First Drive and a question
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2025
Posts: 56
Likes: 21
From: Phoenix east valley
2018 MB S560, 2018 Ford F150
First Drive and a question
Just today got a chance to take my newly acquired S560 out on the highway. What a ride! This being my first MB and I couldnt be happier. Effortless acceleration and oh so smooth!!
I have a bunch of new guy questions, if I may ask
where do you buy your parts? MB is top $$ but are some aftermarket suppliers equal quality? I plan to do all, or most maintenance myself.
The "How-Tos" forum section is strangely devoid of type s videos. How come?
I have a bunch of new guy questions, if I may ask
where do you buy your parts? MB is top $$ but are some aftermarket suppliers equal quality? I plan to do all, or most maintenance myself.
The "How-Tos" forum section is strangely devoid of type s videos. How come?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 1,697
Likes: 522
2019 S560, 2015 Honda Civic Hybrid
For genuine MBZ parts, I've been using Mercedes Benz of Laredo, TX. Prices are good and since I live in Texas shipping is quick ;-)
For commodity items of course, there's a whole world of online parts sellers ... even Amazon has a lot of S560 parts with free Prime shipping.
For commodity items of course, there's a whole world of online parts sellers ... even Amazon has a lot of S560 parts with free Prime shipping.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 3,129
Likes: 1,508
From: U.S.
Current/Last 5-years:GLS;G70;Alpina B8;X7;Accord. Sold:X7,TeslaS;S560;S550,X5;530e;L.Navigator;LS460
Enjoy!. The S on a highway is exactly where it shines the most. People like SUVs, but if it wasn't for the passengers count and cargo capacity, I see large sedans like the S as superior highway cruisers in every single way than SUVs. Perhaps the only exception is in winter. SUVs feel more stable and better to drive then, otherwise large sedans are the best for long trips.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 4,376
Likes: 948
W212 FL
Most Forums lack such things
For instance : GLB Forum has devoid of sticky picture thread as well
I don't wanna sound like a rich snob nor a person who likes to teach you things but S Class is a complex car and please make sure you know what to do otherwise you could mess the things up . Well, I prefer dealer or independent who knows how to deal with such cars .
Happy Driving
For instance : GLB Forum has devoid of sticky picture thread as well
I don't wanna sound like a rich snob nor a person who likes to teach you things but S Class is a complex car and please make sure you know what to do otherwise you could mess the things up . Well, I prefer dealer or independent who knows how to deal with such cars .
Happy Driving
Banned
Joined: Nov 2025
Posts: 477
Likes: 187
From: US
Mercedes SL R231
For parts, FCP Euro comes highly recommended. They offer a lifetime replacement program for most everything they sell. Buy the part from them, buy the replacement part from them, send the old part back, get refunded. This includes most fluids, filters, wear & tear parts, batteries, brake pads, windshield wipers, etc. The also offer free shipping on orders over $49. There are other online merchants, such as Pelican Parts and AutohausAZ that have similar programs. I am partial to FCP because they are on the east coast and I get parts quicker, but they are not always cheaper.
I have to agree with @BenzV12 that you should really be careful when doing your own work on your car, but it IS your car. Not sure if you have the Magic Vision wipers or not, but at between $180 and $200 a set online, I don’t think you need to pay someone to replace them.
Whether you do your own work or not, I highly recommend getting a Mercedes specific scan tool, such as XENTRY or LAUNCH X431 Creader 2.0 Elite BENZ. It will save you from running to the dealer every time something seems “off”. An observation is that Mercedes dealerships vary from dealer to dealer as to whether they are fair and honest or scumbags. You can scan for codes yourself and be better prepared for when you go to the dealer.
I have to agree with @BenzV12 that you should really be careful when doing your own work on your car, but it IS your car. Not sure if you have the Magic Vision wipers or not, but at between $180 and $200 a set online, I don’t think you need to pay someone to replace them.
