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

Question about upgrading to an S

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Old Dec 5, 2015 | 07:27 AM
  #1  
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2010 mercedes e350
Question about upgrading to an S

Im currently driving a 2010 e350 with 60000 miles on it and its been completely trouble free.I made the mistake of driving a 2012 S with 23000 miles on it at the dealers last week and loved it.I'm aware of the mediocre reliability record of these cars and that concerns me.I will definetely look into an extended warranty if i decide to purchase.My question is,are the majority of issues related to ancillary components or mechanical (engine trans) that might leave you stranded?
thanks
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Old Dec 5, 2015 | 11:00 AM
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The problem with forums is that people are usually on them because they are trying to learn how to fix a problem. I don't think the S class is unreliable, it just has a lot that could go wrong as it has a lot of tech in it. I have heard from a lot of folks that say they have driven their S for years with no problems. Personally, I do not like surprises so I spent the money on a newer CPO car with the extended MB warranty. Since I purchased the $3200 warranty I will probably never use it but it is nice to know that if anything were to break, I would be covered. My guess though is that these cars are about as reliable as it comes when looking at overall problems. Consumer Reports lists the 2012 as very reliable, so I do not know who to believe.
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Old Dec 5, 2015 | 11:04 AM
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s550
Originally Posted by dabrow
Im currently driving a 2010 e350 with 60000 miles on it and its been completely trouble free.I made the mistake of driving a 2012 S with 23000 miles on it at the dealers last week and loved it.I'm aware of the mediocre reliability record of these cars and that concerns me.I will definetely look into an extended warranty if i decide to purchase.My question is,are the majority of issues related to ancillary components or mechanical (engine trans) that might leave you stranded?
thanks
there are a few issues with these cars that people have but not everyone does. 1 is the air suspension sometime or another a shock will go out. 2 the squeeking that comes from the suspension. replacing front sway bar bushings, lower control arm, radius arm will fix this. im sure other people have had issues as well but myself and alot of my boys drive s classes and those are the only 2 issues we ever had. other then that you will love your new s class.
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Old Dec 5, 2015 | 11:10 AM
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2010 mercedes e350
Originally Posted by xxfightclubxx
. other then that you will love your new s class.
i was very surprised how much i liked it compared to my e,not that the e isnt a great car but the ride and those seats and the extra room make it hard to not want one.
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Old Dec 5, 2015 | 12:04 PM
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Depends on the weather
In short and to keep it simple, the more tech and features you have in a car...the more things that have the potential to go wrong. If the car is out of warranty, either buy a warranty, DIY or be financially stable to fork out the money for the repairs.

Any car that msrp's at 100k or 200k+ is not going to be cheap when it comes to fixing anything that fails. An S class is not for the tight budget conscious. Now you could get one that has absolutely no issues, or one that is full of them. Do you homework and research before you commit.
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Old Dec 5, 2015 | 05:14 PM
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Get the car. If you don't it will eat at you and eventually destroy your soul. Also get CPO or a warranty.

The difference between owing an S Class in warranty and owning one out of warranty is the difference between dating a stripper and marrying a stripper.

PS, I was loading my 2010 onto a tow truck this morning because the air suspension collapsed. It's getting its gauge cluster repaired or replaced. It's had a starter replaced, an engine seal replaced, a cam position sensor replaced, and a new AC controller. This all occurred between 40k and 80k miles.

I've paid for none of that. I drop it off, grab a complimentary cappuccino (they just got a new machine), sit in all the showroom cars I can't afford, get my free loaner and come back when she's washed, vacuumed and ready to go.
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Old Dec 5, 2015 | 09:03 PM
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Originally Posted by Mike5215
Get the car. If you don't it will eat at you and eventually destroy your soul. Also get CPO or a warranty.

The difference between owing an S Class in warranty and owning one out of warranty is the difference between dating a stripper and marrying a stripper.

PS, I was loading my 2010 onto a tow truck this morning because the air suspension collapsed. It's getting its gauge cluster repaired or replaced. It's had a starter replaced, an engine seal replaced, a cam position sensor replaced, and a new AC controller. This all occurred between 40k and 80k miles.

