How many of you have had expensive items break after 50K miles
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 116
Likes: 38
From: NE Florida
2023 EQS 580
How many of you have had expensive items break after 50K miles
I posted a topic about extended warranties last week. I have an '11 E350 fully loaded and I'm trying to evaluate if the MB Extended Warranty is worth the money. What I'm really trying to figure out is if anyone has had the Command system, Adaptive Headlamp, or some other expensive system/part fail after the factory warranty expired. I personally have had the dynamic seat fail (in warranty). I'm curious to find out what others have experienced. Please feel free to elaborate.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 2,616
Likes: 160
From: Southeastern USA
2010 E350 Luxury Sedan, Engine 272 (V6)
I got the extended MBUSA warranty because of the things that did break during warranty. Had problems with COMAND and they updated/repaired three times. Once they kept car for three days to make sure they had installed all software updates. Once they kept car for three days to install and program the software for the easy exit/entry system.
Both times they provided a loaner, so no big issue.
My concern is what happens if not under warranty and something goes out?
How much would dealer charge to "tinker" with a car over a three day period? Would they provide a loaner? How much would replacement parts cost?
Both times they provided a loaner, so no big issue.
My concern is what happens if not under warranty and something goes out?
How much would dealer charge to "tinker" with a car over a three day period? Would they provide a loaner? How much would replacement parts cost?
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 116
Likes: 38
From: NE Florida
2023 EQS 580
I had Command updated several times. I heard it was difficult to update because more than one software (location) was updated and the update took a long time to upload. I think the Command module (hardware) is over $5K. I've had no problems with it. A module failure would certainly offset the cost of the warranty.
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 576
Likes: 8
From: Placitas, NM
E550
I'd recommend the extended warranty on a 2011.
I'm at 43,000, not 50,000+, but last week I had two pneumatic springs (Airmatic) replaced (second time) and the air conditioning fan replaced under warranty.
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
I'm at 43,000, not 50,000+, but last week I had two pneumatic springs (Airmatic) replaced (second time) and the air conditioning fan replaced under warranty.
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 5,141
Likes: 1,293
From: Southern US
2010 E550, 273 Engine: 2012 S550, 278 Engine
I posted a topic about extended warranties last week. I have an '11 E350 fully loaded and I'm trying to evaluate if the MB Extended Warranty is worth the money. What I'm really trying to figure out is if anyone has had the Command system, Adaptive Headlamp, or some other expensive system/part fail after the factory warranty expired. I personally have had the dynamic seat fail (in warranty). I'm curious to find out what others have experienced. Please feel free to elaborate.
Trending Topics
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 379
Likes: 38
From: middle o' ma
15 AMG S63 4-matic coupe
since the current E is still new to me the answer is, nothing yet....
on our '03 S-class however, the story was quite different between 50 and 100K.
The biggest probably being replacing the center diff assembly which was on the order of $3400 if I recall correctly. They're were a variety of smaller little goodies as well.
So on that one, the warranty was easily worthwhile.
on our '03 S-class however, the story was quite different between 50 and 100K.
The biggest probably being replacing the center diff assembly which was on the order of $3400 if I recall correctly. They're were a variety of smaller little goodies as well.
So on that one, the warranty was easily worthwhile.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 409
Likes: 1
From: Vienna, VA
I have a 2010 with just under 80k. No issues. I am switching to a CPO unlimited mile warranty bluetec since I will put 150k in next 4 years. But if that warranty didn't come out 2 weeks ago I would have kept mine till 150 K at least. I have all the goodies. Still work well. Only thing i see not functioning is passenger LCD readout for dual Ac and easy exit steering wheel. Both minor to me.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 116
Likes: 38
From: NE Florida
2023 EQS 580
Many thanks for the maintenance feedback. Its doesn't seem like anyone has had any catastrophic problems but the "goodies" can add up in maintenance costs. I plan to put at least 150K miles on it and eventually give it to my son when he is old enough to drive. In my personal experience with Euro (non MB) cars, I've had no maintenance issues under 125K miles when properly maintained. It would be great if I could purchase a MB ELW beyond 7/135K. The Engineering and build quality seems to be very good... one of the reasons I bought the car.
BTW, here are some helpful threads I found regarding the purchase of ELW: elw, extended.
BTW, here are some helpful threads I found regarding the purchase of ELW: elw, extended.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 736
Likes: 1
From: Haslett, Mi
2011 E350 4matic
I bought an extended warranty for my c class and didn't use it once. haven't had one issue with my e class but only have 38k miles so far. I drive like a grandma and super low miles and always keep up with the maintenance though.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 2,364
Likes: 451
From: The Palmetto State
19 E63s, ‘24SQ8, wanting another gas guzzling V8
Had multiple problems with the distronic on my '10. It was in the shop numerous times to get fixed and multiple parts where changed. I even had the car in once for another warranty issue (minor) and when the SA brought the car around because it was ready for me to pick it up he asked, "is there something still wrong with the distronic because the light is now on?" Yeah, it never gets fixed correctly. He just looked at me, hung his head and told me to keep the loaner car. The warranty ran out on the car last month and that's why I'm getting rid of it. Car only had 40k miles on it but the time ran out.
If you own one of these high end cars, it needs to be under warranty. Just my opinion.
If you own one of these high end cars, it needs to be under warranty. Just my opinion.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 345
Likes: 0
From: So Cal
2010 C300 & 2014 E350
If you have a base model, according to a few people on the board, the extended warranty isn't necessary as big ticket items like transmission or engine problems shouldn't break.
Would one consider 2014 E350 with P1 and blind spot assist a base model? I'm starting to second guess if the extended warranty I got is even necessary...
