Mike5215

Yeah, that's a familiar mental trap...the spotless service history, and usually really good overall condition = what could possibly go wrong?

The problem is that for the stuff prone to break and generate big dollar repairs, almost none of it is required to be maintained or even able to be maintained. There just hundreds of specialized systems and sub systems you never realize existed until they crap out, because normal cars don't have them. Like look at your steering column. There are no fewer than three independent microprocessor units in there. One controls starting, one interfaces with the transmission interlock, one checks permissions on the keyless go. They're probably over $1k each.

Multiply that by a ton. My last bill was for a front strut, a cam position magnet and a central gauge cluster that was dying. $6,000. (All covered under CPO).

You may get lucky, but odds are you wont stay lucky.

kn51

Yep. Last repair for me was for the pano roof just a couple days ago. Motor just decided to go. Throw another $900 into the fire. Can't predict those failures.

Now, you have to balance some of our figures with what you can work out with your skills and your indy mechanic. For example, the sunroof motor is basically a Webasto part. Getting access to swap it out is actually better in the S compared the E. So it would be a few hundred with some finagling if one were inclined to tackle the job.

But to add with Mike is saying, my car was immaculate out of the lot. The only thing I discovered later that I missed was the lumbar in the seats. I remember staring at it with my wife. I told her, "my heart says yes but my brain says no." Her reply was, "It only has 28K on it, what could go wrong?"

Yeah, famous last words:

ABC hose and front accumulator
Coolant leak (Every gas fill at 275 miles I would need to add around a cup or two to get the warning off to the correct level)
Sat radio module
Rear headrest combined with power door panel switch
Rear door chock assembly
Lumbar air
Idler pulley fiasco
Pano roof motor

and I'm probably missing a few minor things.

Most people would crap when they hear a transmission replacement is 2K. Heck, that's a seat cushion in these cars.

Point is, drive it. Shake it out. Maintain it. Enjoy it and in 50 years it won't matter anyways.

Mike5215

^Yeah, and a transmission, rebuilt is $6k. At least with the tranny you'd think if it were maintained you'd be safe. On mine, I did the first transmission service, the second and, right before CPO expired, an extra one. No shavings, no burnt fluid. I had them pull any transmission codes. None. 3,000 miles later, total implosion, shrapnel throughout.

When you see a nice, clean, used S Class it looks so elegant and regal that it seems impossible it would ever hurt you. It helps to think of a used S like a sleeping alligator. A sleeping alligator can't hurt you. Eventually, the alligator wakes up. Then it's too late to be afraid of the alligator.

wilassasin

You guys really think the S is bad, I've had several BMW's and all I can say is go view bimmerfest and you would think your problems were minuscule. Now knock on wood I haven't had any bad experiences with bimmers or my current S Class but in comparison I'd definitely give the reliability advantage on the flagship euro between the two brands to MB.

As we all say, don't own any of these cars out of warranty.

Mike5215

That's the thing. The S is great. Nothing else like it. 95% of the time it's not giving you any trouble. But when it needs a repair its not cheap.

wilassasin

Mike how's the new whip going? Do u ever miss the S? Like you, I'm looking to get something sportier as well but I'm a wait until the new CLS comes out. Hopefully they will figure out a way to incorporate a panoroof on it.

Mike5215

I love the C. The only time I've missed the S has been for long drives on the interstate. Not as quiet or composed.

DerekJeter

UPDATE exactly a week into owning the car Check engine went on (some catalytic converter codes), tire blew up (dont remember going over potholes), AC went off and its blowing heat. Im getting error codes:942D,943D, 944D, 945D, 949D, 94AD, 94BD, 94DD, 94ED, 951D (A32n1 Blower regulator, 955D. Replaced blower motor regulator and paid $268 for the part with a shops discount. That didnt fix the problem. Car is in the shop half apart with the seat out and carpet off. Apparently sunroof drain was clooged up and some water was leaking into the car after rain so there was some water under passenger side carpet. What also messed up is some kind of temperature sensor under passenter side front seat. With my luck because of July 4th I cant even order the part until Tuesday.
This car hasn't been anything but a huge disappointment and it was servised in Mercedes only all its life. I might sell it as soon as it comes out of the repair shop.

Mike5215

Yeah, an S with that mileage is a huge risk, and it's virtually limitless the number of things that can go bad at any moment. I agree, sell it. The S is a great car (I've had 3) but it has to be the right S and it has to have some form of warranty protection. You'll pay more upfront vs yours but the saying around here is "there's no such thing as a cheap S Class."

DaveW68

Yeah....see this thread...and the importance of owning these cars with a warranty. And this is a ultra low mileage car. Surprisingly, I've gone 5 straight months without having something break (knock on wood). Only thing I've had done since February is front brake pads & rotors.

https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...ms-thread.html

Mike5215

That just means the 600 is planning something spectacular

DaveW68

Sometimes you just never know. Coil pack on the other cylinder bank would be my guess for the next thing to go. I love the peace of mind of an excellent warranty that will cover the car longer than I will likely have it.

jahquan3

Sorry to hear that OP has had problems already. We have in common that our current MB is our first and like you I bought mines with high mileage and out of warranty (85,000).
I've had to put several thousands into my car but I must admit the bulk of that was just maintenance items that I overlooked before I purchased. I wish you the best of luck and hope your second go around with MB is a better outcome for you.

kn51

Mine just stares at me with a foreboding stare waiting for its next move as well. Actually it just made a move, found out yesterday before a road trip the front lighter socket doesn't work when trying to charge a phone. I laughed and thought "gee, maybe it's only a fuse." Actually a legitimate question, I'll have to check that.

Wolfy90503

Allow me to chime in as an aspiring MB owner (S or SL). I'm a lifelong Jaguar owner and, despite all the bad rap on Jags, my current 2005 XJ8L has been a reliable daily driver, costing $3000 at indie shops in the last 4 years (air struts, new brakes, water tank, alternator,...that's it, no hidden gremlins). It now has 120k mi and still runs like new. This thread makes me think twice about MB ownership. Maybe I'll get one of those 20-30y.o. MB's that you still see running all the time. The new MB's (and German cars in general) sound scary.

DaveW68

If you're "smart" and go into the purchase with common sense and your eyes wide open, you'll be rewarded with the experience of owning and driving one of the smoothest and most satisfying luxury cars ever built. Buy a lower mileage car and purchase an exclusionary warranty with coverage that will cover it over your entire anticipated term of ownership. You'll pay a little more for a low mileage example plus the warranty coverage....but it is well worth it. People buying lower priced higher mileage cars with no coverage are the ones who get punished.

jylee

We all love nice car. A seven years old lux vehicle should log in 100k miles, yet they still turn heads. I just change out the front suspension air bags on my 07 Range Rover. It cost me less than $600 on the web, and a few hours in my hot TX garage. The other option is call on indies or dealer. Dealer/indies would charge for $800 OEM parts per sides + labor. It would be $2000 for front or $4000 front and back. These number add up quick when you don't want to turn wrench. The point is...with the help here, and other MB forums. You can solve most issues at miniumn cost. Otherwise, you will need a cheap vehicle, while your lux vehicle is in repair.