Hello everyone,
My name is Dan. I've been a member here for a few years, but mostly read the W210 posts. This is my first post in the W221 forums. I needed some opinions on an S550.
I wouldn't consider myself looking for a new car, as I still like mine, but about a week ago I saw a 2007 S550 for sale in what appears to be perfect condition. They're asking $15,000 from a used car dealer. The place has been around for quite some time and seems reputable enough. Here's the catch...the car has 143,000 miles. HOWEVER, when I saw this car in person it literally does look like a new car inside and out. I've seen S classes with 50,000 miles with way more wear. According to the Carfax, it was 1 owner, and the owner type was corporate. What I get from that is corporate could mean anything. It seems like whoever had it took great care of it, and I mean GREAT. Car is black with tan interior, has sport package, night vision, panoramic roof (dealer says the roof does not work, says he didn't really look into it which is part of the reason the price is low), has rear seat package (heated/cooled?/power rear seats), navigation, backup camera. Basically just about everything. Doesn't have 4matic, but I look at that as a plus because it's one less complication.
My main question is how are these cars (assuming they are well maintained) once you reach mileage over 120,000? I realize any car can be a gamble, but it's been a bit hard to find info on reliability at this mileage for the W221. I wanted some of your opinions. I've read a bunch of threads here so far, but wanted something a bit more personalized. Airmatic seems to be the the biggest potential issue on these cars. I've had my 02 E320 from 92,000 miles to 128,000 currently and the only issue I've really had was the alternator going twice. Everything else has been mostly worn suspension parts (ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, shocks, ect), fluid/filter changes, and the air pump for the door locks broke (have not fixed this yet). I realize this is a different animal, but I just wanted general dependebility as far as big things are concerned. I would expect some electronics to go at some point down the road, but was wondering how the mechanicals held up. I would definitely get a warranty, but would like to know if you guys think these cars still run good at this mileage. Any things to look out for? Airmatic would be my biggest concern. However, I am not super familiar with other weak spots on this car. Also would like to know what your opinions are on the price, based on what you know from this post.
Anyway, here is the service history. Looks like it was all done at an MB dealer.
All opinions are greatly appreciated.
-Dan
05/14/2007
US Customs
Vehicle exported from Germany
and imported to
Baltimore, MD
05/22/2007 11
Charles Barker Mercedes
Virginia Beach, VA
757-499-3771
Vehicle sold
05/22/2007
Virginia Motor Vehicle Dept.
Vehicle purchase reported
Titled or registered as
corporate vehicle
05/30/2007
Virginia Motor Vehicle Dept.
Chesapeake, VA
Title or registration issued
First owner reported
03/21/2008 13,025
Charles Barker Mercedes
Virginia Beach, VA
757-499-3771
Oil and filter changed
Emissions or safety inspection performed
05/15/2008
Virginia Motor Vehicle Dept.
Chesapeake, VA
Registration issued or renewed
08/12/2008 20,963
Charles Barker Mercedes
Virginia Beach, VA
757-499-3771
Two tires balanced
Two tires mounted
11/12/2008 25,767
Charles Barker Mercedes
Virginia Beach, VA
757-499-3771
Front turn signal/parking bulb(s) replaced
Oil and filter changed
Tire condition and pressure checked
03/13/2009 31,545
Charles Barker Mercedes
Virginia Beach, VA
757-499-3771
Maintenance inspection completed
Emissions or safety inspection performed
04/02/2009 32,463
Charles Barker Mercedes
Virginia Beach, VA
757-499-3771
Stabilizer bar replaced
Tie rod end(s) replaced
Two wheel alignment performed
05/18/2009
Virginia Motor Vehicle Dept.
