Can I get your advice on potential service record red flags for buying '07/'08 s600s?
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Joined: Jul 2019
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GLA 250 4matic
Can I get your advice on potential service record red flags for buying '07/'08 s600s?
Hello!
You all have more experience on the w221s than I have, either via servicing them yourselves or through normal ownership, have a feel for what is an isn't normal.
I am looking at a '07 and '08 s600 as a weekend driver and a fixer-upper project (though, hopefully not a common one haha) with the family. I ran the carfaxes on two candidates and I see some recurring themes. The '07 has several instances of cooling and electrical systems being serviced. The '08 has 4 instances of fuses being replaced and some other one-time replacement items. Both are at apprx 110k miles.
Are these considered pretty normal/benign? Do the earlier failures of the '08 indicate anything about future failures?
'07 highlights:
-37k electrical system serviced & cooling system serviced
-52k cooling system serviced
-57k electrical system serviced & engine serviced
-67k rear crankshaft oil seal replaced
per owner:
-ABC pump replaced (2015)
-6 pulleys, new belt , new bolts and front both side swing arms were replaced (2017)
-Hvac heater control valve replaced (2019)
'08 highlights:
-5k fuses replaced
-37k fuses replaced
-47k fuses replaced, suspension serviced, valve body replaced
-58k fuses replaced, axle seal replaced
-74k steering column replaced
-86k power steering pump replaced
-102k MAP sensor replaced
Appreciate your thoughts,
Kwally
You all have more experience on the w221s than I have, either via servicing them yourselves or through normal ownership, have a feel for what is an isn't normal.
I am looking at a '07 and '08 s600 as a weekend driver and a fixer-upper project (though, hopefully not a common one haha) with the family. I ran the carfaxes on two candidates and I see some recurring themes. The '07 has several instances of cooling and electrical systems being serviced. The '08 has 4 instances of fuses being replaced and some other one-time replacement items. Both are at apprx 110k miles.
Are these considered pretty normal/benign? Do the earlier failures of the '08 indicate anything about future failures?
'07 highlights:
-37k electrical system serviced & cooling system serviced
-52k cooling system serviced
-57k electrical system serviced & engine serviced
-67k rear crankshaft oil seal replaced
per owner:
-ABC pump replaced (2015)
-6 pulleys, new belt , new bolts and front both side swing arms were replaced (2017)
-Hvac heater control valve replaced (2019)
'08 highlights:
-5k fuses replaced
-37k fuses replaced
-47k fuses replaced, suspension serviced, valve body replaced
-58k fuses replaced, axle seal replaced
-74k steering column replaced
-86k power steering pump replaced
-102k MAP sensor replaced
Appreciate your thoughts,
Kwally
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 257
Likes: 100
From: South Padre Is, Texas
2007 S600, 911 & XJ8
Kwally:
Don't see anything unusual. In fact, not usual... My S600 has had ABC hose and one coil pack, and smaller stuff. Expensive parts, but not too hard to do it yourself...
Regards... Mark
Don't see anything unusual. In fact, not usual... My S600 has had ABC hose and one coil pack, and smaller stuff. Expensive parts, but not too hard to do it yourself...
Regards... Mark
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jul 2019
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GLA 250 4matic
Mcypert:
Thanks for the insight. As I did more research, it seems like these are nothing out of the ordinary. Leaning the first one now as I am wary of the pattern of fuses being replaced. Makes me wonder if they were just guessing and checking but failing to address a root cause somewhere
Thanks for the insight. As I did more research, it seems like these are nothing out of the ordinary. Leaning the first one now as I am wary of the pattern of fuses being replaced. Makes me wonder if they were just guessing and checking but failing to address a root cause somewhere
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,691
Likes: 142
W221 S600, W220 S55 AMG Kompressor, W124 300E, W140 S320, W210 E3204M W164 ML320 Bluetec
A CarFax is worth looking at, but only tells you a subset of the history of the vehicle. If you really want to know what was done, request to view the VMI from a Mercedes-Benz dealership. This will show the vehicles history of work performed at Mercedes-Benz dealers.
The only comment I would make is that the you need to consider two things when purchasing one-
1) The S600 has all options standard. Many Mercedes-Benz customers prefer models with few options as more options = more things to go wrong. I personally think the tradeoff is worth it, but it is indeed a fact.
2) The vehicle is a V-12. The V-12 itself seems to be a very reliable engine, however what needs to be considered is the suspension, ignition system (they have 24 spark plugs), and accessories, as that is where you will see your expenses.
The only comment I would make is that the you need to consider two things when purchasing one-
1) The S600 has all options standard. Many Mercedes-Benz customers prefer models with few options as more options = more things to go wrong. I personally think the tradeoff is worth it, but it is indeed a fact.
