W221 for daily use
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 4
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R129 sl500
W221 for daily use
Hey Everybody.
I have a 1994 sl500 for my weekend car and currently drive a Tesla as a daily. I want to try an switch the daily to a top model but 15 years old car. One option is a 221 s500. Most of the cars on the local market will have 200-300k km on them. I understand that such an old car with such a high mileage will always have some problems, but how reliable are they if used daily (really don't like being stuck on the highway waiting for a tow truck). I drive daily 60-120 km. What do you think? What if I go even crazier for a S65 of the same years?
I have a 1994 sl500 for my weekend car and currently drive a Tesla as a daily. I want to try an switch the daily to a top model but 15 years old car. One option is a 221 s500. Most of the cars on the local market will have 200-300k km on them. I understand that such an old car with such a high mileage will always have some problems, but how reliable are they if used daily (really don't like being stuck on the highway waiting for a tow truck). I drive daily 60-120 km. What do you think? What if I go even crazier for a S65 of the same years?
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Joined: Aug 2014
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S500
its little different to any car - it can be an utter nightmare with cost most shouldn't seek to waste OR if u get one at a point in the curve where most stuff has been sorted and get lucky you might enjoy two years and 50k miles with only petrol and tyres
vs an immaculate, well serviced toyota the % risk increases somewhat
toyota no additional costs 95% certainty
merc 221 unlucky 85% certainty 2k will vanish - very unlucky 6k cost every 6 months
knowing what I do after 8 years of learning and spending lots I would never own another Merc - with zero regrets
vs an immaculate, well serviced toyota the % risk increases somewhat
toyota no additional costs 95% certainty
merc 221 unlucky 85% certainty 2k will vanish - very unlucky 6k cost every 6 months
knowing what I do after 8 years of learning and spending lots I would never own another Merc - with zero regrets
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 4
Likes: 1
R129 sl500
its little different to any car - it can be an utter nightmare with cost most shouldn't seek to waste OR if u get one at a point in the curve where most stuff has been sorted and get lucky you might enjoy two years and 50k miles with only petrol and tyres
vs an immaculate, well serviced toyota the % risk increases somewhat
toyota no additional costs 95% certainty
merc 221 unlucky 85% certainty 2k will vanish - very unlucky 6k cost every 6 months
knowing what I do after 8 years of learning and spending lots I would never own another Merc - with zero regrets
vs an immaculate, well serviced toyota the % risk increases somewhat
toyota no additional costs 95% certainty
merc 221 unlucky 85% certainty 2k will vanish - very unlucky 6k cost every 6 months
knowing what I do after 8 years of learning and spending lots I would never own another Merc - with zero regrets
So you'd say same years ls460 is a better option?
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Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 1,196
Likes: 636
From: Iowa
2008 CL550, 2022 EQB 300, 2023 EQS 450 4Matic
Hey Everybody.
I have a 1994 sl500 for my weekend car and currently drive a Tesla as a daily. I want to try an switch the daily to a top model but 15 years old car. One option is a 221 s500. Most of the cars on the local market will have 200-300k km on them. I understand that such an old car with such a high mileage will always have some problems, but how reliable are they if used daily (really don't like being stuck on the highway waiting for a tow truck). I drive daily 60-120 km. What do you think? What if I go even crazier for a S65 of the same years?
I have a 1994 sl500 for my weekend car and currently drive a Tesla as a daily. I want to try an switch the daily to a top model but 15 years old car. One option is a 221 s500. Most of the cars on the local market will have 200-300k km on them. I understand that such an old car with such a high mileage will always have some problems, but how reliable are they if used daily (really don't like being stuck on the highway waiting for a tow truck). I drive daily 60-120 km. What do you think? What if I go even crazier for a S65 of the same years?
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 31
Likes: 15
From: New York
2007 S 550 4Matic
Switch?
When you say switch, are you keeping the Tesla?
In the used car market you will always take a gamble unless you personally know and trust who are getting it from.
When I was in the market 2 years ago, an 09-10 LS460 was my target, yet W221 kept popping up as another option - needless to say I’m on this board.
As someone mentioned here, older vehicles are a hobby for me as well and keeping them on the road is gratifying to me.
If you like it, buy it and drive it! Something happens, fix it and keep moving 🤓.
Laslty, there’s a reason Toyota is the brand with the 2 most reliable cars, ever!
In the used car market you will always take a gamble unless you personally know and trust who are getting it from.
When I was in the market 2 years ago, an 09-10 LS460 was my target, yet W221 kept popping up as another option - needless to say I’m on this board.
As someone mentioned here, older vehicles are a hobby for me as well and keeping them on the road is gratifying to me.
If you like it, buy it and drive it! Something happens, fix it and keep moving 🤓.
Laslty, there’s a reason Toyota is the brand with the 2 most reliable cars, ever!
