Should you buy a USED Mercedes-Benz S-Class? 

2015 s550 bought for 39k at 47k miles. Currently 61k on the clock never had a single issue yet! Best daily ever

Thanks for the video. I have driven, but never owned an S class, but I have owned four different previously owned Mercedes cars in the last 26 years. I am a Mercedes enthusiast through and through. The secret to buying any used vehicle is to do thorough research. I have never had problems with any of the Mercedes that I have purchased and this is my research approach:- 1. Find a one owner Mercedes of your choice with low mileage for its year. 2. Choose one that looks immaculate inside and out. This will show that the vehicle has been cared for. 3. Find one with a full Mercedes-Benz service history. 4. If you can get a mechanic to inspect it prior to purchase it would be good, otherwise you could examine the service book and contact the mechanic that knows the vehicle and has worked on it over the years. (I did this with my present E Class and the mechanic stated that he would be happy to buy it himself). 5. Ask the current owner why he/she is selling the vehicle. Ask other questions, e.g. has the vehicle ever been in an accident. Has it been kept under cover at work and in the owner's garage at night. 6. Take it for a test drive and make sure that everything works on the vehicle. I have found that most Mercedes first owners tend to look after their vehicles better than the owners of other makes of vehicles. Some wealthy or company owners may only sell their Mercedes to update to a newer model and the car can still be immaculate. Be careful about second or third owners who may have bought a Mercedes but could not afford to properly maintain them. In my opinion avoid buying a Mercedes without a full MB service record. Taking short cuts in maintenance of a Merc will only bring trouble. Finally, having driven various Mercedes-Benz vehicles over the last 53 years, it saddens me that Mercedes-Benz in recent times are making vehicles with too much emphasis on technology at the expense of build quality and comfort. With regards to the depreciation on Mercedes vehicles, I love it. It means that people like me that are not wealthy can enjoy an expensive luxury vehicle that they otherwise could not afford.

I still have a 2003 S 55 AMG. It has been the best car I have ever owned. The hydraulic suspension eventually got replaced by coil overs. I have been in newer 2016+ E and S classes and there seems to be a big difference in quality between them and older AMG versions.

A used S-class is better than a new BMW.

I got 2016 s550 for two years, very reliable. I have my local Indy shop for maintenance and I purchase genuine parts online, it does not cost more than Maintain a Toyota in dealership.

My 2016 Maybach S600 is the most beautiful thing in my garage. I'm happy just sitting in it. Driving it is a bonus!

A great video. I had an S class 2007 model Diesel. In the early days, it was absolutely blissful. But I got ill, the car stood for about 6 months, and it really suffered from various electrical problems . This video is spot on.

I'm 57 years old and have owned 4 Mercedes-Benzes in my life. This new S-Class looks nice, but I'm not interested in all the electronics inside the car. There was a time when a Mercedes didn't have all of that stuff. Back in the day, they were cars that were just magnificently engineered and built using the nicest materials you could find in a car, this side of a Rolls-Royce or a Bentley. Now, there are moving parts everywhere and it all just seems too busy. I have to say that I don't like the direction Mercedes-Benz has been heading since the days of the W-140. More and more gadgets with every new model, and unfortunately, less and less quality to go along with it.

You’re hilarious and I’m with you on the insane costs of ownership. Here in Los Angeles, these cars are fairly common amongst up and coming apartment dwellers that are just starting to pay rent. I think most of these cars are bought used. It’s like dating that 38 year old exotic dancer, you know you shouldn’t but she kinda still looks good from a distance and forget all the emotional baggage issues.

I'm happy with both of my Mercedes. Buying used is an unpredictable maintenance challenge I've looked forward to. I enjoy it while it works and fix it when it doesn't.

I must have got the diamond in the rough. I bought my 2015 S550 in 2018, and it's been the best car I've ever owned, AND THE CHEAPEST BY A LONG SHOT! I'm an accountant, but I do all my own maintenance. The oil changes are a breeze as they're done from on top of the car, the brakes/rotors were easy to do, I replaced the engine filters with K&Ns, and the cabin filter...cheap and easy to replace. Also, FCPEuro (lifetime warranty on anything you buy, and I mean ANYTHING) has all of the tools and items I need for maintenance. When I bought it, it had warranty, and since then, the warranty has run out. Keep it clean, keep the leather cleaned and conditioned, park it in the garage where a luxury car should be kept, and stay on top of the maintenance and you can't go wrong with this car. I say this with honesty, this car is expensive up front, but cheaper than anything I've owned in the long run!

