New E550 replacement has rough downshifts too, lovely




Any suggestions that I can take back to him? Thanks.
Tell him to check out Bimmerfest forums, lots of helpful people on there. 550's have tons more issues than the 535i's (such as injectors and such), as well, I'd tell him to not give up on BMW just yet since he does like how the car drives, as the F10 5ers after 2013 model year are exactly how the car should have been packaged and tested from the beginning (namely RWD M Sport models). You'll notice about all the complaints about those cars came from the first 2 years of model years.
If it's a new model, I'd say his options are much better to get out of that car. I have seen a person or two on the boards with 550's that are still a little more fickle than the other 5er models. If it's an older model, I'd recommend selling it and getting another one, or if he's too bitter about the brand, another car. I can't stress enough how much I'd recommend sticking with a 2013+ 5 Series, when it comes to the current generation. In fact, if it's a 550i, then stick to just 2014+ models as they come with the 445 HP new V8 engine which are said to be more reliable as well.
Sorry for the

Yes, exactly, the injector issue on BMW V8's are too common. Though, the new N63tu on the 2014+ 5ers appear to have mostly resolved the issue (BMW claims it's fixed, it seems fixed, though I have seen only one poster with a 2014 550 say his injectors had issues). The 4 (blech) and 6 cylinder 5 Series don't have any injector issues of the like, however.
Last edited by K-A; Apr 14, 2014 at 10:43 PM.
And yes KA you don't need to repeat to us the W212 sucked for you both times and you love BMW. I'm just talking general long term reliability.
Last edited by drsaab; Apr 14, 2014 at 11:29 PM.
And yes KA you don't need to repeat to us the W212 sucked for you both times and you love BMW. I'm just talking general long term reliability.
Long term, it's all still in question between all these cars. Mercedes has always been known for their long term lasting ability, though not as much in modern times (i.e since 2000-ish). The most recent generations are of course more in question since they've improved things since 10 years ago. I can go by my own basis' and my M-B's were dependable, but all had quality quirks which I had to take in immediately for.
I think in this segment, all models will be "hit or miss". What isn't up for debate, are certain trends, such as M-B's 7G which has gone 10 years as the same POS it was when it launched (and believe me, people were calling it a POS back then as well). Or the 550i's annoying injector issue which may or may not have been mended in recent years (seems slightly so, but jury still out).
As for 10-20 years from now, it's kind of scary to think how these cars technology bits will last. The new S Class looks like in 10 years from now it'll be worth $10K as I don't know who in their right minds would drive something with so many "gadgets" and reliance on electronics, down to the suspension of course, out of warranty.
Last edited by K-A; Apr 14, 2014 at 11:49 PM.
10 Year old S Classes are going for more then 10k. Unless you have 200,000 miles on it or it is a poor example it will sell for under. So by your statement you are only half correct...
I don't know why people worry so damn much when the car gets old? Why is everyone crying and worrying over a repair bill but has no problem shelling out thousands for a brand new one. I buy used. I drive them for a long long time and enjoy them. If you have to worry about a part here and there and worry about this or that you are in the wrong car. Buy a bus pass!! or a simple car.
The Best of Mercedes & AMG




I would like to see what this problem feels like. I have an older E550 and every now and then I feel a little "jolt" at gear shift but this is not a brand new car either as it has 65000+ miles on the ODO. Also I don't have a gear display so I don't know between what gears it happens.
I don't know what MB problem is and why it seems it happens on just one guy on this forum. Could easily be wrong transmission fluid. Yes, MB should know what they put in every car but do they really...?

