S550 vs S560
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From: Michigan
S550 vs S560
Hey y’all, new to this thread.
looking at purchasing either a 2017 S550 or 2018+ S560, was wondering if I could get your input on a few topics.
I prefer the S550 as I like louder v8s, but I also want the reliability of the S560. I’m looking at purchasing one with 40-50k miles and getting an extended warranty (likely caravana). I understand the s560 is more practical and reliable, but is it worth the extra $10k+?
Also, how has ownership been for y’all? I’m already spending $4,000+ on my Chevy Cruze for yearly for repairs, so staying beneath $2000 ish would be nice. (Extra repairs, not brakes and tires).
I'm having a local Indy shop do most of the work, so it won’t be as bad as a stealership. Roughly how much are y’all spending yearly on maintenance (service A/B etc.) I fully plan on maintaining this vehicle past 175,000 miles, so having a figure would be nice.
looking at purchasing either a 2017 S550 or 2018+ S560, was wondering if I could get your input on a few topics.
I prefer the S550 as I like louder v8s, but I also want the reliability of the S560. I’m looking at purchasing one with 40-50k miles and getting an extended warranty (likely caravana). I understand the s560 is more practical and reliable, but is it worth the extra $10k+?
Also, how has ownership been for y’all? I’m already spending $4,000+ on my Chevy Cruze for yearly for repairs, so staying beneath $2000 ish would be nice. (Extra repairs, not brakes and tires).
I'm having a local Indy shop do most of the work, so it won’t be as bad as a stealership. Roughly how much are y’all spending yearly on maintenance (service A/B etc.) I fully plan on maintaining this vehicle past 175,000 miles, so having a figure would be nice.
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Hey y’all, new to this thread.
looking at purchasing either a 2017 S550 or 2018+ S560, was wondering if I could get your input on a few topics.
I prefer the S550 as I like louder v8s, but I also want the reliability of the S560. I’m looking at purchasing one with 40-50k miles and getting an extended warranty (likely caravana). I understand the s560 is more practical and reliable, but is it worth the extra $10k+?
Also, how has ownership been for y’all? I’m already spending $4,000+ on my Chevy Cruze for yearly for repairs, so staying beneath $2000 ish would be nice. (Extra repairs, not brakes and tires).
I'm having a local Indy shop do most of the work, so it won’t be as bad as a stealership. Roughly how much are y’all spending yearly on maintenance (service A/B etc.) I fully plan on maintaining this vehicle past 175,000 miles, so having a figure would be nice.
looking at purchasing either a 2017 S550 or 2018+ S560, was wondering if I could get your input on a few topics.
I prefer the S550 as I like louder v8s, but I also want the reliability of the S560. I’m looking at purchasing one with 40-50k miles and getting an extended warranty (likely caravana). I understand the s560 is more practical and reliable, but is it worth the extra $10k+?
Also, how has ownership been for y’all? I’m already spending $4,000+ on my Chevy Cruze for yearly for repairs, so staying beneath $2000 ish would be nice. (Extra repairs, not brakes and tires).
I'm having a local Indy shop do most of the work, so it won’t be as bad as a stealership. Roughly how much are y’all spending yearly on maintenance (service A/B etc.) I fully plan on maintaining this vehicle past 175,000 miles, so having a figure would be nice.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 9
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From: Michigan
MBWorld God!
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MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 32,637
Likes: 6,396
See if these threads provide any useful information to you at all:
https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...questions.html
https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...-facelift.html
https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...-w222-get.html
https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...h-upgrade.html
https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...questions.html
https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...-facelift.html
https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...-w222-get.html
https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...h-upgrade.html
Thread Starter
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From: Michigan
Fair fair, to me the facelift is worth it but to you the engine is worth it. no right or wrong answers just personal preferences after all. Perhaps when it comes to the engines, a better aftermarket exhaust will do? Or is it no replacement for displacement? Isn't the facelift engine more reliable too though?
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 9
Likes: 2
From: Michigan
See if these threads provide any useful information to you at all:
https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...questions.html
https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...-facelift.html
https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...-w222-get.html
https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...h-upgrade.html
https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...questions.html
https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...-facelift.html
https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...-w222-get.html
https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...h-upgrade.html
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2019 S560, 2015 Honda Civic Hybrid
I've had very good luck with my 2016 S550. In four years, only actual repair it has needed was an A/C hose. A small shop near my house does my oil changes (I take them the Mercedes-spec oil and filter) and my Indy does all the other service work. I hope my 2019 is equally reliable.
The 2016 by the way is for sale right now, see https://mbworld.org/forums/market/909116
The 2016 by the way is for sale right now, see https://mbworld.org/forums/market/909116
Last edited by Tom in Austin; Mar 5, 2025 at 07:35 AM.
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It’s mostly the fact that I’d have to spend $10k+ on an exhaust to make the S560 sound decent. On top of the $10k+ it costs over the S550. I want reliability, but it seems like users are mostly indifferent about the reliability standards between the two. Choices choices…
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I've had very good luck with my 2016 S550. In four years, only actual repair it has needed was an A/C hose. A small shop near my house does my oil changes (I take them the Mercedes-spec oil and filter) and my Indy does all the other service work. I hope my 2019 is equally reliable.