Would one consider 2014 E350 with P1 and blind spot assist a base model? I'm starting to second guess if the extended warranty I got is even necessary...
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 311
Likes: 3
2004.7 C180 Kompressor, BMW X5, Chevrolet Camaro LT, Mercedes S, Cesna 152.
Had multiple problems with the distronic on my '10. It was in the shop numerous times to get fixed and multiple parts where changed. I even had the car in once for another warranty issue (minor) and when the SA brought the car around because it was ready for me to pick it up he asked, "is there something still wrong with the distronic because the light is now on?" Yeah, it never gets fixed correctly. He just looked at me, hung his head and told me to keep the loaner car. The warranty ran out on the car last month and that's why I'm getting rid of it. Car only had 40k miles on it but the time ran out.
If you own one of these high end cars, it needs to be under warranty. Just my opinion.
If you own one of these high end cars, it needs to be under warranty. Just my opinion.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 476
Likes: 1
BMW 5er
no. the E250 is technically the base model due to its low starting price in the range. the E63 S-models are the range toppers.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 476
Likes: 1
BMW 5er
the max EW lists for over $4,000don't confuse extraneous tech gadgets with a "high-end model" most of the price of the car is for what condescending people consider the "base model" version. some of us PREFER not to include all that useless crap in our vehicles. it's not about affordability, as some here carry as a pretense.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 2,364
Likes: 451
From: The Palmetto State
19 E63s, ‘24SQ8, wanting another gas guzzling V8
If you have a base model, according to a few people on the board, the extended warranty isn't necessary as big ticket items like transmission or engine problems shouldn't break.
Would one consider 2014 E350 with P1 and blind spot assist a base model? I'm starting to second guess if the extended warranty I got is even necessary...
Would one consider 2014 E350 with P1 and blind spot assist a base model? I'm starting to second guess if the extended warranty I got is even necessary...
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 476
Likes: 1
BMW 5er
^ yeah that's the other way to do it - either lease or trade up into a newer model prior to the original warranty is up. that way you can always have the latest features without worrying about long term operation.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 573
Likes: 6
From: Los Angeles
'19 MBZ E450 Wagon, '19 BMW 530e
If the car is garaged most of the time then the electronics will live a lot longer.
Imagine you leave a notebook computer on the back seat for 5 years and subject it change of temp on daily basis.
Imagine you leave a notebook computer on the back seat for 5 years and subject it change of temp on daily basis.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 573
Likes: 6
From: Los Angeles
'19 MBZ E450 Wagon, '19 BMW 530e
My parents had the Cayenne S and we had to replace that twice. All covered under extended warranty. Also after 4-5 years, the factory will only supply refurb units (the 1st swap came with prior users destinations information)
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 116
Likes: 38
From: NE Florida
2023 EQS 580
I have some experience with aircraft and this is very true. Our car is always in a garage at home and a parking garage at work. Hopefully we will have less problems with electronics in the long run.
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 619
Likes: 34
From: East part of Texas
2017 CLS550
I own a 2012 ML350 and although it has been a very dependable vehicle I have come to the conclusion I really don't need an SUV. Only two of us ever ride in it and I don't even take it out if it is raining. I am retired so I come and go as I please and think that a nice sedan such as the E class would suit me better. But the question of warranty with any car is a no brainer, at least in my situation - when the four year warranty is up trade it in for something else and don't ever bother with an extended warranty. Of course, this would be entirely different if I had to hold on to a car for a long period or I put a lot of miles on the engine.
In my case, I never put more than 10,000 miles a year on a car so it comes out to time factors rather than mileage. I trade it or sell it outright at four years with less than 40,000 miles on it. This may not be the smartest thing to do from a financial (depreciation) aspect but I hate paying for something up front that I probably won't use and it gives me an incentive to do one of my favorite things in life at least once every four years - shop for cars!
In my case, I never put more than 10,000 miles a year on a car so it comes out to time factors rather than mileage. I trade it or sell it outright at four years with less than 40,000 miles on it. This may not be the smartest thing to do from a financial (depreciation) aspect but I hate paying for something up front that I probably won't use and it gives me an incentive to do one of my favorite things in life at least once every four years - shop for cars!
Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 147
Likes: 2
From: OH
w212
Buying a new vehicle before the prior one goes out of warranty is by far the most expensive option.
Second most expensive option depends on how lucky you are. I believe it is also a function of how you take care of the car. Do you keep it outside all day and night? Or do you keep it in the garage? Do you drive like a madman even when the engine is cold? Do you drive on terrible roads filled with potholes most of the time? Do you frequently exceed the maintenance schedule? These factors could influence whether expensive repairs will be needed before you're ready to sell the car.
Even if repairs are needed, they still must be more expensive than the cost of the extended warranty for it to be a smart choice to buy the ew. Of course you're paying for the low risk up front, then you don't have to worry about things going wrong. That peace of mind is worth a lot to most people and I think that's why you see so many saying its a good idea, even if they can't give examples of expensive repair costs that were avoided through the ew.
Second most expensive option depends on how lucky you are. I believe it is also a function of how you take care of the car. Do you keep it outside all day and night? Or do you keep it in the garage? Do you drive like a madman even when the engine is cold? Do you drive on terrible roads filled with potholes most of the time? Do you frequently exceed the maintenance schedule? These factors could influence whether expensive repairs will be needed before you're ready to sell the car.
Even if repairs are needed, they still must be more expensive than the cost of the extended warranty for it to be a smart choice to buy the ew. Of course you're paying for the low risk up front, then you don't have to worry about things going wrong. That peace of mind is worth a lot to most people and I think that's why you see so many saying its a good idea, even if they can't give examples of expensive repair costs that were avoided through the ew.