I've paid for none of that. I drop it off, grab a complimentary cappuccino (they just got a new machine), sit in all the showroom cars I can't afford, get my free loaner and come back when she's washed, vacuumed and ready to go.
Usually a C class......... how i hate those things.
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Old Dec 5, 2015 | 09:54 PM
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Just to balance this up against the folks that post to ask questions about faults they have I am posting to say I have had my 2009 from new, it has 73,000 miles on it and I have had no major issues.

A few minor bits and pieces that needed adjusting or replacing (seat heater for example) but otherwise we have had fewer issues than with our Toyota minivan.

I intend to drive it to 100,000.
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Old Dec 5, 2015 | 11:24 PM
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Originally Posted by goosesedan
Usually a C class......... how i hate those things.
I got a new C Class last time. My wife was totally fooled by all the interior finishes and contours and loved it. Chicks. This time I'm rocking a GLK. Whatever it is, it always makes me appreciate the S even though it's usually just stranded me somewhere.
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Old Dec 5, 2015 | 11:33 PM
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Originally Posted by Mandingo
Just to balance this up against the folks that post to ask questions about faults they have I am posting to say I have had my 2009 from new, it has 73,000 miles on it and I have had no major issues.

A few minor bits and pieces that needed adjusting or replacing (seat heater for example) but otherwise we have had fewer issues than with our Toyota minivan.

I intend to drive it to 100,000.
That's impressive. Mine was a CPO car as a corporate lease return. All the service records were there, whoever had it previously didn't skimp. It was problem free up till around 60k and then things started going. If it wasn't being fixed free some stuff I would have lived with...the AC taking a few extra minutes to spool up, the leaking cam position sensor plug, the leaking engine seal, etc. The starter (around 80k miles) and the strut just now at 85k obviously were must fixes.

This is my 3rd S. The 221 has been better than my previous 220s but it definitely would have cost me some bucks without CPO.
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Old Dec 6, 2015 | 12:20 AM
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Originally Posted by goosesedan
Usually a C class......... how i hate those things.
Or even worse....a 2015 E350.
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Old Dec 6, 2015 | 10:38 AM
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2012 S350; Nox Sensors, I have had 3 replaced. One may have been the installation of the wrong part number and it started freaking out the CAN bus reporting (this was 2 weeks ago). I have also had a lower turbo oil seal that was replaced. Otherwise everything else has been ok sofar. Airmatic is what I am watching, sofar so good.
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Old Dec 6, 2015 | 07:38 PM
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Originally Posted by Mike5215

The difference between owing an S Class in warranty and owning one out of warranty is the difference between dating a stripper and marrying a stripper.


The latter means, oh sh-it I'm in trouble.
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Old Dec 7, 2015 | 03:35 AM
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Originally Posted by Mike5215
Get the car. If you don't it will eat at you and eventually destroy your soul. Also get CPO or a warranty.
LOL. Very true. It will be in your head day and night like an obsession, these cars.

Besides normal maintenance and a few wear items like brakes, tires, my S550 only has had issues with a dead starter battery, worn out lower control arm, dead radiator fan, and COMAND screen having a mind of its own.
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Old Dec 7, 2015 | 03:38 AM
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Originally Posted by goosesedan
Usually a C class......... how i hate those things.
I don't like the new C-Class because it looks so damn similar to a W222 S-Class that it's hard to tell, especially from the rear, unless you're close up.
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Old Dec 7, 2015 | 08:36 AM
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I don't like cars that have to grow on me. The w221 never had to do that.
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Old Dec 7, 2015 | 09:31 PM
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Agree totally. I was that way with my 2010 E class Sport and this S class. Love at first sight as they say. To the OP, get one with a warranty.
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Old Dec 9, 2015 | 12:22 PM
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2010 mercedes e350
well long story short,we werent able to make a deal on the car but ill continue to look for a low
mileage 12 or 13.Thanks for all the responses!
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