sach22

Hello All,

I've always been a fan of the S-class and generally feel they are very well built cars and offer a lot of value. I'm thinking of buying a W221 S550 4Matic and wanted to know about the overall reliability.

1. What major issues come up with these cars and the cost and mileage/timing of these issues?

2. Particular year to seek or avoid?

3. Are there extended warranties available for these cars (2012/2013) and if so which carrier provides these? Costs? Worth it?

4. Any particular places to search for these cars?

5. Any other thoughts?

Greatly appreciate it! Thank you!

Senecat

No, just no.

sach22

Thanks,

Senecat, Anything in particular? In previous posts about this sort of thing for people that have left their W221 you have said they “will be back”.

Specifics would be helpful

Any others with experience? Happy to hear good reviews as well.

thank you

chassis

Air and hydraulic suspensions are reliably unreliable. Armed with that information you can decide. DIY or a trusted indy will help here.

M278 engines are gaining a reputation for fatal cylinder scoring. I’m not an expert in the earlier M273.

Early 7G gearboxes had electrical connector problems and conductor plate problems. The conductor plate in later versions remains one of the weak links in the design at high mileage.

Extended warranties are available for almost anything. Using the search feature will bring up sellers. The W221 is definitely long in the tooth and a warranty may be hard to find. Warranties are almost never what they seem to be. Caveat emptor.

Standard used car advice applies: buy the newest and lowest mileage car you can find.

Elevated life experience (old) people bought these cars new, and well above average wealth individuals and livery companies. Major metro areas, Florida and Arizona would be targets to search.

If this is a weekend hobby car you’re fine. If it is intended to be a reliable high mileage daily driver you are taking some risk.

Arrie

I have a 2013 S550 and 1010 E550. Between these cars I feel the 2010 engine is more reliable and was the same engine in S550 until 2013 they changed it to the turbo engine. So, for this 2012 is the latest you can buy if you want the NA engine. I would have bought one myself but at the time I bought mine there were none available in the MBUSA site that U used to find mine. It seems good used cars are hard to find at this moment.

Reliability in general has been extremely good on both of my cars. The biggest single problem was my E550 Airmatic springs that I had to replace at about 10 years of age, which I knew will be a job coming with these cars. Parts cost for the front was a bit high but I'm a DIY person so labor was free. I would not drive these cars if I could not work on them myself. My S550 will have the same spring job coming in a couple of years, but I have planned for it already before I bought the car.

It is a gamble with used cars but if you really want to drive an S-Class you just need to buy one. I did want to (always have) and I bought one. Owning my E550 for 8 years convinced me to take the risk with this S550. So far it has been good.

What comes to mileage of the used car. I always try to find HIGH MILEAGE car that has been used short time. This means the car has been in highway use, which in turn means you can divide the miles by 3 to compare it to a city driven car.

mercedesmax

2012 S 550 has the twin turbo V8.
Find a car that has been completely dealer serviced and as few owners as possible. Stay away from any car with an incomplete service history.

Senecat

You don't buy a 221 because it's "reliable", you buy it because it's a 221.

Arrie

My bad,

I remembered 2012 was still the NA motor.

BenzV12

I remember one of ex W221 Owners said that buying an extended warranty is a must for S Class regardless of its condition .
You not only buy an S Class when you buy one , you also buy yourself a Class as well

Chachd72

I bought a 2011 S550 CPO in December 2013 with 15K miles and currently have 125k miles. I bought a 2 year extended warranty for an extra $4-5K and used it for 1 repair that would have cost $400 so that was a waste of money. Repairs that I have had over the years include: 1 front ABS wheel sensor; 1 front brake wear sensor; 1 lower control arm; engine and transmission mounts. One of the reasons I bought the 2011 was because of the non-turbo engine.. It uses about a quart of oil in 10,000 miles. I've followed the factory service recommendations since I bought it. This is my first Mercedes and is absolutely the best car I have ever owned!!

mcb66

My experience with a "high" mileage 2008 S550 has been that it is the most solid built car that I have ever owned. At 180+ it drives like an 80K car. The only problems that I have had to fix were normal wear items. It has been a very reliable vehicle. I would probably avoid a high mileage 4matic though.

tbilisi79

For no turbo cars.
Expect to spend $1000 per corner for struts when each side goes. Few grand here and there for engine mounts, suspension bushings and such.
If you do your homework and buy a car that was cared for and some of the work already done, you will enjoy the car. Also be able to turn a wrench, or have a good MB mechanic near by.

Also avoid 4 matic. Just less headaches and things to break down.

2011 ad up comes with twin turbo motors, which potentially could cost even more in upkeep.

