the otherwise factory-stock appearance. The S55 AMG exudes a handsome and understated aggression, negating any need to visually update it to resemble the 2003 models. While some might mistake it for a standard S500 due to the twin exhaust instead of quad tips found on later models, the AMG body kit, wheels, and distinctive engine note quickly dispel any such misconceptions. To rejuvenate the paintwork, a professional detailing session was performed, including clay bar treatment, waxing, and interior deep cleaning to address minor swirls and scratches, bringing the Obsidian Black paint back to its full luster.
The core appeal of the Benz S55 AMG lies in its performance and driving dynamics. Without this aspect, it would merely be a luxurious sedan, perhaps comparable to an S430. The heart of the 2001-2002 S55 AMG is a naturally aspirated 5.4-liter V8 engine, producing 354 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. While the later supercharged 2003+ models boast a significantly higher 493 horsepower, they also carry a slightly heavier curb weight. The 2001 S55 AMG achieves a 0-60 mph time of approximately 5.7 seconds and a quarter-mile time of around 14 seconds at about 100 mph. These figures place it on par with many contemporary performance cars and only marginally slower than today’s truly rapid vehicles in the sub-5-second 0-60 mph bracket.
Personal driving experience confirms the S55 AMG’s engaging performance. My initial inclination was towards a CLK55 AMG, which shares the same engine but in a lighter chassis, resulting in quicker acceleration. However, the overall refinement and luxury of the S55 AMG outweighed the slight performance advantage of the CLK. The throttle response is remarkably immediate and “alive.” Even at low speeds, a gentle press of the accelerator unleashes a subtle but potent engine growl, hinting at the power within. Flooring the accelerator, especially with the kick-down engaged (achieved by fully depressing the accelerator pedal past its initial resistance), unleashes the full force of the V8, delivering rapid acceleration and pinning you back in your seat. The S55 AMG is unequivocally a fast car. While it might not match the outright speed of newer S55s and S63s, it remains a potent and exhilarating machine, providing ample driving thrills. Tire spin is a common occurrence when launching aggressively from a standstill, a testament to the engine’s torque output. The engine’s soundtrack is equally captivating, a deep and resonant V8 rumble that enhances the driving experience.
On the highway, the S55 AMG transforms into a serene and composed cruiser. It masks speed effectively, creating an illusion of traveling slower than actual velocity. For instance, a kick-down at 80 mph results in a rapid surge of acceleration, yet the cabin remains so quiet and composed that the sensation of speed is primarily conveyed by the quickly ascending speedometer. The steering is light and responsive, making the car feel surprisingly agile for its size. Engaging the ABC (Active Body Control) sport mode firms up the suspension and steering, further reducing body roll and enhancing responsiveness, particularly impressive for a vehicle weighing over 4,000 lbs.
Regarding reliability and maintenance, the 2001 Benz S55 AMG exhibits impressive build quality and durability. The issues encountered have been primarily related to expected wear and tear items associated with a higher mileage vehicle. Preventative maintenance has been key. This included replacing front lower ball joints and control arm bushings, which are common wear points in older vehicles. Rear rotors and brake pads were also replaced, along with routine fluid services such as oil change, coolant flush, and brake fluid flush. New spark plugs were also installed as part of preventative maintenance. A minor issue involved missing headlamp washer nozzles, which caused a leak. Replacing these nozzles resolved the leak and restored the headlight washer function. Beyond these standard maintenance items, the car has proven to be remarkably robust and reliable.
In conclusion, the 2001 Mercedes-Benz S55 AMG represents exceptional value in the used performance sedan market. Significantly more affordable than the 2003+ supercharged S55 AMG models, it offers a compelling blend of luxury, performance, and classic AMG character. It remains a fantastic car to drive, delivering a rewarding and engaging experience that belies its age.
