Dave's warranty claims thread
11-06-2016, 01:49 PM
#51
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The only currency that matters to an MB SA is the follow-up survey, particularly the question that asks overall how satisfied you were with your service experience. If the answer to that question is not a 10 the SA has a failed survey, irrespective of all the other answers and comments. They live and die by those surveys. Raises, promotions and bonuses are keyed to survey quality.
If you don't have your own SA yet, give one a perfect survey and from then on they'll always look out for you and your car. It's not necessary but I also always give a few lines in the comment section and mention my SA and the tech by name. Those comments get passed right up the chain from the service manager to the GM. They get mentioned in meetings and sometimes tacked up on the employee bulletin board.
If your SA screws up, rather than pretending to be happy and then burning him on the survey, give them a shot to make it right.
Some other stuff I do to make the SA's life easier:
If I show up and they're short staffed or otherwise buried, and the visit isn't urgent, I'll offer to reschedule to free up some slack in his schedule. If they're short on loaners I'll offer to wait or get a ride on the shuttle. I never use them for the free car wash, and on most service visits I decline the wash and vacuum, which also creates some slack in the schedule. In return, I get great service.
Once, my S430 developed a vibration. The shop tried three times and couldn't hunt it down. So the lead tech took me back to the shop floor. We drove the car together and he suspected wheels. He went to the used car manager and brought back another 220 with new tires and we swapped those wheels onto my car, axle by axle, test driving between, until we isolated the problem. It took him 3 hours, but they got it fixed.
If you don't have your own SA yet, give one a perfect survey and from then on they'll always look out for you and your car. It's not necessary but I also always give a few lines in the comment section and mention my SA and the tech by name. Those comments get passed right up the chain from the service manager to the GM. They get mentioned in meetings and sometimes tacked up on the employee bulletin board.
If your SA screws up, rather than pretending to be happy and then burning him on the survey, give them a shot to make it right.
Some other stuff I do to make the SA's life easier:
If I show up and they're short staffed or otherwise buried, and the visit isn't urgent, I'll offer to reschedule to free up some slack in his schedule. If they're short on loaners I'll offer to wait or get a ride on the shuttle. I never use them for the free car wash, and on most service visits I decline the wash and vacuum, which also creates some slack in the schedule. In return, I get great service.
Once, my S430 developed a vibration. The shop tried three times and couldn't hunt it down. So the lead tech took me back to the shop floor. We drove the car together and he suspected wheels. He went to the used car manager and brought back another 220 with new tires and we swapped those wheels onto my car, axle by axle, test driving between, until we isolated the problem. It took him 3 hours, but they got it fixed.
11-06-2016, 08:38 PM
#52
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2011 GL 550, 2010 MB S550, 2004 BMW 645Cic 1988 Corvette
Repairs are based on book rate. I highly doubt that a high end Benz dealer is looking to hose warranty companies. With warranty repairs, especially non factory, the service advisors have to call in first to get the repairs approved. In many cases, depending on the cost and type of repair, the warranty companies send a field rep out to inspect the damage before authorization for the claim. Service advisors know this and are not going to put their jobs on the line by trying to do unnecessary repairs.
11-06-2016, 08:55 PM
#53
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The only currency that matters to an MB SA is the follow-up survey, particularly the question that asks overall how satisfied you were with your service experience. If the answer to that question is not a 10 the SA has a failed survey, irrespective of all the other answers and comments. They live and die by those surveys. Raises, promotions and bonuses are keyed to survey quality.
If you don't have your own SA yet, give one a perfect survey and from then on they'll always look out for you and your car. It's not necessary but I also always give a few lines in the comment section and mention my SA and the tech by name. Those comments get passed right up the chain from the service manager to the GM. They get mentioned in meetings and sometimes tacked up on the employee bulletin board.
If your SA screws up, rather than pretending to be happy and then burning him on the survey, give them a shot to make it right.
Some other stuff I do to make the SA's life easier:
If I show up and they're short staffed or otherwise buried, and the visit isn't urgent, I'll offer to reschedule to free up some slack in his schedule. If they're short on loaners I'll offer to wait or get a ride on the shuttle. I never use them for the free car wash, and on most service visits I decline the wash and vacuum, which also creates some slack in the schedule. In return, I get great service.