Whether you do your own work or not, I highly recommend getting a Mercedes specific scan tool, such as XENTRY or LAUNCH X431 Creader 2.0 Elite BENZ. It will save you from running to the dealer every time something seems “off”. An observation is that Mercedes dealerships vary from dealer to dealer as to whether they are fair and honest or scumbags. You can scan for codes yourself and be better prepared for when you go to the dealer.
Last edited by GTIBlack; Dec 9, 2025 at 08:16 AM.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2025
Posts: 56
Likes: 21
From: Phoenix east valley
2018 MB S560, 2018 Ford F150
Most Forums lack such things
For instance : GLB Forum has devoid of sticky picture thread as well
I don't wanna sound like a rich snob nor a person who likes to teach you things but S Class is a complex car and please make sure you know what to do otherwise you could mess the things up . Well, I prefer dealer or independent who knows how to deal with such cars .
Happy Driving
For instance : GLB Forum has devoid of sticky picture thread as well
I don't wanna sound like a rich snob nor a person who likes to teach you things but S Class is a complex car and please make sure you know what to do otherwise you could mess the things up . Well, I prefer dealer or independent who knows how to deal with such cars .
Happy Driving
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2025
Posts: 56
Likes: 21
From: Phoenix east valley
2018 MB S560, 2018 Ford F150
For parts, FCP Euro comes highly recommended. They offer a lifetime replacement program for most everything they sell. Buy the part from them, buy the replacement part from them, send the old part back, get refunded. This includes most fluids, filters, wear & tear parts, batteries, brake pads, windshield wipers, etc. The also offer free shipping on orders over $49. There are other online merchants, such as Pelican Parts and AutohausAZ that have similar programs. I am partial to FCP because they are on the east coast and I get parts quicker, but they are not always cheaper.
I have to agree with @BenzV12 that you should really be careful when doing your own work on your car, but it IS your car. Not sure if you have the Magic Vision wipers or not, but at between $180 and $200 a set online, I don’t think you need to pay someone to replace them.
Whether you do your own work or not, I highly recommend getting a Mercedes specific scan tool, such as XENTRY or LAUNCH X431 Creader 2.0 Elite BENZ. It will save you from running to the dealer every time something seems “off”. An observation is that Mercedes dealerships vary from dealer to dealer as to whether they are fair and honest or scumbags. You can scan for codes yourself and be better prepared for when you go to the dealer.
I have to agree with @BenzV12 that you should really be careful when doing your own work on your car, but it IS your car. Not sure if you have the Magic Vision wipers or not, but at between $180 and $200 a set online, I don’t think you need to pay someone to replace them.
Whether you do your own work or not, I highly recommend getting a Mercedes specific scan tool, such as XENTRY or LAUNCH X431 Creader 2.0 Elite BENZ. It will save you from running to the dealer every time something seems “off”. An observation is that Mercedes dealerships vary from dealer to dealer as to whether they are fair and honest or scumbags. You can scan for codes yourself and be better prepared for when you go to the dealer.
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Member
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 96
Likes: 53
From: California
2019 Mercedes S560
FCP Euro! I will shout this from the rooftops! They are the best, in my experience. I've used them for parts over my whole Mercedes ownership journey with all my cars, by far one of the best parts places. And they have a great selection for the S-Class, as that apparently is not a common thing- I think most S-Class owners go to the dealer, so third party parts stores are not the biggest market. Great customer service, great warranty on ALL parts, and a decent return policy. AND, the prices are very reasonable for OE and OEM parts.
I’m lucky enough to have a mechanic that lets me bring my own OEM parts (for jobs I can't do- since I don't have a lift), so I just order on FCP Euro, pop those things in the trunk and drop the car off. Plus you get that warranty, I only stress it so much because I did a brake job, calipers & pads, all around- and the MERCEDES OEM parts were just not working right due to a defect, and after a week of use to notice the problem, they just took them back and gave me new stuff overnight, literally no questions asked. To me that's valuable, I'm sure other places do that.
I just have a basic scan tool, because I’m boring. But my car has not needed a code check for any problems. Since I bought it I’ve put almost 30k miles on it in the last year, and with regular oil changes and other simple ON TIME maintenance, it's been rock solid. I’m sure in a few years the tech might give me some troubles, but I plan to have this car for at least the next 10 years. It's just so good, every time I get in, I’m like wow! What a car! lol.
