problems with my S550, anyone else care to share.
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Banned
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 84
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From: texas
cl500-o5, s500 sedan-o4, new s550 sedan
problems with my S550, anyone else care to share.
Had my car for about 8 months and have observed the following problems, # 1= brake squeal, took it in to have problem fixed, there is a recall, and when i got it back, they seemed fixed, however 1 week later, started squealing again.#2= just developed a shudder at about 57mph, and sort of a rough ride, not the typical effortless glide we are used to in a benz.Nothing too bad just a tad annoying, any of you experiance any mild troubles.oh, and by the way, it is not a daily driver and has only 3700 miles on it. thanks.
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Joined: May 2007
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2007 S600
Had my car for about 8 months and have observed the following problems, # 1= brake squeal, took it in to have problem fixed, there is a recall, and when i got it back, they seemed fixed, however 1 week later, started squealing again.#2= just developed a shudder at about 57mph, and sort of a rough ride, not the typical effortless glide we are used to in a benz.Nothing too bad just a tad annoying, any of you experiance any mild troubles.oh, and by the way, it is not a daily driver and has only 3700 miles on it. thanks.
Nope. Mine has been flawless after 12500 miles. Everyone I come into contact with it is amazed with the car.
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 60
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From: new york
s550 4matic sold, BMW X05 4.8I,1999s320 sold, 2006 sl500
problem with S550
Had brake squeal also, they put a paste on them it lasted one day, going back wednesday for new pads and rotors at 7700 miles, alll work will be treated as warranty due to the fact it is still under 12000 miles. Besides that all is well
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From: Europe
223.168 & 213.012 & 906.633 & 214.005
The paste should solve it as posted above. I believe squeal is more of a problem for your car's type of usage, more frequent usage would help avoiding it.
I had some squeal mainly when first reversing after starting the car but that has completely gone now.
One thing you should try if possible: make sure brake discs are dry when you park the car. Using brakes with reasonable effort before leaving the car parked for a longer time should help, not necessarily convenient for the passengers.
This is specifically important after washing the car with a sprayer or similar. It is amazing how strongly pads get "glued" on discs if you leave them dry alone. This may even create light shudder temporarily. But if your shudder appears always, and if it only appears while braking, that would be a different thing. Odd if discs are bent at that mileage.
I had some squeal mainly when first reversing after starting the car but that has completely gone now.
One thing you should try if possible: make sure brake discs are dry when you park the car. Using brakes with reasonable effort before leaving the car parked for a longer time should help, not necessarily convenient for the passengers.
This is specifically important after washing the car with a sprayer or similar. It is amazing how strongly pads get "glued" on discs if you leave them dry alone. This may even create light shudder temporarily. But if your shudder appears always, and if it only appears while braking, that would be a different thing. Odd if discs are bent at that mileage.
Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 117
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From: NSW, Australia
McLaren 570S, G12 BMW 750Li, GLE63s AMG Coupe
Had my car for about 8 months and have observed the following problems, # 1= brake squeal, took it in to have problem fixed, there is a recall, and when i got it back, they seemed fixed, however 1 week later, started squealing again.#2= just developed a shudder at about 57mph, and sort of a rough ride, not the typical effortless glide we are used to in a benz.Nothing too bad just a tad annoying, any of you experiance any mild troubles.oh, and by the way, it is not a daily driver and has only 3700 miles on it. thanks.
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
From: NY
2011 Porsche 911 Carrera,07 S550. 2010 E350 4matic, 05 Honda Accord V6.
I had few issues in German Version S550
I have 06 S500 German version. It is same as 07 US version s550.
I have same brake problem since I bought the car. Replaced pad once, resurface 2 times, use paste 2 times. It seems to disappear about a week or 2 weeks and come back. I give up now and I see many new s class have this problem.
I also had engine truble. At idle, put the gear on P, A/C off, I felt some vibration on the engine, and I could feel it in driver seat.
The dealer changed cam shaft, oxygen sensor, and now it is better.
But I still feel more vibration than my last Lexus LS430.
Last spring, I had bad smell in A/C and the dealer replaced the carbon filter.
Fixed
The two front seat made some noise when a heavy person seat on.
My best friend weight about 145 KG . Whenever he is in the car, seat made noise.