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 2,641
Likes: 1,224
From: Phoenix
222 S-65
Perhaps Botus has managed a long series of lemons.... I enjoyed my 221 S65. But not without considerable babysitting.
That said.... The 222 chassis car is a big improvement over the 221. S65 has least troublesome engine with best features and finishes. Find one with Carbon Ceramic brakes and you won’t be doing expensive brake jobs.
That said.... The 222 chassis car is a big improvement over the 221. S65 has least troublesome engine with best features and finishes. Find one with Carbon Ceramic brakes and you won’t be doing expensive brake jobs.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 5,322
Likes: 1,678
S500
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 2,641
Likes: 1,224
From: Phoenix
222 S-65
222 S65 500% better than LS driven gently or as a savage.
Botus find one and drive it. Eye opening experience.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 4,379
Likes: 952
W212 FL
I have seen many S Class cars (W221 and 222s) with over 150K miles and original engines . The thing is yes those can be driven as daily vehicles ( I don't want to use the term "daily beater" for those mighty cars ) but too luxurious for go getter ,market shopping, dropping the kids for the school . Let's not forget , parts are expensive because it's an S Class no matter the age
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 857
Likes: 501
From: Washington, DC
2007 S600, 2007 Chrysler 300 SRT8, 2000 C5 Corvette, 2017 Mustang GT, 2023 300C, and a 2019 Lincoln
I love my 2007 W221 S600. She is an expensive mistress, full of pleasures, frequently complains, and worth every penny. A well maintained S class is the finest motorcar in the World.
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 344
Likes: 160
From: Maysville, KY , est'd 1767
Mercedes S560
When I bought my new special-ordered '18 S560 in June of '18, my son bought my 2012 S450 that had about 25,000 miles on it. He still has it at about 72,000 miles.
I'm aware only of a very recent major repair on the left front end that he had done by an Indy close to Johnson City, TN.. He's a real car buff but does not do his own work - seemed to be completely satisfied with this job on his now 13-year old car.
You pays your money and makes your choice.
In the early part of my 10th decade, having thought I'd never buy another car, I have been persuaded by posts here to think about a face-lift W223 when they're available - if I'm still allowed to drive then!
Good luck!
I'm aware only of a very recent major repair on the left front end that he had done by an Indy close to Johnson City, TN.. He's a real car buff but does not do his own work - seemed to be completely satisfied with this job on his now 13-year old car.
You pays your money and makes your choice.
In the early part of my 10th decade, having thought I'd never buy another car, I have been persuaded by posts here to think about a face-lift W223 when they're available - if I'm still allowed to drive then!
Good luck!
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 857
Likes: 501
From: Washington, DC
2007 S600, 2007 Chrysler 300 SRT8, 2000 C5 Corvette, 2017 Mustang GT, 2023 300C, and a 2019 Lincoln
Lou B - if they won't let you drive, I would step up to a Maybach 680; and hire a blond chauffeur. That's what I plan to do. I am now only 73 years old.
Member
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 77
Likes: 45
S550
I have a 2011 S550 that I bought as a CPO in 2013 with 14,000 miles. I now have 157,000 miles and have followed the Mercedes maintenance schedule - it is due for a 10,000 mile service soon. I checked the oil level 2 days ago and it is down about 1/2 quart in 10,000 miles. I have never had to add oil. Tranny still shifts smoothly. Problems I have had over the years have been;
Remember that this forum is for people that have problems with their vehicles. There are thousands of W221 owner that love their cars and have few problems with them. I have been fortunate to have a dealer in Southwest Cleveland who has done a great job of maintaining my car.
A quick antidote to end with that says a lot about owning an S class. A few years ago we were visiting our niece and nephew and she was showing us her new Toyota SUV and showed me a button that she could push to amplify her voice to the back and asked If I had that on my Mercedes. My Nephew ,who was in the back seat quickly responded - "Denny's got an S550 Mercedes - you can whisper in the front seat and be heard in the back!"
- 42k - Replaced thermostat
- 58k - Replaced left front wheel speed sensor
- 90k - Replaced both lower control arms.
- 111k - Replaced engine & trans mounts. Drivers side door handle replaced.
- 140K - Replaced front & rear air shocks.
- 144k - Replaced starter motor.
Remember that this forum is for people that have problems with their vehicles. There are thousands of W221 owner that love their cars and have few problems with them. I have been fortunate to have a dealer in Southwest Cleveland who has done a great job of maintaining my car.
A quick antidote to end with that says a lot about owning an S class. A few years ago we were visiting our niece and nephew and she was showing us her new Toyota SUV and showed me a button that she could push to amplify her voice to the back and asked If I had that on my Mercedes. My Nephew ,who was in the back seat quickly responded - "Denny's got an S550 Mercedes - you can whisper in the front seat and be heard in the back!"
