Good evening Gents, I’m looking at purchasing a 2017 to 2020 S class. I don’t know a lot about the car so I thought I would rely on the experts let me know things I should look out for, if they’re reliable etc. I’m currently driving a 2016 GLE 350 that’s been a great car. I hope the S class is equally as good. Thanks in advance

 

Better to work yourself up to an S class. Because once you get one, not much compares. I got out of an S for a couple of years and everything kept getting compared to the S. The inevitable had to happen. I then bought the w222 and it is even better. The new platform is very reliable. Not any of the nusance issues of prior years. I have a 2016, and it has been awesome. Scroll through and search, alot of info here. The w222 is a very good platform, does it all well.

 

That generation GLE is not known for being super reliable, so my guess is you will find a W222 very reliable. I've had my W222 almost 2 years now and about 27,000 miles. So far it has been more reliable than the 2017 Lexus LS460L it replaced which required a few surprise warranty repairs by this time. So far I have been extremely pleased with my S Class.

 

My three years of experience with my S500e W222 (2017) would suggest that you will not be disappointed. I have previously owned several C-classes and the latest C350e 2016, but the S-class is "another" world. I recommend buying from an MB dealer with a guarantee - so you can ensure that there are no hidden faults. Naturally, also check the history with regard to any damage/problems and that the service program is documented. Good luck.

 

I appreciate the advice gents. I had no idea that my model of GLE was not known for being reliable... Most of the reviews I've looked up said that it was above average, (when i bought it), but I guess I'll consider myself lucky.
Let me give you some more details on this S class. It's a 2018 with 38,000 miles. I test drove it yesterday and it rides beautifully. My only reservation is that the previous owner decided to “ blackout” the exterior of the car. IE, black grill, black Badges, black hood ornament etc. But some of it looks like halfa** done.. Some of the paint is chipping on the grill as well as the hood ornament. I don't think Mercedes had a blackout option, did they? Should I be concerned with any of this or just replace it? Also, it is at a large dodge Chrysler dealership in Naples, not entirely sure I should trust their mechanics. Would you recommend an independent inspection?

Thank you again

 

Mercedes did not have a blackout option. If they are painted and you want to reverse it back to chrome, that could be very expensive...

 

There's an even better S-class with lower miles and a nicer interior but it doesn't have the AMG appearance package, (the AMG facia looks amazing). How difficult would it be to simply add the front AMG facia?

 

Suggest you concentrate on the 'facelift' cars ... model years 18, 19 and 20. 2019 was the first year for Apple Carplay and Android auto integration, if those features are important to you. Cars that still have some original factory warranty left are a good idea since you get some time to sort out any small issues with a dealer until the warranty runs out.

The V8 facelift engine has cylinder deactivation and other new engineering that gets a little better gas mileage than previous model years. However, this drivetrain has had some low speed vibration problems with 4MATIC.

My general advice on these cars is to decide on the colors and options you really like and wait to find that car. My car is Anthracite Blue with Nut Brown interior, and I've seen very few 18 - 20 cars with this combination, so I haven't been tempted to upgrade.

 

It would be expensive to do that right, $5k at least probably more. IMO the AMG package is a must have.

 

Ask yourself...why is it there?? Thats the last place i wouild be buying such an expensive, complicated car. The most expensive car you will ever buy....will be a cheap german car!! Stick with high end dealers, best to sitck with certified mercededs Benz. Carfax, inspected or certified by a mercedes benz dealer.

 

I don’t completely agree with this. The dealer may have taken it on trade for a much cheaper car, or they may have bought it at auction. Chrysler/Jeep dealers also sell $100,000 Grand Wagoneers. Maybe they traded it on that. If the car checks out I wouldn’t be afraid to buy it from a Chrysler dealer etc.

 

Hey @Normandy , I had an S-Class and there is nothing else like it, and one of the best values for money on the used market. I would suggest an extended warranty if you are going to go down this route, with all the features and technology in these cars, plus the Mercedes Benz dealer labor rates these days, costs can add up. I would estimate you're looking at around $4,500-$5,500 for a top coverage extended warranty. You can send any online listings for quotes and example contracts from both of our warranty providers at tgibson@highline-autos.com or (855) 924-1333

I had my front 2 air struts replaced under extended warranty, paid for the majority of the policy in a single visit.

 

I love my 2020. The self steering and lane keeping is amazing. I wish the parking option was better. It can't seem to find parking spaces. I've used CarPlay about 5 times in a month despite really wanting that feature. I use Siri voice control over Bluetooth for music. And send to navigation on my phone then I use the COMAND Navigation screen. I think I would have been happy with a 2018 if it had soft close doors and the steering/lane keeping features.

