Resurrecting Luxury: The Journey of a Flood Salvage Mercedes S-Class

Once upon a time, at the stroke of midnight, an adventurous soul took a leap of faith and purchased a flood salvage Mercedes S-Class at a salvage auction. The price was a mere $4100, a steal for such a luxury vehicle, despite the insurance company’s estimate of $26,000 worth of repairs.

At 00:43, the speaker inspected the vehicle. Despite its flood salvage label, there were no visible signs of water damage inside the car. To his surprise, the car started and ran well, a promising sign for the journey ahead.

By 02:02, the speaker had familiarized himself with the car’s specifications. It was a 2012 S550 model, boasting a 4.6-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine that produced a whopping 429 horsepower and 516 foot-pounds of torque. The power beneath the hood was impressive, to say the least.

At 02:31, the speaker marveled at the luxurious interior. The leather seats were not just comfortable but also featured a massage function. The S-Class was known for its abundance of settings, and this one was no exception.

However, by 03:15, the speaker discovered some missing parts in the vehicle. An air suspension control module and a blower motor were absent, which could be responsible for some malfunctions.

At 05:07, the speaker’s investigation led him to a likely cause of the water damage. A clogged sunroof drain and cabin air intake had probably allowed water to enter the car and damage some components.

By 06:23, after replacing the air suspension control module, the suspension issue was resolved. However, there were still other mechanical issues to address.

At 08:12, the speaker inspected the underbody of the vehicle. It was in good condition, with little to no rust, and the all-wheel drive system was functioning well.

By 10:02, the speaker discovered a torn CV boot and a loose ball joint on the lower rear control arm. These issues needed fixing.

At 10:29, the speaker made plans to perform a full service on the car. This included the engine, transmission, differentials, brakes, and cooling system, all to keep the Mercedes in good shape.

Finally, at 10:56, the speaker reflected on the journey ahead. This was his first flood salvage vehicle, and he knew there was a process to follow, including a state police inspection, to register and drive it on the road. Despite the challenges, he was ready to bring this Mercedes S-Class back to life.