I think this gets debated all the time and can go either way. My take on this is that it's probably worth it just for peace of mind at this stage. If he ends up with an E550, they didn't make a lot of them and a 2012+ isn't likely to be found in a junkyard and there probably aren't many aftermarket parts available at this stage. So you're really stuck with the dealer and dealer prices for many items. If he were going for an older E350, then maybe that would make more sense as there's a rich history of what could go wrong in these forums.

 

Different state of mind I guess. I've never owned any vehicle with warranty except for one that I bought new, and never needed it. I would hate paying thousands of dollars for nothing.

 

It also depends upon how long you keep the car and how you drive it. I kept my C55 AMG for ten years and used my aftermarket warranty many times. It was definitely worth it to me -- the warranty company paid more than I did. However, if you keep the car 3 years or less, I don't think such a warranty is necessary. With the Benz's I've had, I've found that expensive repairs generally happen, if they are going to happen, after 80k miles or 6 years.

 

Most extended warranty last only a couple of years, maybe 3 at the most expensive plans. MB CPO has some unlimited mileage clause, but I think that's only the 1st year. At what point did you use the warranty, and how much were those bills in comparison to the original cost of extended warranty?

I would really like to see real-world data on how many paid thousands for warranties and never used it vs. costs covered by extended warranties. My guess is that overall you will find a few who "lucked out" and got back more in repairs than the cost of the warranty, but the vast majority never used it or had small repairs covered, which did not compensate beyond the original cost. The "winners" are statistical outiers. Just like any other type of gambling.

 

Replied to wrong post - sorry (iPhone)...

 

Jon,
Well I purchased the C55 CPO w/ 12k miles, under factory warranty and purchased a Mercury Extended Platinum (i.e. exclusion) warranty while I still had a year left on my CPO. That way the ExW was a lot cheaper. I have a great ongoing relationship with my mechanic, and took the car in for everything that seemed to wrong, broken or subpar. The bills quickly added up and very easily surpassed the $2.5k or so I paid for the Ex warranty from 50k miles to 95k miles. I also extended the ExW from something like 95k miles to 145k miles and similarly got my money's worth. You really do have to read the warranty, understand cars, some of their issues and be insistent to get value out of these ExW's. Also, you have to buy an exclusionary warranty, i.e. one that covers everything under the sun except those items specifically excluded in writing. It helps to know your mechanic well.

 

So you sound just like every other warranty pusher around here. They are the ones who believe they get value out of warranty because they have the time and patience to bring their car in for every little squeak that they think they can get changed for free under a warranty, but would not even worry about it or necessitate any repair if there were no warranty. Just nit-picking really.

 

i can't speak for anyone else, i bought the extended warranty because i don't want any hassle. because i am profoundly lazy, and if something goes wrong, i want it just dealt with, without me needing to be involved too much. if it were my money on the line, i'd feel the need to shop around and get second opinions and blah blah. i don't want to do any of that. so i spend a little up front and never have to think about it again, ideally. worth it, for me.

 

I am on the same page as elevencircles. My car was kept in perfect shape during my ownership and was all the more enjoyable for it. Besides, neither the warranty co. nor your mechanic, if at all decent, will allow "nit-picking" or unnecessary repairs. There is a difference between "safety" repairs and "work as intended" repairs. Obviously, not all fixes are necessary to keep the car going, but I would prefer to have my luxury options function while I use the car. I don't sell warranties to anyone, I simply bought a couple and am reporting back, at your request, by the way, how I used it and what I thought.

 

One thing to add is that although the airmatic vs non-airmatic, the same can be said for the Bi Turbo engines having more problems then the NA Engine. If you get a 350 be careful of the MBTex ripping if you don't have the leather option. One last thing is to make sure you check if the wood is faded in the cabin. This seems to be a common problem with the E's

 

I got an extended warranty and used it - well worth the money to me.
I also view it the same as I do insurance on the car. Do you have just liability or also comprehensive and/or collision.
However, I have never had the need of it on any car other than an M-B. Have a 2011 Toyota and 2014 Nissan and no extended warranties on either.
M-B's are just so expensive to repair, especially if it is a major component.

 

I have a 2012 E550-4Matic.

Off the top..
1. Avg 30mpg on highway. (4x 2000 mile), trips.
2. Extremely quiet. Its only when I get in other cars, does the Mercedes appreciation, truly hits.
3. Eats any (2000x-2013) E63, any 2000-2010 S63... from the twin turbo's. NOT a smack down, but they now they got hit.
4. Car audio, stock=uggggg My easy fix was 1x 12w7 (Blackfriday...), 1 box. I have mine setup, to block off the entire trunk, as I am a trunk rat..
4a. The car doesnt have split rear seats, so the entire trunk is sealed. Makes the Bass hit HARD, yet...... not as good as previous car.. The lack of sound adjustments is killing me. (Previous was Paramatrec EQ).
5. With it being AWD, the tire ware is very light. Have put on 40K Miles in 2.5 years. Tires still have a lot of grip left.
6. ----- Tire\Rim warranty is critical. Windows if one can afford it.
7. Oil Changes=$350 ..... 9qt of Synthetic Oil. (Mercedes is famous for giving $100 off maintenance coupons.) With the oil change, it also includes air filter changes. Burnt out lights. Wiper blades ($70).


I live in Michigan and drive it everywhere, anytime, anyWEATHER. The 4Matic makes this car an insane BEAST in bad weather. My very first day on highway, with the car.. BOOM- Double rock strike on the windshield. 150 miles later, BOOM!!!!! a Sever Ice storm. At first I was wondering why cars were all spinning out, spazing out. Then looked to the right, and 2 jack-knifed semi's. On my car, I could feel the Anti-Lock just buzzing, buzzing.

The car was like, "WHAT!!!!", is that it, is that all you got. Driving this Vehicle is like driving the Tumbler. (At least what it feels like). It gobbles up ice, Snow, rain, as if it were (words cannot describe). And its virtually silent in doing so. Hard to believe that is has that much power, yet soo silent.

Flat out speed is insane. Only car, to which I cannot push it to its limit. Cruising at 130 feels like 80. Doing 100+ UP a mountain, no problem.

If you can find one, 2012-2014 A very solid machine.
ITS sole bad part= It is veryyyyyyyyy hard to upgrade beyond this vehicle. Only 2014 E63\S63 (4Matic) can top this vehicle.

 

Oil changes for $350....i just paid $150 last week.

 

My bad. It was ServiceB.

 

I agree with the audio thing. It's virtually impossible to change the stock control unit in recent high-end cars. It is possible to achieve a good balanced sound by adding a subwoofer, not hard to tap a clean signal off the Bose amp. The lack of EQ options sucks, but I've been able to tweak it enough that I'm pretty happy with the system now. I'm way past the BOOM BOOM days, I just like a fully balanced system with good solid bass. I have always had top of the line aftermarket gear with EQ, components, etc. and I would love to be able to install one of the new units that fully integrates with cell phone functions.


MPG is amazing for a V8, I'm averaging mid 20's with mostly city driving. Better than a mid size SUV with a V6.


A standard oil change is not any more complicated than any other car, it can be done in the driveway for about $65 - 2 jugs of Mobil 1 and a Mann filter. I'm due for a transmission fluid change (70K), so I'll probably get a full work-over at the dealership soon.


I don't think you'll beat a 2012-2013 E63 in a race, maybe an earlier one with a ECU tune.


The only car I would trade my 2012 E550 for right now would be a 2014 E550 with more options, like the dynamic seats, and distronic.

 

You can get your 2014 after I get mine first. I've got my sights set on that also.