Chachd72

2011 S550 had a naturally aspirated engine. Turbos didn't start until 2012.

Petkus

Buying used S Class is like buying a Boat/Yacht. Initial capital is not huge in relative terms but you have to be prepared to throw regular cash onto ongoing maintenance. It demands attention before giving an exciting experience. Then once you buy it you will have to make another decision. Are you going to give your car you love to "MB Experts" in town or to a family-owned local European cars business and are you going to do any work yourself? Giving it to "MB Experts" has drawbacks. You bring your car to them and it disappears into a black hole via concierge. Later on, it reappears from the black hole via concierge (Yes with a professional smile, coffee, cake, and the champagne). If the car is the same or better upon return great. Then the concierge system works. But it often does not and not only do you find new noises and sounds but you will have no specific idea what they have done to it and what material they used. For example new rotors and pads. $2200 AUD job. Have they checked calipers as well, ensuring all system works to as they say Best or Nothing perfection? Well, you will find out 4 months later. Finding a "family doctor=local European Car S Class experienced family business" is worth finding because they let you into their kitchen. I had a car (Mitsubishi Lancer that I have hardly serviced and it lasted 240000km). S Class is not like that. Like a yacht/boat, you need to be prepared to spend cash annually on it. Just choose who you allow to service it for you. That is one reason (I think - my theory) why I have seen ex-S Class owners shifting to something like BMW. But S-Class experience is no longer there. Some people stick with S Class forever and some go through an emotionally wonderful S CLass journey and once they get enough and reach a point they can let go they say goodbye to their S Classes and marry a keeper. As for me I still have S Class S350 and still love it and still throwing cash on it. S Class models post 2013 aren't for my boomer nature so next might be something fully electric.

George993

W221 are great cars, some of the best value on the market right now, in my opinion S550 from 2010 and 2011 are the best years - nice face lifted looks, a lot of early problems fixed, and simple, reliable engine (before the twin turbos, direct injection, cylinder scoring problems etc expensive engine failures, the failures are not very common, but common enough if they hit you). Avoid ABC suspension unless you enjoy unexpected and dangerous thrills when it fails at a worst time (been there). Airmatic suspension is simple and reliable - just replace the pump relay when you get the car and watch for/replace deteriorating air hoses preemptively. Struts may need replacements too, but are not very expensive and easy to do. Pano roof is better to avoid, specially before 2010 (the most common failures before 2010 can be repaired for about $2 in parts and $1000 or more in labor unless you DYI). 4Matic is a matter of a personal choice, good in snow but I would never get it in a warmer climate.

S600 is a great alternative for power and extra luxury, be prepared to spend $10,000-$20,000 to sort it out if you get an earlier car, but they are awesome after that.

S400 has obvious hybrid problems, unless it is converted to S350 specs (ask me if interested) - It could be the best option for those seeking low operating costs.

Get a full Designo interior if you can find one - regular S class looks cheap and utilitarian inside by comparison (if it matters to you).

Good luck with whatever you choose.

Prigruss

I have a Japan spec 2008 S550 with 86,000km and I love it.

Its never let me down (yet!) but that doesn’t mean I haven’t spent money on it…. I’ve had to replace the engine and transmission mounts, there’s an minor fluid leak somewhere, and a charging issue crops up every now and again. My suspension is still good thankfully. They are known to have issues with the Harmon Kardon amp which brings down the entire COMAND system so check that too.

I bought mine off a dodgy dealer who used a dodgy mechanic to give me an inspection report… turns out it never should’ve passed it’s WOF (annual road worthiness test in NZ). My advice is to take it to a mechanic you trust who specialises in European cars. Or get a few recommendations then forge a relationship with them.

I love my W221 though, drives like a dream and is so quiet - every other car is horrifically noisy once you’ve had an S-Class . I’ve updated the tail lights to LED and added CarPlay (AliExpress, happy to make a review post if enough people want to hear about it)

Chachd72

I'm interested in the CarPlay from Ali Express. Did you do the install? How difficult is it? Which one did you purchase? In looking at the Ali Express web site there are multiple listings with prices of $177.00, $194.70, $195.00, $214.50, and $408.80 that appear to be the same item. Can you give some help in deciding the right one? I have a 2011 S550 with the Harman Kardon system.

Prigruss

Yea, I did the install but I’ve had a bit of experience with car stereos and general car DIY. That said, It’s very easy since the connectors match the factory fittings but space is tight. You’ll need to take the COMAND unit out and also the wood trim/aircon controls to fit the unit in above the COMAND. Just be patient and use logic to problem solve, the instructions it comes with are basically useless but the plugs only go in one place. For the HK amp (I have HK too) you need to move the fibre leads from the factory connector to the new connector - it’s very easy but you have to be gentle with them.

I bought mine from the seller Mekede on Ali (https://a.aliexpress.com/_mNUE6nY hopefully this link works, newest review should be mine on 28 Oct 2021 🤷🏼‍♂️). I paid NZ$486 but they’re currently on sale.

By the sounds of it you need the NTG 3.5 box, I have the 3.0 since my car is 2008. The listing has helpful pictures to help you identify the model you need based on what your COMAND CD slot looks like.

Best of luck mate

jd986s

I find M273 in 2010-2011 to be reliable if you have a trusted mechanic.

