W222 for Driving 50,000 Miles per Year
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 497
Likes: 196
From: Palm Beach, Fl
2016 S550 sport, 2018 GLC300, M3, Zo7, 2021 Sierra Denali
what are the maintenance costs for a S class
for some background, i currently drive a 2015 bmw m4 (f82), i put roughly half the number of miles as OP annually on my car, about 25k
just brought the f82 to 40000 miles and due for spark plugs, $1500 for spark plugs…
thinking about making my commute in a 2020 s560 with about 30000 miles on it already , am i also due for a major service fee in making this switch?
for some background, i currently drive a 2015 bmw m4 (f82), i put roughly half the number of miles as OP annually on my car, about 25k
just brought the f82 to 40000 miles and due for spark plugs, $1500 for spark plugs…
thinking about making my commute in a 2020 s560 with about 30000 miles on it already , am i also due for a major service fee in making this switch?
Most things are cheap and easy, alot can be done yourself with a little help from YouTube. If i purchased at 30K and were keeping it?/:
Always make sure you stick with a MB spec oil and filter every 5-7500 mike intervals
air filter
cabin filter
60k spark plugs
60K trans service
60k rear diff fluid
Brakes and tires as needed with any other car. Most important thing i have learned in many years with Mercedes and BMW...always stick with the correct spec fluids. No quick change, auto zone work. German independant shops or dealer. This eliminates the stupid mistakes and the car will treat you very well. i am a maintence guy and always looking for something to do...and thr S just doesnt need that much. Good luck
Junior Member
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 70
Likes: 20
'18 G550, '15 F82, ‘22 Taycan CT4
awesome thanks for the quick and insightful response
i was told the cost of the spark plugs is mostly labor in the f80
(Cf strut brace has to go out, charge pipes have to be removed)
as i’m getting older and softer, i like the idea of driving a cpo s class for two years and then swapping out, just wanted to see if maintenance would provide any surprises
$1500 even with heavy labor for spark plugs really surprised me
im sadly not as mechanically inclined as you are so even with all the great info on youtube, i doubt i’d have the courage to work on my own vehicle 🙂
i was told the cost of the spark plugs is mostly labor in the f80
(Cf strut brace has to go out, charge pipes have to be removed)
as i’m getting older and softer, i like the idea of driving a cpo s class for two years and then swapping out, just wanted to see if maintenance would provide any surprises
$1500 even with heavy labor for spark plugs really surprised me
im sadly not as mechanically inclined as you are so even with all the great info on youtube, i doubt i’d have the courage to work on my own vehicle 🙂
Last edited by DarrVao777; Jun 10, 2023 at 12:54 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 497
Likes: 196
From: Palm Beach, Fl
2016 S550 sport, 2018 GLC300, M3, Zo7, 2021 Sierra Denali
^^ I understand. My buddy just had to do the spark plugs on the F80 and it was the same price. All labor as you said. Very cool car, I even recently considered one and the ride was the deal breaker for me. Getting soft and spoiled as I get older and want it all! LOL I have several cars and switch off alot. I have been driving my S for 2 weeks straight and absolutley love it. It does it all well. Usually do the longer road trips in the S which is by far the best road trip car IMHO, but it does it well everyday. Good luck
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 3,159
Likes: 1,534
From: U.S.
Current/Last 5-years:GLS;G70;Alpina B8;X7;Accord. Sold:X7,TeslaS;S560;S550,X5;530e;L.Navigator;LS460
No. The S560 is not due for much at 30K. I have some experience with the F80 and its a great car but IMHO the S560 is a much nicer easier daily commute. Yes, the F80 does have a bit of maintenance and the ride is pretty firm, but it is a great car. The w222 s has 2 service in the future which occur around 60K. A must do trans service and then spark plugs. Personally I would do the rear diff service at same time if its your car and your going the distance. I do not find the S to be any different than most cars and certainly not a maintence hound.
Most things are cheap and easy, alot can be done yourself with a little help from YouTube. If i purchased at 30K and were keeping it?/:
Always make sure you stick with a MB spec oil and filter every 5-7500 mike intervals
air filter
cabin filter
60k spark plugs
60K trans service
60k rear diff fluid
Brakes and tires as needed with any other car. Most important thing i have learned in many years with Mercedes and BMW...always stick with the correct spec fluids. No quick change, auto zone work. German independant shops or dealer. This eliminates the stupid mistakes and the car will treat you very well. i am a maintence guy and always looking for something to do...and thr S just doesnt need that much. Good luck
Most things are cheap and easy, alot can be done yourself with a little help from YouTube. If i purchased at 30K and were keeping it?/:
Always make sure you stick with a MB spec oil and filter every 5-7500 mike intervals
air filter
cabin filter
60k spark plugs
60K trans service
60k rear diff fluid
Brakes and tires as needed with any other car. Most important thing i have learned in many years with Mercedes and BMW...always stick with the correct spec fluids. No quick change, auto zone work. German independant shops or dealer. This eliminates the stupid mistakes and the car will treat you very well. i am a maintence guy and always looking for something to do...and thr S just doesnt need that much. Good luck
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 497
Likes: 196
From: Palm Beach, Fl
2016 S550 sport, 2018 GLC300, M3, Zo7, 2021 Sierra Denali
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 437
Likes: 168
All Cars Lost To Hurricane Isaac (W124 E420 revived - added 88 Allante 14 S550, 17 S63
I currently have a high mileage daily driver S550 and a garage queen S63. I have spent $30k in maintenance on the 550 ( including a $20k NO-W223 overall fix'r up tab) but only routine so far on the S63.
