2007 S550?
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Newbie
Joined: Aug 2016
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From: Minnesota
S550 4Matic / CLK320 Cabrio
2007 S550?
All - I am looking at a 2007 S550 with 24,000 miles. The car is clean as a whistle with all scheduled maintenance done on time. All that said, it's still a 14-year old car.
I already have a CLK320 Cabrio that I've owned for 5 years as a summer Sunday driver. I bought it 5 years ago and have put less than 5K miles on it. I mention it only because owning it has allowed me to find a reputable, reliable, nearby shop that specializes in German cars and they have done great work for me.
Regarding the S550, it has been inspected and is in great shape -- it doesn't even need tires!. Should I be worried about pulling the trigger?
I already have a CLK320 Cabrio that I've owned for 5 years as a summer Sunday driver. I bought it 5 years ago and have put less than 5K miles on it. I mention it only because owning it has allowed me to find a reputable, reliable, nearby shop that specializes in German cars and they have done great work for me.
Regarding the S550, it has been inspected and is in great shape -- it doesn't even need tires!. Should I be worried about pulling the trigger?
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 992
Likes: 245
From: Tucson, AZ
'20 X5 M50i; '17 Ram 3500; Golf Cart; Bikes; Scooters
Here is my 2 cents...
Plastics and rubber can be an issue. But this applies to ALL modern Mercedes cars, not just the S.
I recently got a 2008 S550 with 40K miles. Only issue were dynamic seat air lines (plastic) having breaks. I fixed those myself, but it would a $1000 repair for any shop as it is labor intensive.
Hopped in and drove it 3000 miles this summer for vacation. Not one issue. These cars like to be driven.
If the tires are 14 years old, that is a lot of potential rubber rot and age. You should replace them. If a 2nd set, don't worry.
The 2007 has potential issues with the valve timing gear. Make sure yours is not affected, here's the scoop...Mercedes-Benz with the improved parts have engine serial numbers that are higher than:
· M272 Engine Serial No. 2729..30 468993
· M273 Engine Serial No. 2739..30 088611
Hopefully, you don’t have any of these codes: Fault Code: P1200 or P1208 either Pending or Stored
Fault codes 0059, 0060, 0063, 0064, 0271, 0272, 0275, and 0276 could be recorded as current in the ECU fault memory. If current or pending these codes are caused by a malfunctioning camshaft adjustment solenoid. If you have these codes you should check for oil leak camshaft adjustment solenoids.
If your engine serial number is part of the affected cars, then you may want to inspect further. Perform a visual inspection for wear of the teeth on the sprocket on the M272 or the guide idler gear of the timing chain for the M273 by removing the timing case cover of the engine. If you conclude that you have balance shaft engine issues, the repair is very labor intensive, and the engine will have to be removed.
If me, I'd buy it, but likely about $12K depending on options, and if the gear is affected. Gear needing repair, knock $5K off the price.
Plastics and rubber can be an issue. But this applies to ALL modern Mercedes cars, not just the S.
I recently got a 2008 S550 with 40K miles. Only issue were dynamic seat air lines (plastic) having breaks. I fixed those myself, but it would a $1000 repair for any shop as it is labor intensive.
Hopped in and drove it 3000 miles this summer for vacation. Not one issue. These cars like to be driven.
If the tires are 14 years old, that is a lot of potential rubber rot and age. You should replace them. If a 2nd set, don't worry.
The 2007 has potential issues with the valve timing gear. Make sure yours is not affected, here's the scoop...Mercedes-Benz with the improved parts have engine serial numbers that are higher than:
· M272 Engine Serial No. 2729..30 468993
· M273 Engine Serial No. 2739..30 088611
Hopefully, you don’t have any of these codes: Fault Code: P1200 or P1208 either Pending or Stored
Fault codes 0059, 0060, 0063, 0064, 0271, 0272, 0275, and 0276 could be recorded as current in the ECU fault memory. If current or pending these codes are caused by a malfunctioning camshaft adjustment solenoid. If you have these codes you should check for oil leak camshaft adjustment solenoids.
If your engine serial number is part of the affected cars, then you may want to inspect further. Perform a visual inspection for wear of the teeth on the sprocket on the M272 or the guide idler gear of the timing chain for the M273 by removing the timing case cover of the engine. If you conclude that you have balance shaft engine issues, the repair is very labor intensive, and the engine will have to be removed.