The dealer replaced headrest, and put a lot of felt in the seat joint. Fixed.
So far I bought the car in 06 May, except these problems, car is great.
Oh~ by the way, my car has message option in the rear and cooling too.
And I have cool box in the rear center, right behind center armrest. These options are for S600 in US but Asians just love these options and we can not buy without them.
I have same brake problem since I bought the car. Replaced pad once, resurface 2 times, use paste 2 times. It seems to disappear about a week or 2 weeks and come back. I give up now and I see many new s class have this problem.
I also had engine truble. At idle, put the gear on P, A/C off, I felt some vibration on the engine, and I could feel it in driver seat.
The dealer changed cam shaft, oxygen sensor, and now it is better.
But I still feel more vibration than my last Lexus LS430.
Last spring, I had bad smell in A/C and the dealer replaced the carbon filter.
Fixed
The two front seat made some noise when a heavy person seat on.
My best friend weight about 145 KG . Whenever he is in the car, seat made noise.
The dealer replaced headrest, and put a lot of felt in the seat joint. Fixed.
So far I bought the car in 06 May, except these problems, car is great.
Oh~ by the way, my car has message option in the rear and cooling too.
And I have cool box in the rear center, right behind center armrest. These options are for S600 in US but Asians just love these options and we can not buy without them.
Last edited by newyorker; Jul 17, 2007 at 03:30 PM.
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Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,290
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From: New Zealand
1993 300SEL/S320
Had my car for about 8 months and have observed the following problems, # 1= brake squeal, took it in to have problem fixed, there is a recall, and when i got it back, they seemed fixed, however 1 week later, started squealing again.#2= just developed a shudder at about 57mph, and sort of a rough ride, not the typical effortless glide we are used to in a benz.Nothing too bad just a tad annoying, any of you experiance any mild troubles.oh, and by the way, it is not a daily driver and has only 3700 miles on it. thanks.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 6,499
Likes: 336
From: Europe
223.168 & 213.012 & 906.633 & 214.005
Oh yes, he didn't mention this shudder occurred while braking which was what I thought. Tires may have also some issues that cannot be fixed by balancing, if the tyre is not perfectly round, it does not drive smoothly even if you can get it 100% balanced on a machine. Belts may have some harder spots too but that should be less common with modern tyres and specifically those S550 is using.
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
From: new york
s550 4matic sold, BMW X05 4.8I,1999s320 sold, 2006 sl500
brake squeal
The paste should solve it as posted above. I believe squeal is more of a problem for your car's type of usage, more frequent usage would help avoiding it.
I had some squeal mainly when first reversing after starting the car but that has completely gone now.
One thing you should try if possible: make sure brake discs are dry when you park the car. Using brakes with reasonable effort before leaving the car parked for a longer time should help, not necessarily convenient for the passengers.
This is specifically important after washing the car with a sprayer or similar. It is amazing how strongly pads get "glued" on discs if you leave them dry alone. This may even create light shudder temporarily. But if your shudder appears always, and if it only appears while braking, that would be a different thing. Odd if discs are s are bent at that mileage.
I had some squeal mainly when first reversing after starting the car but that has completely gone now.
One thing you should try if possible: make sure brake discs are dry when you park the car. Using brakes with reasonable effort before leaving the car parked for a longer time should help, not necessarily convenient for the passengers.
This is specifically important after washing the car with a sprayer or similar. It is amazing how strongly pads get "glued" on discs if you leave them dry alone. This may even create light shudder temporarily. But if your shudder appears always, and if it only appears while braking, that would be a different thing. Odd if discs are s are bent at that mileage.
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Pennsylvania
2007 S550, 2007 Cadillac Escalade, 1947 Buick Convertable, 1936 Cadillac Coupe
Brake squeals and steering shudder
Had my car for about 8 months and have observed the following problems, # 1= brake squeal, took it in to have problem fixed, there is a recall, and when i got it back, they seemed fixed, however 1 week later, started squealing again.#2= just developed a shudder at about 57mph, and sort of a rough ride, not the typical effortless glide we are used to in a benz.Nothing too bad just a tad annoying, any of you experiance any mild troubles.oh, and by the way, it is not a daily driver and has only 3700 miles on it. thanks.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,071
Likes: 2
2007 S600
The brake noise is just rust that develops overnight. Mine squeaks when pulling out of the driveway and then I never hear it again. I just stepped out and looked at my discs and rust is all over them.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 15,901
Likes: 4,633
From: North Scottsdale, AZ
'71 Pinto
FYI
MBUSA will allow unlimited warranty coverage for both brake pad and rotor replacement cost free for the first 12 months / 12,000 miles of ownership on any model.
