Bid for your chance to own this 2004 Mercedes-Benz S55 AMG Designo Espresso Edition on The MB Market. Exclusively finished in Designo Mocha Black (033) over Designo Cognac/Light Brown (X35), this supercharged AMG comes highly optioned and shows 135k miles from new.
cv528 said:
Thanks. An thanks to all. The new owner will not be disappointed. Just maintain it and keep in top condition. ENJOY, ENJOY, ENJOY
I would say between 10k - 12k, includes trips of at least 3 hours or more. One cross-country trip, California to Massachusetts.
Soft Close Door Functional update/Diagnosis: Stopped at my independent and got an update for the soft close doors. Good news is that the soft touch is working properly for all doors except rear passenger. Apparently the system timed out and the pump is still good. Bad news is the right rear door mechanism is leaking and is no longer available. Will have to figure out a workaround.
Functional update. Yesterday I found the soft touch door closing feature was not operating properly. The vehicle is with my independent today for diagnosis. At the time of posting this comment I do not yet have the repair cost estimate. Keep this in mind when considering your bid. I’m beginning to think this vehicle doesn’t want me to sell it.
They do. And that’s why I like classic cars. Downside to classic cars are they are less safe. The safety aspect brings me back to these which definitely have that covered along with performance and handling. For me that is the complete package.
Yes, that’s basically what I decided to do and live with it. I thought it could be because of in town wireless signals. It has happened on open stretches of desert road. Could be there were microwave or cell towers over the horizon. There has been quite a bit of technology advances/approaches since 2004. Not surprised if the older system is overwhelmed.
@Static50 Yes, your brief description sounds like the same the same situation. I put together a detailed explanation to another bidder who chose the email option with questions on any faults. Being the email option it is not visible to all in the auction site comments. My detailed description of the Distronic issue can be found below: Distronic Cruise Control is intermittent. It engages and will disengage, typically within a minute or two. Sometimes it stays engaged longer then gives a message “External Malfunction, Please Reactivate”. I’ve had it checked at Mercedes and two independent shops, one of which is very good with extensive test equipment. Mercedes stated two modules needed to be replaced. I had both modules replaced (used modules) at one independent shop and still got the same error message. At the second independent shop they went down this road for other customers and concluded they think it is the technology. They repaired for customers only to have the fault continue. They did not want to carry out work they could not guarantee. I was hesitant to have Mercedes carry out the repair and still have the same issue and tell me other components need to be replaced. I decided to do without cruise control or just keep reactivating once it disengages. Maybe somebody knows the solution but I have not found it, even after multiple forum reviews where other Mercedes owners experience the same issue.
@Static50 Wow, you owned quite a few of these do you must know them inside out. As for transparency I am only doing what I would want someone to do if I was a potential bidder/buyer. I’m hoping it goes to someone who will keep up with the maintenance and not let it deteriorate. I see people around town with S430s and S500s driving with the suspension sagging. What a shame.
I do not have the original window sticker. Was not in the package received from the prior owner.
@tck_hmmr Yes, the trunk harness does show a repair and that is why I specifically included that picture. The harness was replaced (Mercedes part) in May 2021. When the trunk latch was replaced (pricey at about $700 just for the part, also a Mercedes part) in December 2024 my independent noticed a bend in a wire. He repaired it so it would not fail. At that time a Mercedes part was no longer available. I haven’t checked to see if it is now available. Yes, in regards to the underbody shots those panels were removed for the photos. All panels are present. I wanted to show no leaks present. FYI, the text notes the rear main seal was done. Since I’m addressing possible leaks, the valve cover gaskets were replaced in November 2019. No problem with an in-person pickup with the winning bidder. I personally would enjoy meeting the new owner. If the winning bidder’s schedule allows I know of some very good restaurants in Palm Springs. Lastly, whomever buys the car and can do an in-person pickup I would recommend allowing time, if at all possible, to visit Joshua Tree National Park which is about 15 minutes from my residence. Some of the desert photos with the boulders and tall Joshua trees in the background were taken in the park.