The 2016 by the way is for sale right now, see https://mbworld.org/forums/market/909116
The 2016 by the way is for sale right now, see https://mbworld.org/forums/market/909116
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Honestly the best course of action right now is probably test drive them both first : )
Thread Starter
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Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 9
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From: Michigan
I've had very good luck with my 2016 S550. In four years, only actual repair it has needed was an A/C hose. A small shop near my house does my oil changes (I take them the Mercedes-spec oil and filter) and my Indy does all the other service work. I hope my 2019 is equally reliable.
The 2016 by the way is for sale right now, see https://mbworld.org/forums/market/909116
The 2016 by the way is for sale right now, see https://mbworld.org/forums/market/909116
Thread Starter
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Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 9
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From: Michigan
Unfortunately I’ll likely be using Carvana to buy one as I’d like to get a decent warranty on it, CPO’s 1-2 years wouldn’t suffice for me. I don’t think there’s a scenario where one would be my preference more than the other as I’ve never even been in a car with a screen. I’ve beaten my Cruze to hell and back, so the upgrade will be substantial.
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222 S-65
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2001 S600 V12 Sold, 2011 Jaguar XFR Sold, 2017 S550 4-Matic, 2018 S63 AMG Sedan
Hey y’all, new to this thread.
looking at purchasing either a 2017 S550 or 2018+ S560, was wondering if I could get your input on a few topics.
I prefer the S550 as I like louder v8s, but I also want the reliability of the S560. I’m looking at purchasing one with 40-50k miles and getting an extended warranty (likely caravana). I understand the s560 is more practical and reliable, but is it worth the extra $10k+?
Also, how has ownership been for y’all? I’m already spending $4,000+ on my Chevy Cruze for yearly for repairs, so staying beneath $2000 ish would be nice. (Extra repairs, not brakes and tires).
I'm having a local Indy shop do most of the work, so it won’t be as bad as a stealership. Roughly how much are y’all spending yearly on maintenance (service A/B etc.) I fully plan on maintaining this vehicle past 175,000 miles, so having a figure would be nice.
looking at purchasing either a 2017 S550 or 2018+ S560, was wondering if I could get your input on a few topics.
I prefer the S550 as I like louder v8s, but I also want the reliability of the S560. I’m looking at purchasing one with 40-50k miles and getting an extended warranty (likely caravana). I understand the s560 is more practical and reliable, but is it worth the extra $10k+?
Also, how has ownership been for y’all? I’m already spending $4,000+ on my Chevy Cruze for yearly for repairs, so staying beneath $2000 ish would be nice. (Extra repairs, not brakes and tires).
I'm having a local Indy shop do most of the work, so it won’t be as bad as a stealership. Roughly how much are y’all spending yearly on maintenance (service A/B etc.) I fully plan on maintaining this vehicle past 175,000 miles, so having a figure would be nice.
Wired Android Auto, better driver assistance features, and a couple other things I can't remember right now, made the difference for me. But that's because that was important to me. And as far as the S560s I looked at; the exhaust notes seemed even more sporty than my S550 at the time, so I had the opposite feeling about the exhaust from you. I felt like the S560's exhaust was a little to "growly" for a luxury car...again, that's just me.
As far as reliability, I think you're at a wash. Just be sure to do your research with Carfax, a PPI, and seeing the VMI ahead of time. Since you're buying used, 90% of the car's future reliability is be dependent on previous owner(s) habits; maintenance, driving style, activities/environment. You will have to vet each car on its history.
Last edited by carlosinseattle; Mar 5, 2025 at 11:45 AM.
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
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MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
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He's a forum sponsor actually, his contact info here https://mbworld.org/forums/w212-amg/...ml#post9121992
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IMO an exhaust goes against the point and spirit of the S-Class, which is luxury and tranquility.
Why not try to live with it as-is? It's already a big V8, infinitely more satisfying than a Chevy Cruze, and silent when you want to relax.
Why not try to live with it as-is? It's already a big V8, infinitely more satisfying than a Chevy Cruze, and silent when you want to relax.
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From: Cincinnati
2010 E350 4Matic
For me, the tech was the difference. I had a 2017 S550 4matic and within a couple moths decided I made a mistake. The 2017 was-rock solid mechanically so that wasn't the issue at all.
Wired Android Auto, better driver assistance features, and a couple other things I can't remember right now, made the difference for me. But that's because that was important to me. And as far as the S560s I looked at; the exhaust notes seemed even more sporty than my S550 at the time, so I had the opposite feeling about the exhaust from you. I felt like the S560's exhaust was a little to "growly" for a luxury car...again, that's just me.
As far as reliability, I think you're at a wash. Just be sure to do your research with Carfax, a PPI, and seeing the VMI ahead of time. Since you're buying used, 90% of the car's future reliability is be dependent on previous owner(s) habits; maintenance, driving style, activities/environment. You will have to vet each car on its history.
Wired Android Auto, better driver assistance features, and a couple other things I can't remember right now, made the difference for me. But that's because that was important to me. And as far as the S560s I looked at; the exhaust notes seemed even more sporty than my S550 at the time, so I had the opposite feeling about the exhaust from you. I felt like the S560's exhaust was a little to "growly" for a luxury car...again, that's just me.
As far as reliability, I think you're at a wash. Just be sure to do your research with Carfax, a PPI, and seeing the VMI ahead of time. Since you're buying used, 90% of the car's future reliability is be dependent on previous owner(s) habits; maintenance, driving style, activities/environment. You will have to vet each car on its history.
I actually prefer the prefacelift exhaust note for that reason.
