futurebenztx

So my wife and I have worked very hard in our young lives (25). I have recently promoted and manage a section of Texas through a major communications company and my wife who is an RN is wrapping up her masters. I own a 95 as impala, Willie Nelsons 76 el Eldorado, 96 roadmaster wagon, and she drives a civic. I want to upgrade her to a 07/08/09 s550 but have fallen victim to the internets reliability talk of the Benz. Please no trolling just let me know if I'm going to spend 7 grand on a sensor and 800 for an oil change. We make good money I am just not one wanting to pay for those type of repairs. I understand it comes down to the previous owner and just overall luck. fyi I am deciding between this, a NEW 3 series, and a new CTS . but I just I figure a Benz is just that a Benz. any info would be appreciated.

Mike5215

I'd get the new BMW (4) if I were in my twenties and otherwise unencumbered. Great looking car, maintenance is included and you get the full factory warranty. Coming from a Civic the big Benz is going to feel like a barge, and do you guys really need that much room? I'd pass on the CTS. Good looking cars but not built to last.

if you're shopping in the forties, and want the Benz, find an 09 or up CPO car, and buy the extra two years of CPO warranty coverage ($4500). You'll be protected against any repair surprises. Regular maintenance (A Service/B Service) comes around once a year or so with average mileage and run a couple hundred bucks, depending on what additional services are called for on the service schedule.

I think you could swing a 2010 CPO in the 40's, which would give you the more desirable "facelifted" version with newer tech, LED lighting, massage seats, rear camera, park assist, paddle shifters, aluminum pedals etc all standard.

You can find a current list of all CPO cars in your vicinity on www.mbusa.com. Go to Certified Preowned, then"Inventory Search". To answer you original question, an S Class out of warranty is a gamble. They can require unexpected and substantial repairs. But they are an incredibly rewarding car to own and drive. I'll warn you that once you've had one, you'll find it very difficult to step back down into anything, and by anything I include a big BMW, a big Audi, a big Jag, a big Lexus...

peter lin

s class's reliability is pretty good but my friend owns a 2010 s550 and he spends 2500 annually on repair and electrical problems. it depends on what car you actually get and the former owner's using habit of the car. hope you can get a good car for your wife

Streamliner

These fantastic luxury vehicles are rolling time bombs with regards to repairs. If I were your age and such, I would go for a brand new, lesser vehicle. I know you want that luxury feel & image, but I would go with Hondas & Toyotas, until I could easily afford to lease the German luxo sled of my dreams. Trade them in at the end of the warranty and get a new one. The days of keeping these cars out of warranty are gone and it's like playing Russian Roulette if you do. Best of luck to you.

Mike5215

I've found there's two sets of Mercedes owners. One set who's experienced what it's really it's like to have a Mercedes out of warranty, and those who are about to.

BTW, I've been eying 05-08 R230s. Am I correct in presuming they're every bit the maintenance and repair vortex of my two prior W220's plus a retractable roof? I'm still in, BTW. Just want to know what's coming.

Jason B

Please show a pic of the R230.

Mike5215

Prior gen SL Roadster

wilassasin

Shop around for warranties, you would be surprised at the savings you could gain.

Nuru

2011+ on the C. E. and S classes. Get a Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) low mileage (under 20k as a target, , but up to 25k miles on a 2011/12, under 10k for a 2013) car that has at least a couple years on the factory warranty, and go for adding whatever you can add to the CPO warranty either at purchase time or just before your last year of your CPO warranty expires. It also depends on the type of driving you do to. Some people have great luck with these cars, some don't. You also want to get a car with the features you want as much as possible too.
On another forum there is a thread of the high mileage owners and they discuss what repairs they have had over the time they have had the car. Did not seem to be too bad. There are also a lot of DiY'er forum members all over this and other forums and they save money on repairs that way. You can also purchase a DVD with the MBZ workshop instructions to assist you in any DIY activities.
good luck and I hope you get the car you want! S350 w/PANO Roof, Splitview, nightview, distronic plus, active drivng assist packages, etc.

futurebenztx

Wow thanks everyone for the info. lots of stuff to consider. I appreciate the replies now it's time to make the decision. I am honestly thinking of going with the s550 for her and maybe an 08 3 series for myself. Thanks again for the knowledge.

Jason B

Wait, wait wait... She gets the 3 series and you get the S!

Nuru

Hmm, a 08 C300 or C350 with a tune would be better than a 3 series, and probably more reliable.