.
If you don't have your own SA yet, give one a perfect survey and from then on they'll always look out for you and your car. It's not necessary but I also always give a few lines in the comment section and mention my SA and the tech by name. Those comments get passed right up the chain from the service manager to the GM. They get mentioned in meetings and sometimes tacked up on the employee bulletin board.
If your SA screws up, rather than pretending to be happy and then burning him on the survey, give them a shot to make it right.
Some other stuff I do to make the SA's life easier:
If I show up and they're short staffed or otherwise buried, and the visit isn't urgent, I'll offer to reschedule to free up some slack in his schedule. If they're short on loaners I'll offer to wait or get a ride on the shuttle. I never use them for the free car wash, and on most service visits I decline the wash and vacuum, which also creates some slack in the schedule. In return, I get great service.
.
I haven't been a PIA about anything either. My SA has made all the phone calls to me. I haven't called in at all. My last conversation with him was he was annoyed with the warranty company because they told him they would pay by day's end (Friday) and another rep told him it would be 48 hours. I told him I really wasn't worried about it and to call me when it was done. Now I am fortunate to be in a position that I have two other cars I can drive, or I can use my girlfriends 4runner, or I could use my work van. I haven't bee. In in a position that I haven't had an extra car to use in almost 20 years. I have always had two cars. Usually a nice car and a work car, or a convertible and an everyday car. It's an added expense but so worth it when you are dependant on having to use your car for commuting/business etc... Many people are not in the same position. I can see them losing their minds if the car they are dependant on isn't ready as promised and MB won't offer them a loaner.
The shuttle was very nice. It was in a Honda which made me chuckle. I offered to pay the toll and tipped the guy $5.
It's been so nice out the past two weeks that I was using the BMW even before I dropped the S off for service. I have been parking in the garage nearly every day with the top down and leaving the next day with the top down. I drove my Corvette on Friday for the first time in a couple of weeks. I even drove the 4runner this morning. It's nice to have options. I don't even miss the S class.
I am going ti take to your advice Mike. You have been dead on about so many other Mercedes-Benz related topics.
Last edited by The Thomas J; 11-06-2016 at 09:02 PM.
11-07-2016, 07:33 PM
#55
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I picked the S up today.
Final tally (drumroll) $4006.00
Service A $240
Diagnosis fee $150
Sterring column $2458
Lower control arm $500
Wheel sensor $495
Four wheel alignment $129
My responsibly $500
My SA said the warranty company was one if the best he ever dealt with in every regard. No ***** in about using new parts no haggling over fees and rates. He was very impressed.
Final tally (drumroll) $4006.00
Service A $240
Diagnosis fee $150
Sterring column $2458
Lower control arm $500
Wheel sensor $495
Four wheel alignment $129
My responsibly $500
My SA said the warranty company was one if the best he ever dealt with in every regard. No ***** in about using new parts no haggling over fees and rates. He was very impressed.
Last edited by The Thomas J; 11-08-2016 at 12:23 AM.
11-07-2016, 10:29 PM
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2011 GL 550, 2010 MB S550, 2004 BMW 645Cic 1988 Corvette
Quality shield protection plan offered by Porsche. It appears to be under written/supported by Safe-Guard Products Int'l and the Safe-Guard Warranty Company.
When I was digging around for information on them I found out that Goldman-Sachs has a large interest in the company. Goldman tends to back companies that are solid and will make them money.
When I was digging around for information on them I found out that Goldman-Sachs has a large interest in the company. Goldman tends to back companies that are solid and will make them money.
11-08-2016, 09:15 AM
#58
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Oh yes...they back solid companies....like all of the subprime lenders and their toxic assets that led to the great recession that the US is still reeling from 8+ years later....and then begged for and received a bailout by the corrupt US govt which made their high end execs filthy rich. At least we can say that they have a definite "in" with the Fed, treasury dept, and other channels of govt since their employees swap back and forth between working for them and the Fed and govt. Hell, even Ted Cruz' wife is a high end executive there.