I don't know why people worry so damn much when the car gets old? Why is everyone crying and worrying over a repair bill but has no problem shelling out thousands for a brand new one. I buy used. I drive them for a long long time and enjoy them. If you have to worry about a part here and there and worry about this or that you are in the wrong car. Buy a bus pass!! or a simple car.
I'm not saying that the W222 will or will not be a reliable car, I'm just saying that, considering it's the most technologically advanced S Class during its respective time since the W220 was (and we saw how that turned out), logically, it'll be un-buyable in due time. Just think about all the cameras, sensors, etc. well-optioned ones have to come with, for one.
The W222 brings back Mercedes wanting to showcase technological innovations, which makes it a risky bet as time goes on. Of course, things are all relative, as the next 7 Series may very well have more high-tech stuff prevalent over the S Class, which would make it just as if not more of a long-term potential disaster story, etc.
Point being, you look at a car like the new S Class, and all the non-mechanical things that can go wrong when the car is old, and wonder how it'll ever retain value in the future as the various little things that would need fixing here and there would be extremely expensive.
I hope one day I find myself in a more reliable, better driving Mercedes Benz. The E550 for 2014, other than the trans, was something out of this world -- what a beautiful car!!
Kudos to Mr. Steve Cannon for giving me what I thought was a fair outcome.
But 100% props to my wife for putting up with this, and my boy SolidGranite for being my lifeline!!
THE BEST OR NOTHING!!!!
Last edited by PeterUbers; Apr 15, 2014 at 09:58 PM.




I hope one day I find myself in a more reliable, better driving Mercedes Benz. The E550 for 2014, other than the trans, was something out of this world -- what a beautiful car!!
Kudos to Mr. Steve Cannon for giving me what I thought was a fair outcome.
But 100% props to my wife for putting up with this, and my boy SolidGranite for being my lifeline!!
THE BEST OR NOTHING!!!!





That's what I mean.... I can't imagine the nightmare a used, high mileage W222 will be. To me, it does matter, being that as an enthusiast, the long term picture of car brands means a lot to me. As a consumer, of course not so much. Mercedes became the infamous Mercedes BECAUSE of how well their cars aged and lasted, not because they were the best performing or spec'd cars when new.
I'm not saying that the W222 will or will not be a reliable car, I'm just saying that, considering it's the most technologically advanced S Class during its respective time since the W220 was (and we saw how that turned out), logically, it'll be un-buyable in due time. Just think about all the cameras, sensors, etc. well-optioned ones have to come with, for one.
There are a lot of W220's out there with high miles on them. Some members on this forum too! The only thing that kills a older S Class is the Airmatic or ABC system that can be known for trouble. However, with a solution from Arrnot or Strutmaster you have many years of worry free ownership. That is why I see no problem with a car like a S600 on the road for 200,000+ miles. Everyone said this about the 126, 140 and now the 220. Many high mile examples on the road still. At the time the 126,140,220 were the most advanced things on the road. Lots of sensors, screens and all that fun stuff. Same argument being used today with no real solidity behind it.... Cost of ownership is high but it is a S Class...
Reliability is a totally different ball game. Does the car get you from A to B is how reliable. I have had cars that are suppose to be known for being reliable and have left me on the side of the road. Reliability varies per car and can effected based on upkeep but not always as sometimes things just fail.
As a enthusiast you will be the one who keeps the car on the road and does not get rid of it once the warranty runs out because you are worried of spending some money on repairs. Difference between lease people who throw things away and people who take pride in ownership and keep it for many years. Still cheaper to buy a used S Class vs lease or buy a new one. Lease vs buy is subjective however lol.
Reliability is a totally different ball game. Does the car get you from A to B is how reliable. I have had cars that are suppose to be known for being reliable and have left me on the side of the road. Reliability varies per car and can effected based on upkeep but not always as sometimes things just fail.
As a enthusiast you will be the one who keeps the car on the road and does not get rid of it once the warranty runs out because you are worried of spending some money on repairs. Difference between lease people who throw things away and people who take pride in ownership and keep it for many years. Still cheaper to buy a used S Class vs lease or buy a new one. Lease vs buy is subjective however lol.
I think the W220 S is the most timeless S Class design to have come out since the W126.