I currently have 2010 S550. Bought it used in 2018.
Both front airmatics failed at arond 70k miles (my W211 E500 airmatic first failed at 148k miles). I bought Arnott airshocks for around $500. My mechanic charges $150 to put them on (each). Airpump is still good, parts is around $300.

My mechanic did the entire front-end suspension (upper/lower control arms etc. , sway bar links) using Lemforder parts for around $1100 (2 years ago).
Alignments with distronic calibration was around $300 at the dealer.
Spark plugs (NGK Laser Platinum) parts/labor was around $150
Bosch Starter (new) $200. Labor $150.
Transmission fluids kit from FCP was around $120, labor another $180.

I find the cost to be reasonable. The car has been reliable for me one of the best MB I've had. I had a few (05 W220 S55, 05 W211 E500, 05 W203 C230, 02 W210 E55, 2000 W163 ML55, 2001 W203 C320, 99 W202 C280.

If you have a good indy mechanic and you can bring your own parts, it would save you a lot.
M273 does not have direct injection and normally aspirated. M278 is the first of the V8 direct injection and turbos.
You give up performance in M273 but you gain reliability. I looked for the last years of M273, 2010-2011. For 2011 model year, you get A89 option (newer transmission with blue fluid and longer interval). My car has a production date in May 2010 so I have a red fluid with 39k interval.

Everybody has their ideas of reliability. W221 when properly service, should last a while and maintenance cost would depend on who service it.

My other car is a 2016 BMW X5 35i (I-6) that has extended warranty. One of their more reliable engine/platform. The stuff that goes wrong with a BMW (oil leaks, electronics etc. ) made the W221 and all other MB cars I have feel like a Camry. My last bill at BMW dealer was over $8k (fortunately warranty paid for most of it).

If you can find a good mechanic and find a car with good service history, don't be afraid of W221.

Chelseaa4a

Love the boat/yacht analogy…that’s totally how I see it. It’s not the initial cost…you really have to have an emotional connection with the car and be willing to spend the required money to keep it up. Otherwise you might as well be driving a Toyota Corolla!

marshal_murat

I am in the same boat looking at a 2012 S550 with 4Matic. Car has just under 45k and is at CarMax. I am having it shipped so won't be able to test drive it for a bit. The car would be my daily driver. I was definitely going to get the max length on the MaxCare warranty.

I am not sure if I can get a service history from the previous owner via CarMax, so I might be in the dark as to its service history. I would feel somewhat better about that if I have the warranty, which per folks on this forum, seems to be a very good warranty.

Obviously the car has the 4.6L bi-turbo V8 and I believe has AirMatic suspension. Is there anyway I can tell if this has AirMatic or ABC just from the photos online? ABC is not listed on the datacard so I am fairly certain its an AirMatic car.

So would you guys buy a 10 year old W221 with a CarMax warranty?

Senecat

I bought my 2012 with 43k mi sight unseen with no warranty in Jan. I've put 300 mi on it so far. Couldn't be happier.

https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...ml#post8544954

Chachd72

There is no external indication concerning the AirMatic suspension. I believe that all US Spec cars have it as standard equipment. Without the ability to see the service records any potential problems will be unknown so I would definitely go with the extended warranty. I don't know the reputation of the Carmax warranty. Do you have to have any work done by Carmax?

S550's are basically very dependable vehicles unless they have been abused or not had service performed regularly.

I was washing my 2011 S550 the other day when a neighbor stopped by. He said "I can't believe your car is 11 years old! Most people would think it's new!."

Hatzenbach

I bought a 2009 W221 with ~90k miles 3 years ago for $20k and traded it in 2 1/2 years later for $8k for an (surprisingly reliable) 2018 Range Rover
I did all the "easy" maintenance (oil change, cabin filter change, brake pads and brake rotors) myself, but ended up paying ~$10k in repairs.
Here are the big ticket items:

• ABC struts
• ABC pump
• Alternator
• Starter
• Transmission overhaul
• and spent a lot of time and money chasing a ghost battery drain, which left the car stranded if it wasn't driven at least every 2 days (you would not believe how many friggin' fuse boxes this car has)

I really loved the car, but I needed something more reliable and something easier on my wallet
Let's face it: it's an old car and some of the (at time of launch) cutting edge technology is now outdated
For example: the radar sensors get triggered permanently by other car's radar systems, the Distronic randomly shuts off in traffic, the infotainment system is really dated (by the way I had the JoyeAuto CarPlay add-on which worked fine)
I would NOT get another W221

Senecat

Mercedes' paint is much harder than most manufacturers. That's how they can look so good 10 years later.

I'm about to deliver my 2012 to a detailer for a $2600 complete-body two-step paint correction and ceramic coat. I lucked out with mine and the body is perfect. Not a scratch on it, so it's worth it to bring it to better-than-factory sheen. It will spend most of it's life with me sitting in a garage, so it'll last a while in that condition. Weekend car at most.