mleskovar

I've been looking at used '14 S550s and welcome any advice on what to look for. Plenty of them available with under 30K miles between $75K - $85K. Haven't owned an S yet but I'm ready. I'm guessing the 10 year warranty extension is a must. I thought the Distronic was too gimicky but just about everyone who has it raves positively about it. The multicontour seats are one 'must have' with my back. Any advice from owners is appreciated.

e_dasani

I agree that while distronics is gimmicky at times (particularly on winding roads) but at same time it is a necessity for most of the times ... like once you get used to it, particularly on stop and go traffic it turns into your best friend - a too cool feature to not have. Safety features built into distronics alone are much much worth than its price. Premium package is obviously a must. And just to confess, while I will be getting most of the options on my 16 (MSRP is now 130k), the rest of the features you can really live without them also.

I actually have been shopping, and there are some very nice 14 S550's for sale. The benefit of used is, you can get all those pricey options for close to same price as ones without. If you could lay hands on a one with exclusive nappa, those seats are sumptuously mouth watering. Extended warranty, maybe I'v been too lucky, I have had older s-class's and they have been flawless.

300SDLguy

Since 2004, I've had a Mercedes with Distronic, and now Distrionic Plus, it's not a necessity all the time. I was surprised, how much I liked the improved Dist. Plus, it's certainly an awesome feature to have in traffic and/or while traveling when there is some amount of congestion. It's never a feature I'd ever want to be without.

mleskovar

I should have been more clear....at first I thought Distronic was gimmicky but after reading all the personal reviews over the years I now want it. And yes the Nappa is something I would like if the rest of the car works for me. Actually there's two in my neck of the woods with Designo paint and Nappa leather and I hope to look at one tomorrow.

Steinhart

the surround view is very useful when parking

it's a phenomenal car, driving it is a joy

I would not own the car without a full warranty

good luck with your purchase, you will be happy

mtahiri

I just bought a 14 s550 4matic,I advice to search for a 14 model with higher vin number to stay away from recalls,I was following the sticky recall bulletin and I noticed most recalls on the cars that was manufactured in 2013,try to find a car that manufactured in 14.

hyperion667

I for one find my S to be a very vapid car......I liked it at first......new car syndrome, but that wore off months ago, now I'm stuck with a car that's big, boaty and of no value

ajm0623

totes mcgoats, hype. it's like benzo did *too* good of job on this 222 chassis. i feel the same as you. in fact, i'm thinking of trading it for a new g63 amg. my dealer tells me it'll take about 6m to build one for me though.

e_dasani

what, 6months to build a car or build a new assembly line?

ajm0623

good one!

actually it does take that long for they are hand built in graz, austria.