Your mechanic segment is so bloody amazing. Absolute gold.

If you planning buy an S class go big at first, means buy the nicest, well documented, well maintained car. It's not cheap but I'd rather go expensive at the front then at the back, with cheapest S class that have a tons of issues on the list that can cost more to repair it.

Hey mate just wanted to say , love this format . Great Quality videos and great Information. This is immensely helpful for people trying make decision on pre-loved luxury cars . please keep up the good work .

Bought a 2015 S550 in 2017, that looks exactly like this one! Car had 52k miles and I just reached 102k miles. Never had a single indicator light on the dash, mechanically durable. But yes, leather is exactly like this now. Didn't think it would be a common problem! Car's phenomenal safe, boujee, but yes, cosmetics decay over the years. Sucks :/

My w222 S550 was a special order/build for me, late 2016, Iridium Silver with brown/black upgraded nappa leather, executive rear seating - all the bells & whistles. I leased it for 3 years, as I have for most of my cars, even the AMGs, but this is the first one I purchased outright at lease end. I have ~32K miles, dealer maintained and washed/cleaned weekly, garaged. The car has been PERFECT; this is the best car I have ever had in my garage, and I have owned all the high-end makes. It drives like a dream, much smaller than it feels, very fast with 4.0 V8 (449hp) and so quiet/comfortable. Some of what you showed is very surprising to me, and looks more like it was not cared for properly. It may be lunacy for me to recommend a $125K USD vehicle to people, but for those who can make the nut, it really IS "Das Best Oder Nichts"...

I have the S class coupé S550 and love it. Mine is 4 years old with 35K km. It is garage kept, always hand carwashed only, ceramic coating, leather was treated, and looks like new. That car you are driving is in rough condition! My exclusive nappa interior is soft and not shiny like the car you are viewing. If you look after your cat like I do, you will get a wonderful car. Actually all my cars are pre sold before I get my new cars to friends and neighbours as they know how I look after my cars. Would I buy that car, absolutely not, would I buy a used car I owned, absolutely yes!

Wow. I just sold my 2013 s63 and it literally had no issues. Panel gaps would make me think it was in an accident. The other issues I’ve never seen in any s class. I have a 2019 s63 now and it’s spotless with 10k miles.

I cracked my C-class rims last year and just cracked the rim on my E class I replaced it with. It all makes sense now.

I currently own a 2015 S550 4Matic. I bought it ‘pre-loved’, smile. But I must say the interior is still flawless and look like new with no mechanical issues to date. So a good buy so far… love the car!!!! I also have a 05 E500 for 15 years to-date and the leather and engine is still kicking ass… and hear this: I have been doing my own regular maintenance (Service A and B) on both vehicles. Labor is too high even when the parts are reasonable. So far no real mechanical problems on both cars… so I can’t agree with you…I don’t buy new cars because of the depreciation issue…I wait for about 3 years then I start looking etc. … still a great video….Thank you

My ex father in law has an S600 V12, Idk 2013-2015? Anyhow, the car rides like a dream! No shortage of power or luxury. The only issue I've heard was recently when he said the selector dial needs replaced. The the dial used for the radio etc. I want to say it runs $3,000. He still hasn't replaced it lol Dude has the money, he has SLS, E400 convertible, and no joke, a Maybach and he has a hard time replacing that $3,000 dial.

I bought at 2008 S-Class in Feb 2021 with 48K on the clock, $36000. OK so it needed a $3K transmission repair almost immediately but since then no issues. As AK says the drive is so smooth, the seats are so comfy and I look forward to every time I need to drive somewhere. Life is short.

I’ve bought 3 of them. I love them. Pro tip: If you don’t want to spend money buy a Toyota.

I bought a 2014 s550 two years ago for 52K USD. 23000 miles on the odometer. I had a couple of minor issues fixed under CPO warranty. Mine has designo interior similar to the car in the video. My interior is in much better condition, no cosmetic issues. Also, the seats get shiny when dirty. I use Leatherique, which restores the original matte finish. Out of warranty now, no issues.

Underrated channel , you are so informative and easy to hear guys , greetings from Palestine 🇵🇸

I have a 2015 S550 I bought new. I had the same problem with the top of the dash after about 4 1/2 years. I didn't know what caused the separation at the time. I took it to the dealer and they gave me the number MBUSA and along with the dealers statement they replaced it with a newer design. I thought MB was fair about the repair because I didn't know what caused the problem. I had to pay for half the cost of the replacement. Total cost $3158.50 USD. Thank you for your video that shows me it is a common problem. Still have the car and love it!