If me, I'd buy it, but likely about $12K depending on options, and if the gear is affected. Gear needing repair, knock $5K off the price.
Last edited by kbob999; Feb 11, 2021 at 05:49 PM.
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Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 5,322
Likes: 1,678
S500
I have a 2007 focus, its been abused for 160k miles and it an utter pleasure to drive, comfortable, fun and light enough to chuck around and enjoy driving, the wheels have been covered in salt every winter and look like new
I have a S500L, its like new, its been loved and only just hit 60k miles, its the most unreliable vehicle I have ever owned (in 40 year of motoring including ALL the wrecks I had years ago) its seat are very uncomfortable and handles like an HGV with flat tyres, the wheels corrode to nothing, the calipers seize, the suspension bushes disintegrate, and the AC condenser gives up,
The ford I fitted
cruise
rains sensing wipers
auto lights
self dimming mirror
DAB and upgraded headunit
BT Phone
BT Music Streaming
Voice control
using genuine parts costing me $600 doing all the software myself with kit that costs just $30
adding BT phone and Streaming on a 221 of this vintage is a headache, if its missing any toys you want walk away, it too hard and too costly to bother - and remember they aren't fun to drive......
I have a S500L, its like new, its been loved and only just hit 60k miles, its the most unreliable vehicle I have ever owned (in 40 year of motoring including ALL the wrecks I had years ago) its seat are very uncomfortable and handles like an HGV with flat tyres, the wheels corrode to nothing, the calipers seize, the suspension bushes disintegrate, and the AC condenser gives up,
The ford I fitted
cruise
rains sensing wipers
auto lights
self dimming mirror
DAB and upgraded headunit
BT Phone
BT Music Streaming
Voice control
using genuine parts costing me $600 doing all the software myself with kit that costs just $30
adding BT phone and Streaming on a 221 of this vintage is a headache, if its missing any toys you want walk away, it too hard and too costly to bother - and remember they aren't fun to drive......
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 623
Likes: 213
From: My house
SL55AMG, GL450, SLK, S550, Maserati Coupe
I have a 2008 S550 I bought a year ago for $11,000 and what a car, has 136K miles Runs and drives like a new car. And really amazingly fast for a big four door sedan!! I replaced all the spark plugs and ignition coils along with all filters and oil change and haven't had a problem at all. So much less money to spend on repairs than my W220! I also have a 2007 SL550 and same thing, I spent $3000 on new wheels and tires in July just because I wanted those. But talk about rock solid cars, they are both wonderful, and that 32 valve V8 is real nice as well. I haven't seen any issue at all with plastics or rubber that appears to be old at all. I don't think I ever have, on any of the Benzos I've owned! And I've owned about 25 of them. I wonder if the gearing is different or something or it's just an illusion but it seems as though the S550 might be faster than the SL550. Possibly because of exhaust sound or ride characteristics... or the weight of the roof mechanism? Oh, well. I also have an SL600 (with RennTech ECU) that is Out-Of-This-World fast, and a GL450 SUV, and those are great too. I think these Mercedes are the best value you can get for your money in used cars as long as you learn to understand them and have honest mechanics who know them as well, nearby just in case. If I had more room in my garage, I'd buy more of these! So, maybe I'm lucky...
Last edited by tonylinc; Feb 12, 2021 at 09:53 PM.
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 29
Likes: 7
09 s550 4matic
...
In response to this thread, BOTUS lost his first girlfriend to a guy in a w221, so he’s pretty butthurt and I would take his advice with a grain of salt. With that said, look for camshaft sensor codes as the balance shaft was an issue during these years. However, not all motors were affected and I just sold a 2007 w/ 195k on it. Expect to throw some money into it, but if you know that up front...I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. The 2007 is obviously the most problematic year, but that low of miles and being well cared for may counter a lot of the 2007 woes. Just know what you’re getting into, the w221 is one of the most fantastic and elegant cars ever built, so they’re worth throwing some money at.