Anyways, I probably sound like a sales rep now- I really like FCP euro. Good luck!
I’m lucky enough to have a mechanic that lets me bring my own OEM parts (for jobs I can't do- since I don't have a lift), so I just order on FCP Euro, pop those things in the trunk and drop the car off. Plus you get that warranty, I only stress it so much because I did a brake job, calipers & pads, all around- and the MERCEDES OEM parts were just not working right due to a defect, and after a week of use to notice the problem, they just took them back and gave me new stuff overnight, literally no questions asked. To me that's valuable, I'm sure other places do that.
I just have a basic scan tool, because I’m boring. But my car has not needed a code check for any problems. Since I bought it I’ve put almost 30k miles on it in the last year, and with regular oil changes and other simple ON TIME maintenance, it's been rock solid. I’m sure in a few years the tech might give me some troubles, but I plan to have this car for at least the next 10 years. It's just so good, every time I get in, I’m like wow! What a car! lol.
Anyways, I probably sound like a sales rep now- I really like FCP euro. Good luck!
Last edited by justchangeoil63; Dec 9, 2025 at 11:06 AM.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 9,116
Likes: 4,605
From: Maryland
2024 S580
Enjoy!. The S on a highway is exactly where it shines the most. People like SUVs, but if it wasn't for the passengers count and cargo capacity, I see large sedans like the S as superior highway cruisers in every single way than SUVs. Perhaps the only exception is in winter. SUVs feel more stable and better to drive then, otherwise large sedans are the best for long trips.
Member
Joined: Nov 2024
Posts: 219
Likes: 97
From: The Racing Capitol of the World
2019 AMG S 65 and too many other vehicles to list here in this small box
Peter will help you buy a used laptop and new SSD to provide the full version of all the goodies that come with the Xentry suite of apps.
You can work independently with the software or get Peter online and he will step into help with whatever issues you might have.
He is a nice guy and very intelligent. He really put together a nice package for those that want to DIY.
I joined and very happy with the investment. I get nothing in return for making this recommendation to join the club. Check out his site at benzninja.com
In regards to parts, I try very hard to stick with OEM. Some parts (trans filter) you really don't want to use anything but OEM.
FCP is a good source for OEM but they are pricey and shipping cost can be ridiculous.
I spend time shopping around online at multiple MB stealerships. I have found that a few of the stealerships have a website to order parts. Each stealership is independent so they can set their pricing as they wish and boy do they vary. I can usually find the OEM part for same or less than FCP and based upon the location shipping can be far less also. Many stealerships have sales and promo codes to save if you get on their mailing list after making a purchase. I have found some really good deals at multiple stealerships around the country.
The mercedespartscenter.com is one that has sales and promos all the time. The only problem with them is they won't sell or ship to you if you live in Kansas or Missouri which sounds strange but there is a logical reason for that restriction.
Last edited by SemperFi; Dec 9, 2025 at 12:08 PM.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2025
Posts: 56
Likes: 21
From: Phoenix east valley
2018 MB S560, 2018 Ford F150
FCP Euro! I will shout this from the rooftops! They are the best, in my experience. I've used them for parts over my whole Mercedes ownership journey with all my cars, by far one of the best parts places. And they have a great selection for the S-Class, as that apparently is not a common thing- I think most S-Class owners go to the dealer, so third party parts stores are not the biggest market. Great customer service, great warranty on ALL parts, and a decent return policy. AND, the prices are very reasonable for OE and OEM parts.
I’m lucky enough to have a mechanic that lets me bring my own OEM parts (for jobs I can't do- since I don't have a lift), so I just order on FCP Euro, pop those things in the trunk and drop the car off. Plus you get that warranty, I only stress it so much because I did a brake job, calipers & pads, all around- and the MERCEDES OEM parts were just not working right due to a defect, and after a week of use to notice the problem, they just took them back and gave me new stuff overnight, literally no questions asked. To me that's valuable, I'm sure other places do that.