For full disclosure, I want to mention the following items regarding recent maintenance. Late this past week I had a Service A completed and had my independent check the parking sensors. The system was sending an alert and shutting off . He found a bad sensor and has ordered the part. It is a $300 repair (installed) and will be completed as soon as the part arrives and he has an open slot. He also gave the vehicle a look over and said he did not see anything else needing attention.
Thanks to a watcher’s comment asking about the valve blocks I want to mention no sagging is noticed after the vehicle sits unused for a few days. Last month it sat for just over 2 weeks and was not sagging and started right up. I’ve decided to sell because the car gets less use especially since I bought a replacement vehicle one year ago.
Thanks for the tip used to fix the bleach spill. My situation was loose fibers which I decided to chase. Should the vehicle not sell I will have a proper carpet fix along with the front air dam/valance.
In response to comments submitted by Static50 I looked at my records and didn’t see any reference to air conditioning repairs being carried out. The A/C cools effectively. Typically when I use it I set it at 72 and the blower at the second level and turn on the cooling seat feature. On an extremely hot Palm Springs day (110) I put the blower up to the 3rd setting and temperature to 70. As for ABC attention, yes some items were repaired. Just before I took ownership the prior owner had a leaking hydraulic ABC hose replaced. During my ownership I had the Power Steering/ABC Pump replaced. Also replaced a Pressure Accumulator. I don’t recall “valve blocks” and don’t see that terminology in my receipts. I’m not even sure what that is. As for needing attention, a parking sensor needs to be replaced. The fault popped up late last week and diagnosed on 24 July. The sensor has been ordered and will be installed once received. It’s a $300 job, installed.
In response to the comment by tck_hmmr Sorry for the lengthy response/comment but wanted to be thorough. In regards to the “full inspection” comment related to the suspension. I was surprised to see that when I took possession after that service completion in April 2019. I never noticed anything prior to that or after to date. Subsequently, the vehicle was at the local Mercedes dealership as well as my independent shop (who is very good and a former Mercedes dealership mechanic). Neither raised this issue. It was my first and last time using that shop. Good work, but I think they may have been pumping up the needs. In fact, I had a Service A completed on 24 July 2025 and my independent said everything looked good. For full disclosure, at the Service A I had him check the parking sensor system because late this past week I noticed a new alert sound having to do with the parking sensors. The system was shutting itself off. He diagnosed and found a bad sensor. The part has been ordered and once received the fix will be carried out when he has an open time slot. It is a $300 installed fix. Lastly, my independent is willing to talk with potential buyers. If you are interested in doing so I will let him know and if there is a convenient time such as early morning, lunch, end of work day. I don’t want to interrupt his shop operations too much. All other interior features and options are functional. You will see photos of the heating/cooling seats controls, both front and back, illuminated (blue and red) which indicates they are operating. There is also a video of the rear reclining seats operating, passenger side and driver side. There a photos of all the interior overhead lights working. Map lights under the rear view mirror, etc. The Dyanamic seat bolsters work, massage, etc. Please note, since we are talking about seats, the passenger seat occupancy sensor mat was replaced in May 2022. A surprisingly expensive fix at $1100 by my independent. Lastly, the reason for the damage to the rear carpet is a mystery. I noticed it shortly after purchasing it and don’t know if a shop or the prior owner caused it. My guess is something caustic spilled there. I neutralized it with baking soda and pulled back/out the loose fibers. Needless to say I was very disappointed. Since the prior owner was meticulous and very transparent I doubt that he knew. Maybe the shop didn’t know either. Stuff happens.
In response to the CICBarkeep comment. The Graphiite Edition have their own edge. Nice option. I wasn’t set on a Desigon Edition but this is what popped up. Once I saw it I had to go for it. Took over a month of back and forth before we were able to agree on a price. No regrets on the purchase.