Chesapeake, VA
Registration issued or renewed
07/15/2009 38,712
Charles Barker Mercedes
Virginia Beach, VA
757-499-3771
Maintenance inspection completed
Brake fluid flushed/changed
Brakes checked
Oil and filter changed
Two tires balanced
Two tires mounted
11/23/2009 44,707
Charles Barker Mercedes
Virginia Beach, VA
757-499-3771
Computer reprogrammed
Computer(s) checked
Engine/powertrain computer/module checked
11/25/2009 44,985
Mercedes-Benz of Alexandria
Arlington, VA
703-525-2100
Drivability/performance checked
Transmission checked
12/05/2009
Mercedes-Benz of Arlington
Arlington, VA
703-525-2100
Drivability/performance checked
12/14/2009 45,046
Mercedes-Benz of Alexandria
Alexandria, VA
703-341-2100
Transmission checked
12/21/2009 46,157
Charles Barker Mercedes
Virginia Beach, VA
757-499-3771
Maintenance inspection completed
01/22/2010 46,776
Charles Barker Mercedes
Virginia Beach, VA
757-499-3771
Maintenance inspection completed
Two tires balanced
Two tires mounted
Windshield replaced
03/25/2010 50,087
Charles Barker Mercedes
Virginia Beach, VA
757-499-3771
Maintenance inspection completed
Air filter replaced
Antifreeze/coolant checked
Antifreeze/coolant flushed/changed
Spark plug(s) replaced
Emissions or safety inspection performed
05/19/2010
Virginia Motor Vehicle Dept.
Chesapeake, VA
Registration issued or renewed
05/25/2010
Charles Barker Mercedes
Virginia Beach, VA
757-499-3771
Vehicle serviced
07/01/2010
Charles Barker Mercedes
Virginia Beach, VA
757-499-3771
Vehicle serviced
07/23/2010 57,058
Charles Barker Mercedes
Virginia Beach, VA
757-499-3771
Maintenance inspection completed
Axles checked
Noise checked
Steering/suspension lubricated
08/12/2010 57,680
Charles Barker Mercedes
Virginia Beach, VA
757-499-3771
Maintenance inspection completed
Axles checked
Noise checked
Stabilizer bar replaced
Steering/suspension lubricated
10/29/2010 59,751
Charles Barker Mercedes
Virginia Beach, VA
757-499-3771
Maintenance inspection completed
Computer(s) checked
02/09/2011 63,742
Charles Barker Mercedes
Virginia Beach, VA
757-499-3771
Maintenance inspection completed
Light bulb(s) replaced
05/19/2011
Virginia Motor Vehicle Dept.
Chesapeake, VA
Registration issued or renewed
07/15/2011
Virginia Motor Vehicle Dept.
Chesapeake, VA
Registration issued or renewed
10/18/2011 75,856
Charles Barker Mercedes
Virginia Beach, VA
757-499-3771
Two tires balanced
Two tires mounted
11/14/2011 76,717
Charles Barker Mercedes
Virginia Beach, VA
757-499-3771
Vehicle serviced
11/23/2011 77,154
Charles Barker Mercedes
Virginia Beach, VA
757-499-3771
Vehicle serviced
12/22/2011 78,636
Charles Barker Mercedes
Virginia Beach, VA
757-499-3771
Thermostat replaced
02/17/2012 80,612
Charles Barker Mercedes
Virginia Beach, VA
757-499-3771
Emissions or safety inspection performed
05/17/2012 85,110
Charles Barker Mercedes
Virginia Beach, VA
757-499-3771
Vehicle serviced
05/18/2012
Virginia Motor Vehicle Dept.
Chesapeake, VA
Registration issued or renewed
06/20/2012 86,481
Charles Barker Mercedes
Virginia Beach, VA
757-499-3771
Vehicle serviced
08/10/2012 88,531
Charles Barker Mercedes
Virginia Beach, VA
757-499-3771
Vehicle serviced
04/15/2013
Virginia
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Chesapeake, VA
Registration issued or renewed
04/16/2013 97,306
Charles Barker Mercedes
Virginia Beach, VA
757-499-3771
Front brake pads replaced
Two tires balanced
Two tires mounted
Emissions or safety inspection performed
07/26/2013 102,406
Charles Barker Mercedes
Virginia Beach, VA
757-499-3771
Vehicle serviced
08/20/2013 102,837
Charles Barker Mercedes
Virginia Beach, VA
757-499-3771
Vehicle serviced
09/17/2013 104,630
Charles Barker Mercedes
Virginia Beach, VA
757-499-3771
Vehicle serviced
04/16/2014 111,900
Charles Barker Mercedes
Virginia Beach, VA
757-499-3771
Vehicle serviced
06/11/2014 114,587
Charles Barker Mercedes
Virginia Beach, VA
757-499-3771
Vehicle serviced
09/05/2014 117,151
Charles Barker Mercedes
Virginia Beach, VA
757-499-3771
Vehicle serviced
12/17/2014 122,092
Charles Barker Mercedes
Virginia Beach, VA
757-499-3771
Tire(s) replaced
Two tires balanced
Two tires mounted
03/30/2015 124,409
Charles Barker Mercedes
Virginia Beach, VA
757-499-3771
Vehicle serviced
05/05/2015
Virginia Motor Vehicle Dept.