due to the MB issue with the camshaft adjuster failure and the 8 camshaft sensors and solenoid oil wicking issue, i would decrease the oil change interval to 4- 5k miles or less. 12 a year for 50k miles... YIKES!!!.. There Is very much posted that the high temperature of the oil coming from the turbo chargers deteriorates the oil quickly. Since you plan on keeping the car, This absolutely becomes a primary consideration for the camshaft adjuster issue.
I would add the sacrificial pigtails to all eight sensors and solenoids to stop the wicking taking out the ECU$$....$
Frequent oil changes and attention to the Overall camshaft "matter" will put the engine in the near bulletproof catagory.
I am still stunned at how perfectly smooth and quiet my S500 still is... A pleasant condition as the miles start to creep up.
Good luck..
due to the MB issue with the camshaft adjuster failure and the 8 camshaft sensors and solenoid oil wicking issue, i would decrease the oil change interval to 4- 5k miles or less. 12 a year for 50k miles... YIKES!!!.. There Is very much posted that the high temperature of the oil coming from the turbo chargers deteriorates the oil quickly. Since you plan on keeping the car, This absolutely becomes a primary consideration for the camshaft adjuster issue.
I would add the sacrificial pigtails to all eight sensors and solenoids to stop the wicking taking out the ECU$$....$
Frequent oil changes and attention to the Overall camshaft "matter" will put the engine in the near bulletproof catagory.
I am still stunned at how perfectly smooth and quiet my S500 still is... A pleasant condition as the miles start to creep up.
Good luck..
Last edited by kafklatsch; Jun 17, 2023 at 09:24 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 4,977
Likes: 1,345
From: Cincinnati
2010 E350 4Matic
I currently have a high mileage daily driver S550 and a garage queen S63. I have spent $30k in maintenance on the 550 ( including a $20k NO-W223 overall fix'r up tab) but only routine so far on the S63.
due to the MB issue with the camshaft adjuster failure and the 8 camshaft sensors and solenoid oil wicking issue, i would decrease the oil change interval to 4- 5k miles or less. 12 a year for 50k miles... YIKES!!!.. There Is very much posted that the high temperature of the oil coming from the turbo chargers deteriorates the oil quickly. Since you plan on keeping the car, This absolutely becomes a primary consideration for the camshaft adjuster issue.
I would add the sacrificial pigtails to all eight sensors and solenoids to stop the wicking taking out the ECU$$....$
Frequent oil changes and attention to the Overall camshaft "matter" will put the engine in the near bulletproof catagory.
I am still stunned at how perfectly smooth and quiet my S500 still is... A pleasant condition as the miles start to creep up.
Good luck..
due to the MB issue with the camshaft adjuster failure and the 8 camshaft sensors and solenoid oil wicking issue, i would decrease the oil change interval to 4- 5k miles or less. 12 a year for 50k miles... YIKES!!!.. There Is very much posted that the high temperature of the oil coming from the turbo chargers deteriorates the oil quickly. Since you plan on keeping the car, This absolutely becomes a primary consideration for the camshaft adjuster issue.
I would add the sacrificial pigtails to all eight sensors and solenoids to stop the wicking taking out the ECU$$....$
Frequent oil changes and attention to the Overall camshaft "matter" will put the engine in the near bulletproof catagory.
I am still stunned at how perfectly smooth and quiet my S500 still is... A pleasant condition as the miles start to creep up.
Good luck..
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 3,159
Likes: 1,534
From: U.S.
Current/Last 5-years:GLS;G70;Alpina B8;X7;Accord. Sold:X7,TeslaS;S560;S550,X5;530e;L.Navigator;LS460
I currently have a high mileage daily driver S550 and a garage queen S63. I have spent $30k in maintenance on the 550 ( including a $20k NO-W223 overall fix'r up tab) but only routine so far on the S63.
due to the MB issue with the camshaft adjuster failure and the 8 camshaft sensors and solenoid oil wicking issue, i would decrease the oil change interval to 4- 5k miles or less. 12 a year for 50k miles... YIKES!!!.. There Is very much posted that the high temperature of the oil coming from the turbo chargers deteriorates the oil quickly. Since you plan on keeping the car, This absolutely becomes a primary consideration for the camshaft adjuster issue.
I would add the sacrificial pigtails to all eight sensors and solenoids to stop the wicking taking out the ECU$$....$
Frequent oil changes and attention to the Overall camshaft "matter" will put the engine in the near bulletproof catagory.