 

True. Many variables to used cars. My experiences have been different. I have buying selling and playing with cars for 40 years. Your example is possible. I find buying a used car an investigation. Yes dealers do buy at auctions, but they put alot more work into making sure they arent being scammed.
I knew a guy who owned a body shop. His main business model was buying damaged cars, insurance, and from dealers that had "clean car fax", no accident report cars. Yes, there are many, he made a killing doing just this. Yes dealers take in very damaged cars on trade, then sell to him...clean carfax. His shop specialized in fixing that no repair could be found. He was an artist, and would go to extreme levels of disassembly to perfect his repairs. These cars were sold back to dealers, sent to auction, and even traded in on new cars!! These are clean carfax cars. He is removed from meeting the buyer, and buyer makes alot of assumptions and cant ask the previous owner anything. He even sold the cars privatley to people who knew, just so they could trade it in. The car business is very dirty and this is promoted by money. So not everything is as it should be and not everything is being properly disclosed. This is just one example. So what I meant was when the original owner trades his car in where he bought it from, with a sevice records, and a clean carfax, and that dealer certifies it and the history is very clear...thats gold. Many cars are at the auction because something is being hidden. But as you optimistcally said, could be a good car? Yep it could be, not likely, but could be.? My friend laughs when they lowball him on trade, on one of these cars. End of the day, they got a damaged car, and he leaves with a brand new car. If there are any issues with the car, doesnt pass a PPI...it goes to the auction. The cycle continues. Buying a used car not knowing everything is a gamble. Its a jungle out there. Alot of maybes, alot of mays...your an optimist, Im a cynical pessimist .I assume nothing and deal in facts only. I am also willing to pay a little more for certainty.

 

Thats why I don't buy used cars lol

 

The W222 has been the best, most reliable, trouble-free car I've ever owned (except for my current Audi S8). Do not hesitate at all to buy the W222. It still looks great, operates smoothly with no glitches to speak of, has the perfected versions of modern day needed technology and no major issues, such as perfect Distronic cruise, wonderful sound system, wonderful camera operation, wonderful seats and active bolstering, terrific lighting inside and out. The heated seats front and back with massage feature are flawless. The engine is very strong, smooth, quiet, and efficient for a car its weight. The 2019 and 2020 versions were the best of the best, but even the 2014-2017 models were terrific. The only year it had some complaints of (and I can't remember what it was) is the 2018. I think it was wind noise.

 

Run away from that one!

 

I have a 2018 with those features- soft close and lane keeping.

 

I think was just saying those features alone are all he needed with a 2018+. All W222 in the US have soft-close doors and probably 90% have Distronic Plus.

 

I hear ya!!! LOL There are many perfect used cars. Just have to nail them down and make no hopeful assumptions if there are gaps or unanswered questions. My last two MB were perfect used certified cars. The wifes GLC300 was an older woman leased with service contract, full service records, garaged, CPO. Returned the lease 2 days earlier, new tires, oil change, and alignment was all it needed to be certified. It was like we bought it new. Great find. My S550 was a 70 yr old neighbor, perfect car. They are out there. I will deal in a little mystery on a Toyota, or Chevy after a good inspection. But never on a German car. drive safe!!
Jim

 

Well Said!

 

What would be your reasoning to walk away?

 

Yes you absolutely should get an independent inspection, especially buying from a non-Mercedes dealership.

I bought a 2004 S500 with 38,000 miles but I wasn't looking at it saying "this is wrong", "that is wrong". Go back and read your post. Chrysler dealer means no extended warranty -- I believe. I bought an extended warranty from Chrysler for my S500 but I think they are no longer available. Now some people think that a CPO warranty or extended warranty is not worth anything. But I sleep better knowing I have a 5 year warranty on my S560. If you buy that car at the Chrysler dealership shop around for an extended warranty.

Did you say what your budget is? That's where I would start. If you can afford a 2016 or newer, I would consider it. The newer the better. I've seen W222s with maybe 20,000 miles for $70K or less.

 

Wiper question: My GLE has had some significant driver side wiper blade issues regarding skipping and chattering that even Mercedes says they can’t fix.Does the S class have any of these issues or has anyone here experienced anything like that?

 

I had a lot of problems with the wiper chattering at first, but they seem to have worked their way out now. The wipers aren't reliably perfect though, no.