Chesapeake, VA
Registration issued or renewed
05/27/2015 126,336
Charles Barker Mercedes
Virginia Beach, VA
757-499-3771
Antifreeze/coolant checked
Antifreeze/coolant flushed/changed
Brake fluid flushed/changed
06/11/2015 126,822
Charles Barker Mercedes
Virginia Beach, VA
757-499-3771
Vehicle serviced
07/27/2015 128,191
Charles Barker Mercedes
Virginia Beach, VA
757-499-3771
Vehicle serviced
01/30/2016 134,435
Charles Barker Mercedes
Virginia Beach, VA
757-499-3771
Tire(s) replaced
03/24/2016 136,067
Charles Barker Mercedes
Virginia Beach, VA
757-499-3771
Vehicle serviced
05/09/2016
Virginia Motor Vehicle Dept.
Chesapeake, VA
Registration issued or renewed
05/11/2016 138,607
Charles Barker Mercedes
Virginia Beach, VA
757-499-3771
Vehicle serviced
06/18/2016 139,832
Charles Barker Mercedes
Virginia Beach, VA
757-499-3771
Vehicle serviced
07/20/2016 140,513
Charles Barker Mercedes
Virginia Beach, VA
757-499-3771
Drive belt tensioner replaced
09/02/2016 142,144
Charles Barker Mercedes
Virginia Beach, VA
757-499-3771
Vehicle offered for sale
09/12/2016 142,635
Auto Auction Pennsylvania
Listed as a dealer vehicle
Vehicle sold at auction
My name is Dan. I've been a member here for a few years, but mostly read the W210 posts. This is my first post in the W221 forums. I needed some opinions on an S550.
I wouldn't consider myself looking for a new car, as I still like mine, but about a week ago I saw a 2007 S550 for sale in what appears to be perfect condition. They're asking $15,000 from a used car dealer. The place has been around for quite some time and seems reputable enough. Here's the catch...the car has 143,000 miles. HOWEVER, when I saw this car in person it literally does look like a new car inside and out. I've seen S classes with 50,000 miles with way more wear. According to the Carfax, it was 1 owner, and the owner type was corporate. What I get from that is corporate could mean anything. It seems like whoever had it took great care of it, and I mean GREAT. Car is black with tan interior, has sport package, night vision, panoramic roof (dealer says the roof does not work, says he didn't really look into it which is part of the reason the price is low), has rear seat package (heated/cooled?/power rear seats), navigation, backup camera. Basically just about everything. Doesn't have 4matic, but I look at that as a plus because it's one less complication.
My main question is how are these cars (assuming they are well maintained) once you reach mileage over 120,000? I realize any car can be a gamble, but it's been a bit hard to find info on reliability at this mileage for the W221. I wanted some of your opinions. I've read a bunch of threads here so far, but wanted something a bit more personalized. Airmatic seems to be the the biggest potential issue on these cars. I've had my 02 E320 from 92,000 miles to 128,000 currently and the only issue I've really had was the alternator going twice. Everything else has been mostly worn suspension parts (ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, shocks, ect), fluid/filter changes, and the air pump for the door locks broke (have not fixed this yet). I realize this is a different animal, but I just wanted general dependebility as far as big things are concerned. I would expect some electronics to go at some point down the road, but was wondering how the mechanicals held up. I would definitely get a warranty, but would like to know if you guys think these cars still run good at this mileage. Any things to look out for? Airmatic would be my biggest concern. However, I am not super familiar with other weak spots on this car. Also would like to know what your opinions are on the price, based on what you know from this post.
Anyway, here is the service history. Looks like it was all done at an MB dealer.
