Originally Posted by mysterywrasse

I have a 2015 S550 4matic that I love. I'm surprised most of you have such low miles. I'm well over 118K miles now and it's the longest I've ever kept a car as I usually get bored or change it out every few years. (prior cars included 911s, various BMW sedans, SUVs). It does everything well, comfort, good performance. Favorite limo for my kiddo yet fun to drive sporty or just let it eat miles.

In the almost 10 years I've owned it, outside of routine service (fluids, plugs, tires, brakes), these were the problem areas for me.
1. Bad coils X 2 between 41K-90K miles, CEL, running rough. Left me stranded once, fortunately in town. Ended up replacing all at 90K miles DIY at home. Been good since.
2. Heater would blow cold air around 85K miles, dealer was booked for a week and it was dead of winter so DIY replaced heater coolant valve (some cussing and scraped up my hands pretty bad lol but less than $100 in parts).
3. Torn front outer CV boot 96K miles. Dealer specs full axle replacement, dealers don't touch just boot replacements. I had reputable suspension/axle specialty shop replace both side outer boots. Take it to a shop that does these things routinely and has the right tools/presses etc as few "Mercedes Specialty shops" were hesitant to tackle it. It was around $900 for the pair for the outer boots.
4. Bad Thermostat at 111K miles. (stuck open, would periodically throw code when warming up as it was detecting coolant wasn't getting up to temp quickly enough, ran fine tho), replaced at Independent shop and drain and fill coolant for around $900
5. Windshield x 2 due to chips/cracks.

That's pretty much it, everything still works great. I've never kept a European car this long and I've been thinking of getting a W223 but been hesitant as I don't really like them all that much, perhaps W224 will be better. I still have thoughts of upgrading as I do wonder how long this car will provide me with great service and relatively low repair costs given how complex the car is. But given how badly these cars depreciate (one of the best used car bargains I would say!), and how much I love this thing, I might just run it into the ground.

Other "upgrades"
1. Did sacrificial connectors and replaced a bit leaky CPS. Read up on oil migration issue that may damage the ECU, that's a huge expense if that occurs, highly suggest you do this if you plan to keep your W222.
2. Major sound system upgrade in 2017. Added custom JL subwoofer setup, upgraded tweeter to the burmester 3D rotating, added ski pass through in the trunk.
3. S63 wheels

Best, most well rounded car I've ever owned.

Originally Posted by Tom in Austin

Interested in the tweeter upgrade, did you notice a change in the sound with the Burmeister 3D rotating version? I have been thinking about putting these in my car.

I doubt there's a way to connect up the rotating function to the standard system but the speaker proper and the LED lighting should work ...

Originally Posted by carlosinseattle

Great write up!! The added benefit of the ski pass thru is the bass from your subwoofer. I've considered doing the same thing myself. Do you ever feel like the noise cancelling is processing "out" some of your bass gains?
Did you buy it new? If not, how old and at what mileage, etc.?
What climate do you live in? Sounds like somewhere cold, do you drive it year round?

Originally Posted by mysterywrasse

I'm actually in the Kirkland WA area so WA state also. Yes, the ski pass was for both way to get more bass and also add utility for skies, long items from home depot etc. The initial sub location in the trunk wasn't good and it produced an odd unpleasant bass sound but that was solved with redoing the custom box so the JL W6 faced toward the rear of the trunk, that and adjustments from the JL digital processor solved that issue and it sounds great now, good stage and bass is more natural.
It's my dd.

Originally Posted by snarestud940

” . . . . . . . . .He said the rear brakes still have some meat on them, so need to change just yet. He's extremely honest, which is what I like.

A time-less way to gain your trust, make the client believe he has your best interests in mind - then sell you a better money making repair.

He asked me how long I planned to keep the car, and I said probably another 2-3 years, not more than 100,000 miles. He advised me to get rid of it between 95-100,000 miles, as once these cars hit about 120-130,000, they cause problems.

These cars have had problems since mile one, 120,000 - 130,000 isn’t any magical starting point. Anyone can argue that there is a greater probability as the miles rack up - sure! Advising you to get rid of this car between 95K and 100K is more about selling at a phycological point. Under a hundred thousand miles looks better than trying to sell at 130,000 miles.

Is this is the consensus? Any feedback would be great! I would definitely probably buy an E-Class Sedan next that is a year old with low low miles.

Originally Posted by AMG__POWER

Similar to many other members here I absolutely adore my w222. I have thoughts about selling it sometimes but then I delete my post after driving it LOL. Truthfully speaking, many m278’s have well over 150k and are for sale so we know they can last, no one will report an excellent running one but only when things go wrong. I do my oil services every 2500 which is excessive but piece of mind. I have had my car thoroughly inspected and was told it’s perfect, looks brand new for a 2015 with 100k miles. I purchased it 2 years ago with 92k miles, and I have/ have owned many other cars, and nothing seems to do it like the w222. I’ve had brand new Mercedes, and the interior imo doesn’t rival the w222, nor does the “ looking forward to drive factor”. My car is rwd with every option besides the fridge, so I didn’t loose trunk space. This car primarily is my Vegas road trip car as well bc it’s a s class lol and I like to “whaft”