My opinion on the W221 S550

[@SouthernGent44]

I owned a 2013 W221 S550 4Matic from 2015 to 2021. I bought it with about 20K miles for around $54K. New price would have been $102K. The deep discount was due to a combination of rapid depreciation of luxury cars and the W222's having just been released. Overall, the W221 was quite fine car. I never had any drivetrain or electrical problems. The brakes were incredible ,considering the car weighed 5500 pounds. And my car had the air suspension, which was a dream. The ride was magic carpet soft. Accleration was strong. I rarely used Sport Mode because the throttle became "hair trigger" and hard to use smoothly in traffic. Great for freeway driving though. My only gripes were the air ride shocks will give out after about 80-100k miles. Cost to replace is around $1400 per corner, but an extended warranty will cover it. Control arms and thrust arms will need replacing at around 80K miles, also covered by extended warranty. Also, the previous owner left the rear cover on one of the headlights loose. Water eventually found its way into the headlight and damage it. Total repair cost was $4000!!! I had to pay $1700 of that out of pocket. The car was extremely reliable. I think I was lucky. I've heard some horror stories about S-class cars. But if my money gets right again, I'd buy a W223 in a heartbeat, with an extended warranty of course. There's just nothing quite like a good S-class Benz.

[@mechanical_b]

Any good extended warranty companies you’d recommend bro?

[@floridatravelvideos]

The sport suspension button up top is for use on curvy roads and the sport button down below is for entering highways quickly. The raise car button is to clear curbs when needed and use in snow, not to be used full time driving. Also if you treat it like a race car, you will wear out things you wish you hadn't because of the cost to fix them. If you replace the cam sensors and cam magnets and oxygen sensors you'll notice power and torque you didn't know you were missing and its easy to do yourself. These are great cars if you can afford the repairs and drive it like a luxury sedan, not a race car.

[@DJKadilac]

What if you get the S 63?

[@floridatravelvideos]

@@DJKadilac I do believe its the same car only the cars computer was programmed for more HP and Torque so they could sell it for more money. The S550 is capable of producing more HP and TQ but it was tuned down in the computer so they could sell a tuned up S63 for more cash. Same computer in both cars, S550 was governed in the computers circuitry so it'd be slower than S63.

[@shawnballard794]

@@floridatravelvideos wow 😮

[@shawnballard794]

Thanks for the write up I'm selling my custom 2014 w204 to save cash and buy this. Looking at all the vids and write ups I feel like the only thing ill miss from my w204 would be the 26mpg avg.

[@travisseabrooks2739]

Agree just bought a sclass never floor or part throttle

[@joshuasanchez33]

I have the ‘08 model S550 and it cruises down the highway like a boat but is faster than a jet ski lol

[@Jack_The_Ripper_Here]

You're making no sense

[@slightwork3201]

How many miles ?

[@derrickchapman8462]

I have this car but, its a 2013. I love this car. I've gotten it tuned and going to get a cat delete. She moves and rides like a dream.

[@losangeles197]

I have one with the ABC hydraulic suspension, those are very rare. Handles like it's on rails. I put 70,000 miles in 18 months. The car us built solid. The interior still looks and feels like brand new. Now I want the S600 or the S65 AMG.

[@Jerry.V]

Why is the QBC hydraulic suspension very rare?

[@losangeles197]

@@Jerry.V If you find one on a S550 it was a special order as they did not make them with that hydraulic suspension. It was an option but it needed to be build after the order was placed. There were no S550 made that way for the dealers. I have all three options package in my vehicle and the suspension. You could only find all of those options and the suspension as standard on the S600. My vehicle was made after the order was placed. I believe you could get it as an option as well on the S65 which came with a AMG tuned air suspension, not the hydraulic as standard.

[@Jerry.V]

@@losangeles197 I got a s500 (s550 in the states) with ABC and air suspension, is that also something thats special that you know of?

[@losangeles197]

@@Jerry.V I believe that air suspensions are the standard for mercedes. They have gotten so good at it that they have not made any other type since the hydraulic suspension in the W221 model. Although I believe some of the cheapest cars they have made had standard springs. But I am not totally sure. It is also easier to service and replace parts. When my suspension goes I believe I am looking at no less then 10k for repairs to replace all the parts. Worst case. So that is nothing to brag about. Air suspensions are probably half that.

[@kevin9c1]

@@losangeles197That's not true. The W222 hydraulic suspension was called MBC (Magic Body Control) and was another revision to the original ABC system that was released with the W220. They continued to refine that through the W222 lifecycle and with the W223 and X167 SUVs are onto more of a self contained system that does similar magic tracks (but is not the standard AIRmatic system).

[@chrisg1628]

You forgot to mention the tv and split screen view option, and there is a hook that is super useful in the boot. I have the same car but the s350 diesel, returning 40 plus mpg. I enjoyed the video

[@MercedesMechanic]

The cam magnets and cam position sensors leak oil into the electrical connector on them and it spreads through the harness and destroys some things connected to the main harness. Check with a dealer to see if Mercedes came up with any precautionary measures to prevent it because it can be a $15,000 repair. You may get that they never heard of it but its happening to these models all the time. Mercedes made a boo boo when developing the M278 motor. It also happened on most motors before it. Check by unplugging the connectors plugged to all 8 parts (4 cam magnets) (4 cam position sensors) and stick a Qtip in the connector and in where it connects to the part to see if oils in them.