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Super Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 724
Likes: 219
From: Brooklyn, NY
2007 S550 4Matic 2013 S550 Base
In response to this thread, BOTUS lost his first girlfriend to a guy in a w221, so he’s pretty butthurt and I would take his advice with a grain of salt. With that said, look for camshaft sensor codes as the balance shaft was an issue during these years. However, not all motors were affected and I just sold a 2007 w/ 195k on it. Expect to throw some money into it, but if you know that up front...I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. The 2007 is obviously the most problematic year, but that low of miles and being well cared for may counter a lot of the 2007 woes. Just know what you’re getting into, the w221 is one of the most fantastic and elegant cars ever built, so they’re worth throwing some money at.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 5,322
Likes: 1,678
S500
I agree with above, yes the bodyshell and some other parts will easily reach 20 years... but the electricals and most of the points listed above were expected to last 10 to 12 years
if you think that's a poor show, just wait till you see how the current ones are now designed to have a cost effective life span of 3 to 5 years
if you think that's a poor show, just wait till you see how the current ones are now designed to have a cost effective life span of 3 to 5 years
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 623
Likes: 213
From: My house
SL55AMG, GL450, SLK, S550, Maserati Coupe
There's really someone who finds a ford focus a pleasure to drive?
I find that hard to believe, especially someone who has driven in a Mercedes.
Exactly what rubber and plastic parts are falling apart on these cars?
I have owned many cars that were not new, some ten to fifteen years old,
some way older, and for the most part the only rubber parts I've had issues
with were hoses which you'd expect to replace after maybe ten years!
Right now I have a 2008 GL450, 2008 S550,
2007 SL550, 2004 SL600, 2004 Maserati 4200 Coupe, and a 1998 R170 SLK.
Not one of these cars has any issue with rubber wearing out anywhere on the car, except
intercooler hoses on the SL600 which were all replaced with new, along with
both radiator hoses at the same time for good measure. Are people leaving their cars
out in the desert sun or something? My 1990 W124 300CE coupe had a funny looking
rear window rubber seal, it looked like it had overheated once but it never leaked a drop.
I find that hard to believe, especially someone who has driven in a Mercedes.
Exactly what rubber and plastic parts are falling apart on these cars?
I have owned many cars that were not new, some ten to fifteen years old,
some way older, and for the most part the only rubber parts I've had issues
with were hoses which you'd expect to replace after maybe ten years!
Right now I have a 2008 GL450, 2008 S550,
2007 SL550, 2004 SL600, 2004 Maserati 4200 Coupe, and a 1998 R170 SLK.
Not one of these cars has any issue with rubber wearing out anywhere on the car, except
intercooler hoses on the SL600 which were all replaced with new, along with
both radiator hoses at the same time for good measure. Are people leaving their cars
out in the desert sun or something? My 1990 W124 300CE coupe had a funny looking
rear window rubber seal, it looked like it had overheated once but it never leaked a drop.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 724
Likes: 219
From: Brooklyn, NY
2007 S550 4Matic 2013 S550 Base
There's really someone who finds a ford focus a pleasure to drive?
I find that hard to believe, especially someone who has driven in a Mercedes.
Exactly what rubber and plastic parts are falling apart on these cars?
I have owned many cars that were not new, some ten to fifteen years old,
some way older, and for the most part the only rubber parts I've had issues
with were hoses which you'd expect to replace after maybe ten years!
Right now I have a 2008 GL450, 2008 S550,
2007 SL550, 2004 SL600, 2004 Maserati 4200 Coupe, and a 1998 R170 SLK.
Not one of these cars has any issue with rubber wearing out anywhere on the car, except
intercooler hoses on the SL600 which were all replaced with new, along with
both radiator hoses at the same time for good measure. Are people leaving their cars
out in the desert sun or something? My 1990 W124 300CE coupe had a funny looking
rear window rubber seal, it looked like it had overheated once but it never leaked a drop.
I find that hard to believe, especially someone who has driven in a Mercedes.
Exactly what rubber and plastic parts are falling apart on these cars?
I have owned many cars that were not new, some ten to fifteen years old,
some way older, and for the most part the only rubber parts I've had issues
with were hoses which you'd expect to replace after maybe ten years!