11-08-2016, 09:58 PM
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Oh yes...they back solid companies....like all of the subprime lenders and their toxic assets that led to the great recession that the US is still reeling from 8+ years later....and then begged for and received a bailout by the corrupt US govt which made their high end execs filthy rich. At least we can say that they have a definite "in" with the Fed, treasury dept, and other channels of govt since their employees swap back and forth between working for them and the Fed and govt. Hell, even Ted Cruz' wife is a high end executive there.
05-31-2017, 03:40 AM
#61
With all of the talk of people pondering whether to purchase an S-class with or without a warranty, I thought I’d chime in with my experience. Some members think it’s a stupid idea to spend the money on a warranty because they don’t think they’d ever be money ahead. Some say they are going to do their own repairs and purchase parts at discounts online and do the repairs themselves, thus saving over dealer repair costs. While others state that they are going to set up an account where they will deposit money to pay for any repairs that come up. Those are all novel ideas, but I don’t think most people who’ve never owned one of these machines before and are purchasing it 2nd, 3rd, or 4th or more hand really know what they are getting into. So I thought my experience might help others in making their decision about whether it’s a good idea to have warranty coverage, vs the other options.
Background: I purchased my one owner 2007 S600 sight unseen from a very reputable dealer in the San Diego area and had the car shipped to the Chicago area. I purchased it with just 24k miles in late November, 2014. The car was originally put into service in April, 2006. I had previously purchased warranty coverage on my E60 M5 through my credit union. It is a “Member’s Choice” service contract that has claims administered through “The Warranty Group”, who also administers claims for CarMax warranties among others. (If you live in the Chicago area, I can help you with a contact to help set it up). I purchased a 7 year/75k miles policy that began on the date I purchased the coverage. I’m covered until Nov, 2021 and 99,xxx miles. I have the Platinum policy, which is their exclusionary coverage. It covers all items on the car, except the items that specifically excluded….which would include items such as batteries, hoses, tires, brake pads & rotors, wheels, glass, body panels, etc. Basically the items that are normal wear items or things that would be repaired by a body shop if you got into an accident. I paid $3287.00 for the policy and I have a $100 deductible per service visit. I got it cheap and for a long time due to the low starting mileage. I can go to any dealer or independent shop to have the work done. Price and years of available coverage are determined by starting miles. Like all insurance policies, the warranty company pays at a pre-negotiated rate, which is usually less than a person without coverage would pay for a repair at their dealer or an indy shop.
I’m going to list items that were covered and paid for by my warranty. If it’s for a non-covered repair or the purchase of normal wear items like batteries, tires, brakes, etc, I will not be including it in this list. I will list the issue, remedy, and total cost of the repair. You can subtract $100 from each claim for my deductible. I will update this list periodically as I have more claims.
1. 2-20-15: Replacement of gearshift lever which my wife broke off: $562.70
2. 6-2-15: Whining noise coming from engine, transmission shifting harsh. New idler pulley installed, as well as MB remanufactured transmission: $7395.35
3. 8-20-15: Check engine light on and ABC dampener very noisy. Vacuum hose replaced and new pulsation dampener on ABC pump installed: $733.54
4. 2-16-16: Excessive vibration during cold weather and running loud. Replace 3 motor/transmission mounts: $923.68.
5. 2-27-16: Check engine light came on and car running rough. Installed left side ignition coil: $1849.75.
6. 10-21-16: One horn and washer pump not working. Installed new parts: $630.94.
Total claims paid to date: $12,095.96.
