S550 - Electrical Issues, Myth or Fact?
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S550 - Electrical Issues, Myth or Fact?
I'm new to MB World and planning to purchaser a 2009 S550; However, when I contacted a MB master mechanic to arrange pre purchase inspection, he strongly advised that I stay away from the S class due to broad range of electrical issues. He suggested any year ranging from 2016 - 2018. I thought I would ask the advice of others who may know more about his strong counsel against buying this 2009 S550 with 42,000 miles. Thank you for taking the time to share.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 305
Likes: 114
2007 S550
LOL. And a 2020-2023 S-Class will give you even fewer problems. Funny how that works.
I'm assuming you picked out a 2009 due to the styling, features and price point. It WILL break. More than likely, more frequently than a model newer. If you're a tinkerer or just not afraid to go into unfamiliar territory, you'll be fine. If you're planning on taking your car to a mechanic whenever it needs something, it will eat you alive.
I'm assuming you picked out a 2009 due to the styling, features and price point. It WILL break. More than likely, more frequently than a model newer. If you're a tinkerer or just not afraid to go into unfamiliar territory, you'll be fine. If you're planning on taking your car to a mechanic whenever it needs something, it will eat you alive.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 5,322
Likes: 1,678
S500
I'm new to MB World and planning to purchaser a 2009 S550; However, when I contacted a MB master mechanic to arrange pre purchase inspection, he strongly advised that I stay away from the S class due to broad range of electrical issues. He suggested any year ranging from 2016 - 2018. I thought I would ask the advice of others who may know more about his strong counsel against buying this 2009 S550 with 42,000 miles. Thank you for taking the time to share.
he was 1000% right - if you want something that starts every time, drives ok and will reach your destination without a breakdown, and has a great stereo get a lexus
if you want to start a technical apprenticeship that will be based online over the next 10 years, buy $1000 worth of diagnostic kit and spend either $1000 a month or 25hrs working on the car get one of these - oh and get another mortgage for the other bits that will "play up"
these were built to work OK for 2 years then eat money - they did this bit of development very well
.
Last edited by BOTUS; Apr 29, 2023 at 01:20 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 857
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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
Welcome! I have a 2007 S600. It is expensive to maintain. I don't mind since I love it like a second wife. If you don't have the money to maintain it, walk away. If you are willing to do the maintenance or have an Independent who can do it at your expense; in my opinion the S class is the finest motorcar in the World. I cruise each year as a snowbird about 2500 miles. My car loves the warmer weather. Both of us are getting older.
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Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 1,196
Likes: 636
From: Iowa
2008 CL550, 2022 EQB 300, 2023 EQS 450 4Matic
I'm new to MB World and planning to purchaser a 2009 S550; However, when I contacted a MB master mechanic to arrange pre purchase inspection, he strongly advised that I stay away from the S class due to broad range of electrical issues. He suggested any year ranging from 2016 - 2018. I thought I would ask the advice of others who may know more about his strong counsel against buying this 2009 S550 with 42,000 miles. Thank you for taking the time to share.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 5,322
Likes: 1,678
S500
in my world if you want to run car, outside of petrol, road tax, roadworthiness checks, and insurance costs - you need to budget $3000 annually for servicing, tyres, oil, wipers, discs& pads, batteries etc.
but when I say that to people at work they think they are closer to $300 which I can't believe, maybe you get a quiet year sure - but on average is way more
with an W221 S class it might be 300 one year, 10,000 the next day, and then another 3,000 a month later.
.
but when I say that to people at work they think they are closer to $300 which I can't believe, maybe you get a quiet year sure - but on average is way more
with an W221 S class it might be 300 one year, 10,000 the next day, and then another 3,000 a month later.
.
Last edited by BOTUS; May 1, 2023 at 07:27 AM.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 972
Likes: 191
From: Atlanta
W222 AMG S63
he was 1000% right - if you want something that starts every time, drives ok and will reach your destination without a breakdown, and has a great stereo get a lexus
if you want to start a technical apprenticeship that will be based online over the next 10 years, buy $1000 worth of diagnostic kit and spend either $1000 a month or 25hrs working on the car get one of these - oh and get another mortgage for the other bits that will "play up"
these were built to work OK for 2 years then eat money - they did this bit of development very well
.
if you want to start a technical apprenticeship that will be based online over the next 10 years, buy $1000 worth of diagnostic kit and spend either $1000 a month or 25hrs working on the car get one of these - oh and get another mortgage for the other bits that will "play up"
these were built to work OK for 2 years then eat money - they did this bit of development very well
.
I have a Lexus LX 570 and the biggest issue I've had out of it was a dead battery when winter hit a few months ago (knock wood). My S63 AMG has been "on blocks" (unavailable for use) for a couple of weeks at a time for various stretches during my apprenticeship (sunroof replacement, cylinder head cover gaskets, minor jobs...). I've probably saved myself about $8K in labor costs in the past 4 months of ownership. Most of which was delayed maintenance by the previous owner and a huge chunk was the sunroof replacement which was very, very uncommon but not unheard of (I found another post about the same happening on this forum).
So, the rule of thumb that you should have $5K available immediately after purchase to take care of things still holds true. Unfortunately, many owners neglect service when they are tired/bored with cars before they sell them. My engine bay looked like someone poured a liter of oil down the front of it once a week before I changed the gaskets.
I bought this car as a project. Something that's cool that will occupy my mind and hands for several hours. In those regards, it has not disappointed..
