2008 S65 and I just hit 100,000 miles. Thought I'd share the repair history with everyone as these cars can now be had relatively cheap. Bought the car April 2011 with 32K miles. Car is 100% stock. I'm in Dallas and it's my daily driver and I do a lot of rush hour driving. Car still feels new and I still get excited to drive it. I won't park next to anybody so no door dings and interior has virtually no wear. This is my 4th Benz and so far the most reliable. Actual engine issues have been few. I do my own oil changes every 5K and at the same time suck the ABC hydraulic fluid out of the reservoir (~1.5 qts) and replace with fresh.
Repairs:
64K replaced the passenger side coil pack. Did the work myself and parts cost $1,224. Driver side coil pack is still original. Replacement is straightforward. Did the plugs at the same time.
65K had a local dealer replace engine and tranny mounts at a cost of $1,369 . Also, the rear A/C was not as cold as the front and they checked system and added freon at a cost of $287. Has been cold since then. If the car seems like it's getting noisy inside its probably the mounts. Don't think they last very long relative to other cars.
82K I had an RPM dependent whine and after some research I replaced the pulsation damper located on the tandem pump. Easy to do on the V12 but on the V8 I read that the head gets in the way so the pump has to be loosened to get the damper off. Part was $364. Other than this no ABC issues.
84K replaced a split power steering hose at the dealer. Repacked front wheel bearings and driver side rear window shade was also inoperative and dealer replaced motor. Total cost was $2,719 ($1,002 parts and $1,884 labor).
85K dealer replaced ESP control module $1,167.
90K right front control arm replaced by my independent after ball joint got noisy. Cost including alignment was $825.
Replacement items:
Brakes - At 57K I got the brake pad light and assumed it was fronts so I got pads and rotors and started working. Turns out the pads were only about 50% worn but since I had all the parts and was halfway through the job I went ahead and finished. I then got rear pads and replaced them but rear rotors were OK. Cost of front pads, sensor and rotors was $1,907 and rear pads and sensor were $137. Prior service history showed new front pads at 15K.
New starter battery at 55K. Accessory battery behind rear seats might be original, I haven't replaced it.
Tires - When I first got the car it had sport tires and I bought them initially but they didn't seem practical. I actually went through a set of rears in 2 months and wore them flat. I finally decided to go with Michelin all season and they last much longer. The fronts actually last quite a while. New rears at 38K, 46K, 53K, 73K & 88K. New fronts at 52K & 81K. Alignment is perfect. My independent and I spent 3 hours under the car after I bought it and we checked it again at 81K after I got new fronts and he did it again after control arm replacement at 91K.

Misc. routine maintenance items also but nothing out of the ordinary.
Randy

 

Awesome maintenance write up, thanks for sharing. Glad you are still enjoying the beast today

 

do you mind telling what led to a ESP control module replacement. What were the signs and symptoms?

 

Looking at my notes, I started the car and ESP/ABS and Park Assist warning lights were on. Also the steering felt like it was slightly less assisted. I remember this because it seemed strange. Info from dealer says they found an internal fault (invoice states fault codes 5905 & 5906) in the control unit and replaced. $781 for control unit, $444 labor plus tax less 10% discount was $1,167.

Randy

 

Thank you for the transparency. I wish more people were as detailed about their ownership experience for those next in line

 

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Outstanding

Excellent report


Thank-You
D.B.


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