My responsibility: $600.00
Background: I purchased my one owner 2007 S600 sight unseen from a very reputable dealer in the San Diego area and had the car shipped to the Chicago area. I purchased it with just 24k miles in late November, 2014. The car was originally put into service in April, 2006. I had previously purchased warranty coverage on my E60 M5 through my credit union. It is a “Member’s Choice” service contract that has claims administered through “The Warranty Group”, who also administers claims for CarMax warranties among others. (If you live in the Chicago area, I can help you with a contact to help set it up). I purchased a 7 year/75k miles policy that began on the date I purchased the coverage. I’m covered until Nov, 2021 and 99,xxx miles. I have the Platinum policy, which is their exclusionary coverage. It covers all items on the car, except the items that specifically excluded….which would include items such as batteries, hoses, tires, brake pads & rotors, wheels, glass, body panels, etc. Basically the items that are normal wear items or things that would be repaired by a body shop if you got into an accident. I paid $3287.00 for the policy and I have a $100 deductible per service visit. I got it cheap and for a long time due to the low starting mileage. I can go to any dealer or independent shop to have the work done. Price and years of available coverage are determined by starting miles. Like all insurance policies, the warranty company pays at a pre-negotiated rate, which is usually less than a person without coverage would pay for a repair at their dealer or an indy shop.
I’m going to list items that were covered and paid for by my warranty. If it’s for a non-covered repair or the purchase of normal wear items like batteries, tires, brakes, etc, I will not be including it in this list. I will list the issue, remedy, and total cost of the repair. You can subtract $100 from each claim for my deductible. I will update this list periodically as I have more claims.
1. 2-20-15: Replacement of gearshift lever which my wife broke off: $562.70
2. 6-2-15: Whining noise coming from engine, transmission shifting harsh. New idler pulley installed, as well as MB remanufactured transmission: $7395.35
3. 8-20-15: Check engine light on and ABC dampener very noisy. Vacuum hose replaced and new pulsation dampener on ABC pump installed: $733.54
4. 2-16-16: Excessive vibration during cold weather and running loud. Replace 3 motor/transmission mounts: $923.68.
5. 2-27-16: Check engine light came on and car running rough. Installed left side ignition coil: $1849.75.
6. 10-21-16: One horn and washer pump not working. Installed new parts: $630.94.
Total claims paid to date: $12,095.96.
My responsibility: $600.00
05-31-2017, 08:15 AM
#62
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Not at all. I love the car and the peace of mind I have with my warranty. And the dealership I have my car serviced at has a service department that easily rivals Lexus with treatment and customer care. They even have a Starbucks that offers free drinks at any time.
Before you buy any S-class, take the time to seek out an S600 to test drive before pulling the trigger on an S550. You may view the S550 as a mere peasant after experiencing the S600.
Before you buy any S-class, take the time to seek out an S600 to test drive before pulling the trigger on an S550. You may view the S550 as a mere peasant after experiencing the S600.
05-31-2017, 08:46 AM
#63
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Originally Posted by engr_141
That's horrible
11-10-2017, 09:11 AM
#64
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Update
I'm going to list items that were covered and paid for by my warranty. If it's for a non-covered repair or the purchase of normal wear items like batteries, tires, brakes, etc, I will not be including it in this list. I will list the issue, remedy, and total cost of the repair. You can subtract $100 from each claim for my deductible. I will update this list periodically as I have more claims.
1. 2-20-15: Replacement of gearshift lever which my wife broke off: $562.70
2. 6-2-15: Whining noise coming from engine, transmission shifting harsh. New idler pulley installed, as well as MB remanufactured transmission: $7395.35
3. 8-20-15: Check engine light on and ABC dampener very noisy. Vacuum hose replaced and new pulsation dampener on ABC pump installed: $733.54
4. 2-16-16: Excessive vibration during cold weather and running loud. Replace 3 motor/transmission mounts: $923.68.
5. 2-27-16: Check engine light came on and car running rough. Installed left side ignition coil: $1849.75.
6. 10-21-16: One horn and washer pump not working. Installed new parts: $630.94.
7. 5-23-17: Driver's window not working. Tested and performed update of door control unit: $330.00
8. 11-7-17: Homelink not working & engine making jet engine noise on shut down. Replace rear view mirror and replaced air injection pump: $3512.90
Total claims paid to date: $15,938.86.
