10k: President’s Day Special: 2002 Mercedes-Benz AMG S55 W220

The Mercedes-Benz W220 generation S-Class was yet another edition of Mercedes’ big heavyweight luxury freight train for the wealthy.   For the 2002 model year a new revised look was released, with the sportiest version being the S55 AMG but the most expensive was the V12 S600.  The power ratings for the S55’s V8 and S600’s V12 were almost identical, but the AMG version offered a sporty ride while the S600 was designed for being chauffeured in the back seat. Find this 2002 Mercedes-Benz AMG S55 (offered in what the seller describes as “president black”) for sale in Seattle, WA for $12,500 via craigslist.

According to various internet sources there was an obsidian black metallic and an espresso black in 2002, but no reference to any president black.  The seller also says the car is powered by “v12 turbo” and says it has “black tents.”  No tents can be found, but the windows are covered in “pull-me-over” levels of tint and a peek under the hood shows a naturally aspirated V8.

The S55 AMG V8 is nothing to be ashamed about, it is an all-alloy 5.4 liter dual-overhead-cam beast that puts out 355 horsepower and 391 ft-lbs of torque.  Like all AMG sedans before and after, the S55 is mated to an automatic transmission and powers the rear wheels.  Driving the big sedan fast is a point and shoot experience, but don’t try to shoot before the front end is pointed because the open rear-diff will spin one wheel for a minute and then fun-killing electronic nannies will grind all forward progress to a halt. 

Ditch the wheels, remove the tint and drive around like a boss.  See another car with only the loosest connection to President’s Day.  Save it for next year.  tips@dailyturismo.com