frostsdad

Have 2011 E350 4matic that is very reliable. Only very minor issues. Love a bigger car, and prior to the E350 had several V8 cars - other manufacturer.

Interested to hear opinions about W221 S550 4matic Vs E class in terms of reliability. About the same or is one more prone to issues than the other? Need to replace my 11, and intend to buy CPO but a little concerned about reliability beyond that - I've always heard the E class is pretty much perfected and not many issues. While I love the S class, I'm unfamiliar with how it's rated reliability wise. Any help or opinions would be appreciated.

Polar Bear

I have not had any major issues at all with my V12 W221. I believe the W221 is a solid vehicle.

frostsdad

Thanks Polar Bear. I was on the hunt for a '14 E550 and had trouble finding one I liked. The dealer had a '13 S550 which is what I really wanted anyway so I spent the extra money. I'm so glad I did - this car is what I envisioned a Mercedes Benz really being. I never enjoyed the E class the way i have loved some other cars ... With the S class it is like a totally different league. Real leather, real power.... My E class always felt solidly built and drove well but it lacked the luxury I was seeking ... In fact my wife's CLK cabriolet was a better car (albeit too small) than my E class was.

Thanks for your reply and I'm thrilled with my car. Got an unlimited CPO until 12/2019 so I plan to enjoy it thoroughly until it is time to trade it in. The only concessions I had to make were giving up all wheel drive and getting a black interior (looks nice but gets filthy if I take a passenger who isn't as meticulous as I am :-)

Mike5215

They don't go bad often, but when they go they go in a big way in terms of expense especially the TTV12. Like "down payment on your first home" kind of money. Never own an S out of warranty is my motto, and I've owned three of them.

DaveW68

You made a good choice by getting out of the ugliest E class MB has ever built and getting into a car that will pamper you. Much more exclusive and rides like a dream. You'll definitely appreciate the warranty as I'm sure it will save your ***. Like Mike said, dump the car right when the warranty expires as repair costs out of warranty can kill you. I think you'll love the black interior as it is by far the easiest to keep looking clean and new. Just wipe the dust off the dash every couple of weeks and you're pretty much good to go. The gray and peanut butter interiors show their wear very quickly.

wilassasin

I haven't had any issues other than replacing the washer fluid nozzles. Also my left rear electric shade stopped working about a year ago. Other than that the car has been perfect. Purchased the car in early 2013.