I'm ready to buy an S550. I had a '09 E350 & want the bigger car for some long road trips coming up this summer. I've pretty much narrowed down my choices to just two vehicles -- a '09 w/ 62k miles & an '10 w/ 77k miles. The '10 is slightly higher in price. Is there much difference between the two model years? I'm guessing there might be some technology updates with the '10 -- the features on both navigation and audio equipment including Bluetooth are of interest to me

 

get the 2010

 

2010+

 

don't feel rushed these cars are not rare. I think theres close to 20 added to ebay everyday. now if you want specific colors and options then that maybe a bit harder. to be honest I feel that private owners actually are asking more than dealers. Im not a huge fan of non main dealers as I feel they take anything they can make money on. I feel the main dealers like a benz dealer only keeps the really good cars.. Im **** and ocd so for me to find a car takes a longgggg time. I don't do body work or damaged cars.

 

Find a car with MUCH lower mileage and full service records since new. It's definitely in your best interest to spend more to get the lower mileage car so that you can buy a warranty. Otherwise you'll likely spend as much in repairs over a few years as you spent on the car.

 

I first looked at a 2007 with 103k miles. Then a few 08's. The '09 I'm seriously considering as my first choice has 62k miles is from a AutoNation franchise in the next town. The '10 I'm thinking of as my 2nd choice has 77k miles & is from a independent used car dealer nearby (no service facilities -- just a sales office)

 

I was in the same boat about a month ago. I was upgrading from my 2005 S430 and at first was looking at the 2007 S550, but many had hire miles and was short on some of the new features I was interested in. I then had my mind on a 2009 or 2010, especially the 2010's since at that time all were face lifted, I saw some 2009's with the face lifted look and some 2009's without it. The price range for them around me were around $30-40K for a good one. I test drove the 2008,2008,2009,2010,2011 and 2012 S550's. In the end, i coughed up more then i anticipated and purchased the 2012 S550. If a possibility I would recommend a 2012 or 2013. Starting in MY 2012 they started to use the Twin Turbo 4.6 V8'S and compared the the previous model years, its pick up just felt more right for a big car like these W221's. As other members are saying, look for one with low miles and BUY AND EXTENDED WARRANTY! I purchased a exclusion warranty that would cover me to 101,000 Miles or until 2019, and sadly as already come in handy with about $500 repair. I don't know where you live, but in my area there are a ton of Mercedes W221's to choose from so they are out there. All in all I paid around $60,000 for my 2012 S550 with the drivers assistance package (Active blind spot, Active lane keeping assist and distronic plus), Rear seat entertainment system, Night vision, heated steering wheel, Premium 2 Package and Panoramic roof and the extended warranty. Only thing I wish I could have gotten but could not find is one with the Bang and Olufesn sound system.

If a 2012 or 2013 is not an option, I would recommend a 2010 or newer, but with less miles than 77K, trust me it is worth paying more for less miles and getting an extended warranty with which ever MY you get.

Good Luck! The W221 is fun and exciting to drive!

 

I'm still negotiating with both dealers. Their last price on the '09 was $32,930 and they want for the '10 $35,500. I figure both cars are worth about the same since the newer car has an extra 15k miles on it. The newer car has a better color combination for me and Keyless GO; the older car has the Panoramic sunroof and looks cleaner on the interior

 

I would still go for the 2010. There are too many improvements and you will thank us later.

 

I orig looked at a 2007 w/ 103k miles at $22,500, super loaded -- but don't want one that old with that many miles

 

I would also recommend that you be a bit more patient. You really would be more at ease with regards to repair costs if you try to get a 2010+ car with under 25k miles, to under 50k miles. If at all possible get 2011 - 2013 CPO car from a MN dealer, so you can get an extended MB warranty - it is definitely worth the money.

 

Make sure you buy a warranty. Don't leave for home without one.

 

There don't seem to be any 2011's nearby. I did some internet inquiries in the Los Angeles area on a few. It looks like I'll probably be buying either the '09 or '10 locally. Any hints or suggestions regarding buying an extended warranty?

 

Yes....call credit unions in your area to see if they offer coverage. And always go with exclusionary coverage for the longest period of time you can get. The warranties are transferable and add resale value to the car.

 

I suppose there are different companies selling the extended warranties, and they probably offer various levels of coverage. Is one company much better or worse than another? I can figure the length of coverage by my driving pattern, but should I go for the basic/minimum or deluxe/full on what repair items are included?

 

Im not being paid to advertise for them or anything but I went with our site sponsor AutoPOM. They offer high end warranties and allow you to make 0 interest payments on them, so you dont have to pay all up front!!

 

Ralkin...try USAA if you are within their membership guidelines.

Hd

 

2010 and up

 

As added insurance demand that they change the transmission fluid in the car if there is no prior record. Alot of people let the transmission go without a change and have big problems later. In fact have all the fluids done before driving it. Or have a private mechanic inspect the car and the fluids to see what condition they are in. I bought an 09 s550 with 57k miles and did my transmission fluid, power steering fluid, brake fluid, and oil the day I drove it home. No transmission issues to date