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I finally pulled the trigger on a 2009 S550 4Matic with 155K KMS (<100K miles) I bought it sight unseen although I did have it independently inspected. I gotta say, so far so good. The only corrosion so far is the brake dust shields. Came with a fresh synthetic oil change so I'll let that go for now. I just did the transmission service and the old oil had no smell and there was very little on the magnets. I used a Chapin garden sprayer and an adapter and it worked great!
While under the car I had a look around and was happy to fine one new Arnott strut(front right). I ordered the other side and will install once received. There is a clunk coming from the front end but I found no loose ball joints. The bushing on the lower forward control arm (RH) is shot. Think I'll just replace the arm as i do not have a press. I am hoping the clunk is coming from the dampening bits in the LH strut...we'll see.
Driveshaft donuts look fine. And I LOVE good stainless exhausts. Brake pads are newish. Tires are newish but not the greatest quality. I'll keep them for now.
Stereo does not work. I have the amp out and will send it for repair or exchange. Looking forward to having that sound system working. Must be awesome.
I am not pushing the car yet but I do like that acceleration. Comes with a cost no doubt. I am not expecting great fuel economy!
Will check engine mounts shortly.
I am going the BenzNinja route for tech support.
Will continue looking around and doing some preventative maintenance!
Enjoy I am one month in on owning a 2010 s550 4Matic. Look for things todo and drive her every where-Drives amazing.
Only has 44kmi needs cv boots (3 gone) plus gotta do service transmission, have a small front diff leak, and an unserviceable light bulb. Changed oil even tough it didn’t need it but I have to with every used car I purchase.
enjoy and keep posting. Which adapter did you use on garden sprayer for trans service ?
I actually find the M273 relatively fuel efficient given the weight of the car and output of the V8. Peak highway speed fuel economy is 23-25 in the 4Matic which I think is decent. The M278 cars can do better but at a pretty high cost of extra complexity.
"There is a clunk coming from the front end but I found no loose ball joints."
While you change the forward lower control arm you will be able to inspect the rearward arm ball joint, which most likely is the source for your "clunk". These joints cannot be inspected by hand force without taking one of the three ball joints loose. The one that basically needs to be loosened first is the upper wish bone control arm joint and when you take it lose you will see how the whole hub rotates when you slowly lower it down with a jack. After it stops rotation the forces in the joints are relieved and you can inspect them.
I finally pulled the trigger on a 2009 S550 4Matic with 155K KMS (<100K miles) I bought it sight unseen although I did have it independently inspected. I gotta say, so far so good. The only corrosion so far is the brake dust shields. Came with a fresh synthetic oil change so I'll let that go for now. I just did the transmission service and the old oil had no smell and there was very little on the magnets. I used a Chapin garden sprayer and an adapter and it worked great!
While under the car I had a look around and was happy to fine one new Arnott strut(front right). I ordered the other side and will install once received. There is a clunk coming from the front end but I found no loose ball joints. The bushing on the lower forward control arm (RH) is shot. Think I'll just replace the arm as i do not have a press. I am hoping the clunk is coming from the dampening bits in the LH strut...we'll see.
Driveshaft donuts look fine. And I LOVE good stainless exhausts. Brake pads are newish. Tires are newish but not the greatest quality. I'll keep them for now.
Stereo does not work. I have the amp out and will send it for repair or exchange. Looking forward to having that sound system working. Must be awesome.
I am not pushing the car yet but I do like that acceleration. Comes with a cost no doubt. I am not expecting great fuel economy!
Will check engine mounts shortly.
I am going the BenzNinja route for tech support.
Will continue looking around and doing some preventative maintenance!
The choice seems to be MandBspecialist.com (6 months warranty) or an exchange with Beckerautosound.(1 year warranty.)
Leaning towards MandB at the moment. The salvage yards all seem to know that this is a hot item and want big bucks so I'd rather go refurbished and guaranteed.
Your head COMAND unit may have been made by Becker. I sent mine for repair at Becker Auto Sound in New Jersey. Their website is dated, but you can get someone on the phone and turnaround was fast. I even ordered a BT audio module for them to stream music into the unit. Not sure if they work on amps. Maybe ask. If your amp has a Becker tag on it, then probably.
congrats, how is the ownership of the s550 going so far? i'm considering a 2012 2550 4matic with 116,000 miles currently. would appreciate any insight you may have about the car. TY!
My amp was non-repairable so Becker Auto Sound it is!
Regarding a 2012 and/or my thoughts so far...I love the car! I have a tiny regret not waiting for a 2010 facelift but that would come with an electric steering rack, but with newer tech. 2012 comes with the newer twin turbo motor. I am a fan of simplicity so might shy away, not that any 221 is simple.
These opinions are soooo subjective!!
I will want newer bluetooth for phone/music and nav at some point soon. An android unit might be in the cards but there are many to choose from and there are many stories of issues so I dunno.
I am still replacing all fluids and filters and happily found newish motor mounts. Really eager to hear that stereo.
My amp was non-repairable so Becker Auto Sound it is!
Regarding a 2012 and/or my thoughts so far...I love the car! I have a tiny regret not waiting for a 2010 facelift but that would come with an electric steering rack, but with newer tech. 2012 comes with the newer twin turbo motor. I am a fan of simplicity so might shy away, not that any 221 is simple.
These opinions are soooo subjective!!
I will want newer bluetooth for phone/music and nav at some point soon. An android unit might be in the cards but there are many to choose from and there are many stories of issues so I dunno.
I am still replacing all fluids and filters and happily found newish motor mounts. Really eager to hear that stereo.
Nicest back seats I have ever seen!!
Rob
I got my BT audio module from Becker as well.
However, I would also like CarPlay one day. I may spring for a unit soon.
I can attest to that. The Android touch screen unit is the perfect upgrade if you ask me. I love mine. Android and Carplay are both wireless so no usb cable needed.
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