I am thinking about purchasing a 2012+ S550 W221 with mileage on the higher side at 140k miles. The only thing stopping me is that I am worried that turbos might fail at some point which would be a really expensive repair bill. I have read that you need to remove the engine in order to replace the turbos on the M278. The turbos are the only thing stopping me from buying it. Should I just go for a the 5.5 naturally aspirated? I really want the turbo engine though.
Why not find one with lower mileage? Even if it's a year or two older to keep the price around the same range. I know Mercedes have a reputation for longevity, but let's be honest... a Ford Focus will go 300K miles and still be in great shape too, if you take care of it the way a Mercedes requires. So much depends on how the car has been maintained, and who has been maintaining it.
Says the guy who bought a bi-turbo V12... but mine only had 47K miles on it. That said, I think a lot of the work done on mine was slipshod at best. All of the required maintenance was done, according to service records, and by M-B dealers. But the problems that have occurred make me think there were any number of things that the previous owner knew were wrong and needed to be addressed, but chose not to have fixed. I've spent a few thousand bucks working through those items. The turbos have, so far, not presented any issues. But, in another 100K miles -- who knows? On the bright side, I don't see any shortage of S550 turbocharger assemblies on eBay for under $500, if you are capable of doing he work yourself.
My advice when buying one of these cars would be: 1.) Get a good pre-purchase inspection (I didn't do so, and have paid dearly for it). 2.) Know what you're buying, and what it's worth. No matter what you have found, there are others just like it. Don't fall in love until you have the title in your hand. 3.) Either have deep pockets and be willing to empty them regularly for maintenance and repairs, or be able to do things yourself.
Just my $.02 worth; sorry, no change. Driver carries no cash (and credit cards are depleted).
Says the guy who bought a bi-turbo V12... but mine only had 47K miles on it. That said, I think a lot of the work done on mine was slipshod at best. All of the required maintenance was done, according to service records, and by M-B dealers. But the problems that have occurred make me think there were any number of things that the previous owner knew were wrong and needed to be addressed, but chose not to have fixed. I've spent a few thousand bucks working through those items. The turbos have, so far, not presented any issues. But, in another 100K miles -- who knows? On the bright side, I don't see any shortage of S550 turbocharger assemblies on eBay for under $500, if you are capable of doing he work yourself.
My advice when buying one of these cars would be: 1.) Get a good pre-purchase inspection (I didn't do so, and have paid dearly for it). 2.) Know what you're buying, and what it's worth. No matter what you have found, there are others just like it. Don't fall in love until you have the title in your hand. 3.) Either have deep pockets and be willing to empty them regularly for maintenance and repairs, or be able to do things yourself.
Just my $.02 worth; sorry, no change. Driver carries no cash (and credit cards are depleted).
Junior Member
Go for one with less miles. I have a 2013. It has been flawless. But then I have only 13,000 miles on it. Too many cars.
If the car has been well maintained then 140k isnt an issue.
I have a 2012 and just rolled over 105k. Bought it at 74k. Both front struts ,the A/C fan and a sensor is all thats been needed so far. The Turbos are not leaking oil and produce 13psi which is what they are supposed to do. Just watch out for the chain tensioners. If there is a rattle on cold start then be advised that they need doing.
Good luck with it...
I have a 2012 and just rolled over 105k. Bought it at 74k. Both front struts ,the A/C fan and a sensor is all thats been needed so far. The Turbos are not leaking oil and produce 13psi which is what they are supposed to do. Just watch out for the chain tensioners. If there is a rattle on cold start then be advised that they need doing.
Good luck with it...
