dpavid

I am considering a few 2007 S65's but they have high mileage, 60-80k.

All from MB dealers with current resell inspection but what should I be concerned about? Common failures, replacements, potential issues from wear and tear, etc...

Thanks in advance for any advice, tips, or nightmare stories. The price is getting so cheap its hard to pass up on these beast.

pas

This car is a great deal, close to what we were talking about but a year newer and 8000 less miles, don't know about the warranty though.

http://www.straightlineautomotivegro...allas/1235980/

Quadcammer

basically, plan for at least $8k in repairs in the first 2 years and you should be ok.

coil packs, ABC failure, probably some suspension components (bushings and such)

Reckless

$8k sounds way to little in my book. Honestly, I would be thrilled if it were only $4k a year. My car W220 is running $15k+ a year in repairs.

Quadcammer

wooof, thats rough.

Can you share whats pushed it that high?

Reckless

To be honest I dont even remember I just know that my MB Service adviser keeps a tally for me. As he can't believe warranty company still pays for everything.

Here are some of the things I remember:
front end of the transmission ~$4.5k
ABC pump failed twice ~$4.5k x 2
5-6 ABC Struts ~$4k each
intake manifolds
ECU (replaced by MB Germany at no cost)
Cat converter
some plastic pieces inside the car (replaced by MB at no cost)
rear a/c unit ~$1k
trunk closer ~$1k
keyless go ~$1-2k


There is more I just can't remember. I do drive 30k miles a year (twice the average person).

Fraser

$4500 for ABC pump replacement? I'm having mine done at the moment and it's $2700 at the dealer. We're both having warranty companies pay but I wonder if your dealer does a lot more....a lot more crap given you'd have two ABC pumps die!

Meeyatch1

Why in the world do you keep a car that costs $15,000 or more per year just to own? It is not like it is a Ferrari or something.

WHTEVO

/\ If it wasn't for his warranty i am sure he wouldn't keep it. As for the Ferrari comment, we know it is not one, but we do know it is faster

Aaron

Reckless

Actually warranty covers it now, but that will be gone in 30k miles (about a year for me). I've been debating what to do. I could go and get a W221 S600 or pay $15k a year for this one. I think the W220 is more classic and fun to drive. I can't think of a better car that I want. I'm actually considering buying a second one but may not because of all the annoying mods I have to do (big brake kit, turbo gauge, lowering, ECU/TCU, racing wheels, etc).

I feel like the W220 is more of a drivers car whereas the W221 is more of a passenger car. My buddies suggest the porsche panamerica but I can't see myself going to a V8 even if its sc or tt and I don't care for rolls/bentleys. Once you get used to the V12TT its hard to drive anything else. Personally I prefer MB over Ferrari even though they cost the same to repair per mile. From what I've been told Ferrari motors last 40k miles. I drive more than that in a year.

Reckless

My pumps might have died because I used to punish my car. I turned every nearby highway into my personal track racing 120-150 mph every night with whoever wanted to race. I would hit 140 mph on my way to work every morning. I sometimes wonder if driving the mean streets of Chicago's South side with all the crazy potholes did something to my suspension. Now, if I'm heading out that way I usually take my UAV (Urban Assault Vehicle - the QX4). I love aiming it at potholes or driving through a foot of snow with it. I haven't been able to find another truck to replace it with (I had 2 older G-wagons this year and they weren't as fun as they were to heavy).

Reckless

I don't know a better car than the W220 S600TT. The S65 might be but I prefer 18" wheels, wood steering wheel, dynamic seats, keyless go, and $20-30k in cash. I'm sick and tired of low profile tires. To be honest the 5.5L TT has enough power for me. My only two gripes with the W220 S600 are handling (I wish it handled better than a BMW at high speeds), reliability of suspension components, and crash protection (friends father died a few months ago in a W220 S500). I miss the old days when Mercedes did the exact opposite of crumple zones.

DJE55

When I bought mine I wanted something that was low milage. The repair cost on these cars can get pretty expensive plus I didn't want something that someone beat on or exposed to every day weather. If a car has a lot of miles on it you can almost guarantee that it has been driven in all kinds of bad weather. Not in every case but in most I would bet. That said, below is a shameless plug for a buddy of mine (me) selling his low milage S65 Renntech. No matter what you do, enjoy the search and never settle. I always find the hunt is part of the fun.

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...Index=12&Log=0

xxGenericSNxx

Just FYI the 2008 is much better than the 2007. In 2008 they made everything standard, whereas in 2007 it had a ton of options and often times 07 S65s aren't fully optioned out. In 2008 forward, they also made the interior with diamond stitching on the seats and door panels rather than the more plain looking straight line design. So I'd say if you're looking at comparable cars between 07 and 08 go for the newer one.

With that said though, DJE55's friend has a nice 07 with low mileage for sale.

UNderdog

Yea. Like Generic said the 08's have everything standard plus diamond stitching which was not available in '07. Having said that, 07's might not have: pano roof, rear heated/cooled seats, rear wood armrest with massage controls or radio controls. Might have missed a few things. 07's also had a separate switch by headlight switch for the headlight washer that was unique to that year. On my car I think iPod dangle in glovebox was only option. Designo interior also an option but not mine. Also saw one once with center section in rear that made it a 4 seater rather than 5.

xxGenericSNxx

The options off the top of my head for the 07 which are all standard on the 08 are:

Distronic Active Cruise Control
Night View Assist
Rear seat package:
Power reclining rear outboard seats
Heated and Ventilated rear outboard seats
4 zone climate control
Panoramic roof
Power side sunshades for the rear doors

Yeah I too have seen one 2007 offered with the 4 seat package, don't know if it's offered in the US on newer models. The 4 seat package is a very rare option.

Reckless

$2,000+ bill today for transmission mounts (last ones lasted me 18 months), shifter bushings (also replaced 18 months ago) and one keyless entry door lock button (replaced about 2 years ago). Still have 3.5 years left to go on warranty! These cars break just sitting around. Also, my tires are shot after about 6-8 months of use.

Meeyatch1

Two questions:

1.) Do you know if the S63 would be likely to have the same issues as the S65?

2.) How much sitting around does your car do? I am wondering if more regular use would minimize the issues.

Reckless

1.) I have a 2005 S600 - I think the later model may be slightly better esp on suspension issues. I think anytime you deal with this level of power you run into a number of issues. I am not sure if Mercedes thought its drivers would be riding their vehicles hard. I thunk majority of drivers behave and follow speed limits and never punch them.
2.) It doesn't sit around that much. There are times where it may sit for a week or two usually when there is alot of rain or snow. It had come from the shop less than two weeks ago for some other repairs and was sent back for the b service, I had barely put 100 miles on it.

These are great cars but I don't think you can rely on them as your only car. After experiencing the V12TT I am stuck now, I won't be satisfied with anything less. I never stop at yellow lights, I punch it and the car responds like a supersonic missile even if I'm 500+ ft away from the intersection.

xlr8tin

60-80K high miles?? Damn, guess it's time to put mine out to pasture....

Meeyatch1

Thanks for the insight. I appreciate it.

I understand the supersonic missile reference. On a slightly lower scale, I feel the same way about my E63. It is a point, shoot, and hold on for dear life endeavor....but I get where I need to go. LOL!

cancercured1985

I tried this powerhouse after driving BMW's for 10 years. More power than you will ever need (3 sets of tires in 18 months) but still an MB and not a BMW in drivability. Total brake failure (fluid drained out) in the first two weeks didn't help with impression but it was fine after that. true luxury car under $200,000 that (technically) compares to a Maybach 57s or a R-R Phantom, forget Bentley( Let me remind