Definitely a blast to drive when I feel the urge for a little speed. I occasionally get compliments/questions on it when running about, especially from other Mercedes owners. I worked hard at keeping it free of parking lot dings. It may have one tiny ding, so tiny that I don’t remember where it is. Noticed it when detailing the car.
Sorry, didn’t answer all your questions. Under my ownership the following suspension repairs were carried out. Fluid line replaced by the prior owner just as I was to purchase the vehicle. ABC/Power Steering pump replaced during my first few years of ownership. Other than that the ABC suspension has been trouble free. Had lower front control arms (4) along with 2 ball joints replaced in February 2022. No tuning done. I keep my vehicles stock and use only Mercedes parts unless no longer available.
As I recall Combo City/Highway comes in around 15 mpg. Strictly highway cruising comes in at 21/22. I took it on a cross country trip (CA to MA) 2 years ago and that’s what I calculated between fill ups. That includes brief spurts of the Supercharger kicking in for high speed passing and on ramp acceleration.
Yes, I haven’t come across many with this definitely color combo and options. Will miss it and tough decision to sell. I enjoyed it over the years.
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2004 Mercedes-Benz S55 AMG Designo Espresso Edition
cv528 said:
Thanks. An thanks to all. The new owner will not be disappointed. Just maintain it and keep in top condition. ENJOY, ENJOY, ENJOY2004 Mercedes-Benz S55 AMG Designo Espresso Edition
cv528 said:
I would say between 10k - 12k, includes trips of at least 3 hours or more. One cross-country trip, California to Massachusetts.2004 Mercedes-Benz S55 AMG Designo Espresso Edition
cv528 said:
Soft Close Door Functional update/Diagnosis: Stopped at my independent and got an update for the soft close doors. Good news is that the soft touch is working properly for all doors except rear passenger. Apparently the system timed out and the pump is still good. Bad news is the right rear door mechanism is leaking and is no longer available. Will have to figure out a workaround.2004 Mercedes-Benz S55 AMG Designo Espresso Edition
cv528 said:
Functional update. Yesterday I found the soft touch door closing feature was not operating properly. The vehicle is with my independent today for diagnosis. At the time of posting this comment I do not yet have the repair cost estimate. Keep this in mind when considering your bid. I’m beginning to think this vehicle doesn’t want me to sell it.2004 Mercedes-Benz S55 AMG Designo Espresso Edition
cv528 said:
They do. And that’s why I like classic cars. Downside to classic cars are they are less safe. The safety aspect brings me back to these which definitely have that covered along with performance and handling. For me that is the complete package.2004 Mercedes-Benz S55 AMG Designo Espresso Edition
cv528 said:
Yes, that’s basically what I decided to do and live with it. I thought it could be because of in town wireless signals. It has happened on open stretches of desert road. Could be there were microwave or cell towers over the horizon. There has been quite a bit of technology advances/approaches since 2004. Not surprised if the older system is overwhelmed.2004 Mercedes-Benz S55 AMG Designo Espresso Edition
cv528 said:
@Static50 Yes, your brief description sounds like the same the same situation. I put together a detailed explanation to another bidder who chose the email option with questions on any faults. Being the email option it is not visible to all in the auction site comments. My detailed description of the Distronic issue can be found below: Distronic Cruise Control is intermittent. It engages and will disengage, typically within a minute or two. Sometimes it stays engaged longer then gives a message “External Malfunction, Please Reactivate”. I’ve had it checked at Mercedes and two independent shops, one of which is very good with extensive test equipment. Mercedes stated two modules needed to be replaced. I had both modules replaced (used modules) at one independent shop and still got the same error message. At the second independent shop they went down this road for other customers and concluded they think it is the technology. They repaired for customers only to have the fault continue. They did not want to carry out work they could not guarantee. I was hesitant to have Mercedes carry out the repair and still have the same issue and tell me other components need to be replaced. I decided to do without cruise control or just keep reactivating once it disengages. Maybe somebody knows the solution but I have not found it, even after multiple forum reviews where other Mercedes owners experience the same issue.2004 Mercedes-Benz S55 AMG Designo Espresso Edition
