sam99

Hello,
I have a mechanic that I trust and he advised me not to buy any type of car with a Turbo engine. So after a long search, I finally found a 2011 MB S550 W221
which is the last year Mercedes Benz S class made NA (naturally aspirated), and in 2012 they started making 4.7 L Turbo engines.
The car I found has 50,000 miles on it and had regular maintenance at an MB official dealer and super clean. My mechanic said the newer S550 class with Turbo engines are guaranteed to have problems but the NA (naturally aspirated) engines have less trouble but they do have many issues.
I have a 2000 E320 with 205,000, miles on it and also a 2002 ML320 with 240,000 miles. I understand that 320 and 500 engines are bulletproof engines. I understand that the e350 engine is not the same as e320 and totally different engine.
So, I like to know if I will be facing lots of headaches if I get this 2011 S550 which I really like the look and also the ride.
I heard about the air shocks that once they go bad, probably around 120,000 miles, it will drain my wallet. But also the Lexus L460 air shocks at the Lexus dealer cost $8900 for all 4 of them.
Any experience or suggestion about the car that I'm going to buy is appreciated.
Buying this at CarMax and they told me about an extended warranty will cost me $4-$5K for another 50K miles or 5 years which I think many forums suggested to buy for peace of mind.

jd986s

I have 2010 S550. Before that, 2005 S55 and 2005 E500. The S550 has been very reliable for me. Both front air-struts went out at around $70k miles when the car was about 8 years old. My 2005 E500 air struts went at about 150k miles (one front and one rear). The Airmatic system is not that expensive if your mechanic can do it. I bought parts from Arnott (I think for about $500 each) and my mechanic charges $150 labor (each) to do it. If the air pump goes out, you can find an OE parts for about $350-500 range. Change your transmission fluid every 39k miles per MB recommendation. Brakes are not expensive on the non-AMG cars. Charcoal canister is known to go bad on these cars and parts is around $400. My starter just went and FCP Euro has a Bosch rebuilt for $170 exchanged. Spark plugs are not that hard to do and there is only one per cylinder (my W220 had twin plugs and were more difficult to get to). The car will cost more than an E class to maintain, but it has more stuff to go wrong. It's not bad at all. Lexus LS will likely be more reliable but S550 feels more comfortable for me. The seats are very comfortable (better than W211 E class). They once cost $100k or more, now you can pick them up at a steep discounts. Good luck with your car, you'll love it.

sam99

thanks for sharing this information, Bought a 2014 CLS550 and so happy with the ride and handelling. Lexus is an insult as far as a Luxury car.