That being said, I wouldn't hesitate (and haven't hesitated) to take the S63 on long road trips (knock wood). Most recently, I took it on a road trip that was about 20-24 hours of drive time within three days, and she ran like a champ. My spouse loves the S63 for road trips...but loves the LX even more 😂.
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Super Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 972
Likes: 191
From: Atlanta
W222 AMG S63
To quote myself...
We complain about German car maintenance, but this is absolutely how the great deals on German cars enter the market.
The typical owners of these cars drop them like hot rocks when the warranties expire and the repair estimates get very high.
I've been a big German car fan for decades. VWs when I was young, then Audis, BMWs, Porsche, and Mercedes as I got older. I would have friends get these absolutely amazing deals on great cars and I just assumed that they were very lucky...until I put 2+2 together. They were not paying for labor at the dealerships or independent shops! They did most of the work themselves. And when there was something that was tougher than they could handle, the high cost of repair didn't sting as much because it's simply averaged into the total cost of ownership.
So, if you are willing to learn to do the work yourself, you can afford these cars. And never in the history of human events has it been easier to maintain such a car. With forums (like this one), YouTube, modern scanners, and OEM tech docs, it has been demystified.
On a related note: The lack of high maintenance expenses after warranties expire is the exact reason why Toyotas and Lexuses hold their values so well for many years after the warranties expire. But, they are boring.
Then you ask, "If only there existed vehicles with outstanding German feel but with Toyota reliability!! That would be amazing!" Yup...and that would be Porsche.
edit: typo
The typical owners of these cars drop them like hot rocks when the warranties expire and the repair estimates get very high.
I've been a big German car fan for decades. VWs when I was young, then Audis, BMWs, Porsche, and Mercedes as I got older. I would have friends get these absolutely amazing deals on great cars and I just assumed that they were very lucky...until I put 2+2 together. They were not paying for labor at the dealerships or independent shops! They did most of the work themselves. And when there was something that was tougher than they could handle, the high cost of repair didn't sting as much because it's simply averaged into the total cost of ownership.
So, if you are willing to learn to do the work yourself, you can afford these cars. And never in the history of human events has it been easier to maintain such a car. With forums (like this one), YouTube, modern scanners, and OEM tech docs, it has been demystified.
On a related note: The lack of high maintenance expenses after warranties expire is the exact reason why Toyotas and Lexuses hold their values so well for many years after the warranties expire. But, they are boring.
Then you ask, "If only there existed vehicles with outstanding German feel but with Toyota reliability!! That would be amazing!" Yup...and that would be Porsche.
edit: typo
Last edited by CQHall; May 1, 2023 at 10:09 AM.
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Member
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 77
Likes: 45
S550
I have a 2011 S550 4matic that I bought CPO in 2013 with 15k miles.I had heard the horror stories on upkeep so I purchased an extra 2 year warranty for $4,000.00. During that extra 2 years I had $400 in repairs, so I threw away $3,600!! I now have 140k miles on it. Expenditures have been for new motor & tranny mounts at 115k miles, which is typical and just completed a full brake job - pads & discs. I also just replaced the air suspension system, compressor & related parts as a preventive maintenance issue knowing they could go at any time. Keep in mind that many on this forum like to drive their cars very hard, which will lead to premature wear on any vehicle. I love my S550 - it's the best car I've ever owned and if I have to spend a few grand a year on maintenance it's worth it and cheaper than buying a new car. People ride in mine and ask if it's new!!
A few years ago we were visiting my niece and she took us out to show off her new Toyota SUV, their biggest, and showed me a button on her dash that she could amplify her voice to the back seat to be heard. She asked if I had that on my Mercedes? Before I could answer her husband said Suzy - Denny's got an S550 Mercedes - you can whisper in the front seat and be heard in the back!!
The biggest thing to look for is if the service schedules have been maintained - check it thoroughly.
A few years ago we were visiting my niece and she took us out to show off her new Toyota SUV, their biggest, and showed me a button on her dash that she could amplify her voice to the back seat to be heard. She asked if I had that on my Mercedes? Before I could answer her husband said Suzy - Denny's got an S550 Mercedes - you can whisper in the front seat and be heard in the back!!
The biggest thing to look for is if the service schedules have been maintained - check it thoroughly.
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 362
Likes: 186
2018 S560, 2004 SL500, 2014 S550 (SOLD), 2012 S550 x2(SOLD), 2007 CL600 (SOLD), 2007 S600(SOLD)
he was 1000% right - if you want something that starts every time, drives ok and will reach your destination without a breakdown, and has a great stereo get a lexus
if you want to start a technical apprenticeship that will be based online over the next 10 years, buy $1000 worth of diagnostic kit and spend either $1000 a month or 25hrs working on the car get one of these - oh and get another mortgage for the other bits that will "play up"
these were built to work OK for 2 years then eat money - they did this bit of development very well
.
if you want to start a technical apprenticeship that will be based online over the next 10 years, buy $1000 worth of diagnostic kit and spend either $1000 a month or 25hrs working on the car get one of these - oh and get another mortgage for the other bits that will "play up"
these were built to work OK for 2 years then eat money - they did this bit of development very well
.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 972
Likes: 191
From: Atlanta
W222 AMG S63
I’ve asked it before, but I still have no earthly idea why you own a W221. You take EVERY opportunity to blast the platform. Whether it’s the seats, engines, suspension, materials, electronics, etc. You’re like the 221 version of Streamliner. Just dump the damn thing already. Life is too short.