I am still stunned at how perfectly smooth and quiet my S500 still is... A pleasant condition as the miles start to creep up.
Good luck..
due to the MB issue with the camshaft adjuster failure and the 8 camshaft sensors and solenoid oil wicking issue, i would decrease the oil change interval to 4- 5k miles or less. 12 a year for 50k miles... YIKES!!!.. There Is very much posted that the high temperature of the oil coming from the turbo chargers deteriorates the oil quickly. Since you plan on keeping the car, This absolutely becomes a primary consideration for the camshaft adjuster issue.
I would add the sacrificial pigtails to all eight sensors and solenoids to stop the wicking taking out the ECU$$....$
Frequent oil changes and attention to the Overall camshaft "matter" will put the engine in the near bulletproof catagory.
I am still stunned at how perfectly smooth and quiet my S500 still is... A pleasant condition as the miles start to creep up.
Good luck..
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Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 437
Likes: 168
All Cars Lost To Hurricane Isaac (W124 E420 revived - added 88 Allante 14 S550, 17 S63
water pump ( which seemed to be fine) as part of replacing of all coolant hoses.
New headlight ( they saw mist, so i said go ahead).
front struts and valve block.
Startup tick was jussssttttt beginning.
so ...headlight and struts alone $$$,, almost $12k in parts
Painful, but i really like the w222's... and trying to skip the 223
Largest repair bill ever...by $12-15k at least.. but happy to keep my w222 driving daily
i can post the entire repair if requested... 8 pages..
Page 8 total...
Last edited by kafklatsch; Jun 22, 2023 at 09:09 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 3,159
Likes: 1,534
From: U.S.
Current/Last 5-years:GLS;G70;Alpina B8;X7;Accord. Sold:X7,TeslaS;S560;S550,X5;530e;L.Navigator;LS460
Woww.. sorry about that but am sure you are enjoying your W222 now. If you are on the same page as many other here including me (skipping the W223), doing such maintenance and spending generously on the W222 is the way to go. I assume the headlights were too expensive and contributed a lot towards that bill/$, right?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 4,977
Likes: 1,345
From: Cincinnati
2010 E350 4Matic
There is a whole thread on moisture in the headlights and yes they are a big buck repair. IMHO very poor showing on Mercedes part. They thread is focused on pre facelift headlights. My memory is foggy (pun intended) on whether there have been reports on post facelift headlights which while prefer the appearance of the pre facelift would be reason alone to go for the post facelift if that was corrected.
Last edited by MBNUT1; Jun 22, 2023 at 09:11 AM.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 522
Likes: 69
From: North Texas
Presently 19 S560 SEDAN, 2014 XK, SOLD GLE 450e
Had a 2015 S560 Coupe. Front drive shaft failed outside of Seligman, Az. Trucked the car home to Ft Worth Mercedes, and they did a bang up job fixing it like new at no/none/zippity cost to me. Just saying. Car gone now. Traded it for a S560 Sedan. Miss its good looks.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 437
Likes: 168
All Cars Lost To Hurricane Isaac (W124 E420 revived - added 88 Allante 14 S550, 17 S63
Woww.. sorry about that but am sure you are enjoying your W222 now. If you are on the same page as many other here including me (skipping the W223), doing such maintenance and spending generously on the W222 is the way to go. I assume the headlights were too expensive and contributed a lot towards that bill/$, right?
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 58
Likes: 29
From: Southern California
Mercedes S550
Hi,
I disagree on the MBC. It is not a "party trick" option. I drove my non-MBC equipped loaner home the other day, and felt like I was riding a bucking bronco horse, rather than a refined vehicle. The hydraulic suspension is worth every cent, IMHO.
I disagree on the MBC. It is not a "party trick" option. I drove my non-MBC equipped loaner home the other day, and felt like I was riding a bucking bronco horse, rather than a refined vehicle. The hydraulic suspension is worth every cent, IMHO.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 437
Likes: 168
All Cars Lost To Hurricane Isaac (W124 E420 revived - added 88 Allante 14 S550, 17 S63
Very interesting observation, the standard S-Class suspension is indeed very nice.
thus,
To give you that comparative sensation says a great deal about the MBC
good comment
thus,
To give you that comparative sensation says a great deal about the MBC
good comment
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 497
Likes: 196
From: Palm Beach, Fl
2016 S550 sport, 2018 GLC300, M3, Zo7, 2021 Sierra Denali
To clarify,....your loaner was an air suspension S class??? And it rode like a bucking bronco horse? I mean where can we go from here if we cant get an MBC??....a rolls Royce ??? Jeeze.....So MBC or its not a refined vehicle?? I think many would disagree. MBC is very nice, and greatly imroved from prior generations. But many who own longterm will never want the repair bill of such a system. You make it sound as if we are slumming in an S class w/o MBC? When I think unrefined.. I think Chevy Impala...... A Mercedes and a bucking bronco horse?????? Wow
Last edited by seamus2154; Jul 2, 2023 at 09:16 PM.