MBUSA will allow unlimited warranty coverage for both brake pad and rotor replacement cost free for the first 12 months / 12,000 miles of ownership on any model.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 972
Likes: 28
From: DFW
BMW M850i Gran Coupe
Yes, very true as I have exercised this "warranty" on last few S-Class vehicles, but subsequent brakes were either quiet or much more quiet. Why is the "second" set so much better than the original set?
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 643
Likes: 51
From: Southern California
2007 CL550
I have never had brake noise on my CL550. There is one caution that I remember from the owner's manual that said to drive the car and use the brakes several times immediately after washing the car to dry out the brake rotors. I believe this was prevent formation of rust that might cause brake noise.
Last month when I was in for annual service at the dealer, I was asked if I had experienced a shudder. I haven't. They had a fix for those vehicles that had the problem.
Last month when I was in for annual service at the dealer, I was asked if I had experienced a shudder. I haven't. They had a fix for those vehicles that had the problem.
Last edited by steveb9771; Jan 6, 2008 at 01:55 AM.
Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 139
Likes: 0
2008 Mazda Tribute , 2007 S550.
Brake squeal? Typical for MB's as far as I experienced. My E320, S430, and now my S550 squeal equally loudly! It does not bother me any longer, as long as I can stop on a dime, and that, each car has done or does for me.
My overall experience with MB's:
- Papa's old MB's: Fond memories, but can't remember any electronics in them; only asbestos clutch plate and brake shoe linings.
- My 300D's; excellent, but noisy enough to cover any brake squeal if existing at the time.
- My E320; out of respect for the Brand, no comments.
- My S430-4Matic; an excellent vehicle, no problems what so ever, regardless of other opinions. ( Squeals omitted.)
- My S550; present choice and pride, a very refined vehicle with a distinguished squeal, upon braking while backing out of my garage.
Minor transmission problems being addressed by the dealer, whom I asked to involve MB directly, since a few first attemps at correcting an issue failed to be diagnosed with their available resources.
My overall experience with MB's:
- Papa's old MB's: Fond memories, but can't remember any electronics in them; only asbestos clutch plate and brake shoe linings.
- My 300D's; excellent, but noisy enough to cover any brake squeal if existing at the time.
- My E320; out of respect for the Brand, no comments.
- My S430-4Matic; an excellent vehicle, no problems what so ever, regardless of other opinions. ( Squeals omitted.)
- My S550; present choice and pride, a very refined vehicle with a distinguished squeal, upon braking while backing out of my garage.
Minor transmission problems being addressed by the dealer, whom I asked to involve MB directly, since a few first attemps at correcting an issue failed to be diagnosed with their available resources.
Last edited by 04S430; Jan 6, 2008 at 07:20 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 281
Likes: 1
From: New Jersey (Metro)
S550 / S430 / E320
Brake Squeal
I have a August 07 build 08 S550 and have not had any brake squeal yet. Does anybody know if a change was made to address the issue? Maybe it's just the luck of the draw with regard to squealing brakes.
Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 171
Likes: 26
From: Maryland
2007 S550 & 2009 CL63 AMG & 2009 BMW 328i Convertible
VIBRATION
I have an 2007 S550. I purchased the car with 14K miles. I have had a vibration since I purchased it. The vibration starts at about 60 mph and gradually gets worse as you drive.
I first changed the front wheels. (I have the AMG pkg) I then changed the front tires. I then changed the rear wheeels and then the rear tires. I still had it. I then bought four new chromed AMG wheels which came with tires. I still had the vibration. at 60 MPH. The deal put four wheels from a brand new S550. THE VIBRATION WAS still there. WTF,,,,, They now think it is the drive shaft.