cv528 said:
@Static50 Wow, you owned quite a few of these do you must know them inside out. As for transparency I am only doing what I would want someone to do if I was a potential bidder/buyer. I’m hoping it goes to someone who will keep up with the maintenance and not let it deteriorate. I see people around town with S430s and S500s driving with the suspension sagging. What a shame.2004 Mercedes-Benz S55 AMG Designo Espresso Edition
cv528 said:
I do not have the original window sticker. Was not in the package received from the prior owner.2004 Mercedes-Benz S55 AMG Designo Espresso Edition
cv528 said:
@tck_hmmr Yes, the trunk harness does show a repair and that is why I specifically included that picture. The harness was replaced (Mercedes part) in May 2021. When the trunk latch was replaced (pricey at about $700 just for the part, also a Mercedes part) in December 2024 my independent noticed a bend in a wire. He repaired it so it would not fail. At that time a Mercedes part was no longer available. I haven’t checked to see if it is now available. Yes, in regards to the underbody shots those panels were removed for the photos. All panels are present. I wanted to show no leaks present. FYI, the text notes the rear main seal was done. Since I’m addressing possible leaks, the valve cover gaskets were replaced in November 2019. No problem with an in-person pickup with the winning bidder. I personally would enjoy meeting the new owner. If the winning bidder’s schedule allows I know of some very good restaurants in Palm Springs. Lastly, whomever buys the car and can do an in-person pickup I would recommend allowing time, if at all possible, to visit Joshua Tree National Park which is about 15 minutes from my residence. Some of the desert photos with the boulders and tall Joshua trees in the background were taken in the park.2004 Mercedes-Benz S55 AMG Designo Espresso Edition
cv528 said:
For full disclosure, I want to mention the following items regarding recent maintenance. Late this past week I had a Service A completed and had my independent check the parking sensors. The system was sending an alert and shutting off . He found a bad sensor and has ordered the part. It is a $300 repair (installed) and will be completed as soon as the part arrives and he has an open slot. He also gave the vehicle a look over and said he did not see anything else needing attention.2004 Mercedes-Benz S55 AMG Designo Espresso Edition
cv528 said:
Thanks to a watcher’s comment asking about the valve blocks I want to mention no sagging is noticed after the vehicle sits unused for a few days. Last month it sat for just over 2 weeks and was not sagging and started right up. I’ve decided to sell because the car gets less use especially since I bought a replacement vehicle one year ago.2004 Mercedes-Benz S55 AMG Designo Espresso Edition
cv528 said:
Thanks for the tip used to fix the bleach spill. My situation was loose fibers which I decided to chase. Should the vehicle not sell I will have a proper carpet fix along with the front air dam/valance.2004 Mercedes-Benz S55 AMG Designo Espresso Edition
cv528 said:
In response to comments submitted by Static50 I looked at my records and didn’t see any reference to air conditioning repairs being carried out. The A/C cools effectively. Typically when I use it I set it at 72 and the blower at the second level and turn on the cooling seat feature. On an extremely hot Palm Springs day (110) I put the blower up to the 3rd setting and temperature to 70. As for ABC attention, yes some items were repaired. Just before I took ownership the prior owner had a leaking hydraulic ABC hose replaced. During my ownership I had the Power Steering/ABC Pump replaced. Also replaced a Pressure Accumulator. I don’t recall “valve blocks” and don’t see that terminology in my receipts. I’m not even sure what that is. As for needing attention, a parking sensor needs to be replaced. The fault popped up late last week and diagnosed on 24 July. The sensor has been ordered and will be installed once received. It’s a $300 job, installed.2004 Mercedes-Benz S55 AMG Designo Espresso Edition
