2015 S550 coupe pre-purchase inspection - thoughts on repairs?
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Member
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 139
Likes: 16
From: Detroit area
2015 S550 Coupe; 2025 EQS 450 SUV
2015 S550 coupe pre-purchase inspection - thoughts on repairs?
Hello all,
I've been kicking myself on missing out on an Edition 1 a few years ago and came across another example that drove well enough that I progressed to a pre-purchase inspection. Alas, here is what the dealer recommended (plus typical stuff like battery, brakes and tires):
1. Replace thrust arm bushings
2. Replace both lower control arms
3. Replace right inner and outer CV joint boot
4. Replace front differential pinion seal
How feasible do you guys think it would be to fix the above items myself? I'm guessing everything with the C217 is a bit more densely placed together and might require more disassembly than most sedans/SUV. I do a lot of my own maintenance and have access to a garage with hoist and tools, but I'm the kind of person who guys by manuals and videos rather than being able to figure out solutions myself.
I've been kicking myself on missing out on an Edition 1 a few years ago and came across another example that drove well enough that I progressed to a pre-purchase inspection. Alas, here is what the dealer recommended (plus typical stuff like battery, brakes and tires):
1. Replace thrust arm bushings
2. Replace both lower control arms
3. Replace right inner and outer CV joint boot
4. Replace front differential pinion seal
How feasible do you guys think it would be to fix the above items myself? I'm guessing everything with the C217 is a bit more densely placed together and might require more disassembly than most sedans/SUV. I do a lot of my own maintenance and have access to a garage with hoist and tools, but I'm the kind of person who guys by manuals and videos rather than being able to figure out solutions myself.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 139
Likes: 16
From: Detroit area
2015 S550 Coupe; 2025 EQS 450 SUV
It's the S550. The edition 1 thing was just a special package. I'm actually looking for a project car that I can fix up, so I'm actually intrigued by the work it needs - as long as I can actually realistically do it myself +/- a buddy.
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Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 362
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2018 S560, 2004 SL500, 2014 S550 (SOLD), 2012 S550 x2(SOLD), 2007 CL600 (SOLD), 2007 S600(SOLD)
Depends on your skill level. I think it would be relatively easy, aside from the diff pinion seal. Control arms are straight forward. I’d just replace all four lower control arms. The CV boots may be difficult depending on if it’s a rust belt car. Removing the axles is a ***** if there is rust. I’ve done all bushings on the front suspension of my old 2012 S550 and 2007 CL600. The only thing is that you’ll have less room as the C217 S550 has 4MATIC standard, so you’ll have the front axles taking up some space.
Do you have a lift you can use? I have a set of quick jacks and it makes DIY life soooooo much easier.
Edit: I see you have access to a lift. I’d go for it. These cars are heavy and at this age you’re going to have to start replacing bushings here and there.
Do you have a lift you can use? I have a set of quick jacks and it makes DIY life soooooo much easier.
Edit: I see you have access to a lift. I’d go for it. These cars are heavy and at this age you’re going to have to start replacing bushings here and there.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 139
Likes: 16
From: Detroit area
2015 S550 Coupe; 2025 EQS 450 SUV
That's encouraging. Car spent most of its life in Texas. I've been pricing out parts to potentially just replace all suspension wearables in one go.
I have a few options including my jack at home, a buddy's mechanic shop a couple hundred miles away, and I'll get some quickjacks next year. Also, the military has some bases with full-service garages where we can both rent a bay and also pay for a mechanic to help us where necessary.
I have a few options including my jack at home, a buddy's mechanic shop a couple hundred miles away, and I'll get some quickjacks next year. Also, the military has some bases with full-service garages where we can both rent a bay and also pay for a mechanic to help us where necessary.
