Looking to purchase a used S550 2012 or later
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Joined: Jan 2020
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s550
Looking to purchase a used S550 2012 or later
I have a couple of questions. I was looking to get night vision and the Active seating with massage. Is there particular model years that I would need to be in for those options together? I'm am going to assume the Distronic Plus is available in all models from 2012 or later correct? I look at ads on auto trader and they talk about some Mercedes have iPod cables. Wouldn't anything after 2012 have blue tooth technology and also satellite radio? Most importantly when purchasing Is it better to get a newer s550 with lets say 90,000 mile or an older s550 with 40,000 miles on it?
Thanks for your help
Thanks for your help
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 267
Likes: 65
From: Hampshire , UK
2015 S500, 2016 GL63 AMG
Hi from the UK. I have the 2015 W222 S500 ( same as your S550) over there.
Personally, although I know the actual cost does make a difference, I would really try to get into a W222 model. There are visual body changes over the W221 car and a lot of improvements inside the car.
My personal choice would be for a higher mileage newer model. Why don't you actually try to go and look at the earlier model and newer model to allow you to see the direct comparisons.
The W222 has blue tooth and massage seats, I think, in the UK, the night vision was a rare option so may be difficult to find a car with that option fitted.
Best of luck and keep us informed on your search.
( One downside to the newer model is there is no room for a spare wheel in the trunk. )
Personally, although I know the actual cost does make a difference, I would really try to get into a W222 model. There are visual body changes over the W221 car and a lot of improvements inside the car.
My personal choice would be for a higher mileage newer model. Why don't you actually try to go and look at the earlier model and newer model to allow you to see the direct comparisons.
The W222 has blue tooth and massage seats, I think, in the UK, the night vision was a rare option so may be difficult to find a car with that option fitted.
Best of luck and keep us informed on your search.
( One downside to the newer model is there is no room for a spare wheel in the trunk. )
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 287
Likes: 74
From: Colorado
2004 W240 Maybach 57
I have a couple of questions. I was looking to get night vision and the Active seating with massage. Is there particular model years that I would need to be in for those options together? I'm am going to assume the Distronic Plus is available in all models from 2012 or later correct? I look at ads on auto trader and they talk about some Mercedes have iPod cables. Wouldn't anything after 2012 have blue tooth technology and also satellite radio? Most importantly when purchasing Is it better to get a newer s550 with lets say 90,000 mile or an older s550 with 40,000 miles on it?
Thanks for your help
Thanks for your help
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 559
Likes: 166
From: Rhode Island
2014 E350 Sport (sold), 2015 S550 Sport (sold), 2018 S560 Sport (sold), 2018 GLE43, 2014 E550
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2020
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s550
Yeah man, try this forum: https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w221-74/
thanks. I will
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 3,113
Likes: 1,490
From: U.S.
Current/Last 5-years:GLS;G70;Alpina B8;X7;Accord. Sold:X7,TeslaS;S560;S550,X5;530e;L.Navigator;LS460
I have a couple of questions. I was looking to get night vision and the Active seating with massage. Is there particular model years that I would need to be in for those options together? I'm am going to assume the Distronic Plus is available in all models from 2012 or later correct? I look at ads on auto trader and they talk about some Mercedes have iPod cables. Wouldn't anything after 2012 have blue tooth technology and also satellite radio? Most importantly when purchasing Is it better to get a newer s550 with lets say 90,000 mile or an older s550 with 40,000 miles on it?
