Hello Everyone,

This is my first post, I apologize if I break any of the forum rules or etiquettes. Long post alert.

A bit about me and my car: I own a 2005 Mercedes Benz S 500. I am the second owner, having owned this car since 2007, I picked it up as a lease return. To date, it has 186K+ miles on it. My Airmatic suspension leaks and in really cold weather the car takes ages to rise to a safe height. At this mileage, the dealer also recommended to do a bunch of things based on wear, but I wasn't going to order parts from them. I have a new battery and after all this is done, I'm going to get new tires and an alignment done. My goal is to enjoy this car till at least 250K+ miles, so I'm trying to be thorough. My independent mechanic quoted me ~35 hours for everything below.

My questions for all you high-mileage W220 owners:

(Q1) I'm already $10,000+ into this, so I am a sunk cost fallacy. Give me your advice so I can be stress-free for a while with this car. Am I missing any wear and tear items that I should consider getting replaced at this age?

(Q2) I took this car to the dealer for their complimentary 50-point inspection and they pointed out that the transmission fluid needed to be filled. I was under the impression these are sealed for life. I can't say I've noticed any problems with the transmission, so I don't want to break something that is working just fine. However, if it is recommended to do something with the transmission fluid at this age then I would love to know that. What's your advice with the transmission fluid on these cars?

The car is a little behind on maintenance to say the least, but I've decided to "catch up" (lol) as best I can. Here is what I have ordered for replacement so far:

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1. Airmatic Suspension Parts:

1a. Part: Front Airmatic Shock Assembly
Quantity: 2
Link: https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/mer...350-arn-as2193

1b. Part: Rear Airmatic Shock Assembly
Quantity: 2
Link: https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/mer...350-arn-as2194

1c. Part: Suspension Acceleration Sensor
Quantity: 4
Link: https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/mer...des-0009056502

1d. Part: Suspension Air Compressor
Quantity: 1
Link: https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/mer...r-211320030480

1e. Part: Air Suspension Solenoid Valve Unit
Quantity: 1
Link: https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/mer...stries-vb-3506

1f. Part: Sway Bar Link Nut
Quantity: 12
Link: https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/mer...r-000000003175

1g. Part: Suspension Air Compressor Filter
Quantity: 1
Link: https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/mer...ann-2203200069

1h. Part: Strut Assembly Bolt
Quantity: 8
Link: https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...ch/0009904477/

2. Control Arms and Tire Rods Parts:

2a. Part: Control Arm Kit
Quantity: 1
Link: https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/mer...mforder-220320

2b. Part: Tire Rod Service Kit
Quantity: 1
Link: https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/mer...emforder-21154

3. Brakes + Brake Fluid Parts:

3a. Part: Front Disc Brake Rotor
Quantity: 2
Link: https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/mer...r-220421251264

3b. Part: Rear Disc Brake Rotor
Quantity: 2
Link: https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/mer...r-220423021264

3c. Part: Front Brake Pad Set
Quantity: 1
Link: https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/mer...r-003420892041

3d. Part: Rear Brake Pad Set
Quantity: 1
Link: https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/mer...d-0044204420oe

3e. Part: Brake Pad Wear Sensor
Quantity: 2
Link: https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/mer...ght-2115401717

3f. Part: Brake Disc Set Screw
Quantity: 4
Link: https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/mer...rew-2204210171

3g. Part: DOT 4 Plus Brake Fluid
Quantity: 3
Link: https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/mer...s-000989080701

4. Serpentine Belt Parts:

4a. Part: Belt Tensioner
Quantity: 1
Link: https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/mer...ner-1122000970

4b. Part: Serpentine Belt
Quantity: 1
Link: https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/mer...des-0149977192

4c. Part: Drive Belt Idler Pulley
Quantity: 1
Link: https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/mer...-0002020019luk

5. Spark Plugs and Spark Plug Wires Parts:

5a. Part: Set of Spark Plugs
Quantity: 1
Link: https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/mer...16-fr8dpp33x16

5b. Part: G-Cable, Spark Plug Wire
Quantity: 9
Link: https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/mer...sch-1121500118

5c. Part: K-Cable, Spark Plug Wire
Quantity: 4
Link: https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/mer...sch-1121500218

5d. Part: H-Cable, Spark Plug Wire
Quantity: 2
Link: https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/mer...ire-0356912952

5e. Part: L-Cable, Spark Plug Wire
Quantity: 1
Link: https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/mer...ire-0356912954

6. Windshield Washer Pump and Blades Parts:

6a. Part: Windshield Washer Pump
Quantity: 1
Link: https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/mer...ump-2108690821

6b. Part: Windshield Wiper Blade Set
Quantity: 1
Link: https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/mer...set-3397118946

6c. Part: Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir Grommet
Quantity: 1
Link: https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/mer...met-1239973681

7. Oil Change + Cabin Filters Parts:

7a. Part: 5W40 Engine Oil
Quantity: 8
Link: https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/mer...0009898301usb6

7b. Part: Engine Oil Filter Kit
Quantity: 1
Link: https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/mer...mer-0001802609

7c. Part: Engine Oil Drain Plug
Quantity: 1
Link: https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/mer...mer-1119970330

7d. Part: Engine Oil Drain Plug Gasket
Quantity: 1
Link: https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/mer...r-007603014106

7e. Cabin Filter Replacement Kit
Quantity: 1
Link: https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/mer...it-mann-210830
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If you've read this far, thank you for your time.

-sidmasta11

 

Great list with links to buy! I created a w220 common repair thread with videos here
https://www.benzworld.org/threads/so...#post-18826623

i would remove the accelerator sensors from your list im pretty sure only abc cars use those not airmatic that’s $500 wasted

also yes you need to do transmission fluid filter and the. crucial 13 pin connector . You should also change the transmission mount while there .

also change the airmatic relay and crank position sensor keep the old spare airmatic relay and crank position sensor in the car as these can strand you

 

Hello tusabes,

Thank you for your advice. My dealer told me I needed the accelerator sensors so I purchased them from FCP Euro. If my independent mechanic realizes they aren't needed, then I will return. I anyway will need to mail back the cores for some of the existing airmatic struts in my car to get some money back.

I got the transmission mount replaced about ~15K miles ago, same time when I did my engine mounts. Do you think it needs to be changed again at this interval?

What is the 13 pin connector you are referencing? I am reading the W220 wiki but I can't find any part numbers.

Just to confirm, are these the parts you are referencing:

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8. Airmatic Relay and Crankshaft Position Sensor Parts:

8a. Multi Purpose Relay
Quantity: 1
Link: https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/aud...lay-0332019103

8b. Crankshaft Position Sensor
Quantity: 1
Link: https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/mer...sor-0031532828

8c. Bolt
Quantity: 1
Link: https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/mer...-n910142006001

8d. Plug
Quantity: 1
Link: https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...ug/1685453028/
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Thank you,

sidmasta11

 

The 13 pin transmission electrical connector

 

Hi tusabes,

Thanks for the information about the 13 pin connector. I was reading about it and checking the links you sent, and I think the 13 pin connector is for cars with a 722.6 transmission. Since my car has a 722.9 transmission, I think I should be good without this.

Thanks,

sidmasta11

 

Buy the transmission dipstick tool.

 

$10k is a lot of money, but it also isn't if you like driving it and can keep the car on the road for a few more years.
Some EV's depreciate $50k per year for the first few years.