Buying 2014-2016 S550 a good idea? What to expect?
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Buying 2014-2016 S550 a good idea? What to expect?
New member here, looking for some advice. I'm interested in buying a 2014-2016 (maybe 2017 at the latest for the right price) S550. Seems like the w222 is the most reliable s class MB has put out, but the most reliable MB is still an MB. I was wondering how your experiences have been owning a w222, particularly the earlier model years. At this point all of the model years I'm interested in looking at are out of warranty so I figure it may be better to go for an earlier model year as some repairs won't cost nearly as much as a 3rd, 4th, or 5th year depreciation. I tend to drive my cars instead of saving them for nice days. I had an 08 s550 that I put around 90k miles on in 10 years. A couple of small things started to go throughout the years (one side mirror not folding, power tilt jamming on steering wheel, etc) but nothing substantial and I don't really care about the small things... especially if it costs an absurd amount and isnt all that vital.
I didn't buy the extended warranty with my 08 but looking back maybe I got lucky with how little I had to pay over the years. I didn't know all that much about this stuff back then. I'd be interested in looking into extended warranties this time around but know nothing about them. Would it even be possible to get an extended warranty on cars that are that old or already out of warranty? Would it be a manufacturer warranty or third party? Any recs on good places to start for this?
I didn't buy the extended warranty with my 08 but looking back maybe I got lucky with how little I had to pay over the years. I didn't know all that much about this stuff back then. I'd be interested in looking into extended warranties this time around but know nothing about them. Would it even be possible to get an extended warranty on cars that are that old or already out of warranty? Would it be a manufacturer warranty or third party? Any recs on good places to start for this?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 1,685
Likes: 820
From: Newcastle, WA
2019 S63 4Matic+, 2018 E400 Cabrio, wardens car.
I have a 2015 that I have owned for 3 years now. Purchased it with 17K miles on the clock and around 8 months of warranty left. Buying used is the way to buy these cars, I paid around 50% of MSRP for mine. I did not opt for any kind of warranty and I am now at 47K miles with a total of 1 strut needing replacement that I did for myself for around 450 bucks. Wasn't bad but made a funny noise over speed bumps so I probably could have let it ride. These are rock solid cars and in my opinion I would not waste any money on a warranty. They do like tires and brakes though so I would look for one with both of these recently done. Other than that, find the car you like, get it inspected and buy it.
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 256
Likes: 119
From: Florida
S550
I've had my Pre-facelift W222 for some time now. Overall, they do seem to be reliable daily drivers. (I've put 11,000 miles on mine in the last 9 months).
That being said, there are some things to look out for:
-A common issue seems to be the 20 inch Amg rims cracking. I've experienced this myself. Not very fun but also not very expensive to fix. In my opinion, for how nice they compliment the car, it's worth it.
-Puddle lamps in mirrors and light on door handles. Not expensive to fix but definitely annoying. So far I've replaced my driver & front passenger door handle lights. Puddle lamps in the mirrors can be easily fixed in 15 minutes. (Video tutorials online)
-Some w222's have jerky transmission downshifts in which shift points need to be adjusted manually. (Large Forum already on that issue)
-Tires & Brakes are commonly eaten up with spirited driving...
-I wouldn't recommend a 2014 model as that was the first year & had many recalls. Furthermore, the 2014 has some slight changes in the infotainment & a phone-dial pad in place of the touchpad found in 2015-2021 models. (Dates the interior)
Options I recommend:
-Sport Appearance Package ($5,900 option that vastly improves the look of the car. Amg pedals are also included)
-Premium 1 Package (PO1 Package) Includes headed & cooled front seats along with a wonderful massage feature.
-Upgraded Interior Leather- I recommend this option if you plan on keeping the car a while. The upgraded leather quality tends to last longer.
-Driver Assistance Package- This package includes the Distronic plus (adaptive cruise) with steering assist feature. Compared to 2020-2021 systems, it's quite bad but it does make life a tad bit easier. I believe it also comes with lane-keep-assist.
-Surround View Camera- 360 Camera that makes parking extremely easy!
-Warmth & Comfort Package- This package provides heated & cooled seats to front & rear passengers. It also warms armrests (front & rear including the center console armrest). It warms washer fluid & front windshield too! (Package is only available with Power Rear Seats)
Options that are cool but not needed:
-Rear Seat Package- This option provides adjustable climate to rear seat passengers. Some have complained that without this option airflow to the rear is slow. (I don't see it as a big issue) It also comes with a rear footrest that extends from the front passenger seat; I've never used it.
-Heads Up Display- Self explanatory.
-Night View Assist Plus- Quite a gimmick! I almost never use it unless I'm on a dark, twisty road; even then, it's quite useless.
Hope this helps!
That being said, there are some things to look out for:
-A common issue seems to be the 20 inch Amg rims cracking. I've experienced this myself. Not very fun but also not very expensive to fix. In my opinion, for how nice they compliment the car, it's worth it.
-Puddle lamps in mirrors and light on door handles. Not expensive to fix but definitely annoying. So far I've replaced my driver & front passenger door handle lights. Puddle lamps in the mirrors can be easily fixed in 15 minutes. (Video tutorials online)
-Some w222's have jerky transmission downshifts in which shift points need to be adjusted manually. (Large Forum already on that issue)
-Tires & Brakes are commonly eaten up with spirited driving...
