2007 S-550 AMG >100k miles. What to look for
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2007 S-550 AMG >100k miles. What to look for
Hi I’m considering purchasing a 2007 S550 AMG package with ~120k miles. I’m not familiar with Mercedes Benz and appreciate any advice of this forum as to what maintenance indicators to make a go/no-go purchase decision
thanks
thanks
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From: Omaha, NE
2007 S600
Well, it’s maybe not as fast as an SR22, but the maintenance budget can definitely be at least on par. Personally, I’d make sure you get a thorough pre-purchase inspection, to include reading all diagnostic codes out with a Mercedes DAS (also known as XENTRY) system. A regular OBD II scanner won’t find the important stuff.
Prices on S550s with high mileage are low enough that if it were me, I’d be looking at one a few years newer. Some of the electronics in a 2007 might be a little bit of a disappointment. But that’s just me.
Mine is a much lower mileage ‘07 S600. The engine itself is fairly trouble free, compared to the other systems that don’t age particularly well. Some small but irritating (like heater changeover valves), some much more expensive like ABS/ESP modules and Airmatic shocks and such.
I really think the cars are well designed for what they are - large ultra luxury vehicles, intended to get regular pampering by trained technicians for picky owners. After 13 or 14 years, they have not all gotten that constant pampering and preventive maintenance. When they don’t, it is you, the next sucker - err, I mean happy owner - to pick up whatever slack has been let out in the ongoing maintenance. Lots of stuff on these cars fails just due to age, not mileage. And that one has both.
But Cirrus drivers are all loaded anyway, right?
Prices on S550s with high mileage are low enough that if it were me, I’d be looking at one a few years newer. Some of the electronics in a 2007 might be a little bit of a disappointment. But that’s just me.
Mine is a much lower mileage ‘07 S600. The engine itself is fairly trouble free, compared to the other systems that don’t age particularly well. Some small but irritating (like heater changeover valves), some much more expensive like ABS/ESP modules and Airmatic shocks and such.
I really think the cars are well designed for what they are - large ultra luxury vehicles, intended to get regular pampering by trained technicians for picky owners. After 13 or 14 years, they have not all gotten that constant pampering and preventive maintenance. When they don’t, it is you, the next sucker - err, I mean happy owner - to pick up whatever slack has been let out in the ongoing maintenance. Lots of stuff on these cars fails just due to age, not mileage. And that one has both.
But Cirrus drivers are all loaded anyway, right?
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Thanks for the info DaleB. If only the loaded part were true. Then I wouldn’t be looking at a 2007 model 😄
I’m having second thoughts for sure. Generally I like very simple and highly reliable cars that I never need to touch. It leaves me with a little money to keep the SR22 flying.
I’m having second thoughts for sure. Generally I like very simple and highly reliable cars that I never need to touch. It leaves me with a little money to keep the SR22 flying.
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From: Omaha, NE
2007 S600
Thanks for the info DaleB. If only the loaded part were true. Then I wouldn’t be looking at a 2007 model 😄
I’m having second thoughts for sure. Generally I like very simple and highly reliable cars that I never need to touch. It leaves me with a little money to keep the SR22 flying.
I’m having second thoughts for sure. Generally I like very simple and highly reliable cars that I never need to touch. It leaves me with a little money to keep the SR22 flying.
My other ride is an RV-12, and I mostly do my own maintenance and repairs on both.
Last edited by DaleB; Oct 16, 2020 at 11:12 PM.
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The RVs are fantastic machines. I’ve flown a friends RV10 and really want to build or buy one someday. I was able to get into a really nice 2005 SR22 about 4 years ago for less time and money than an RV10 would have cost me (I need 4 seats). Although when my RV10 buddy tells me what he spends on maintenance vs what I spend then I think the RV10 would have been the more economical long term choice.
I’ve done a lot of own maintenance on vehicles but the older I get the less appealing it is. I do still enjoy doing all maintenance on the Cirrus at least what part 43 allows.
Right now I own a 2006 Chrysler 300, 2008 Mazda CX-7, and 2013 T&C minivan. All 3 have been near zero maintenance except the standard wear items.
What have you had to repair/replace on your 2007 S600? Are the trannys pretty solid? What about the front end or other suspension components.
I’ve done a lot of own maintenance on vehicles but the older I get the less appealing it is. I do still enjoy doing all maintenance on the Cirrus at least what part 43 allows.
Right now I own a 2006 Chrysler 300, 2008 Mazda CX-7, and 2013 T&C minivan. All 3 have been near zero maintenance except the standard wear items.
What have you had to repair/replace on your 2007 S600? Are the trannys pretty solid? What about the front end or other suspension components.
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From: Omaha, NE
2007 S600
Transmission in the S600 is the fairly bulletproof and extremely common Mercedes 722.6, also known as the Chrysler NAG1 and by other names. I think the S540 used the 7-speed 722.9. Millions of them out there. They have some known issues, but nothing huge. They don’t self destruct. Front end parts aren’t expensive.
I’ve had at least my share of fun issues. The ABS/ESP control unit was the rude shock. I’ve spent way too much time and money chasing a full throttle high RPM misfire issue but that’s unique to the V12. I’m about to replace a hot water valve to fix a heat/AC issue. And the ABC suspension in the V12 is not maintenance free either, but the S550 is the Airmatic system, not AS spendy.
On the bright side... I’ve done front and rear brakes with high quality rotors and ceramic pads. Not expensive. Oil changes are easy. Most pets are not unreasonably expensive and are commonly available. And the car is perfectly stable, quiet, and happy on the road with the cruise control set a bit north of 100 MPH. it really is a joy for touring; we take 2500-3000 mile road trips every year now.
