CarlitoE430

I’m in the market for 09-11 S550. Can someone please help me understand the Trims & Packages for those years and what are the most/least desirable or troublesome?

I like quiet cars so the double sunroof is not on my wish list. I also read that that pano roof is faulty.

My preferred color combos are silver on black and white on beige leather.

joeshannon095

Skip the 2009 and get a 2010-11. 2010 was the facelift year. Too much to type out so just check the links below. Should provide you with what you're looking for. Won't find many changes between the two years. The 2011 brochure is a lot more in depth.

https://www.auto-brochures.com/makes...Class_2010.pdf

https://ragtop.org/mbbrochures/2011/2011-S-Class.pdf

BOTUS

I'm sure will have missed lots but a few basics

after Sept 2009 they did a big facelift with LED side lights, square mirrors and funny tail lights - inside it got a later less reliable, but with more functionality comand (AKA hifi unit)

expect it to EAT money - if you like going to garages and or doing lots of DIY and spending 5k a year on spares - it'll be perfect

desirable extras -
Distronic plus (radar active cruise control)
rear camera
DAB or Sirius Radio if in the states
IR heat insulated glass
Rear AC (no bucket between the seat just a small tray and separate rear heat and vet controls
walnut or posher fake wood trim
alcantra headlining
upgraded leather far less grain and more supple
if kids and want to be irritated out of the arc rear screen entertainment

don't ever want -
night vision (removed headlight you need for a toy you will never use)
fridge (waste of space - literally)
TV (waste of space - actually)
Panoramic roof (as you already spotted)

might like but why...
lingauatronic (never really worked)
keyless theft (insecure and goes wrong - UK won't insure without aftermarket system to so them vanishing for spares)
blindspot assist (picks up noise form modern cars and will make you go mad)
massage seats (go wrong and will never use)
vented seats (waste of time)

Chachd72

Keep in mind that BOTUS is in England, not the US:
I have a 2011 S550 with 145,000 trouble free miles so $5,000 a year in upkeep would only apply if you got a lemon.
I have massage seats and use them frequently with no problems.
If you have the Harmon Kardon unit and play rap or hip hop at high volumes you will blow the amplifier. Normal volumes and they last forever.
You will need to replace the struts at 100 - 200,000 miles, which you have to on most cars.
Premium 2 package is a must. B & O system is a plus but rare.
All US models came with a sunroof. S400 hybrid was only sold in limited quantities in the US.