-I wouldn't recommend a 2014 model as that was the first year & had many recalls. Furthermore, the 2014 has some slight changes in the infotainment & a phone-dial pad in place of the touchpad found in 2015-2021 models. (Dates the interior)
Options I recommend:
-Sport Appearance Package ($5,900 option that vastly improves the look of the car. Amg pedals are also included)
-Premium 1 Package (PO1 Package) Includes headed & cooled front seats along with a wonderful massage feature.
-Upgraded Interior Leather- I recommend this option if you plan on keeping the car a while. The upgraded leather quality tends to last longer.
-Driver Assistance Package- This package includes the Distronic plus (adaptive cruise) with steering assist feature. Compared to 2020-2021 systems, it's quite bad but it does make life a tad bit easier. I believe it also comes with lane-keep-assist.
-Surround View Camera- 360 Camera that makes parking extremely easy!
-Warmth & Comfort Package- This package provides heated & cooled seats to front & rear passengers. It also warms armrests (front & rear including the center console armrest). It warms washer fluid & front windshield too! (Package is only available with Power Rear Seats)
Options that are cool but not needed:
-Rear Seat Package- This option provides adjustable climate to rear seat passengers. Some have complained that without this option airflow to the rear is slow. (I don't see it as a big issue) It also comes with a rear footrest that extends from the front passenger seat; I've never used it.
-Heads Up Display- Self explanatory.
-Night View Assist Plus- Quite a gimmick! I almost never use it unless I'm on a dark, twisty road; even then, it's quite useless.
Hope this helps!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 1,073
Likes: 596
From: Florida
18 AMG GTC and 22 F150 Limited. Past owner 16 Maybach, 17 Brabus Smartcar, 06 Ford E150, and 22 G70
Got my 2016 Maybach for sale if you want the top of the line. Id take 75 for it. https://mbworld.org/forums/market/803925
Member
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 159
Likes: 91
From: NORTHERN NJ
2018 S560 4matic Sedan. Official member of the 18" RIM CREW.
If you are looking at that vintage of a large luxury car and want something "fun" (i.e., not a Lexus LS) I think the W222 is the best choice. If you're looking for reliable, get the LS.
The 2017 has the 9-speed automatic which many prefer. A lot of people have issues with condensation in the headlights of 14-17 W222, so be prepared for that. And of course issues with very large wheels, but that's not unique to this car. Otherwise I think if you are good to the car you will enjoy many years and miles.
The 2017 has the 9-speed automatic which many prefer. A lot of people have issues with condensation in the headlights of 14-17 W222, so be prepared for that. And of course issues with very large wheels, but that's not unique to this car. Otherwise I think if you are good to the car you will enjoy many years and miles.
Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 133
Likes: 4
From: Arlington, TN
2008 S550 4Matic
2018 has better telematics. The lane keep assis, active steering and adaptive cruise seems to work better and not on the somewhat undependable found on the 14-17. You get Apple car play and Android auto and the Mercedes ME app does slightly more as in remote start and somewhat better integration with your phone. 17 and above gets speed limit assist. My 2 cents
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 39
Likes: 38
From: Spencer, WV
2016 S550, 1995 E320, 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
We are very happy with our 2016 for the past 2 years (it had just come off lease, which is often an indicator of a well-maintained car). It had none of the problems that I've seen posted on this list server. We bought it after testing several "luxury" brands and models to find one that has the smoothest ride, because of my wife's chronic pain medical issue. However, when I put it in the "sport" mode, she did not care for it at all (my bad). Although I am a former MB mechanic, she made me buy a 5-year warranty, which I consider a waste of $, since I do all the work on our vehicles myself; it's why I installed a car lift in our garage. Two weeks ago, we took a 2,200 mile road trip and the car operated flawlessly on highways, backwoods winding roads, and near idiot drivers. It has almost all the options available and all of them worked well. I just had to learn how to get to the various menus and features (it helps to study the manual, LOL). BTW, when checking out any used car, please consider checking it for any OBD II codes. E.g., the iCarsoft MB II is a good general scan tool for MBs.
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Super Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 779
Likes: 205
From: Texas
63 Falcon vert
I acquired my '12 S550 in 2014, later a '16 and currently driving a '17. All my miles are 95% hwy and 400/week is easy to do. My repairs have been limited to struts, front suspension components and motor/trans mounts(all '12 related). Other than typical wearables, these cars have been flawless performers. Not knowing your driving environment, 90k in 10 yrs sounds like a low mile city car and hopefully you are on good streets.
As to extended waranty, I had one for the '12 and it did its job BUT the plan was written to cover items mentioned above. Knowing what I know now about these cars, I would pass on extended warranty. Coverage on wheels might be an exception. My '12 extended waranty was thru a Credit Union as recommended by my car buddies.
Buying used CPO has benefits. However you must investigate service history records to your satisfaction. Otherwise you are rolling dice.
Good luck.
As to extended waranty, I had one for the '12 and it did its job BUT the plan was written to cover items mentioned above. Knowing what I know now about these cars, I would pass on extended warranty. Coverage on wheels might be an exception. My '12 extended waranty was thru a Credit Union as recommended by my car buddies.
Buying used CPO has benefits. However you must investigate service history records to your satisfaction. Otherwise you are rolling dice.
Good luck.
