Bid for your chance to own this 2005 Mercedes-Benz S55 AMG designo Graphite Edition only on The MB Market. Finished in finished in designo Graphite (041U) over Exclusive Anthracite (581) AMG leather, this AMG sedan is powered by an M113k Supercharged 5.4L engine with 134k miles from new.
8899 said:
Yes, that was fun! @CICBarkeep will contact you shortly.
I 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.
Ok, 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.
@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!
@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.
Here 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.
Let'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 well two years later. Photo #31 illustrates the paint-protection-film applied to the front edge of the hood (clear bra). PPF is also applied to both side-view mirrors, the door handle cavities and the leading edge of all four door edges. Sadly, photo #78 illustrates a tiny little paint scrape that happened not long after I had the rear bumper removed and repainted....unfortunate to say the least. Overall, the condition the paint is phenomenal and it is a very RARE and interesting color that varies from green metallic to a gray depending on the ambient lighting situation. For example, see photo #215 in the gallery above.
@maw1124 You are correct in that "removing" the tune is relatively straightforward. It would require (1) Remove the 83mm fixed-supercharger pulley and replace it with the OEM 90mm clutched pulley, (2) remove the supercharger belt and replace it with the OEM belt (which only had 16,500 miles on it when it was removed), (3) Re-install the stock ECU file (RaceIQ will do this for you for a fee of $30.00), and (4) remove the Mk-Ultra Electronics TCU from the car's computer/CAN box and replace it with the stock TCU. Photo #161 in the auction gallery above contains further details on this. And I will gladly email the stock ECU file to the new owner. Another comment regarding the tune on this S55....it is a very "mild" tune in that the 83mm fixed-supercharger pulley is only slightly smaller than stock at 90mm. In fact, UPD no longer offers an 83mm pulley as I assume that most folks seeking to tune their m113k are looking for a more aggressive tune which means a much smaller SC pulley.
@Ramrattan All of the Blackstone Laboratory reports are contained in the gallery as photos #208 to #214. In the approximately 30k+ miles I have owned this S55, I have changed the oil seven times. The oil change, and sample for Blackstone, performed at 112k miles (August 2020) resulted in a destroyed container when it arrived at Blackstone. Regardless, you should be able to ascertain that this M113k engine is in top condition!
In case you are wondering, the tire date codes are 4520 (front) and 4020 (rear).
@Gamma500 You are correct. As far as I know, ABC hose R&R is normally a REPAIR that is carried out when ABC-related faults exist despite regular and correct ABC MAINTENANCE. The root cause of most, if not all, ABC issues has to do with the lack of periodic changes of the ABC fluid (Pentosin) and filter changes.
@Chillmaster68 The COMAND system is capable of handling satellite radio and I can not think of any reason why it would not work again if you chose to re-install the COMAND. And yes, the 2005 model year W220s had the big satellite "egg" on top of the trunk. In 2006 the "egg" got smaller and I believe were painted the same color as the body. Regardless, with the new Sony H/U you can stream SiriusXM either via Bluetooth or via the CarPlay functionality.
@mercedesmike I forgot to mention that when the Sony H/U was installed, I had some after-market audio/video equipment removed that a previous owner had installed. Please see photo #163. I never really figured out what those plugs were used for, but anyway I had Enfig remove that equipment along with a Dension Gateway system that was installed (came with the car) when I purchased it. I also want to mention that all factory wires are intact and the stock radio (COMAND) can be put back in with very little trouble.
As you will see in my maintenance/repair log, immediately following my acquisition of this S55 (September 2019) I had some extensive maintenance performed including some very important PREVENTATIVE maintenance to the Active Body Control (ABC) suspension system. This suspension system is phenomenal at minimizing body roll but is also known to be problematic if not well maintained. The car's VMI (contained in the gallery) also indicates that there was some ABC work performed at 79,280 miles at a dealership. The takeaway here is that the ABC system on this S55 has been well-maintained and should be trouble-free for many more miles.