My responsibility: $800.00
Current mileage: 47,877
1. 2-20-15: Replacement of gearshift lever which my wife broke off: $562.70
2. 6-2-15: Whining noise coming from engine, transmission shifting harsh. New idler pulley installed, as well as MB remanufactured transmission: $7395.35
3. 8-20-15: Check engine light on and ABC dampener very noisy. Vacuum hose replaced and new pulsation dampener on ABC pump installed: $733.54
4. 2-16-16: Excessive vibration during cold weather and running loud. Replace 3 motor/transmission mounts: $923.68.
5. 2-27-16: Check engine light came on and car running rough. Installed left side ignition coil: $1849.75.
6. 10-21-16: One horn and washer pump not working. Installed new parts: $630.94.
7. 5-23-17: Driver's window not working. Tested and performed update of door control unit: $330.00
8. 11-7-17: Homelink not working & engine making jet engine noise on shut down. Replace rear view mirror and replaced air injection pump: $3512.90
Total claims paid to date: $15,938.86.
My responsibility: $800.00
Current mileage: 47,877
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T.H.Carrera (11-11-2017)
01-28-2018, 11:35 AM
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Final list of warranty repairs prior to trade-in
I'm going to list items that were covered and paid for by my warranty. If it's for a non-covered repair or the purchase of normal wear items like batteries, tires, brakes, etc, I will not be including it in this list. I will list the issue, remedy, and total cost of the repair. You can subtract $100 from each claim for my deductible. I will update this list periodically as I have more claims.
1. 2-20-15: Replacement of gearshift lever which my wife broke off: $562.70
2. 6-2-15: Whining noise coming from engine, transmission shifting harsh. New idler pulley installed, as well as MB remanufactured transmission: $7395.35
3. 8-20-15: Check engine light on and ABC dampener very noisy. Vacuum hose replaced and new pulsation dampener on ABC pump installed: $733.54
4. 2-16-16: Excessive vibration during cold weather and running loud. Replace 3 motor/transmission mounts: $923.68.
5. 2-27-16: Check engine light came on and car running rough. Installed left side ignition coil: $1849.75.
6. 10-21-16: One horn and washer pump not working. Installed new parts: $630.94.
7. 5-23-17: Driver's window not working. Tested and performed update of door control unit: $330.00
8. 11-7-17: Homelink not working & engine making jet engine noise on shut down. Replace rear view mirror and replaced air injection pump: $3512.90
9. 12-11-17: ABC malfunction light comes on occasionally, fluid leak, and car makes creaking noises all the time. Replace ABC pump, replace turbo coolant line gasket, replace lower control arms and ball joints. $7817.35
Total claims paid to date: $23,756.21.
My responsibility: $900.00
Final mileage at last repair: 48,500
1. 2-20-15: Replacement of gearshift lever which my wife broke off: $562.70
2. 6-2-15: Whining noise coming from engine, transmission shifting harsh. New idler pulley installed, as well as MB remanufactured transmission: $7395.35
3. 8-20-15: Check engine light on and ABC dampener very noisy. Vacuum hose replaced and new pulsation dampener on ABC pump installed: $733.54
4. 2-16-16: Excessive vibration during cold weather and running loud. Replace 3 motor/transmission mounts: $923.68.
5. 2-27-16: Check engine light came on and car running rough. Installed left side ignition coil: $1849.75.
6. 10-21-16: One horn and washer pump not working. Installed new parts: $630.94.
7. 5-23-17: Driver's window not working. Tested and performed update of door control unit: $330.00
8. 11-7-17: Homelink not working & engine making jet engine noise on shut down. Replace rear view mirror and replaced air injection pump: $3512.90
9. 12-11-17: ABC malfunction light comes on occasionally, fluid leak, and car makes creaking noises all the time. Replace ABC pump, replace turbo coolant line gasket, replace lower control arms and ball joints. $7817.35
Total claims paid to date: $23,756.21.
My responsibility: $900.00
Final mileage at last repair: 48,500
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The Thomas J (01-28-2018)
01-28-2018, 08:09 PM
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2019 S560, 2022 Audi S8
The thing that sux for me is that I'm averaging about 25-30k miles a year. So I need a CPO with unlimited miles and the option to extend. I'm thinking I'll be forced to look at 2012 or newer whether E or S.
Of course if I double up on the R , I'd expect no warranty on that one.