2) The vehicle is a V-12. The V-12 itself seems to be a very reliable engine, however what needs to be considered is the suspension, ignition system (they have 24 spark plugs), and accessories, as that is where you will see your expenses.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 1,560
Likes: 207
From: Maryland
Depends on the weather
I'm on my 2nd S600 and the V12's are definitely very reliable. Definitely check to see if the coil packs have been done and regular maintenance. If you don't plan on doing service yourself, find a good indy or be prepared to pay the dealer.
Check to make sure there are no leaks...coolant or oil.
Although the cars are fairly inexpensive now, the parts and labor can still be high via a dealer.
Check to make sure there are no leaks...coolant or oil.
Although the cars are fairly inexpensive now, the parts and labor can still be high via a dealer.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 389
Likes: 52
Mercedes Benz S600
A CarFax is worth looking at, but only tells you a subset of the history of the vehicle. If you really want to know what was done, request to view the VMI from a Mercedes-Benz dealership. This will show the vehicles history of work performed at Mercedes-Benz dealers.
The only comment I would make is that the you need to consider two things when purchasing one-
1) The S600 has all options standard. Many Mercedes-Benz customers prefer models with few options as more options = more things to go wrong. I personally think the tradeoff is worth it, but it is indeed a fact.
2) The vehicle is a V-12. The V-12 itself seems to be a very reliable engine, however what needs to be considered is the suspension, ignition system (they have 24 spark plugs), and accessories, as that is where you will see your expenses.
The only comment I would make is that the you need to consider two things when purchasing one-
1) The S600 has all options standard. Many Mercedes-Benz customers prefer models with few options as more options = more things to go wrong. I personally think the tradeoff is worth it, but it is indeed a fact.
2) The vehicle is a V-12. The V-12 itself seems to be a very reliable engine, however what needs to be considered is the suspension, ignition system (they have 24 spark plugs), and accessories, as that is where you will see your expenses.
VMI is huge, but can be difficult to read. I found that searching google for the part numbers listed for each "instance" gave me a good idea of the work that was done. For example, I noticed on mine part #s for oil seals and oil turbo lines. That's a nice thing to see having been done as that's a spendy item to fix and can happen on these.
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Joined: May 2019
Posts: 671
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From: Omaha, NE
2007 S600
If you buy an S600, don't forget to stop by a pharmacy on your way to or from making the deal. You're going to need some muscle rub; your face will get a little tired from the perma-grin. And you'll also want a little ibuprofen, for when you find out what's actually wrong with it and what it's going to cost you to fix.
Then back to the Aspercreme.
Then back to the Aspercreme.
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Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 389
Likes: 52
Mercedes Benz S600
If you buy an S600, don't forget to stop by a pharmacy on your way to or from making the deal. You're going to need some muscle rub; your face will get a little tired from the perma-grin. And you'll also want a little ibuprofen, for when you find out what's actually wrong with it and what it's going to cost you to fix.
Then back to the Aspercreme.
Then back to the Aspercreme.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,691
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W221 S600, W220 S55 AMG Kompressor, W124 300E, W140 S320, W210 E3204M W164 ML320 Bluetec
This is a big point. When I was shopping W221s I was surprised at how many S65s I saw that were missing things like DistronicPlus and the rear seat packages.
VMI is huge, but can be difficult to read. I found that searching google for the part numbers listed for each "instance" gave me a good idea of the work that was done. For example, I noticed on mine part #s for oil seals and oil turbo lines. That's a nice thing to see having been done as that's a spendy item to fix and can happen on these.
VMI is huge, but can be difficult to read. I found that searching google for the part numbers listed for each "instance" gave me a good idea of the work that was done. For example, I noticed on mine part #s for oil seals and oil turbo lines. That's a nice thing to see having been done as that's a spendy item to fix and can happen on these.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 4,037
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From: Miami, FL
2003 CL 600
There is something that doesn't quite add up there, as I have noticed the same thing. I suspect the S600 was targeted as ultimate luxury and the S65 performance, but one would think without researching the models the S65 is a higher line than the S600 from a price point, so it should have what the S600 does, in addition to the performance features.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,691
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W221 S600, W220 S55 AMG Kompressor, W124 300E, W140 S320, W210 E3204M W164 ML320 Bluetec
Most dealers wouldn't order a 600 stripped down, the options were still optional but most top models were ordered fully loaded. My first CL600 had no keyless go, no parking sensors, no distronic, nothing. Just the AMG appearance package. My second one has every available option for a 2003 except a Designo color. You could get them however, it was just very uncommon to order a $125K car missing options, as at that price point what's a couple extra grand?
https://web.archive.org/web/20070823...odelCode=S600V