Don’t know why he’s complaining about the shiny leather, looks like it just needs a good interior detail.

Great review! I was actually contemplating buying a used car like this for a driving service. Wealthy people who easily afford these cars use them as a tax write-off by leasing and they make damn sure once the car is out of warranty it is returned

"Keep your cold drinks warm.." your word play is next level my guy 🍻 from 🇨🇦

Legend has it this car will never feel like an old model.

I like how people are getting excited about rear seats adjustments on the new Sclass, consider me having them on w126 mercedes from 1980's, not to mention w100 with all possible hydraulic controls, and i wouldn't be surprised if you can find 1970's LWB w116 with rear seat controls

As someone who has dreamt of one day owning an S class (but has never been in one), I am shocked and saddened that there are cheap feeling buttons/plastic and problems with the leather and stitching. I’ve dealt with that with my Lexus ES, but assumed for the money (and based on the reputation), that those things would NEVER been an issue with the S class. High cost to maintain it mechanically? I assumed that. But cheap feeling or short-lasting fit and finish? Never would’ve expected that.

Don't know how yall beat on them over there but in the states, pretty good Value & pretty reliable.... in the states 250k would be a s65 but a S550 from 2018 would be around 70k.... most ppl who buy them can afford the upkeep, it's when they cost 20k is when you don't want it...15-20k car with 130k car Value problems..... also try FCP euro for parts.

I had a CL500 for 4 years. Costly to maintain if you don’t have a warranty. To drive they are just as this reviewer has described-amazing

One thing you MUST buy with this: the LONGEST possible extended warranty!!!

my dad bought a 2007 s350 lorinser package and we still have it to this day its an amazing car and its honestly really reliable and it has many features that you wouldn't expect 2007 cars to have

Excellent review since you were frank about the negatives too! In where I live, you can buy a 2014 S350 for usd 35000 with 100 000km. The front end is beautiful but the back end is bland and from a little distance it’s difficult to differentiate S-class from E- and C-classes. The W221 had real presence and the reliability is pretty good. I feel that with this one Daimler was cutting costs and I think the reliability hasn’t been anywhere near to warrant such a price tag. Would be great to see comparison videos from you (Audi A8, Bmw 7, Lexus LS, MB S).

I had a 2015 Infiniti Q70L and found the build quality to be excellent. It's durability was exceptional. Real Japanese Ash wood and semi-aniline leather. 42k miles with no reliability issues at all. I traded it in for a Porsche Panamera with 13k miles. It's been in the shop twice for an AC issue. Gorgeous car but it is already squeaking. My Infiniti was rock solid, even having been driven in NYC streets. Thankfully I got an extended warranty and put low miles on it. Next car will be a Lexus!!!

Finally a channel that is straightforward about the answer if it's worth it and not just an open ended answer

I love my 2015 S550 , wouldn’t drive anything else rather … keep up with maintenance, and recommended services, and it’ll serve you well, and run forever

the feeling you get driving this car is worth every dollar

Bought 2014 S350D SE line with 88,000 miles for 24k , now done 315,000 miles in the last three years , still looks and drives like new . Best used luxury car ever . The only things that have failed are the alternator and nox sensors .

I have had 3 s652009,2015, 2019. With a 207 s600. Absolutely worth every penny I paid. Sheer disappointment driving anything else on the road include Britain finest Germany’s finest. The luxury and power of my 2015 and 2019 are simply priceless.

Thank you for an excellent presentation. This is a must-watch video for anyone contemplating buying a used expensive car. So glad I watched it.

I’m currently own a Mercedes Benz and I’ll never get another car other than the merc. The feeling of driving the merc is unbelievable. FYI. Very reliable!

I own a ‘93 600. It’s an awesome car and expensive to maintain. However, I would never get rid of it because it is the last of the great well built old school Mercedes.

Flattened by this gentleman’s honesty. Great work Pal. Fact is fact. Rest, got bucks do whatever you want. But be wise

great car. people also buy this car for their safety. if ones life is worth something, then you should buy an S class. If one thinks it doesn't matter if I lose my arms and legs in a car crash, then buy a suzuki or a cheaper car.

Underrated channel, thanks for the insights!

Great review, honest and next-level descriptions. I would check you out before buying any car!!

In 2011 I acquired a '08 s550 4-Matic w/22k miles ($50k)-over two new batteries, and in 2022 with 56k miles the front air suspension folded-$4400. Also in about 2019 the starter motor was replaced.

