MB Enthusiast

I was ready to pull the trigger on a perfect condition 2008 S550 - 71K - $22,000 but I started to read about the vibration issues with no remedy

Please give me your input - are all cars this model/year producing this vibration of is the a manufacturing defect that only effects some ?

I am making purchasing decision this week so I'm looking forward to hopefully see that if there is no vibration at 70k that none should occur unless the usually is present - bent rims - worm steering component - bad tires - similar

Please advise

Mike5215

If it didn't vibrate at highway speed it's fine. How did it drive?

MB Enthusiast

I have a 4 hour drive so I spoke to salesman and told him to test drive 60-70 for vibration

I told him if it was present I would not be interested deal breaker but I would talk to him about another car (hoped that would keep him honest)
Going to drive tomorrow

Front struts replaced - motor mounts and transmission mount inspected - good condition

My S500 - bought at 74k - in short period needed all 4 shocks but I planned for that

500 - 2 k per year after that - had the car 4.5 year 170k now

Runs good but interior trashed - air conditioned seats - tears - Moon roof shade - material came off - other - even with good care

should I expect same or more to maintain

Mike5215

Yeah, based on my two 220's I'd expect a similar experience in the 221. I doubt the 222 will turn out to be much different either.

If the 221 shakes on the drive, the sales guy is going to swear to move heaven and earth to fix it. Don't buy the car.

Driving 8 hours round trip to come home empty handed is bad, but nowhere near as bad a bringing home an expensive mistake.

MB Enthusiast

I have own Mercedes for last 20 years

I take care of car and I am not an animal driver

There have been heavy repairs like air shocks and pump but overall fairly reliable

Is there an extended warranty worth having for a car this vintage and mileage

My biggest concern was that so many horror stories with vibrations - I wanted to be sure if not present now that this would not be a big issue in the future

So are you suggesting that if not there now I should be ok?

Thank you for your input

DaveW68

The 2 biggest sources of vibration in these cars comes from worn motor/trans mounts and tires out of balance. If the mounts have been changed recently, then that should be a source of relief.

MB Enthusiast

I am not worried about those issues - fixable but it seems there is a vibration issues in cars that no one can solve at any cost

Don't want that car

Thank you for your input