I first changed the front wheels. (I have the AMG pkg) I then changed the front tires. I then changed the rear wheeels and then the rear tires. I still had it. I then bought four new chromed AMG wheels which came with tires. I still had the vibration. at 60 MPH. The deal put four wheels from a brand new S550. THE VIBRATION WAS still there. WTF,,,,, They now think it is the drive shaft.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 281
Likes: 1
From: New Jersey (Metro)
S550 / S430 / E320
I have an 2007 S550. I purchased the car with 14K miles. I have had a vibration since I purchased it. The vibration starts at about 60 mph and gradually gets worse as you drive.
I first changed the front wheels. (I have the AMG pkg) I then changed the front tires. I then changed the rear wheeels and then the rear tires. I still had it. I then bought four new chromed AMG wheels which came with tires. I still had the vibration. at 60 MPH. The deal put four wheels from a brand new S550. THE VIBRATION WAS still there. WTF,,,,, They now think it is the drive shaft.
I first changed the front wheels. (I have the AMG pkg) I then changed the front tires. I then changed the rear wheeels and then the rear tires. I still had it. I then bought four new chromed AMG wheels which came with tires. I still had the vibration. at 60 MPH. The deal put four wheels from a brand new S550. THE VIBRATION WAS still there. WTF,,,,, They now think it is the drive shaft.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 15,901
Likes: 4,633
From: North Scottsdale, AZ
'71 Pinto
Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 171
Likes: 26
From: Maryland
2007 S550 & 2009 CL63 AMG & 2009 BMW 328i Convertible
VIBRATION
Actually, that was going to be my next move to get MB involved. I have had this car for over a year now and I am reluctant to drive it because it is not smooth. I also have a 2006 750LI which is my daily driver and I tell people I like it more than the 550 because it rides so nice & smooth
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
2007 S550, 2003 996 Turbo, 2007 QX56
Sooner or Mr. Tracy-
Did either of you either get your shudder / vibration resolved? I purchased a used 2007 S550 about a month ago. It had some increased vibration that you can definitely feel in the steering wheel between 42MPH to about 65/70MPH... any speed below and above and the car rides smooth as glass.
I've had the tires balanced, then I upgraded the tires and wheels ( which I did for aesthetic reasons ), and now the service manager is claiming it might be my wheels.
The vehicle is still under the original MB warranty.
Thanks,
Mac
Did either of you either get your shudder / vibration resolved? I purchased a used 2007 S550 about a month ago. It had some increased vibration that you can definitely feel in the steering wheel between 42MPH to about 65/70MPH... any speed below and above and the car rides smooth as glass.
I've had the tires balanced, then I upgraded the tires and wheels ( which I did for aesthetic reasons ), and now the service manager is claiming it might be my wheels.
The vehicle is still under the original MB warranty.
Thanks,
Mac
Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 127
Likes: 0
From: TN
2010 E350
I had a similar vibrating-type experience with my previous car (not a Mercedes, mind you) and it wound up that the strut mount was going bad. It was replaced (along with some related things that I can't remember) and the vibrating stopped. Sadly, my car was no longer under warranty.
Maybe that's the problem? Surely the service people would've investigated this, though, so maybe not.
Maybe that's the problem? Surely the service people would've investigated this, though, so maybe not.
Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 171
Likes: 26
From: Maryland
2007 S550 & 2009 CL63 AMG & 2009 BMW 328i Convertible
Sooner or Mr. Tracy-
Did either of you either get your shudder / vibration resolved? I purchased a used 2007 S550 about a month ago. It had some increased vibration that you can definitely feel in the steering wheel between 42MPH to about 65/70MPH... any speed below and above and the car rides smooth as glass.
I've had the tires balanced, then I upgraded the tires and wheels ( which I did for aesthetic reasons ), and now the service manager is claiming it might be my wheels.
The vehicle is still under the original MB warranty.
Thanks,
Mac
Did either of you either get your shudder / vibration resolved? I purchased a used 2007 S550 about a month ago. It had some increased vibration that you can definitely feel in the steering wheel between 42MPH to about 65/70MPH... any speed below and above and the car rides smooth as glass.
I've had the tires balanced, then I upgraded the tires and wheels ( which I did for aesthetic reasons ), and now the service manager is claiming it might be my wheels.
The vehicle is still under the original MB warranty.
Thanks,
Mac
But yes, Just as you said, it starts at around 45 mph or so and then its a ride in a washing machine.