I just have a basic scan tool, because I’m boring. But my car has not needed a code check for any problems. Since I bought it I’ve put almost 30k miles on it in the last year, and with regular oil changes and other simple ON TIME maintenance, it's been rock solid. I’m sure in a few years the tech might give me some troubles, but I plan to have this car for at least the next 10 years. It's just so good, every time I get in, I’m like wow! What a car! lol.
Anyways, I probably sound like a sales rep now- I really like FCP euro. Good luck!
I’m lucky enough to have a mechanic that lets me bring my own OEM parts (for jobs I can't do- since I don't have a lift), so I just order on FCP Euro, pop those things in the trunk and drop the car off. Plus you get that warranty, I only stress it so much because I did a brake job, calipers & pads, all around- and the MERCEDES OEM parts were just not working right due to a defect, and after a week of use to notice the problem, they just took them back and gave me new stuff overnight, literally no questions asked. To me that's valuable, I'm sure other places do that.
I just have a basic scan tool, because I’m boring. But my car has not needed a code check for any problems. Since I bought it I’ve put almost 30k miles on it in the last year, and with regular oil changes and other simple ON TIME maintenance, it's been rock solid. I’m sure in a few years the tech might give me some troubles, but I plan to have this car for at least the next 10 years. It's just so good, every time I get in, I’m like wow! What a car! lol.
Anyways, I probably sound like a sales rep now- I really like FCP euro. Good luck!
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2025
Posts: 56
Likes: 21
From: Phoenix east valley
2018 MB S560, 2018 Ford F150
If you become a lifetime member of the BenzNinja Club, you get a full copy of Xentry on top of the expert help and advice from Peter the "Ninja".
Peter will help you buy a used laptop and new SSD to provide the full version of all the goodies that come with the Xentry suite of apps.
You can work independently with the software or get Peter online and he will step into help with whatever issues you might have.
He is a nice guy and very intelligent. He really put together a nice package for those that want to DIY.
I joined and very happy with the investment. I get nothing in return for making this recommendation to join the club. Check out his site at benzninja.com
In regards to parts, I try very hard to stick with OEM. Some parts (trans filter) you really don't want to use anything but OEM.
FCP is a good source for OEM but they are pricey and shipping cost can be ridiculous.
I spend time shopping around online at multiple MB stealerships. I have found that a few of the stealerships have a website to order parts. Each stealership is independent so they can set their pricing as they wish and boy do they vary. I can usually find the OEM part for same or less than FCP and based upon the location shipping can be far less also. Many stealerships have sales and promo codes to save if you get on their mailing list after making a purchase. I have found some really good deals at multiple stealerships around the country.
The mercedespartscenter.com is one that has sales and promos all the time. The only problem with them is they won't sell or ship to you if you live in Kansas or Missouri which sounds strange but there is a logical reason for that restriction.
Peter will help you buy a used laptop and new SSD to provide the full version of all the goodies that come with the Xentry suite of apps.
You can work independently with the software or get Peter online and he will step into help with whatever issues you might have.
He is a nice guy and very intelligent. He really put together a nice package for those that want to DIY.
I joined and very happy with the investment. I get nothing in return for making this recommendation to join the club. Check out his site at benzninja.com
In regards to parts, I try very hard to stick with OEM. Some parts (trans filter) you really don't want to use anything but OEM.
FCP is a good source for OEM but they are pricey and shipping cost can be ridiculous.
I spend time shopping around online at multiple MB stealerships. I have found that a few of the stealerships have a website to order parts. Each stealership is independent so they can set their pricing as they wish and boy do they vary. I can usually find the OEM part for same or less than FCP and based upon the location shipping can be far less also. Many stealerships have sales and promo codes to save if you get on their mailing list after making a purchase. I have found some really good deals at multiple stealerships around the country.
The mercedespartscenter.com is one that has sales and promos all the time. The only problem with them is they won't sell or ship to you if you live in Kansas or Missouri which sounds strange but there is a logical reason for that restriction.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,833
Likes: 794
From: Pacific Northwest
2001 S600 V12 Sold, 2011 Jaguar XFR Sold, 2017 S550 4-Matic, 2018 S63 AMG Sedan
..................
