BTFanC300

Hi all, I found a black 2012 S550 4Matic with beige interior for sale with 104,000km on the clock. Owner says it's always been well maintained, and in mint condition. He said he already had the Airmatic repaired. The lowest he wants to go down to is 20k (Canadian). VIN is WDDNF9EB4CA426670

What do you guys think? Anything I should worry about/look out for? I'm really not trying to invest thousands into maintenance.. I work super close from home so I only put about 4000km a year.

Thanks for your help!

WarrenC

It doesn't sound bad to me, I paid a little less for my 2009, but with more miles. Lucky for you it doesn't have the ABC suspension like mine does, which can be expensive. I would see what kind of records he has. Original owner?
I'm sure you understand these are extremely complex cars, so there is plenty to worry about if you are inclined to do so!

BTFanC300

Thanks for the reply. He says he has records. I definitely want to make sure he serviced the transmission.

I've been on the W204 forums for a while so I know the reliability of those - but what is it for W221's overall? How has yours been?

WarrenC

Others here can probably give you a better sense of reliability. I've only had mine for about 3 months and have only put about a thousand miles on it. So far I have had one issue with my keyless go which was an easy fix, but I have a vibration which might be related to my ABC suspension and or the motor mounts. I will be addressing that soon.
The 7-speed transmission is one of my biggest concerns, although mine has been serviced a couple of times and has no issues.

BTFanC300

What's the mileage on yours? And I have the vibration on my C300 too, definitely motor/transmission mounts, so I don't think thats exclusive to S classes

WarrenC

The vibration/ noise I'm getting could be from the pulsation damper on my tandem pump. Not exclusive to the S, but definitely to the ABC suspension. I am right at 90K miles.

2MERKS

Ask owner for a PPI, if they refuse walk. If they are will to allow it, then purchase the car, but only if it pass your standards! 20k is a nice chunk of money, and if your handy with tools then that makes it a plus in the end!
GL
2MERKS

BTFanC300

What's a PPI? It's a private seller

BTFanC300

Also, what are your thoughts on the price? AutoTrader says it's worth 28,000$....

2MERKS

PPI - Pre Purchase Inspection
This is a document that buyers use to protect them from a diamond or a piece of coal! They typically cost 150.00 - 300.00 depending on shop. The price is good, However the big question would be if seller is willing to do the PPI!
2MERKS

BTFanC300

thoughts on pricing ?

2MERKS

20k is not bad, but I'd offer 16k! If seller is willing to move his car them he'll counter back to his org offer. 18k will be my final offer, but ask for PPI! DON'T but it without getting it!
just my opinion
2MERKS

WarrenC

Well $20k Canadian is about $15k and change US, so I would say it's a pretty nice price. Although the Canadian market is different from ours, so check around for comparables.
If you can't really do a PPI, does anyone you know have the SDS? A quick scan will tell you what demons may be hiding in there that might not be obvious otherwise.
Mine had meticulous records all from the same dealer and it was immaculate. I did not get a PPI or a scan before I bought it. Luckily there weren't any major surprises, although the vibration did show up shorty thereafter!

tx170754

As one who lived in Canada I can tell you that you really need to check the car for rust, if the previous owners did drive the car during the winters then I would be really careful about the condition of the car...

BTFanC300

I will definitely check for rust.I also plan on bringing it to a shop to have it inspected. Do Mercedes dealers do inspections?

According to AutoTrader.ca the car is worth 26,000$ at the minimum, so I thought you guys would be all over this

I offered 18,000, he listed for 22,000.... I'll see where it goes.

WarrenC

Have you physically seen and driven the car? One look usually tells a pretty compelling story.

BTFanC300

I haven't seen it yet. Haven't had a chance to go because of the holidays, but definitely will. I'm trying to first agree on pricing (the guy lives like 40 mins away)

2MERKS

Sounds like your attached to this S class already!

BTFanC300

It's a gorgeous car! The features and comfort look crazy!
But I'm not really able to afford any expensive repairs...that's what's holding me back. That's what brought me here - to find out if the 2012 W221 is a reliable model (like the W204) or one to stay away from.

2MERKS

This is why it's imperative to get a PPI! Nothing worse then buying a lemon!
Maintenance is key!

konigstiger

Agree with PPI, here's datacard.

2MERKS

When Konigstiger chimes in YOU listen!
Just my opinion.
2MERKS

tx170754

If it is heavily rusted forget about it....
On the other hand I will be a little suspicious about the price, usually pristine cars are not under evaluated....have a PPI inspection before before embarking in what could be a costly adventure.

BTFanC300

Ok, I will definitely get a PPI done (if we can agree on a price, that is...)
I'll also try getting all the maintenance records.

Thank you all for your help

expl0rer

+1 on PPI. I had one done and paid for it myself after the owner agreed to take the car to a dealer of my choice. I did not push for splitting the cost, but you could. It was an Audi, not MB, btw. I spent approx $350 which exposed around $4000 of work needed on a $20000 priced car. Didnt buy the car as the owner didnt budge on price despite seeing the PPI. In the end it played in my favour.

Call the shop you will pick to find out what PPI means for them. It should be several 10s of points they should cover. Audi for example had 130 pt inspection, but not all were covered in the PPI as some were not relevant, like electric vehicle battery, for example, or some diesel motor elements. It also found a blank copy of their PPI checklist online, which helped my decision to do it at a dealer. Also, dealers have ratings based on customer feedback. Easily found online. I took that under consideration as well.

Good luck.