Early - v - late 550

I am looking for a 550 and would be interested in knowing views on whether it is necessaryto go for a late model.I understand there are differences but are these significant and worth paying more for? I am looking at a 2000 model but there a couple of nice sounding '98s around at the moment - assuming similar condition which is the best bet?

TIA
Andy

 

Tons of info in the archives on this.

Major differences:

1996-1999 no pre-cat exhaust restrictors in the exhaust manifolds required by EPA. 0-60 4.2s

2000-2001 Pre-cat restrictors 0-60 4.5,4.7 depending on source.

*Euro cars 1996-2001 unchanged for pre-cats


2000-2001 Change stereo system from Sony to Becker (major improvment) with CAn BUS networking.

Fit and finish was generally improved starting in 1999 models. There are some very fine examples through the whole model range, however.

 

WOW, the 2001 stereo is supposed to be a "major improvement" over the pre-2000 model?

Judging the sound quality of my own stock 2001 550 stereo, Id have to say it is poor to below average at best (Ive tried all sorts of different adjustments and settings and loudness functions...) For comparison, the stock stereo in my ML500 blows it away,...by many factors....

If thats the case, then the pre-2000s must have been very crappy indeed!

True, 9 times out of 10 I would still prefer to be listening to the engine/exhaust note rather than music of ANY quality...but for those occasional long highway drives, it would be nice to have some quality tunes available. I just dont feel its worth the effort/cash to invest in an aftermarket sound system since it would be used so infrequently...oh well!

 

Yes, both my 99 550's audio systems are really bad.

Worst than my stock Passat system I had in college.

I am upgrading the system in my new 550 next week.

 

Who cares about listening to the stereo...
I don´t even know who to operate it, and I have had my 550 for almost a year now.

 

I just drove 9 hours in the rain. So I can assure you that radio matters (at least for me) when driving the car as a GT.

John

 

Andy,

I own a very early 1997 model in pristine condition, and I'm about to update to a 2000 Car, (For different reasons), However I have first hand experience at seeing (at least in the UK), how earlier cars seem far better finished than later cars...The change between 98 -2000 cars are negligable, Go for the spec you want primarily, and then condition and history secondly, Forget about the year.

Argento

PS - When you get it, Drop me a line, we'll go for a blast down the M1...

 

I have never heard an audio system as bad as the one in my 1999 550.

I hardly ever listen to it though....

 

I decided to upgrade my audio system yesterday to a Mcintosh system.

The Mcintosh head unit looks very classic and in keeping with the 550's interior.

The Amps, changers, and speakers intergrate very nicely and stay hidden.

They said it will be a couple of weeks before all the gear arrives and about 4 days for the install.

I'll let you guys know.

John