Excellent review. I was fully synced in after the "no bum" comment 😂. The way every real man doesn't want to be let down

Was surprised to see this channel didn't have at least a few hundred thousand subs. Very professional quality and likeable presenter! I don't wanna agree with the contents of this video since I wanna buy one of these cars 😅 but beside the point. Keep it up and we'll see ya at 100k subs soon. Btw you might wanna mention prices are in Australian dollars if they are, that wasn't obvious.

I have driven just about everything last 40 years, rallied, motorbiked around europe, taken apart and put back together most of my vehicles. I now have a 350D 2015 S Class with driving assistance and it is a completely different way of getting from A to B than anything else on the planet ... for long distance it simply melts the miles away and at silly m'way speeds it does 34 MPG. It is as quiet at 100 as at 30. In the UK traffic density means either a motorbike for fun and getting past traffic or something that just does most of it for you, I now drive 100 miles and only brake and accelerate maybe 5 times, it is stress free motoring listening to high quality stereo, in the quiet and the seats are more comfortable than my armchair. Just took washer tank out and cleaned it, took half an hour, dealer wanted £500! If you are practical then most stuff you can do, its just a car underneath, dealers think everyone's stupid and charge for nothing, give bad advice but do a bit of research, don't accept their nonsense and you can get stuff fixed for a fraction of dealer prices. Imo there is nothing out there for anywhere near the price... and you won't get the quiet, magic carpet ride of the S Class from any other vehicle... jp

One of thr most pleasant car reviews, straight to the point without unnecessary blabla and not sticking tot he usual misleading lines about the luxury brands. Nice, but 2 decades ago you were getting what you paid for. Now these are great cars to look and admire, but not to live and drive them more than a couple of years. Thanks for not wasting my time.

Very slick and witty presentation....one of the best I've seen...fab sense of humour...thank you

Are they even worth my thought😂😂😂😂i think i agree with you there,the power of merc

Bought a 2016 S550 a few months ago and its been absolutely perfect. If you drive them with attention, bring them in for their routine services (A & B), as well as keep the inside overall clean and well maintained you can avoid a lot of issues down the line. I made sure I found one that had a very detailed history of its past services and maintenance which is a very important factor in buying any used car! The engine light did come on once... but its cause the gas cap was screwed back on wrong haha.

Great review! Thank you so much

We’ve had a 2015 S350dL as a taxi since new no big issues just normal maintanence. Its got 320,000km now still all good👍

Really great and informative video, I was literally just looking at prices of this generation of S classes before I got your video in my suggestion box. Could you do a review of a used 2nd generation CLS the W218?

The W221 was a better car in my opinion at least as far as build quality is concerned. The W221 interior felt solid and wears well. The interior of the W222 just feels cheesy.

Excellent review! Very good to lnow

Thank you for the advice

The new S class looks like a Hyundai, so yes, you should buy a S class model year 2020 and below.

I currently own a 2015 s550 purchased new when I retired and now with 130,000 miles on it. If my car had all the issues identified in the review vehicle I would never buy another Mercedes. On the downside I did have a cracked rim, 4x rear seat belts failed to retract (free fix each time), the heating stopped working, and I had cracked windshield. Amazing enough the windshield cracked while driving and I have no reason why, it just appeared at about 90K miles. I assume I failed to detect a rock hitting it, but it could have been defective at some level. Other than that there have been no non-routine maintenance items. Maintenance has been done at scheduled intervals by the dealer, and yes it is far too expensive. The car has always been garage kept so sunlight and heat damage have been minimized. No kids and and my wife and I are both on the very neat and orderly side, so the interior is pristine. At our age we do not test the engine or suspension capabilities, we just enjoy a leisurely comfortable driving experience. Regular washing with a detailing about every 18 months. The car looks so good that about 3-4 weeks ago in the supermarket parking lot I was asked if it was brand new! He didn't believe it was a 2015 model with that mileage. Overall, I'd say my experience has been average for unexpected repairs, and much better than average for the body retaining it's original appearance. Would keep the car but with my 70th birthday coming up it's time to go electric with an EQS.

First time watching one of your videos. Went to subscribe and saw bellow 10k subs and that was very surprising. This video was great, editing and overall content. All the best team!

I have a w222 S65 and I straighten out my AC vents every time a guest leaves and has them turned. Most satisfying thing ever.

Love the content. Do a review on a high kilometre well looked after Lexus LS430 probably the best luxury car ever built.

Sorry to hear you suffer from OCD. When were you diagnosed? It’s a terrible medical condition and I really am glad to see you’re able to function so well.

