S-Class (W221) 2007-2013: S 320 CDI, S 350, S 450, S 500, S 550, S 420 CDI, S 600

How well is your S-Class built?

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Old Sep 14, 2010 | 03:47 PM
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S5504maticowner's Avatar
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Owned an Infiniti M35x, Drives an 08 S550 4matic
How well is your S-Class built?

I am curious to know how much S550 (07 and up) owners pay on maintenance? I drive a 07 Infiniti M35x and plan on switching to an S550 by year end and I know these are not comparable cars due to the segment they cover.
But I have paid close to nothing on my M since I bought it and I'm curious to know if the same can be said about the S.
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Old Sep 14, 2010 | 04:53 PM
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MichaelB.'s Avatar
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From: Central US of A
Barolo S550, 2010 E, 1966 SL & others.
If you stick with the maintenance guide by the book then you should have little more to deal with then scheduled events. And if you take the car to an independent then the yearly regular maintenance cost Vs the dealer could be significant as well.

Plan on at minimum a service A yearly ($145). A Service B every other year ($350) and Service C with perhaps fluids every third year. ($800+).

If something goes astray (say a suspension pump) then just remember - its no Asian car.
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Old Sep 14, 2010 | 05:19 PM
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S5504maticowner's Avatar
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Owned an Infiniti M35x, Drives an 08 S550 4matic
Your last paragraph was very funny but true. But that is why I initially asked the question because I plan on buying an 08 and I wonder how much of a risk it is buying a 30k mile vs 40k or 50kmile S550 or does it make a difference if the service plan has been followed?
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Old Sep 14, 2010 | 07:56 PM
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ML-350, Maserati Quattroporte
Based on your concerns I think you need to buy a starmark dealer certified car which will get you worry free coverage. If you go out of warranty on an 08' in a few years you can expect some charges that far exceed your M35. It can get disturbing to drop 1k here and 1k there. These cars are like computers. they can get buggy and crazy expensive to fix off warranty. Remember, the non-MB warranty will not cover some of the high ticket items. Overall it is worth the investment.

Last edited by jprescott; Sep 14, 2010 at 08:01 PM.
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Old Sep 14, 2010 | 08:08 PM
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carlosfernandez's Avatar
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From: Ponce Puerto Rico
SL500 2003 previous/ E350 2007 actually
Originally Posted by jprescott
Based on your concerns I think you need to buy a starmark dealer certified car which will get you worry free coverage. If you go out of warranty on an 08' in a few years you can expect some charges that far exceed your M35. It can get disturbing to drop 1k here and 1k there. These cars are like computers. they can get buggy and crazy expensive to fix off warranty. Remember, the non-MB warranty will not cover some of the high ticket items. Overall it is worth the investment.
I agree starmark is the best choice !!!
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Old Sep 14, 2010 | 08:32 PM
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S5504maticowner's Avatar
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Owned an Infiniti M35x, Drives an 08 S550 4matic
Thanks for the insight. I will look into the StarMark coverage and plan on keeping the miles for the 08 under 40k at the time of purchase anyway.

I am also well aware that this car is more expensive bcos its a flagship sedan but at the same I don't want to sleep at the dealership.
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Old Sep 15, 2010 | 10:06 AM
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ML-350, Maserati Quattroporte
With an 08' you will probably only have your car at the dealer for once a year service. The experience will be more pleasant than with an Infinity. Quick in and out with nice loaners and good follow up/follow through compared to most brands assuming you use an ok dealer
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Old Sep 15, 2010 | 11:15 AM
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From: Aventura, FL
S550
Originally Posted by MichaelB.
Plan on at minimum a service A yearly ($145). A Service B every other year ($350) and Service C with perhaps fluids every third year. ($800+).

If something goes astray (say a suspension pump) then just remember - its no Asian car.
I took my car '07 S550 for D service (which is actually a B) and it's $597. You must have a very inexpensive dealer near you to only charge almost a fifth.
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