Of course if I double up on the R , I'd expect no warranty on that one.
02-01-2018, 12:58 PM
#68
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Nope, when you're driving that much you should be driving an S class and all of its comfort, safety features and power..
02-08-2018, 10:32 AM
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1989 560SEL, 1999 S600, 2005 S600, 2008 S550 4Matic
From the "gospel" around here, it seems that these cars should not be purchased without a warranty. Which generally means that you should not own them past 150K miles as that is the highest mileage I can find an extended warranty for. Also perhaps they should not be owned after about 8 years or so.
Hmm... I guess I need to sell mine! I knew these cars were expensive to maintain, but I certainly didn't know that one should not be shocked by out of pocket repairs to the tune of $3000+ per year and not even including maintenance!!!
I know Benzes very well, having owned and worked on several of my own, but they were all pre-2000 S-Class vehicles. I always lusted after that powerful twin turbo V12 in the W220. So I bought one last year, a 2005 S600 with 84K miles. It was from an auction. It was well owned lol, had a long list of needed repairs and had been through 5 owners, each of them no doubt getting rid of it as it drained their wallet. I decided that I'd spend up to the value of the car as per NADA in making repairs. Ha, what a joke, I have done exactly that (coil pack, keyless go, new battery, PSE pump, push to start, etc) and now at 89K miles I still have coolant leaking from one of the turbos, an ABC shock starting to leak and A/C compressor that does not work. But this was a fantasy car purchase for me, it isn't even a weekend car, it is a "drive it once in a while car." But yeah, true to accounts fully documented here, random things keep breaking. My parktronic sensors one day started going off randomly and then suddenly stopped. Now my right rear passenger door needs an actuator. I got one from eBay for $71 and fixed it myself, though I had to also purchase the door speaker cover for $55 from the dealer as I had to break it to access the door.
Make no mistake, I knew that the W220 is the worst/least reliable Benz ever made. Not sure of why, maybe it was the biggest victim of the DaimlerChrysler years of cost cutting. A great shame on a great brand.
Then I also purchased a 2008 W221 S550 4Matic from the original owner for my wife to enjoy (she super loves it). Service records backed up his claim that the car had been a "true sweetheart and gave him no problems." The car had 141K miles and I immediately needed to get new tires and replace a control arm plus do an alignment. I also had other repairs that were due to poor workmanship from the indy he started using after his warranty ran out - water got in one of the headlamps as it wasn't covered well, so I had to replace the ballast (dealer wanted $1800 for a new one, I sourced a used one from eBay for $200, paid dealer $300 to put it in) and then at some point the oil cooler line was replaced (I confirmed it in his records) but it was routed improperly and the fan was rubbing on it and it started to leak. That one cost me quite a bit to repair as I paid the dealer to do it. One year and 20K miles later, the car needs new front struts, new front brake pads and rotors and also I will replace the two engine mounts and the one transmission mount to get rid of the low rpm vibration it has. These are all maintenance items, as much as they cost a lot, this car may be worth $10K or whatever but the parts are still from a car that was $102K when new (even have the original sticker from the previous owner). Parts prices and sheer sophistication and complexity has not gone down just because value has gone down a lot.
Nothing scary on these cars yet! But your accounts here sure scare me. I always figured I'd save on purchase cost by getting older, higher mileage versions of these vehicles which have depreciated and thus are cheaper. And of course, insurance as my wife and I, despite excellent driving records, are in our early 30s and for us the insurance on these cars are pricey! Beginning to sound like I should sell the S550 at least.
Hmm... I guess I need to sell mine! I knew these cars were expensive to maintain, but I certainly didn't know that one should not be shocked by out of pocket repairs to the tune of $3000+ per year and not even including maintenance!!!