Right now I have a 2008 GL450, 2008 S550,
2007 SL550, 2004 SL600, 2004 Maserati 4200 Coupe, and a 1998 R170 SLK.
Not one of these cars has any issue with rubber wearing out anywhere on the car, except
intercooler hoses on the SL600 which were all replaced with new, along with
both radiator hoses at the same time for good measure. Are people leaving their cars
out in the desert sun or something? My 1990 W124 300CE coupe had a funny looking
rear window rubber seal, it looked like it had overheated once but it never leaked a drop.
When have you known any plastic or rubber part, made in 2007, not degrade?
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 29
Likes: 7
09 s550 4matic
Flex discs, motor mounts, trans mounts, PCV valves, control arm boots, TEMP CONTROL VALVES all need addressed. However these are all acceptable maintenance issues. For you guys that can do nothing on your own, this isn’t feasible. But if you can wrench a bit.....all these probs are pretty easily fixable and for not much money.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 724
Likes: 219
From: Brooklyn, NY
2007 S550 4Matic 2013 S550 Base
Thats just ridiculous. 98 out of 100 temp control valves stop working and stop heating adequately. Is there a chance one be could bust and drain your coolant, yes.... Is that a common problem? Absolutely not.
Flex discs, motor mounts, trans mounts, PCV valves, control arm boots, TEMP CONTROL VALVES all need addressed. However these are all acceptable maintenance issues. For you guys that can do nothing on your own, this isn’t feasible. But if you can wrench a bit.....all these probs are pretty easily fixable and for not much money.
Flex discs, motor mounts, trans mounts, PCV valves, control arm boots, TEMP CONTROL VALVES all need addressed. However these are all acceptable maintenance issues. For you guys that can do nothing on your own, this isn’t feasible. But if you can wrench a bit.....all these probs are pretty easily fixable and for not much money.
Super Member
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 671
Likes: 288
From: Omaha, NE
2007 S600
There are a lot of parts on a Mercedes that are life-limited parts that need to be replaced based on time, not mileage, or they will eventually break. This seems to be completely normal for Mercedes. If you're used to driving Japanese or American produced cars, this is largely a new concept that you won't like much. Got a Toyota or a Ford or whatever? Tires, brakes, wiper blades, you're good for 120-150K miles. Eventually you'll need spark plugs, maybe a belt or a hose. So transitioning to a Benz that needs regular infusions of parts can be a bit of a shock. The reward is a completely different driving experience. We just got back from a 2000-plus mile road trip in my wife's Toyota Highlander... and boy, did I miss the Mercedes on that trip! The difference in ride quality is worth the extra attention it needs. For one thing, the Mercedes is dead quiet compared to the Toyota. And passing? Uhhh... no, don't do that...
Airplane owners are pretty familiar with the concept. Talk to your average Cirrus or Cessna or Piper owner; they have an annual maintenance inspection that can end up costing several (or a few dozen) grand a year in parts replacement. And that's on a 30-40-60 year old airframe.
Member
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 130
Likes: 17
From: SO CAL
2008 S550, 2004 G500, 2020 Cayenne
I've got mine, 2008, with just 7500 miles in 2015, from a friend and I currently have 89,500 miles on it.
I've been changing engine oil at every 5000 miles and the transmission fluid at 40,000 miles interval.
It's been problem free except what I consider as regular wear and tear items, below repairs were needed other than tires, brakes and batteries replacemnets.
Front Airmatic Struts at 66,000 miles in 2018(Probably had to with the age than mileage)
Oil Filter Housing Gasket at 68,000 miles in 2019
Front Lower Control Arm and Swat Bar Link at 74,000 miles in 2019
Other misc. items include, transmission mount and washer pump.
Also, as a preventative maintenance, I've replaced spark plugs and fuel filter.
Over all, I really enjoy the car and couldn't be happier.
I've been changing engine oil at every 5000 miles and the transmission fluid at 40,000 miles interval.
It's been problem free except what I consider as regular wear and tear items, below repairs were needed other than tires, brakes and batteries replacemnets.
Front Airmatic Struts at 66,000 miles in 2018(Probably had to with the age than mileage)
Oil Filter Housing Gasket at 68,000 miles in 2019
Front Lower Control Arm and Swat Bar Link at 74,000 miles in 2019
Other misc. items include, transmission mount and washer pump.
Also, as a preventative maintenance, I've replaced spark plugs and fuel filter.
Over all, I really enjoy the car and couldn't be happier.