I know what you mean about not really wanting to do your own work. I don’t do it because I LIKE to. But when I take it to a shop and get an estimate of $13K to do work that I can do myself in a weekend or so for less than $3K... well... what are you gonna do? That money will buy a lot of gas. And another car.
I’ve had at least my share of fun issues. The ABS/ESP control unit was the rude shock. I’ve spent way too much time and money chasing a full throttle high RPM misfire issue but that’s unique to the V12. I’m about to replace a hot water valve to fix a heat/AC issue. And the ABC suspension in the V12 is not maintenance free either, but the S550 is the Airmatic system, not AS spendy.
On the bright side... I’ve done front and rear brakes with high quality rotors and ceramic pads. Not expensive. Oil changes are easy. Most pets are not unreasonably expensive and are commonly available. And the car is perfectly stable, quiet, and happy on the road with the cruise control set a bit north of 100 MPH. it really is a joy for touring; we take 2500-3000 mile road trips every year now.
I know what you mean about not really wanting to do your own work. I don’t do it because I LIKE to. But when I take it to a shop and get an estimate of $13K to do work that I can do myself in a weekend or so for less than $3K... well... what are you gonna do? That money will buy a lot of gas. And another car.
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$13k. You were correct about maintenance being on par with an SR22. I’ve actually never had an annual cost that much. Starting to think it’s best if I don’t even go look at the car. I might like it too much and lose my objectivity.
thanks fo all the input.
thanks fo all the input.
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From: Omaha, NE
2007 S600
Ha! Go ahead and look. Just don't buy without knowing what you're getting. An extended warranty can help, but it's tough to get one on an '07. And remember, of that $13K estimate, I have been able to knock out most of the items for a small fraction of that. For instance, they quoted over $3200 to fix a coolant leak at the left turbo. I spent $228 fixing it... of which $7.88 was the actual part. They quoted about $700 for rear brakes, I replaced the pads and rotors for under $200. It goes on and on. Either be prepared to do at least some of the work yourself, or prepared to write big checks. But a lot depends on whether you have GOOD independent maintenance shop where you live. I have a dealer (predictable attitude there) and one indy shop that apparently caters to the crowd that takes high repair costs as a mark of pride. There's another one, but they lack the diagnostic tools to troubleshoot. Other areas are better or worse.
This place has been an invaluable resource for gaining the knowledge of how these things work, where to find the stuff you need to fix them, etc. I've got an electronic parts catalog ($20 on eBay) and a laptop with the full M-B diagnostic software on it -- whole setup cost me maybe $300 or so, and has seen plenty of use on my S600 and my son's E550.
And like I said, it's possible there are '07s out there that will be trouble-free for years to come. It would surprise me, though.
This place has been an invaluable resource for gaining the knowledge of how these things work, where to find the stuff you need to fix them, etc. I've got an electronic parts catalog ($20 on eBay) and a laptop with the full M-B diagnostic software on it -- whole setup cost me maybe $300 or so, and has seen plenty of use on my S600 and my son's E550.
And like I said, it's possible there are '07s out there that will be trouble-free for years to come. It would surprise me, though.
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DaleB. One more question. It may seem trivial but I’m a big podcast listener and wondering what my options adding an interface to my iPhone? There’s no way to upgrade the radio and no real need to because it sounds fantastic. So I’m hoping there’s some way to interface with the factory audio system. I’d really miss not having a way to listen to my podcasts or playlists.
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From: Omaha, NE
2007 S600
DaleB. One more question. It may seem trivial but I’m a big podcast listener and wondering what my options adding an interface to my iPhone? There’s no way to upgrade the radio and no real need to because it sounds fantastic. So I’m hoping there’s some way to interface with the factory audio system. I’d really miss not having a way to listen to my podcasts or playlists.
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From: Omaha, NE
2007 S600
Plays MP3 files from a PCMCIA memory card... and yes, you can use an DS card in a PCMCIA adapter, but the whole thing is so klunky I wouldn't bother. It also won't play MP3 files from a CD or DVD. If I were buying again... I'd look for 2010 or newer, to be honest. A lot of the electronics features on the '07 were bleeding edge back then, but are are way out of date. Oh, also -- it's a Sirius receiver, NOT Sirius/XM. That means lots of random dropouts, even when in perfect conditions on the open road. So the satellite radio is not much use. The FM works fine, though it's not HD.
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W221 S550 4Matic (AMG/Designo)
I got one with 143k miles for sale. Happy to discuss.
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From: Washington, DC
2007 S600, 2007 Chrysler 300 SRT8, 2000 C5 Corvette, 2017 Mustang GT, 2023 300C, and a 2019 Lincoln
Like Dale I have a 2007 S600. Great car as long as you are willing to do the maintenance especially on ABC, coil packs, and as Dale said the ESP Control Unit which recently failed on mine as Dale predicted it would some months back. But I love the car and am looking for a 2012/2016 S600 to replace mine. The only problem has been price. Plenty of choices.
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From: Omaha, NE
2007 S600
Really, I think I may be down to just the last couple of little things on mine. The heater doesn't work now -- and I have the heater control valve coming. I have to wonder if this won't fix the nagging A/C problem that's been bugging me too. And I still think the rear suspension is rougher than it should be; I'm going to get it up on a lift of jack stands and look for worn out bushings or play anywhere in the rear suspension. The front seems fine, and the ABC accumulators have all been replaced. The rear one was OK, the front was definitely blown. I'm hopeful that after I address all the stuff that the original owner and his dealer failed to maintain, I'll have a solid car with no more unpleasant surprises. One can hope, can't one?
