Good Evening

I am seriously contemplating purchasing my dream car an S550. I currently have a Lexus GS350 so dependability is very important to me. I'm reaching out on advice about tips on buying an S class. My current wishlist is a 2015 or newer that is CPO with under 50K miles, AMG wheel package and possibly a 4Matic. Any help or advice you can provide is greatly appreciated.

Is it better to buy locally or out of state to get the best deal?
Is it worth the money to purchase the prepaid maintenance?
Is it worth the money to extend the CPO?
What are the normal dependability issues affecting S class sedans?
Is 4matic worth it? Or, does having this option increase maintenance costs?

 

I can say coming from a Lexus GS to an S-Class is a significant upgrade in luxury. My family had a 2017 GS350 AWD that was sadly totaled about a year ago. It was a good car, but it had it’s share of electrical bugs. Parking sensors never worked correctly and would beep constantly, even around nothing.

As far as dependability, modern MBs are actually really good. The M278 motor is proven and really reliable with boat loads of power. 4Matic is give or take for me. My car (an 07’ S550) is RWD, but I have no issues going anywhere in the winter. Surprisingly, because I live in the mid west and we generally get snowfall up to 5-6 inches multiple times during the winter. The car is so heavy and MB’s traction control is so good it just plows through with good tires. But I would imagine it’s incredible with AWD. 4Matic does add the occasional diff service in the front, but I don’t think it’s going to drastically increase maintenance costs.

I would absolutely try to get a CPO’d car, or at least an after market “warranty” (service contract.) My family replaced their GS early this year with a 2015 C300 AMG Line (loaded out) and almost a week after purchase the pano roof failed. I opened it (because it was making a creaking noise) and it wouldn’t shut. One of the plastic runners broke off and prevented it from closing. It was like 30° F out. The car was at the dealer for well over a month and the cost would’ve been at least $8k. Luckily we still had factory warranty left and an aftermarket service contract to cover our butts. But the S has that potential failure, plus countless others. The warranty just helps you find the weaknesses of the car and give you some comfort.

As as far as the upgrade, I totally think you’ll be happy. My 07’ S550 felt much more substantial, luxurious, and feature filled than our previous 2017 GS350 AWD Premium. I would imagine the new S is like a space ship in comparison. Everything just feels higher quality and better made. (Whether it actually is, is up for debate). I would personally try to go for the most loaded out model I could find and afford. You might not think it’ll be important, but you’ll eventually wish you had the little extras like heated/cooled rear seats, Burmester 3D (the standard system is kinda lackluster imo), and premium leather. Premium leather is up there for me, and MB’s “normal” leather isn’t very good. It doesn’t hold up amazing over the years and only feels really soft after conditioning it. But the Nappa or designo is just jaw droppingly gorgeous and is soft as butter.

Regardless, have fun with the process and pick what your heart desires. The S is an incredible vehicle with a timeless design (especially the W222). They’re pretty stout as well. Just get the CPO, options you want, and make sure it has a good history and you’ll most likely be set!

 

Thanks Beeson. I really appreciate the feedback. I've been teetering on the fence since 2014 but now I'm ready to take the leap to Mercedes. I'm really close on 2 cars (one in AL and the other in FL), just trying to workout the final details. What after market warranty (service contract) did you get? I would hate for something to fail driving the car back to GA from AL or FL.

 

I have had 2 S550 sedans in the past 5 years. I had a 2012 4matic and now I have a 2015 4Matic that I purchased around 2 years ago. Both were rock solid cars with very few problems. I picked up my MY15 with 17K miles and for around 59K with a year or so left on the warranty. ELW are nice but personally I would not waste my money unless the car has more than around 40K miles. ELW whether it is MB or aftermarket are very expensive and typically not worth the cost compared to the average spend on problems. Think of it as insurance, I have chosen to self insure and so far I am money ahead. These are also pretty easy cars to work on, I just did my front brakes at around 33K and it is a very easy job. 4Matic is awesome if you get a lot of rain or snow as the car drives like a full size SUV and weighs as much. Find a low mileage example with as many options as possible and a clean carfax and make a deal.

 

Is it better to buy locally or out of state to get the best deal?
Depends on taxes saved or paid?
Is it worth the money to purchase the prepaid maintenance?
Not always, but for some. I use an indy shop for all required work: oil, brakes etc
Is it worth the money to extend the CPO?
IMO, yes.
What are the normal dependability issues affecting S class sedans?
many things
Is 4matic worth it? Or, does having this option increase maintenance costs?
Where do you live? Cold climate? Wet?

 

I'm located in Atlanta Ga.

 

Thanks everyone for you feedback. I was able to finalize a deal on the AL S550. It's a CPO and I added GAP insurance and a 3 yr maintenance plan for peace of mind. I will probably add the additional 2 yr ELW before the year is out. The ride back from AL to GA was the best. This car has plenty of power to spare so I'm going to have to adjust my gas pedal foot control.

 

It is a lovely boat ride eh? Congrats, post pics when the time is right

 

If you can find one with the Burmeister 3D sound system it’s amayzing. I have it in the Maybach and it’s the best sound system I ever herd. If a car has it it will have the silver spin out tweeters at top of front doors..

 

I'm not in the Maybach club (yet)... but +1on Burmester 3d. Amazing feature for any category of music.

 

Maybach/ s class Both cars are awesome PERIOD. I will point out one thing. You take an s550 and load it up with all options your not far from the price of a v8 Maybach.

 

Yeap....got the Bermester sound. Now I’m trying to figure out if I should subscribe to mbrace or not. I’d like to have remote start from my phone but this app has really poor reviews.

 

Will post pics when I have time to give her a proper bath.

 

There are two Burmester systems I am talking about the 3D system. It’s a big dollar option on the s class. As far as our car the auto start works with the app for like five years for free. We do not pay for mbrace in any way.

 

Nope......regular Burmester not 3D option

 

 

Beautiful car!!

 

Looks great.....is that black or a blue?

 

Magnetite Black....but I really like how it looks blue at times

 

Congrats, what a nice car

 

Looks great!

 

That's nuts, it looks blue in the picture you shared! nice