cv528 said:
In response to the comment by tck_hmmr Sorry for the lengthy response/comment but wanted to be thorough. In regards to the “full inspection” comment related to the suspension. I was surprised to see that when I took possession after that service completion in April 2019. I never noticed anything prior to that or after to date. Subsequently, the vehicle was at the local Mercedes dealership as well as my independent shop (who is very good and a former Mercedes dealership mechanic). Neither raised this issue. It was my first and last time using that shop. Good work, but I think they may have been pumping up the needs. In fact, I had a Service A completed on 24 July 2025 and my independent said everything looked good. For full disclosure, at the Service A I had him check the parking sensor system because late this past week I noticed a new alert sound having to do with the parking sensors. The system was shutting itself off. He diagnosed and found a bad sensor. The part has been ordered and once received the fix will be carried out when he has an open time slot. It is a $300 installed fix. Lastly, my independent is willing to talk with potential buyers. If you are interested in doing so I will let him know and if there is a convenient time such as early morning, lunch, end of work day. I don’t want to interrupt his shop operations too much. All other interior features and options are functional. You will see photos of the heating/cooling seats controls, both front and back, illuminated (blue and red) which indicates they are operating. There is also a video of the rear reclining seats operating, passenger side and driver side. There a photos of all the interior overhead lights working. Map lights under the rear view mirror, etc. The Dyanamic seat bolsters work, massage, etc. Please note, since we are talking about seats, the passenger seat occupancy sensor mat was replaced in May 2022. A surprisingly expensive fix at $1100 by my independent. Lastly, the reason for the damage to the rear carpet is a mystery. I noticed it shortly after purchasing it and don’t know if a shop or the prior owner caused it. My guess is something caustic spilled there. I neutralized it with baking soda and pulled back/out the loose fibers. Needless to say I was very disappointed. Since the prior owner was meticulous and very transparent I doubt that he knew. Maybe the shop didn’t know either. Stuff happens.2004 Mercedes-Benz S55 AMG Designo Espresso Edition
cv528 said:
In response to the CICBarkeep comment. The Graphiite Edition have their own edge. Nice option. I wasn’t set on a Desigon Edition but this is what popped up. Once I saw it I had to go for it. Took over a month of back and forth before we were able to agree on a price. No regrets on the purchase.2004 Mercedes-Benz S55 AMG Designo Espresso Edition
cv528 said:
Definitely a blast to drive when I feel the urge for a little speed. I occasionally get compliments/questions on it when running about, especially from other Mercedes owners. I worked hard at keeping it free of parking lot dings. It may have one tiny ding, so tiny that I don’t remember where it is. Noticed it when detailing the car.2004 Mercedes-Benz S55 AMG Designo Espresso Edition
cv528 said:
Sorry, didn’t answer all your questions. Under my ownership the following suspension repairs were carried out. Fluid line replaced by the prior owner just as I was to purchase the vehicle. ABC/Power Steering pump replaced during my first few years of ownership. Other than that the ABC suspension has been trouble free. Had lower front control arms (4) along with 2 ball joints replaced in February 2022. No tuning done. I keep my vehicles stock and use only Mercedes parts unless no longer available.2004 Mercedes-Benz S55 AMG Designo Espresso Edition
cv528 said:
As I recall Combo City/Highway comes in around 15 mpg. Strictly highway cruising comes in at 21/22. I took it on a cross country trip (CA to MA) 2 years ago and that’s what I calculated between fill ups. That includes brief spurts of the Supercharger kicking in for high speed passing and on ramp acceleration.2004 Mercedes-Benz S55 AMG Designo Espresso Edition
cv528 said:
Yes, I haven’t come across many with this definitely color combo and options. Will miss it and tough decision to sell. I enjoyed it over the years.