All opinions are greatly appreciated.
-Dan
05/14/2007
US Customs
Vehicle exported from Germany
and imported to
Baltimore, MD
05/22/2007 11
Charles Barker Mercedes
Virginia Beach, VA
757-499-3771
Vehicle sold
05/22/2007
Virginia Motor Vehicle Dept.
Vehicle purchase reported
Titled or registered as
corporate vehicle
05/30/2007
Virginia Motor Vehicle Dept.
Chesapeake, VA
Title or registration issued
First owner reported
03/21/2008 13,025
Charles Barker Mercedes
Virginia Beach, VA
757-499-3771
Oil and filter changed
Emissions or safety inspection performed
05/15/2008
Virginia Motor Vehicle Dept.
Chesapeake, VA
Registration issued or renewed
08/12/2008 20,963
Charles Barker Mercedes
Virginia Beach, VA
757-499-3771
Two tires balanced
Two tires mounted
11/12/2008 25,767
Charles Barker Mercedes
Virginia Beach, VA
757-499-3771
Front turn signal/parking bulb(s) replaced
Oil and filter changed
Tire condition and pressure checked
03/13/2009 31,545
Charles Barker Mercedes
Virginia Beach, VA
757-499-3771
Maintenance inspection completed
Emissions or safety inspection performed
04/02/2009 32,463
Charles Barker Mercedes
Virginia Beach, VA
757-499-3771
Stabilizer bar replaced
Tie rod end(s) replaced
Two wheel alignment performed
05/18/2009
Virginia Motor Vehicle Dept.
Chesapeake, VA
Registration issued or renewed
07/15/2009 38,712
Charles Barker Mercedes
Virginia Beach, VA
757-499-3771
Maintenance inspection completed
Brake fluid flushed/changed
Brakes checked
Oil and filter changed
Two tires balanced
Two tires mounted
11/23/2009 44,707
Charles Barker Mercedes
Virginia Beach, VA
757-499-3771
Computer reprogrammed
Computer(s) checked
Engine/powertrain computer/module checked
11/25/2009 44,985
Mercedes-Benz of Alexandria
Arlington, VA
703-525-2100
Drivability/performance checked
Transmission checked
12/05/2009
Mercedes-Benz of Arlington
Arlington, VA
703-525-2100
Drivability/performance checked
12/14/2009 45,046
Mercedes-Benz of Alexandria
Alexandria, VA
703-341-2100
Transmission checked
12/21/2009 46,157
Charles Barker Mercedes
Virginia Beach, VA
757-499-3771
Maintenance inspection completed
01/22/2010 46,776
Charles Barker Mercedes
Virginia Beach, VA
757-499-3771
Maintenance inspection completed
Two tires balanced
Two tires mounted
Windshield replaced
03/25/2010 50,087
Charles Barker Mercedes
Virginia Beach, VA
757-499-3771
Maintenance inspection completed
Air filter replaced
Antifreeze/coolant checked
Antifreeze/coolant flushed/changed
Spark plug(s) replaced
Emissions or safety inspection performed
05/19/2010
Virginia Motor Vehicle Dept.
Chesapeake, VA
Registration issued or renewed
05/25/2010
Charles Barker Mercedes
Virginia Beach, VA
757-499-3771
Vehicle serviced
07/01/2010
Charles Barker Mercedes
Virginia Beach, VA
757-499-3771
Vehicle serviced
07/23/2010 57,058
Charles Barker Mercedes
Virginia Beach, VA
757-499-3771
Maintenance inspection completed
Axles checked
Noise checked
Steering/suspension lubricated
08/12/2010 57,680
Charles Barker Mercedes
Virginia Beach, VA
757-499-3771
Maintenance inspection completed
Axles checked
Noise checked
Stabilizer bar replaced
Steering/suspension lubricated
10/29/2010 59,751
Charles Barker Mercedes
Virginia Beach, VA
757-499-3771
Maintenance inspection completed
Computer(s) checked
02/09/2011 63,742
Charles Barker Mercedes
Virginia Beach, VA
757-499-3771
Maintenance inspection completed
Light bulb(s) replaced
05/19/2011
Virginia Motor Vehicle Dept.
