2005 Mercedes-Benz S55 AMG Designo Graphite Edition

36 CommentsPosted as: ClearPOST COMMENT October 30th, 2024 at 9:45am ESTCICBarkeep (37) 1So, here we are, just over two years later and we love the car more now than the day it was delivered. Had some front suspension issues that needed to be corrected (struts and control arms), but zero issues since. All-in-all it's been surprisingly affordable to own and an absolute joy to drive. We've added an additional 12,000 miles on the clock and have enjoyed every minute of it. September 28th, 2022 at 5:59pm ESTmaw1124 (12) 0@cicbarkeep, no worries, my pleasure. You have a good one there. Enjoy! Keep in touch over at the MBWorld in the W220 S55 forum. There's a wealth of knowledge and good watchful technicians and DIYers over there (although @8899 has taken almost all of that off the table). Cheers, mawSeptember 28th, 2022 at 5:42pm ESTCICBarkeep (37) 2@gsxr Thanks!! My wife and I are really pumped! A shout out to @maw1124 is due. I don't believe it either. I've seen your comments on other sites which heightened my appreciation of your endorsement here. September 28th, 2022 at 5:14pm ESTgsxr (105) 1Wow, that was a lot of car for the money. Congrats, @CICBarkeep!! @8899, you going to get another 036 and come back to the 'Board? ;-)September 28th, 2022 at 5:00pm EST8899 (22) Seller 1Yes, that was fun! @CICBarkeep will contact you shortly.September 28th, 2022 at 4:59pm ESTCICBarkeep (37) 0Thanks to all. Very excited. Looking forward to hearing from Greg. September 28th, 2022 at 4:55pm EST$16,750 bid placed by @CICBarkeepSeptember 28th, 2022 at 4:55pm EST$16,500 bid placed by @ChiaromonteSeptember 28th, 2022 at 4:54pm EST$16,250 bid placed by @CICBarkeepSeptember 28th, 2022 at 4:53pm EST$16,000 bid placed by @ChiaromonteSeptember 28th, 2022 at 4:52pm EST$15,750 bid placed by @CICBarkeepSeptember 28th, 2022 at 4:51pm EST$15,500 bid placed by @ChiaromonteSeptember 28th, 2022 at 4:50pm EST$15,250 bid placed by @CICBarkeepSeptember 28th, 2022 at 4:49pm EST$15,000 bid placed by @styleandgraceSeptember 28th, 2022 at 4:48pm EST$14,500 bid placed by @CICBarkeepSeptember 28th, 2022 at 4:48pm EST$14,250 bid placed by @styleandgraceSeptember 28th, 2022 at 4:48pm EST$13,500 bid placed by @CICBarkeepSeptember 28th, 2022 at 4:47pm EST$13,250 bid placed by @faizabri2006September 28th, 2022 at 4:45pm EST$13,000 bid placed by @Jmatt07September 28th, 2022 at 4:45pm EST$12,750 bid placed by @CICBarkeepSeptember 28th, 2022 at 4:41pm ESTmaw1124 (12) 1I don't believe this, when I see same year M3 cars with similar miles going for double. As an owner of both, that makes no sense to me. mawSeptember 28th, 2022 at 4:40pm EST$12,500 bid placed by @faizabri2006September 28th, 2022 at 4:37pm EST$12,250 bid placed by @CICBarkeepSeptember 28th, 2022 at 3:42pm EST8899 (22) Seller 1I just received a PM with this question: "Any leaks or weeping from valve cover gaskets?" There are no leaks or weeping from the top, back or bottom of the engine.September 28th, 2022 at 12:25pm EST8899 (22) Seller 2Ok, we're down to about 4.5 hours left for the auction of this S55 AMG. I'll be monitoring this space for any last-day/last-minute questions. Just to highlight how rare this S55 is...not only is it a Designo Graphite Edition, but it us FULLY loaded. In fact, I think the only options this S55 didn't get was the 19" two-piece rims and the 4-place seating package. Otherwise, it has Key-Less Go, Distronic, rear door window shades, rear HVAC, and rear seats that are heat/cool/recline.September 28th, 2022 at 12:40am EST$12,000 bid placed by @faizabri2006September 28th, 2022 at 12:18am EST$11,000 bid placed by @StealsWheelsSeptember 27th, 2022 at 8:59pm EST8899 (22) Seller 1@Chiaromonte Yes. The front brake pads and rotors were replaced in August 2020 (112,153 miles) by WB Motors along with the thermostat, engine mounts, transmission mount and front and rear flex discs. I highly suggest that you review the repair/maintenance log posted in the auction description above which details all work performed on this S55 under my ownership. Thank you for your interest!September 27th, 2022 at 8:52pm ESTChiaromonte (1) 0Hello, did you ever replace the front rotors?September 27th, 2022 at 6:23am EST8899 (22) Seller 2@Melville You are correct. I removed those badges in the fall of 2020 to facilitate the paint correction work which I described in a comment below. While I have seen OE replacement badges on eBay for approximately $70.00 each, I never felt it was important to apply new badges.September 26th, 2022 at 9:04pm ESTMelville (0) 0I believe these S55s should have a V8 Kompressor badge on the fenders. Am I mistaken or have they been removed?September 26th, 2022 at 2:08pm ESTthembmarket (691) 0A close-up photo of the paint has been added to the gallery.September 25th, 2022 at 7:59pm EST8899 (22) Seller 2Here is an interesting article from the Mercedes-Benz archives detailing all of the features of the facelift W220: https://mercedes-benz-publicarchive.com/marsClassic/en/instance/ko/220-series-S-Class-Saloons-2002---2005.xhtml?oid=4957 Of note, it says this: "Designo couture was the name given to an exclusive package of optional accessories that included the finest-quality Napa and nubuck leathers, anthracite-coloured poplar or mahogany wood trims as well as a roof lining of fine Alcantara." MB offered three different Designo packages: Graphite, Silver and Espresso.September 25th, 2022 at 7:47pm EST$9,000 bid placed by @Cstu93September 24th, 2022 at 5:34pm EST$7,750 bid placed by @Jmatt07September 24th, 2022 at 4:20pm EST8899 (22) Seller 1Let's talk about the paint! As mentioned in the auction description, this S55 underwent a 2-step paint correction in the fall of 2020 using Sonax Cutmax correcting compound followed by Sonax Perfect Finish polish. Then a Gtechniq Crystal Serum Light ceramic coating was applied followed by two applications of Gtechniq EXO v4. After every maintenance wash I applied a coating of P&S Bead Maker. The ceramic coating is holding up