@mercedesmike The install was carried out by Christian at Enfig Car Stereo in Carlstadt, NJ. There is no alternator related grounding whine and all steering wheel functions work as designed. The Sony H/U has Bluetooth connectivity for audio and phone use, but in order to get the full Apple CarPlay functionality you will need to have a wired connection with your phone. Also, we chose not to connect the Sony to the existing radio antenna located in the trunk and instead used a windshield mounted antenna which can be seen in photo #114. The Sony H/U is a MAJOR improvement to the overall ride/driving experience. It also puts out more power to the OEM Bose speakers which improves overall sound quality. Feel free to contact Christian if you have any specific installation-related questions.
Be sure to click-on/expand the maintenance and repair log posted above in the description section of the listing (located directly below the large photo of the M113k engine). The maintenance and repair log details all of the work that has been done to this S55 under my ownership.
Welcome to the auction of my 2005 S55 AMG Designo Graphite Edition! I'm happy to answer any questions you may have, either post them in the comments or hit the "Message Seller" button above. In the meantime, I will be offering additional information regarding this S55 over the next several days.
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NO RESERVE: 2005 Mercedes-Benz S55 AMG Designo Graphite Edition
8899 said:
Yes, that was fun! @CICBarkeep will contact you shortly.NO RESERVE: 2005 Mercedes-Benz S55 AMG Designo Graphite Edition
8899 said:
I 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.NO RESERVE: 2005 Mercedes-Benz S55 AMG Designo Graphite Edition
8899 said:
Ok, 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.NO RESERVE: 2005 Mercedes-Benz S55 AMG Designo Graphite Edition
8899 said:
@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!NO RESERVE: 2005 Mercedes-Benz S55 AMG Designo Graphite Edition
8899 said:
@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.NO RESERVE: 2005 Mercedes-Benz S55 AMG Designo Graphite Edition
8899 said:
Here 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.NO RESERVE: 2005 Mercedes-Benz S55 AMG Designo Graphite Edition
8899 said:
Let'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 well two years later. Photo #31 illustrates the paint-protection-film applied to the front edge of the hood (clear bra). PPF is also applied to both side-view mirrors, the door handle cavities and the leading edge of all four door edges. Sadly, photo #78 illustrates a tiny little paint scrape that happened not long after I had the rear bumper removed and repainted....unfortunate to say the least. Overall, the condition the paint is phenomenal and it is a very RARE and interesting color that varies from green metallic to a gray depending on the ambient lighting situation. For example, see photo #215 in the gallery above.NO RESERVE: 2005 Mercedes-Benz S55 AMG Designo Graphite Edition
8899 said:
@maw1124 You are correct in that "removing" the tune is relatively straightforward. It would require (1) Remove the 83mm fixed-supercharger pulley and replace it with the OEM 90mm clutched pulley, (2) remove the supercharger belt and replace it with the OEM belt (which only had 16,500 miles on it when it was removed), (3) Re-install the stock ECU file (RaceIQ will do this for you for a fee of $30.00), and (4) remove the Mk-Ultra Electronics TCU from the car's computer/CAN box and replace it with the stock TCU. Photo #161 in the auction gallery above contains further details on this. And I will gladly email the stock ECU file to the new owner. Another comment regarding the tune on this S55....it is a very "mild" tune in that the 83mm fixed-supercharger pulley is only slightly smaller than stock at 90mm. In fact, UPD no longer offers an 83mm pulley as I assume that most folks seeking to tune their m113k are looking for a more aggressive tune which means a much smaller SC pulley.NO RESERVE: 2005 Mercedes-Benz S55 AMG Designo Graphite Edition
8899 said:
@Ramrattan All of the Blackstone Laboratory reports are contained in the gallery as photos #208 to #214. In the approximately 30k+ miles I have owned this S55, I have changed the oil seven times. The oil change, and sample for Blackstone, performed at 112k miles (August 2020) resulted in a destroyed container when it arrived at Blackstone. Regardless, you should be able to ascertain that this M113k engine is in top condition!NO RESERVE: 2005 Mercedes-Benz S55 AMG Designo Graphite Edition
8899 said:
In case you are wondering, the tire date codes are 4520 (front) and 4020 (rear).NO RESERVE: 2005 Mercedes-Benz S55 AMG Designo Graphite Edition
8899 said:
@Gamma500 You are correct. As far as I know, ABC hose R&R is normally a REPAIR that is carried out when ABC-related faults exist despite regular and correct ABC MAINTENANCE. The root cause of most, if not all, ABC issues has to do with the lack of periodic changes of the ABC fluid (Pentosin) and filter changes.NO RESERVE: 2005 Mercedes-Benz S55 AMG Designo Graphite Edition
8899 said:
@Chillmaster68 The COMAND system is capable of handling satellite radio and I can not think of any reason why it would not work again if you chose to re-install the COMAND. And yes, the 2005 model year W220s had the big satellite "egg" on top of the trunk. In 2006 the "egg" got smaller and I believe were painted the same color as the body. Regardless, with the new Sony H/U you can stream SiriusXM either via Bluetooth or via the CarPlay functionality.NO RESERVE: 2005 Mercedes-Benz S55 AMG Designo Graphite Edition
8899 said:
@mercedesmike I forgot to mention that when the Sony H/U was installed, I had some after-market audio/video equipment removed that a previous owner had installed. Please see photo #163. I never really figured out what those plugs were used for, but anyway I had Enfig remove that equipment along with a Dension Gateway system that was installed (came with the car) when I purchased it. I also want to mention that all factory wires are intact and the stock radio (COMAND) can be put back in with very little trouble.NO RESERVE: 2005 Mercedes-Benz S55 AMG Designo Graphite Edition
8899 said:
As you will see in my maintenance/repair log, immediately following my acquisition of this S55 (September 2019) I had some extensive maintenance performed including some very important PREVENTATIVE maintenance to the Active Body Control (ABC) suspension system. This suspension system is phenomenal at minimizing body roll but is also known to be problematic if not well maintained. The car's VMI (contained in the gallery) also indicates that there was some ABC work performed at 79,280 miles at a dealership. The takeaway here is that the ABC system on this S55 has been well-maintained and should be trouble-free for many more miles.NO RESERVE: 2005 Mercedes-Benz S55 AMG Designo Graphite Edition
8899 said:
@mercedesmike The install was carried out by Christian at Enfig Car Stereo in Carlstadt, NJ. There is no alternator related grounding whine and all steering wheel functions work as designed. The Sony H/U has Bluetooth connectivity for audio and phone use, but in order to get the full Apple CarPlay functionality you will need to have a wired connection with your phone. Also, we chose not to connect the Sony to the existing radio antenna located in the trunk and instead used a windshield mounted antenna which can be seen in photo #114. The Sony H/U is a MAJOR improvement to the overall ride/driving experience. It also puts out more power to the OEM Bose speakers which improves overall sound quality. Feel free to contact Christian if you have any specific installation-related questions.NO RESERVE: 2005 Mercedes-Benz S55 AMG Designo Graphite Edition
8899 said:
Be sure to click-on/expand the maintenance and repair log posted above in the description section of the listing (located directly below the large photo of the M113k engine). The maintenance and repair log details all of the work that has been done to this S55 under my ownership.NO RESERVE: 2005 Mercedes-Benz S55 AMG Designo Graphite Edition
8899 said:
Welcome to the auction of my 2005 S55 AMG Designo Graphite Edition! I'm happy to answer any questions you may have, either post them in the comments or hit the "Message Seller" button above. In the meantime, I will be offering additional information regarding this S55 over the next several days.