Just subscribed to to your channel.Your channel is really a blessing to me and very informative.Am a Mercedes fan and dream of owning a used S class because can't afford a new one.

you made me laugh with tears, man 🥳 I never ever experienced that fun watching car videos. Subscribed immediately 👏 👍 🥳

Brilliant presentation mate, loved the way you went through this - honest and straight forward, highlighting all the warts and issues while Praising its good points. Loved the depreciation comparisons - funny as - well done!! I’m subscribed.

Deff worth second hand ownership, I’ve owned 3 of them, from a 2010, 2015, 2017. Currently 2016 s550 coupe, amazing looking and drive. Highest mileage one had 130k miles, my coupe has 95k miles right now! These are solid and haven’t had any major issues on any of them.

I have the exact same car with the same multi spoke rim, I myself have cracked 4 rims. I recently discovered it’s not the rim, the problem it’s the low profile run-flat tires that come on the car. I bought the car from the dealership and it came with Pirelli tires. I recently changed to Michelin none run-flat tires and have felt a significant improvement in comfort driving and better protection on the rim.

Awesome videos guys. Keep it up. Good to see some Aussie content.

After watching, and as an experienced MB owner (W140 S, CLK 320, R 350, GL 350, GLE 63), good advice, for all the lurkers waiting to buy a used S class (like me after giving up on a w221 now waiting for a w222), just good policy to buy the most expensive used Mercedes you can afford (nothing more expensive than a cheap Mercedes) with a Solid service history and maybe max 100,000 kms. You can tell a nice one from a crappy one a mile away (modifications, several owners, accident history beyond $2k in repairs, “power polished” swirl marks in the paint, no options, non-original off brand tires that aren’t marked MO, MB wheels that don’t belong on this model, etc). As to repairs, change your own oil and air filters and let the dealer do the rest like brake fluid, brakes, and misc repairs. Wash it weekly. They’re out there mostly in rich people’s garages as a second or third vehicle.

Great review. Really appreciated the honesty. And yes, they rear end of this car is terrible. Actually, Mercedes has really struggled with all their rear-end designs for decades. Doesn't make sense. Almost all other cars at any price level have better tail lights and rear design than any Merc.

This is officially my favorite channel on RU-vid I'm hooked! 👍🏾

My father owned a 1984 Mercedes 380 SEL from new for 25 years. A simply perfect car. Serviced once a year or 10k miles, whatever came first, replaced perishables like brakes and suspension bushes and such, and ZERO engine and transmission issues, he did have 1 major issue with the AC, but that was to be expected with the vacuum system Mercedes used back then. I truly regret not buying it from him. I met the guy who bought the car from him, and he said he is never selling it.

Thank you for mentioning the Rims, I did my rear brakes yesterday and noticed cracks in both rims, already replaced the front ones few months back

What he mentions issues in a 15 years old s class could easily be found in a 2020 bmw. (just saying... 😂)

I have a 2012 S550 and had it for 2 years and it rides like a yacht! Smooth sailing

2014 s550, never gets old. In love with it just as much as the first day I got it.

Your channel is going to blow up

Since I've got a drivers license I have only owned not second hand but mostly tenth+ hand S classes. Never got any kind of problems, drove more than 40k km.

Thx! I realy liked the way you devide the review. Perfect 👍🏻 I love the S-Class. Allways a funboy but, my favorite I think is the w126 560 SEL. Subscribed of course. Stay safe.

I own a 2016 s class coupe. Been perfect. I’m very impressed.👍 maybe that car you have has been abused. I’ve never had a broken rim or had peeling leather.

"You've got a bisexual cup holder here because it goes both ways" lmaooooo

Love your review style. Hilarious and thorough.

Very informational. Subbed

After the w126 and w140, mercedes hasn't had the same level of quality.

Best in class. Period.

I owned one of these, my service advisor warned me about the repair costs. He said a replacement engine from Mercedes was $60,000. I sold it when used car prices peaked.

Purchased a 1990 420SEL in 2009 with 143000km on the clock. It has now done 250000km, only repair was the sun roof $2000. I had owned a new identical car back then and I could not resist this pristine example. Not expensive to own, just keep up the maintenance.

If you get a used Mercedes get a warranty, and stay clear of the v12s. Rims and brakes are quite costly

one of the most beautiful cars currently on sale

Great Chanel man, I love it

Best driving car I have ever owned... yes the repairs are expensive but if you paid cash for the purchase (no loan payment) then they should be affordable.

Thanks alot man, lovely and fun to see. Indeed it's a yummy car :).