Thanks for your help
Thanks for your help
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 6,190
Likes: 1,550
From: MA
2008 E350 4Matic, 2011 E350 4matic
Best way to find the car you want is to use a vin decoder and not rely on the dealer to post accurate information.
https://www.lastvin.com/
Use this site to see what options were available in a particular year. Just change the 2014 to whatever year you're looking for. Once you select a body style, scroll down to features to see the options for the year and they also list option codes which you can look for with the vin decoder.
https://www.motortrend.com/cars/merc.../s-class/2014/
Here's the brochure to see what the features were from MB.
http://www.auto-brochures.com/mercedes_benz.html
https://www.lastvin.com/
Use this site to see what options were available in a particular year. Just change the 2014 to whatever year you're looking for. Once you select a body style, scroll down to features to see the options for the year and they also list option codes which you can look for with the vin decoder.
https://www.motortrend.com/cars/merc.../s-class/2014/
Here's the brochure to see what the features were from MB.
http://www.auto-brochures.com/mercedes_benz.html
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Super Member
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 559
Likes: 166
From: Rhode Island
2014 E350 Sport (sold), 2015 S550 Sport (sold), 2018 S560 Sport (sold), 2018 GLE43, 2014 E550
Best way to find the car you want is to use a vin decoder and not rely on the dealer to post accurate information.
https://www.lastvin.com/
Use this site to see what options were available in a particular year. Just change the 2014 to whatever year you're looking for. Once you select a body style, scroll down to features to see the options for the year and they also list option codes which you can look for with the vin decoder.
https://www.motortrend.com/cars/merc.../s-class/2014/
Here's the brochure to see what the features were from MB.
http://www.auto-brochures.com/mercedes_benz.html
https://www.lastvin.com/
Use this site to see what options were available in a particular year. Just change the 2014 to whatever year you're looking for. Once you select a body style, scroll down to features to see the options for the year and they also list option codes which you can look for with the vin decoder.
https://www.motortrend.com/cars/merc.../s-class/2014/
Here's the brochure to see what the features were from MB.
http://www.auto-brochures.com/mercedes_benz.html
These decoders are tough sometimes. You can always IM MB USA with the VIN as well to get a from the manufacturer break down. They just wont give you an actual MSRP sheet without proof of ownership. They're actually really helpful. My experience doing the same thing with BMW and Jaguar was not as fruitful.
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Super Member
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 520
Likes: 203
From: Scottsdale AZ
2015 SL550 & 2012 S550 4matic
Do check out all the internet W221 and W222 forums, there are good sites. I recently purchased a 2012 S550 4-matic, Designo, Rear seat pkg, $130k MSRP, for 16 cents on the $, with 98k miles, 1 owner, dealer serviced, clean carfax. Has all the goodies, except Night Vision. Most people advise staying away from first year W221 (2007). Do you drive on dark roads at night where you need Night Vision? Check out its reliability. Many say its a gimmick and don't really use it much. Drove some cars with it but didn't see the need and decided to pass as its yet another piece of technology with high cost repairs.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 378
Likes: 114
2015 S550, 2017 GLS450
I have those options on my 2015 W222. The massage is overrated in my opinion. I rarely use it. The night vision was surprisingly useful. It's amazing how many pedestrians are spotted in poorly lit roads.
The easiest way to see all the options is to literally go to the actual website of each individual MB dealer. Reputable ones will have an auto packet on their used cars with a MSRP listing with all the options. That's if you are willing to go for 2016 models which might be CPO. I don't think 2015 qualifies for CPO any more.
The easiest way to see all the options is to literally go to the actual website of each individual MB dealer. Reputable ones will have an auto packet on their used cars with a MSRP listing with all the options. That's if you are willing to go for 2016 models which might be CPO. I don't think 2015 qualifies for CPO any more.
Last edited by bkdc; Jan 7, 2020 at 08:15 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 6,190
Likes: 1,550
From: MA
2008 E350 4Matic, 2011 E350 4matic
These decoders are tough sometimes. You can always IM MB USA with the VIN as well to get a from the manufacturer break down. They just wont give you an actual MSRP sheet without proof of ownership. They're actually really helpful. My experience doing the same thing with BMW and Jaguar was not as fruitful.
https://epc.startekinfo.com/epc/subscribe.jsp
You can get a window sticker for $8 from monroneylabels.com.
As for CPO, when you go to MB's CPO site, they all have CPO warranties and there are still some 2013 and 2014's which have the CPO warranty.
