Thoughts on an S600?
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Joined: Jul 2006
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I have purchased six MB V12's and currently own three. I have driven these MB V12's over 400,000 total miles so I have some personal experience. The models prior to 2008 or 2009 (depends on which model) were high cost to keep in like new condition. The three high cost items were coil packs, motor mounts and the ABC system. From 2009 on, the ABC and the motor mounts were improved to lessen the frequency of repairs. Beginning with the W222 and R231 models the coil packs were eliminated so that is no longer a repair item. The ABC and, on the W222 the MBC systems were improved again and so far on my 2015 S65 and 2017 SL65 there have been no repairs necessary other than battery replacements and new brake pads. On the 2009 SL600, the motor mounts were replaced right at the end of the seven year factory warranty. The mounts had not collapsed but the dealer did me a major favor and pushed new mounts through the warranty system. The only expensive repair on the 2009 was the usual R230 trunk latch failure. Have never had to touch the ABC system in 13 years.
Based on my experience, if the 2015 S600 is fully maintained and not abused you should be relatively safe buying it. Were it me I would pass on $10k for an aftermarket warranty but that is a highly personal decision. I enjoy driving the S65 (and the SL65) so much I do not care about depreciation, its irrelevant if you want a V12. One recommendation is to replace the S600's run flat tires with non run flats in the S65 sizes. You can tell the difference in the ride quality.
Based on my experience, if the 2015 S600 is fully maintained and not abused you should be relatively safe buying it. Were it me I would pass on $10k for an aftermarket warranty but that is a highly personal decision. I enjoy driving the S65 (and the SL65) so much I do not care about depreciation, its irrelevant if you want a V12. One recommendation is to replace the S600's run flat tires with non run flats in the S65 sizes. You can tell the difference in the ride quality.
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Joined: Jul 2006
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Currently high 30K miles. I bought the car just after retiring, so I don't drive it every day. With Covid lockdowns there are weeks I don't drive it at all.
Reliability: I have a minor issue in cold weather where I have to press the Green button in the trunk for it to close and latch.
Reliability: on rougher roads there is a tiny rattle in the dash that goes away when you push on it, or lower air pressure to 32 PSI.
Reliability: I have had to change the auxiliary battery twice while still on original main battery.
I don't think these has anything to do with the motor or options that come when getting the motor.
Reliability: I have a minor issue in cold weather where I have to press the Green button in the trunk for it to close and latch.
Reliability: on rougher roads there is a tiny rattle in the dash that goes away when you push on it, or lower air pressure to 32 PSI.
Reliability: I have had to change the auxiliary battery twice while still on original main battery.
I don't think these has anything to do with the motor or options that come when getting the motor.
Good to know!
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I am cross shopping the S600 with the 740i (2018) and Audi A8 (2019). Both are certified. the S600 is a 2015 and out of warranty, obvious. I eliminated the 740i pretty much because it didn't ride well - very bumpy. The Audi is intriguing - this is the 3.0 engine. The car is obviously quite complex so who knows If it will be more reliable than the S600 overtime. Currently is has 28K miles. It has the executive back seats but the 'regular' B&O, not the 3D (the S600 has the 3d Burmeister). If any of you have experienced the A8 please chime in!
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From: Portland, Maine
2020 S560 sedan, 2018 Volvo v90 Cross Country
The A8 4.0 is a monster I wasn't fond of the 3.0, felt like it was always straining while merging. The car is basically impossible to parallel park......you wouldn't want to anyways as some dolt might back into getting out of a spot. The B&O is a great system. I had both an Audi 2016 and a S550 2017. I preferred the Audi
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Update: Both S600 2015 that I was looking at were sold last weekend. I am bummed. One was particularly nice with the Emerald package and several Maybach upgrades. The hunt continues. I was perhaps overly confident that I would be the only nutcase out there picking up a 12 cylinder car in the midst of an oil crisis but apparently not. I was trying too hard to bargain for the best deal.
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15 S550 4Matic, 86 560SL
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2019 S560, 2015 Honda Civic Hybrid
I had a similar experience, chased two S600s when I was shopping and the dealers would not negotiate anything ... and this was before the pandemic market disruptions. Apparently they were right, someone bought both cars ...
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Joined: Feb 2009
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From: Tampa Bay area
S560, GLS63
Update: Both S600 2015 that I was looking at were sold last weekend. I am bummed. One was particularly nice with the Emerald package and several Maybach upgrades. The hunt continues. I was perhaps overly confident that I would be the only nutcase out there picking up a 12 cylinder car in the midst of an oil crisis but apparently not. I was trying too hard to bargain for the best deal.
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Joined: Jun 2010
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From: Maryland
2025 S63. 2022 911 Turbo S, 23 BMW M5C
I had a feeling you wouldn't get that car. These cars, ANY nice cars will be sold in a few days or a week or so. Like others said, JUMP on the next car you see that looks great. You really can't lose buying a nice 2015 S600. SUCH a nice car. GO FOR IT. You only go around once.
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Joined: Dec 2002
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From: Florida
W124, W126, W140, W220, W222, R129
Did you buy a S600? I have had my 15 since 18, and I have just under 57k miles. I can give you any insight that you may need. I also know the v12s in and out, and am not afraid to wrench on it myself. Let me know if you need guidance. And before you ask, no, mine is not for sale.