Whether you do your own work or not, I highly recommend getting a Mercedes specific scan tool, such as XENTRY or LAUNCH X431 Creader 2.0 Elite BENZ. It will save you from running to the dealer every time something seems “off”. An observation is that Mercedes dealerships vary from dealer to dealer as to whether they are fair and honest or scumbags. You can scan for codes yourself and be better prepared for when you go to the dealer.
Whether you do your own work or not, I highly recommend getting a Mercedes specific scan tool, such as XENTRY or LAUNCH X431 Creader 2.0 Elite BENZ. It will save you from running to the dealer every time something seems “off”. An observation is that Mercedes dealerships vary from dealer to dealer as to whether they are fair and honest or scumbags. You can scan for codes yourself and be better prepared for when you go to the dealer.
Last edited by carlosinseattle; Dec 12, 2025 at 10:02 PM. Reason: Spelling of inexpensive
Banned
Joined: Nov 2025
Posts: 477
Likes: 187
From: US
Mercedes SL R231
Are you saying that scanner you mentioned actually has bi-directional control?? If so, I'll buy it today! I'm asking because it seems awfully inexensive to include all the capabilities it promises on the website. Do you currently have one or know somebody who does??
The bi-directional control is limited to configuration changes (selecting existing options). It does not let you make changes like you would with Vediamo (which I don’t know how to use).
For example, you change remove (or raise) the speed limiter or change the number of blinks from 3 to 1, 2, 4, or 5 for the one-touch lane changing signal. You cannot use it for more complex things like activating ILS+, changing the IC menu, or enabling Agile/Sport+ on older cars.
Last edited by GTIBlack; Dec 12, 2025 at 08:00 PM.
Banned
Joined: Nov 2025
Posts: 477
Likes: 187
From: US
Mercedes SL R231
I keep version 1.0 in my garage and the other two in each of my two Mercedes. I have also acquired one made for Honda/Acura and one for Toyota/Lexus for my family members cars.
Let me be clear that XENTRY is still the best to have, but it doesn’t fit in my glove box. The LAUNCH tools do fit in storage cubbies.
Let me be clear that XENTRY is still the best to have, but it doesn’t fit in my glove box. The LAUNCH tools do fit in storage cubbies.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,830
Likes: 595
From: NY & FL
MB’s of all kinds.
Just today got a chance to take my newly acquired S560 out on the highway. What a ride! This being my first MB and I couldnt be happier. Effortless acceleration and oh so smooth!!
I have a bunch of new guy questions, if I may ask
where do you buy your parts? MB is top $$ but are some aftermarket suppliers equal quality? I plan to do all, or most maintenance myself.
The "How-Tos" forum section is strangely devoid of type s videos. How come?
I have a bunch of new guy questions, if I may ask
where do you buy your parts? MB is top $$ but are some aftermarket suppliers equal quality? I plan to do all, or most maintenance myself.
The "How-Tos" forum section is strangely devoid of type s videos. How come?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2025
Posts: 56
Likes: 21
From: Phoenix east valley
2018 MB S560, 2018 Ford F150
Laptop 470
Scanner 460
SSD 99
SSD 70 <---bought by mistake my bad
Looks closer to $1600. Default laptop no longer available so cost increase there.
Last edited by Technoholic; Dec 13, 2025 at 01:32 PM.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2025
Posts: 56
Likes: 21
From: Phoenix east valley
2018 MB S560, 2018 Ford F150
I wound up with a X260 from PCLiquidations. Its a refurb and they just dropped the price to $375.
Banned
Joined: Nov 2025
Posts: 477
Likes: 187
From: US
Mercedes SL R231
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2025
Posts: 56
Likes: 21
From: Phoenix east valley
2018 MB S560, 2018 Ford F150
I really need some advice on the suspension air pump. When the "raise vehicle height" button is pressed, the air pump runs quite noisily and the car height does not change. Does that mean the air pump is shot?
