My car has been great so far but I am afraid it may be getting to an age where problems occur, especially sitting outside in the Florida sun. Is this fear well founded and what issues are likely? I am told the air suspension may start to have issues about this age and I know it can be very expensive on a Porsche.

 

My first concern (I'm in Texas) is the leather. Use Letherique to keep the leather show-room fresh.

Otherwise, maintain the car, and fix issues when the arise.

{Mercedes is not expensive to fix or maintain on the Ferrari scale of expensive. I own a 30 YO F355, as a reference point.}

ETA:: Owning a decade+ old car is less expensive than buying a new car under warrantee all the time.
The only reason to get rid of an old car is a) you o longer like it, b) it is becoming unreliable.

 

High temperatures and constant sun exposure can accelerate wear on components like the exterior paint, rubber seals, and electrical connections, potentially leading to issues such as HVAC system strain or dashboard fading. Additionally, with 60k miles, while still relatively low, certain components like the air suspension you mentioned might start showing signs of wear, especially in a climate that’s tough on materials. If you start noticing any irregularities with the suspension or other systems, running a full diagnostic scan with Xentry or my new favorite youcanic full system scanner could help pinpoint any emerging issues before they become costly repairs.

 

I wouldn’t own an S-class beyond 70-80K miles… In fact, that was exactly the reason I sold my first W222…. Just couldn’t see myself keeping it longer.

 

The reason I wonder is because I owned an SL550 where every pump, the trans and two window regulators went bad in a short period of time. but that was at about 11 years and 80k miles. After driving a Lucid which does not have an air suspension, I wonder why it is necessary. I also don't like the slighter "looser" suspension.

 

My favorite Mercedes to buy are those beyond 80k miles! Put them on the lift, connect them to Xentry and have them tell me their life stories as I sip my cold drink and listen. Then together we make a list of what needs to be fixed to help them feel whole again. It's a beautiful thing, and since my wife enjoys her Mercdes too it is fully sanctioned by the household program manager.

 

"Program managers" and old cars have one thing in common...even though they require a little more care than we want; it's always "cheaper to keep her"...

 

I sold my 2019 at 75k ish miles, compared to the 9,000mile 2020 that I bought, it was feeling old.

 

Interesting. I felt no difference between my 1st W222-prefacelift when I sold it with 76-78K miles, and my 2nd W222-facelift that had low 30sK mile. Both felt solid and neither of them was aging, but at around 70K miles+, suspension squeaks and other minors stuff started to show up.

 

Without extended warranties , I would not own any S Class either . There're some things age related regardless of mileage as well and suspension system is one of those . If maintained properly , S Class is the best car to me but parts are not cheap not to mention

 

360, Sounds like you’re borrowing on a future bet something will fail. Just keep the car moving, don’t let it sit because sitting and many short trips on cars seems to develop more problems more often. Nothing scientific that proves this, but when you ask car collectors like the
Petersen Automotive Museum in CA and the people that run the car museum for the Legendary Philly Car Collector Dr. Frederick Simeone, they can tell you all about sitting cars.

 

Simeone is not in position to offer advice.

 

Interesting that folks who have no problem paying $1k+/month for a lease/loan regurgitate at having to pay $2k for service on a paid-in-full vehicle.

 

I always say the best feature of a car is that I own it free and clear!

 

My car has lots of miles.... It’s paid for. When things happen.... I deal with it. Worst has been sunroof rails. Otherwise easy repairs, flushes.

 

It’s his staff that takes care of his collect, he never turned a wrench. They are a licensed museum so they are open for many years to come.