Chesapeake, VA
Registration issued or renewed
07/15/2011
Virginia Motor Vehicle Dept.
Chesapeake, VA
Registration issued or renewed
10/18/2011 75,856
Charles Barker Mercedes
Virginia Beach, VA
757-499-3771
Two tires balanced
Two tires mounted
11/14/2011 76,717
Charles Barker Mercedes
Virginia Beach, VA
757-499-3771
Vehicle serviced
11/23/2011 77,154
Charles Barker Mercedes
Virginia Beach, VA
757-499-3771
Vehicle serviced
12/22/2011 78,636
Charles Barker Mercedes
Virginia Beach, VA
757-499-3771
Thermostat replaced
02/17/2012 80,612
Charles Barker Mercedes
Virginia Beach, VA
757-499-3771
Emissions or safety inspection performed
05/17/2012 85,110
Charles Barker Mercedes
Virginia Beach, VA
757-499-3771
Vehicle serviced
05/18/2012
Virginia Motor Vehicle Dept.
Chesapeake, VA
Registration issued or renewed
06/20/2012 86,481
Charles Barker Mercedes
Virginia Beach, VA
757-499-3771
Vehicle serviced
08/10/2012 88,531
Charles Barker Mercedes
Virginia Beach, VA
757-499-3771
Vehicle serviced
04/15/2013
Virginia
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Chesapeake, VA
Registration issued or renewed
04/16/2013 97,306
Charles Barker Mercedes
Virginia Beach, VA
757-499-3771
Front brake pads replaced
Two tires balanced
Two tires mounted
Emissions or safety inspection performed
07/26/2013 102,406
Charles Barker Mercedes
Virginia Beach, VA
757-499-3771
Vehicle serviced
08/20/2013 102,837
Charles Barker Mercedes
Virginia Beach, VA
757-499-3771
Vehicle serviced
09/17/2013 104,630
Charles Barker Mercedes
Virginia Beach, VA
757-499-3771
Vehicle serviced
04/16/2014 111,900
Charles Barker Mercedes
Virginia Beach, VA
757-499-3771
Vehicle serviced
06/11/2014 114,587
Charles Barker Mercedes
Virginia Beach, VA
757-499-3771
Vehicle serviced
09/05/2014 117,151
Charles Barker Mercedes
Virginia Beach, VA
757-499-3771
Vehicle serviced
12/17/2014 122,092
Charles Barker Mercedes
Virginia Beach, VA
757-499-3771
Tire(s) replaced
Two tires balanced
Two tires mounted
03/30/2015 124,409
Charles Barker Mercedes
Virginia Beach, VA
757-499-3771
Vehicle serviced
05/05/2015
Virginia Motor Vehicle Dept.
Chesapeake, VA
Registration issued or renewed
05/27/2015 126,336
Charles Barker Mercedes
Virginia Beach, VA
757-499-3771
Antifreeze/coolant checked
Antifreeze/coolant flushed/changed
Brake fluid flushed/changed
06/11/2015 126,822
Charles Barker Mercedes
Virginia Beach, VA
757-499-3771
Vehicle serviced
07/27/2015 128,191
Charles Barker Mercedes
Virginia Beach, VA
757-499-3771
Vehicle serviced
01/30/2016 134,435
Charles Barker Mercedes
Virginia Beach, VA
757-499-3771
Tire(s) replaced
03/24/2016 136,067
Charles Barker Mercedes
Virginia Beach, VA
757-499-3771
Vehicle serviced
05/09/2016
Virginia Motor Vehicle Dept.
Chesapeake, VA
Registration issued or renewed
05/11/2016 138,607
Charles Barker Mercedes
Virginia Beach, VA
757-499-3771
Vehicle serviced
06/18/2016 139,832
Charles Barker Mercedes
Virginia Beach, VA
757-499-3771
Vehicle serviced
07/20/2016 140,513
Charles Barker Mercedes
Virginia Beach, VA
757-499-3771
Drive belt tensioner replaced
09/02/2016 142,144
Charles Barker Mercedes
Virginia Beach, VA
757-499-3771
Vehicle offered for sale
09/12/2016 142,635
Auto Auction Pennsylvania
Listed as a dealer vehicle
Vehicle sold at auction