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 344
Likes: 160
From: Maysville, KY , est'd 1767
Mercedes S560
I already have a blond chauffeur, to whom I've been married for almost 45 years. I have no desire to ride in a Maybach for any reason...among which is the fact that my 2018 S560 (27 mpg on road trips), has only 33,400 some miles on the clock. I drive to my doctor's appointments, at least the local ones, pick up my Rxs, and, because she likes to drive, she takes the wheel for the longer trips. My local driving takes me over s little bit of 4-lane, but has enough twisting and hilly roads to make it pleasant.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,844
Likes: 798
From: Pacific Northwest
2001 S600 V12 Sold, 2011 Jaguar XFR Sold, 2017 S550 4-Matic, 2018 S63 AMG Sedan
However, it was not even close to as nice as my 01 S600, not even close! A Lexus will be more reliable, and if it does break it will definitely cost less to fix than a Benz. But it doesn't even come close to the S-Class experience. A lexus is not smoother, maybe quieter, but that can be accomplished with different tires. Build quality...what? Both have superb build quality. An S-Class can do more, and there is no magic dust that makes things last forever. If you drive it like a Lexus you have a good chance it will treat you like a Lexus. but if you drive it the way a lot of us do, you might spend more in maintenance, but you'll definitely smile more
Your biggest challenge is to find a well maintained car that has the equipment and mileage you want. Shop smart and you'll be happy.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,844
Likes: 798
From: Pacific Northwest
2001 S600 V12 Sold, 2011 Jaguar XFR Sold, 2017 S550 4-Matic, 2018 S63 AMG Sedan
Sorry but I call fould on this one. We have a 1999 LS400 on the family, and it was bought new. Now has 275K on the clock It's been amazing!
However, it was not even close to as nice as my 01 S600, not even close! A Lexus will be more reliable, and if it does break it will definitely cost less to fix than a Benz. But it doesn't even come close to the S-Class experience. A lexus is not smoother, maybe quieter, but that can be accomplished with different tires. Build quality...what? Both have superb build quality. An S-Class can do more, and there is no magic dust that makes things last forever. If you drive it like a Lexus you have a good chance it will treat you like a Lexus. but if you drive it the way a lot of us do, you might spend more in maintenance, but you'll definitely smile more
Your biggest challenge is to find a well maintained car that has the equipment and mileage you want. Shop smart and you'll be happy.
However, it was not even close to as nice as my 01 S600, not even close! A Lexus will be more reliable, and if it does break it will definitely cost less to fix than a Benz. But it doesn't even come close to the S-Class experience. A lexus is not smoother, maybe quieter, but that can be accomplished with different tires. Build quality...what? Both have superb build quality. An S-Class can do more, and there is no magic dust that makes things last forever. If you drive it like a Lexus you have a good chance it will treat you like a Lexus. but if you drive it the way a lot of us do, you might spend more in maintenance, but you'll definitely smile more
Your biggest challenge is to find a well maintained car that has the equipment and mileage you want. Shop smart and you'll be happy.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 5,322
Likes: 1,678
S500
I know a Romanian living in the UK that spends his days rebuilding blown up AMG V8 with bent conrods and does two to three 7G gearboxes a day
he owns a Lexus - when I ask does it ever go wrong, he says no - whenever I ask will he get a Merc, he just laughs and shakes is head - he regularly does the 4k mile trip home and back, and when I ask whats he buying next, its another lexus
then you look at top 40 of most reliable cars and for 25 year lexus at the top - and always in the bottom ten for least reliable has been Merc
yes there is a curve to accept Japanese wood trim and some wild air vents - and they don't understand anything about how to make suspension operate on "normal roads", but if you're driving any large luxo-barge its because you realised long ago there are too many fools and police on the road to let you get on with it properly - so might as well have some peace and quiet to fall asleep till you get there and the real thing that matters, is it starts and does the job all the time - and even here lexus get radar cruise that does it the BMW way - not the scared nanny stamping on the brakes over nothing
.
he owns a Lexus - when I ask does it ever go wrong, he says no - whenever I ask will he get a Merc, he just laughs and shakes is head - he regularly does the 4k mile trip home and back, and when I ask whats he buying next, its another lexus
then you look at top 40 of most reliable cars and for 25 year lexus at the top - and always in the bottom ten for least reliable has been Merc
yes there is a curve to accept Japanese wood trim and some wild air vents - and they don't understand anything about how to make suspension operate on "normal roads", but if you're driving any large luxo-barge its because you realised long ago there are too many fools and police on the road to let you get on with it properly - so might as well have some peace and quiet to fall asleep till you get there and the real thing that matters, is it starts and does the job all the time - and even here lexus get radar cruise that does it the BMW way - not the scared nanny stamping on the brakes over nothing
.
Last edited by BOTUS; Aug 22, 2024 at 06:12 AM.
