Found a good deal on one of my dream cars this week but it had one flaw. Normally wouldn't even consider this but it only comes with powertrain warranty and I'd hate to move on to another option without some input. What better place!

2012 s550. Test drove twice, 2nd time out when I opened it up, engine light came on and it lurched badly 4 times before smoothing out accelerating. Felt like bad shift but was running a bit rough so maybe something else. Tried twice more before pulling over, shutting off , and restarting. Light went off and was fine for rest of the drive.

Question is, is this a know issue? I'd hate to continue looking if this was something simple as the car is in stellar shape and priced well.

Thnx in advance!

 

What is the current mileage? And are you purchasing from a Benz dealer?

 

97k and nope but was bought through dealer auction from Mercedes according to the auction paperwork. Warranty is 3rd party

 

97k on a 4 year old S550? I wouldn't walk away. I'd run as fast as I could! That thing is gonna be a money pit.

 

thank you. reaffirmed my gut feeling

 

What were they asking?

 

It dawned on me this morning...97k is km's, not miles so about 60k is more accurate.

about 35k US with a pretty decent load

 

Seems like a decent deal. It is a big risk though even with 60K miles. Could get very expensive or might be fine. Big gamble.

 

the lurching you described is usually due to a vacuum leak. 2012's have the twin turbo motor, so there's likely a boost leak somewhere.

 

Can you get it to MB or an Indie for a prepurchase scan and inspection? I think if you could rule out the serious drive ability issue the car may be okay. Absent a scan (and a concession from the seller to fix whatever is causing the problem) I wouldn't move on it.

They'll give you enough headaches anyway. No sense starting out in a hole.

 

thanks Guys;

I'm likely to pass as the "starting out in a hole" comment really rings true to my concern with this one.

Appreciate the input, I'll be back to troll and try contribute once I find the right merc for me