richvegas

Has anyone had one of these that is not a service nightmare? I am a mechanic and won't have to worry about labor costs but I know the parts are expensive and I'm ok with that. I just don't want this thing breaking down constantly.
Also the one I'm looking at is white. Has anyone ever seen another white 2006 s65? It's the only one ive come across and just hoping its not painted.
Thanks guys and I can't wait to start posting pics and mods!

sakodik

Coil packs - 3k total
Brakes and rotors - 1.5~3k depending on who. I averaged 1.9 for the job
Random electronic failure - hasn't happened yet.
ABC pump hose and everything else - 1.5k for front valve, same for rear. So look to spend about 3k if it fails.

Otherwise, pretty much another car with a V12. I've seen 2 white ones. One in Irvine and the other in San Diego, both W220.

Oxygen

I've had mine for a about two years -

So far it needed two coil packs, each is $1000 at the dealership. You'll probably want to change the plugs also...

The factory wheels are very fragile and will usually crack at the inner lip.

White is beautiful.

Busa196

Rotors alone for the s65 are close to 1k a piece.....I've replaced 2sets. Not sure where you get 1.5-3k. I just had my 2nd abc pump replaced along with the power steering resevior....actually think it's all one piece. But over the course of the past 20k miles I've had replaced under warranty.....2 cool packs, 2 I/C pumps, Random sensors, instrument cluster, transmission, converter, transmission mount, engine mounts, a couple of hoses, and I'm forgetting a lot. IMO, youd be nuts to ever even consider one of these cars with no warranty. My car probably has had 20-25k in repair work in 9-10 months. My last s65 (220) was even worse. As I've always said, they're awesome cars to own......under warranty. Again, just my opinion.

Oxygen

Christ, you make it sound so scary!

sakodik

My mech gave me a rough estimate of 1.5k for the front 2 rotors, rear is good so he told me not to worry. I'm assuming front + rear rotors and labor is going to be around that 3k. Did not have to do it yet so I don't have a final cost. I envy you for your warranty. I couldn't afford an 09 S63 with warranty so I opted for this 06.

Zax63

I had a mechanic who gave me the same rough estimate. He was wrong. To my knowledge no one makes an aftermarket rotor that fits, and The cheapest I could find Benz rotors were 790 apiece. I did it at the dealer for $2700, and a buddy of mine who is an Indi said the cheapest he could do it after shopping the parts was $2650.

These cars are crazy money to maintain. My button on the glovebox was $80. The factory tpms costs more than on my E or R. I've got over 100k in warranty claims.

Reckless

MB covered my button for free. I didn't bother fixing TPMS on my car (you have to replace them every 3-5 years). So far I'm at $44k in warranty claims on my S600 but have 30k miles left to go (I paid $15-20k in repairs).

Personally, I don't care how much it costs my car feels like a dream to drive everyday. But I had to do alot of little mods to get it right.

Oxygen is right, white is really beautiful. I want a white one myself as next car.

Reckless

I cracked a set of HRE's by the lug nuts. These cars are torque monsters. My guess there was too much power and the tires had too much grip and separated the wheel.

jpohl402

Curious, do you feel these problematic areas/issues are SPECIFIC to V12 cars, or encompass the S class in general?
I have not owned one, however it seems (some to most) of the items you mentioned have nothing to do with the motor.
ABC pump, power steering reservoir, coil packs, sensors, instrument cluster, hoses, torque converter, etc.
Only wondering....

sakodik

You guys with the warranty to claim, win. I'm just lucky enough to have a indie who will give me a good price to have a car like the 65 and be able to pay other bills.

richvegas

everyone says to get a warranty, but no one sells a warranty for this car that I can find. who does everyone have their warranties though?

seven11

post pictures!

i would assume the diff would go first?

almost nobody sells warranties for the v12's anymore

and that should tell u something

people that have warranties probably bought them a couple years ago

i owned a 745i and i thought like $30k in warranty work was crazy but you guys with $50k to $100k in warranty claims... now thats NUTS!

Oxygen

Well I guess I spoke too soon...

As of last night, my car needs:

-Driver's Side Motor Mount
-Front End Suspension Bushings/Balljoints
-Passenger Side Coil Pack / Misfires above 2800RPM and drops down to 8 cylinders

****.

ghiaguy

Vegas- please let us know if you are still taking the plunge! They are absolutely epic cars despite their staggering cost of ownership

sakodik

You're going to love the car once you get it Rich. Your rear passengers will just lose out on heat seat, just throw them a blanket if they complain ahaha.

Just a speed bump oxygen!

pas

I guess compared to some others my car has been near perfect, I had an ignition switched replaced, AC compressor clutch, both replaced under warranty. Service wise I needed new spark plugs, there are 24 of them and it was $800 or something crazy like that, I had to flush the intercooler circuit, and needed new front brake pads, miraculously my rotors didn't need replacement. Done a C service, flushed the coolant, and they say I am coming up on a transmission oil and filter change. All the work has been done at the dealer. I have a 3 yr CPO warranty from when I bought the car, about 18 months left.