Problem Reports
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2006 Mercedes-Benz S55 AMG
Active Body Control System Can Leak Hydraulic Fluid
The active body control system can leak fluid from numerous areas, including the tandem pump, hydraulic lines, struts, and/or seals. If it is not repaired, the vehicle ride height could drop too low and cause damage to the undercarriage.
Center Console Armrest May Break
The center console armrest can break. Replacement is commonly the recommended repair.
The Differential May Develop Leaks From the Seals or Cover
Leaks may develop from the differential cover and/or seals on high mileage or older vehicles. Our technicians recommend a complete reseal of the differential unit if these leaks are addressed.
"Crank no Start" Due to Failed Crankshaft Position Sensor
The crankshaft position sensor may fail. Symptoms of this are: The engine will crank—but not start—especially when the engine is warm. The car may start again if it is left to cool off, but it may run roughly or have poor performance.
Vanity Mirror Door May Break
The door for the vanity mirror (or the frame for the door) can break; due to a redesign, the mirror "cassette" will need replacement.
Squeaking/Worn Brake Pads May Require Rotor Replacement Also
Due to the size and material used on the brakes of these vehicles, the brakes may start to squeak around the 50 percent wear point. The brake rotor surfaces become uneven, causing a lip to form at the outer edge of the rotor. Because of this, the rotors are usually replaced when the pads are worn (pad life varies depending on driving style and terrain).
Brake Light Switch Failure May Cause ESP/BAS Warning Lights
The ESP and BAS warning lights may illuminate due to a failed brake light switch. Replacement of the failed switch should correct this concern.
Command, Voice Control, PSE, & Tele Aid Modules and CD Chnagers Are All Prone to Failure
CD changers, command units, voice control units, PSE units, and Tele Aid units are prone to failure, especially in early models.
Buttons on temperature control assemblies work erratically due to wear of parts in control head
Oil Leaking From Oil Level Sensor
An engine oil leak may develop from the oil level sensor. Replacement of the leaking sensor will commonly correct this concern.
ABS Modulator Failure Due to Dirty Brake Fluid
The anti-lock brake system (ABS) modulator assembly may fail due to dirty brake fluid. Our technicians recommend a complete brake system flush every two years in order to help prevent this problem.
Spilling sticky liquids around cup holder may cause lid to stick/break
Engine Oil Leak From PCV Vent Housing and/or Engine Inspection Plate
An engine Oil leak may develop from the PCV vent housing on the valve cover and/or the inspection plate on the front of the engine.
Poor AC performance Due to Evaporator Temperature Sensor Failure
The evaporator temperature sensor can fail, causing the AC compressor not to cycle. If the AC compressor does not turn on, the AC system will not blow cold air. If the compressor is stuck on, the air will be very cold at first, before warming up.
Harmonic Balancer May Fail and Damage Timing Cover
The rubber bond in the harmonic balancer can decay, which causes the balancer to move and work its way toward the timing cover. If the balancer comes into contact with the timing cover while the engine is running, it will fracture and damage the cover and potentially other surrounding parts. The harmonic balancer should be inspected at every service.
Front Thrust Arm and Control Arm Bushing Can Crack or Tear
Front thrust arm and control arm bushings can crack and sometimes tear completely. If this is not repaired quickly, damage to the front subframe unit will occur, which is very expensive to repair. Updated control arms (that prevent damage to the subframe when the bushings wear out) are available.
Cracked Driveshaft Flex Discs May Cause Driveshaft Movement/Vibration
A vibration felt through the center floor of the vehicle can be caused by driveshaft flex discs, which crack and shred, causing excessive driveshaft movement. Not repairing these can cause damage to the driveshaft center support bearing, or, in the worst case scenario, damage to the transmission or differential.
Transmission May Leak Fluid and Damage Control Module
The electrical connector at the automatic transmission may leak fluid. Over time leaking fluid could migrate through the wiring harness and damage the transmission control module. If that happens a new harness and control module may be necessary to correct the problem.
Door Control Module May Fail
A door control module/actuator may fail. Our technicians recommend finding an expert to repair them. Taking the door trim panels off requires expert knowledge because they can break and the pieces are very expensive.
Analog Tele Aid Units Must be Upgraded to Digital
Analog Tele Aid units are no longer supported and must be updated to digital, preferably at a dealership or a well-equipped independent shop. The update and all related factors should be completed at the same time.