dpayne7571

So my father wants his first sedan. My wife and I have a E320 diesel and he loves it, but I told him since he can afford the S class he may want to take a peak and test drive one. He loves the E550 for its power.

Here are my only concerns. I've heard that the S550 still has problems and they can be maintenance nightmares, especially with the transmission which I find odd in a 100k car. I was wondering if the 2012 or 2013 have any problems to watch out for or has Mercedes fixed all the bugs with the S550.

All owners please chime in as I do not have a ton of knowledge with the S-Class, only the E-Class. I do not want to see my father spend 100k and have expensive problems down the road with the transmission. Thanks for your input!

walt2810

Don't have any experience with the 12 or 2013 models, but does he need a full size sedan? Does he drive the family? If not have you though about the amg e sedan?

With amg you get the power with a mid size footprint.

baekim22

i believe the tranny's were only on the newer 2007 models between certain engine serial numbers. And i'm sure all the people having problem or talking about it on the sites are only maybe 5-10% of owners. Never know what you're gonna get. I've owned a nissan and chrysler in the past and have had major issues with those. surprisingly the 2 benzes i've owned are 2 of the most problem prone models, the w215 and w221. So far no issues with either.

rene_gts

Or maybe a CLS instead of the S or E?

ajm0623

my opinion since you asked: i bought a 07 s550 new in 07 and kept it for two years and 20,000 trouble free miles before trading it for a porsche 911. it was the first year in the new model 221 chassis and i had zero problems with it; it was the best car i ever owned. this year i bought a new 12 cl550 (essentially a two door s-class) and have driven it 10,000 miles the last nine months and once again it is trouble free. now this cl550 is the best car i have ever owned. i tell you all this as i have experience on both bookends of this s/cl chassis run - meaning early in its life (sometimes prone to problems) and late in its life (most problems worked out). the 222 chassis will be out for the my2014 and the cycle starts all over again. i would think if your pop wants the 221 chassis he would be good to go given my experience (though i know two data points is not a trend - it is a straight line - Haha). just be aware that the shape will morph into something evolutionary in the next 12-18 months and he will be driving a "dated" car - though i don't subscribe to the "waiting for a new model year or change in chassis style to buy a car" theory because there is always something new around the corner and you are always waiting for the next best thing instead of enjoying and driving a new car today. in short - yes -- buy the s-class today and don't look back. it is a superb motor car.

dpayne7571

I totally agree. He's an old farm boy, so he does not care about driving a dated car, he just wants a nice sedan and I believe the S class is where he needs to be.

toniyturbo

I bought my s class for my kid. Knowing their safe is a piece of mind for me.

xrayaz

I went from an E class (211) to my 2008 S550 and love it. It is as different as night and day. While the E was a good car I am still amazed how nice the S is. Sometimes I am tempted to just floor it while going 55 just to feel the car take off (of course would never do that on the freeway). Get your dad to drive one and he will love it. After a few days I learned to love the controller also.
Michael in Arizona

dpayne7571

I bet, I've never rode in a S-Class yet, my uncle has a 2010 S550 and I've been waiting to get my chance to see how the car handles, soon enough I guess!

Wolfman

You can't go wrong with an S-Class, so have him go for it.
That said, I am still not sure if he would be looking for a new or used S-Class. So here is my take on the options:

New Car: The current design, however beautiful, is over 7 years old. Since the new model is coming out shortly (let's say 12 months), I would definitely hold-off buying a 2013. Not because the car would be dated looking, but because the new one will be dramatically better on the technical and safety side. You'll simply get more car for the money.
Depreciation will also be even steeper than now but that may not matter much if he keeps the car for a long time.

Used Car:
The recommendation is based on budget. Newer cars, low milage cars naturally will have more warranty available...

There was a facelift in the 2010 model and the current, updated version has several nice features, but none dramatic until 2011 when a better twin turbo engine increased power while also increasing fuel efficiency. Awesome engine

2011, only if turbo power matters. Still pricey...
2010, if the facelift matters (DLRL, new taillights, bumpers, exhaust, interior bits). The car looks great even without the sport package.
2009, in my view the best one to buy on a budget, often sold at 2008 model prices, solid model with most early issues resolved and often still under factory warranty (to be extended). I have seen many low milage deals.
2007, 2008 Often at prices too good to pass up, great cars for the money. Just add $$ in the piggy bank for a warranty or repairs.