polo1

I know this is probably a "loaded question"...

But would like to get some opinions...

You hear it, and hear it a lot - don't buy a Mercedes out of warranty - or unless you have a good used car warranty, etc.

However, there are also quite a few people/sources now saying that later model Mercedes "reliability" has gotten a lot better.

Any options as to what exactly constitutes "later models"...?

Are we talking 2010+, 2015+, 2020+...

I know different models and different engines have different "reliability" issues - but just talking about the S-Class (and even E-Class) here.

MB2timer

It’s a fair question.
If you are counting SLK, in the S class, my opinion is, my judgment is based on a low bar.
Has my MB ever stranded me ?
No, but it came close a couple of times.
On the whole, fairly low unscheduled maintenance, and fairly high reliability.
If you are counting SL, too early to tell.

carlosinseattle

Daimler Benz went through a difficult time during the early 2000's. I happened to own one the least reliable and costliest to repair models from that era, a 2001 S600 V12. I bought it in 2005 with 36K miles, and owned it until 2010 and 78K on the odomteter. I spent roughly $18K in repairs and maintenance on the car, no tunes or aftermarket anything. Ironically, the E-class was practically bulletproof during that same time. I stayed away from MB for more than a decade because of my experience, actually leased new cars for the next 12 years, then bought an S-class last year.

Their quality improved around 2010 across all product lines. So they are definitely better now than before.

We should be clear about what automobile manufacurers do; they sell new cars. Then they make and sell parts. MB is not making a car that will last a lifetime. They are focused on the showroom expereince, and offering the latest and greatest technologies available on cars. They know their new car buyers expect the latest and greatest, and will upgrade once their cars "feel" dated, either by tech or design, or both. The customer they care about will own the car 4 years or less, so that's what they focus on. They don't care about the 2nd owner, but will gladly sell you parts to keep that old car going.

When it came down to what I wanted to do/buy; I considered the higher cost of a newer and/or lower mileage car against the higher likelyhood of repairs on an older car. In most cases you'll come out ahead, meaning spend less money, with an older car than a newer car, but the difference is not HUGE. Depreciation is great, but you make payments on that depreciation in the form of maintenance and repairs.

BenzV12

Generally speaking , post 2010 and FL models get better reliability maintenance wise but there're other areas which Mercedes-Benz never bother to have a betterment like engine mounts . Regardless of engine variant and model those will eventually fail . I honestly have not heard of any GM car having such a replacement like that . I take it as a Mercedes-Benz policy as well.
W222's interior is a big improvement upon W140s as well as W220s

VII

In general vehicles released or facelifted after 2010.

There are still mistakes being made, especially as they try to push more into the SW which is not their strength but one would say smaller things.

The consumables are getting more annoying; brakes, engine mounts and the like are now ridiculously expensive where they used to be ok on price.
BTW the engine mounts don't last as long due to MB pushing for the maximum isolation of vibration.

JohnLane

140 S-Class required babysitting. Door locks via vacuum still with wiring harnesses everywhere that had insulation that would dry up and fail anywhere harnesses flex.

220 S-Class is troublesome. Lots of new technology that was not ready. Lots of lessons learned. Much stiffer chassis then 140.

221 S-Class much improved. ABC vastly improved. Reliability of electronics improved all the way around. Balance shaft issues in 5.5 liter and seems like a bent six. Seven speed transmission introduced.

222 S-Class as improved compared with 221 as 221 vs 220. Much of the car is aluminum and is a MUCH stiffer chassis compared with previous generations. No more feeling the chassis shudder over bumps. Now with seven speed box behind the bent-12. Carbon Ceramic brakes offered. Love not having to plan for big $$$ brake jobs.

Every S-Class has historically been almost a quantum leap forward from the previous generation.

I’ve not been in a 223 car. Seen them in the dealerships, design is huge turn off for me. Hear horror stories but reality is one should be ready for ‘challenges’ in the first year (at least) of an all new car.

MBNUT1

W140 - Leaking evaporator core which required complete disassembly of the dash to replace.

hyperion667

The W212, brand new (2011) E550 I had was flawless.......also the brand new W212 (2011) E63 I had was lawless. The W222 I had (2014) brand new was a great car for the 4 years (in warranty) that I owned it. Still driving a 2012 CLS63 that has about 78K miles (bought new). General maintenance and a few things that popped up but overall very happy with the car

JohnLane

My 140-120 got an evaporator core along with a bevy of wiring harnesses, C/V axle, and a number of other items at 99,700 miles via the extended warranty. Fidelity Platinum.

C280 Sport

To me it is all about does the car get me from A-B safe and without leaving me stranded or compromising my safety or anyone else’s safety’s. With that being said all except 1 of my MB’s in the past have been pretty reliable. I never felt unsafe or harmed driving one. Only had 1 car where one car failed to start. Not to say repairs and issues have not come up. They do. But to be honest I find my cars go to the shop usually 1 time per year for the annual and whatever else they may need. I think you know what issues to look for, get an inspection and don’t buy with your heart and use your head. A used MB will be running fine for many years.