I know Benzes very well, having owned and worked on several of my own, but they were all pre-2000 S-Class vehicles. I always lusted after that powerful twin turbo V12 in the W220. So I bought one last year, a 2005 S600 with 84K miles. It was from an auction. It was well owned lol, had a long list of needed repairs and had been through 5 owners, each of them no doubt getting rid of it as it drained their wallet. I decided that I'd spend up to the value of the car as per NADA in making repairs. Ha, what a joke, I have done exactly that (coil pack, keyless go, new battery, PSE pump, push to start, etc) and now at 89K miles I still have coolant leaking from one of the turbos, an ABC shock starting to leak and A/C compressor that does not work. But this was a fantasy car purchase for me, it isn't even a weekend car, it is a "drive it once in a while car." But yeah, true to accounts fully documented here, random things keep breaking. My parktronic sensors one day started going off randomly and then suddenly stopped. Now my right rear passenger door needs an actuator. I got one from eBay for $71 and fixed it myself, though I had to also purchase the door speaker cover for $55 from the dealer as I had to break it to access the door.
Make no mistake, I knew that the W220 is the worst/least reliable Benz ever made. Not sure of why, maybe it was the biggest victim of the DaimlerChrysler years of cost cutting. A great shame on a great brand.
Then I also purchased a 2008 W221 S550 4Matic from the original owner for my wife to enjoy (she super loves it). Service records backed up his claim that the car had been a "true sweetheart and gave him no problems." The car had 141K miles and I immediately needed to get new tires and replace a control arm plus do an alignment. I also had other repairs that were due to poor workmanship from the indy he started using after his warranty ran out - water got in one of the headlamps as it wasn't covered well, so I had to replace the ballast (dealer wanted $1800 for a new one, I sourced a used one from eBay for $200, paid dealer $300 to put it in) and then at some point the oil cooler line was replaced (I confirmed it in his records) but it was routed improperly and the fan was rubbing on it and it started to leak. That one cost me quite a bit to repair as I paid the dealer to do it. One year and 20K miles later, the car needs new front struts, new front brake pads and rotors and also I will replace the two engine mounts and the one transmission mount to get rid of the low rpm vibration it has. These are all maintenance items, as much as they cost a lot, this car may be worth $10K or whatever but the parts are still from a car that was $102K when new (even have the original sticker from the previous owner). Parts prices and sheer sophistication and complexity has not gone down just because value has gone down a lot.
Nothing scary on these cars yet! But your accounts here sure scare me. I always figured I'd save on purchase cost by getting older, higher mileage versions of these vehicles which have depreciated and thus are cheaper. And of course, insurance as my wife and I, despite excellent driving records, are in our early 30s and for us the insurance on these cars are pricey! Beginning to sound like I should sell the S550 at least.
Last edited by braverichard; 02-08-2018 at 10:48 AM.
02-08-2018, 09:49 PM
#73
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2011 GL 550, 2010 MB S550, 2004 BMW 645Cic 1988 Corvette
From the "gospel" around here, it seems that these cars should not be purchased without a warranty. Which generally means that you should not own them past 150K miles as that is the highest mileage I can find an extended warranty for. Also perhaps they should not be owned after about 8 years or so., new front brake pads and rotors and also I will replace the two engine mounts and the one transmission mount to get rid of the low rpm vibration it has. t.
02-09-2018, 09:09 AM
#74
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1989 560SEL, 1999 S600, 2005 S600, 2008 S550 4Matic
Shoot, my 2008 S550 looks literally new! Owned by one person (before me) who never had more than himself and his wife in it. Most of the miles were racked up because he had to drive 2 hours back and forth to work everyday in it. Always garaged. Most people thought it was a brand new car when I first got it, MB enthusiasts of course would have known it is not brand new. I said "8" years here really to mean, as a used car, 8 years past whenever you bought it used. It was just a rough time frame I picked out based on all the different threads I've been reading on warranty claims.
02-09-2018, 10:21 AM
#75
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2015 S550
Hard to believe my car is 8 years old. I have 77797 miles on it. Roughly 2 1/2 years left on an extended warranty with mileage up to 115,000. The previous owner did all those mounts and I just put dull brakes on Monday. Cost me $851. $460 for the pads and rotors, $392 at my indy to install. Even the Indy is charging extra to work on the S550. MB wanted $2300. By comparison, my BMW cost about $475 to purchase powerforce rotors and pads and to have the same indy install.