[@rafamotive]

Damn that sounds like an expensive fix. I’ll check that. Thank you.

[@MercedesMechanic]

@@rafamotive I have a 2013 that I bought in 2020. Just before I bought it from a dealership, the service records shows this happened around 67,000 miles. The oil wicks into the engines main wiring harness all the way to the engines computer, 02 sensors and some other stuff. They have to drop the engines out of the car, replace everything the oil fried including the main wiring harness. There are a lot of people on the Mercedes forums talking about this and many are being told by dealerships it cost around $15k to fix their cars. The caveat after fixing it is that it will happen again. This started happening on the following Mercedes engine models: 164, 171, 203, 204, 207, 209, 211, 212, 216, 219, 221, 230, 251, 463, 272 and 273. Mercedes came up with a pigtail miniature wiring harness solution to address it but they did not come up with anything for the 2012 S550 and beyond. I've recently found some other people who its happening to on the 2013 S550. You have a nice car so I just wanted you to be aware of this. To learn more about it, just google "Cam Magnet Sensor leaks oil into wire harness". You will find a lot of info on it.

[@rafamotive]

Damn, that sounds like that should be a recall. But thank you for letting me know. The car is actually my friend’s. I’ll pass on the message.

[@dongtr00]

Where to buy the extended warranty? Dealership when the car is still new? I am thinking get a CPO s460.

[@rafamotive]

Yes purchasing a extended warranty through the dealership is a good idea.

[@HarMageddo]

I have a 2012 s550. I love it

[@bearpaw7603]

Just purchased on May 9th 2012 S550 with only 45k miles 1owner clean title black on black for less then 20k $ . I was surprised how I can close my trunk with holding the button down and the trunk closed softly. So many seat adjustments and massage is great too

[@mytriton54]

You forgot to mention that it has Night Vision, also. A rare option.

[@arthurarthur6370]

For the 4 matic maximum, what width can the rims be 10.5x20? ET?? 10x20 ET?

[@mrbossup7143]

How easy or hard is it to park? I'm asking as my current car has no parking sensors or cameras and I can't really tell the size of my sedan car and I'm thinking that I will find it a bit difficult parking this car. Thanks Great video👍

[@rafamotive]

Honestly, I’m pretty sure this car had parking sensors but I don’t think I heard it beep a single time. However the back up camera did make it easier to park. That being said, I always rely on the mirrors (just a habit) so yea, wasn’t too difficult from “my point of view”. But in terms of the size, once you drive it for a couple of days I’m sure you will get used to it.

[@eagleeye8916]

They have parking sensors a high definition back up camera and a 360 view cam that can also park itself

[@arim850]

S class without sensors dont exist probably even without camera doesnt even exizt

[@SouthernGent44]

I certainly don't consider myself to be the best driver in the world, but I had no issues parking.

[@kevin9c1]

@@arim850 Cameras weren't available before about 2008 and weren't standard until sometime later on.

[@raulalexandrucordos4879]

Like mine. My is from 2013 and I am happy with it. Quality car. A true limousine. But my is more equipment. Has electrical rear seats also.

[@lamar7bn]

I was thinking of getting the last w221 model 2013,but i live in Northern Ontario Canada and the roads are very bad. I'd spend thousands of dollars fixing airmatic system

[@rafamotive]

Yea I hear you on that. But I’m sure there are ways to convert the suspension system to (non-air ride) coilovers. Again going to be a pricey affair which way you decide to go.

[@ssjlkrillin]

Why no Continentals or Michelins? I never cheap out on tires.

[@rafamotive]

My friend just picked up the car from a used car lot with these on. Don’t worry it’s on Michelins now.

[@ssjlkrillin]

@@rafamotive Cool. 14.4 liters per 100km comes out to 16.3mpg in units I understand [US]. I own an S55 AMG and I've never achieved a mileage less than 18mpg combined [13 liters per 100km] but that would have to be with me flooring it everywhere. I typically manage 20 - 22mpg on the highway; 23mpg if I cruise at 70 - 75mph. 19mpg combined. That would come out to 12 - 10 liters per 100km. I can get a range of almost 500 miles out of it.

[@OGfancy420]

When it comes to tires there is a point where the tires are too nice. They dryrot before they wear out. The tread may last forever but the rubber will age all the same. Get the cheaper tire because they need replaced in a few years anyway.

[@cstarnes2084]

I would like to see how the adjustable suspension works! Beautiful car and to me so technological advanced for 10 years ago!

[@rafamotive]

The only thing I noticed (in terms of adjusting the suspension) was the adjustable dampeners. We could only toggle it between comfort and sport. The video was shot with the dampeners in the comfort setting. Honestly I’m not sure if the other trims have a wider range of settings, but the way this car was spec’d it only toggled between comfort and sport setting. Yea and for the all tech in the car to operate flawlessly even after 10 years of Canadian winters is pretty amazing.

[@cstarnes2084]

Thanks for the quick reply! That's awesome being able to adjust/toggle between comfort and sport from the factory! I've never owned a Benz personally but hopefully in the near future! Your friend purchased a beautiful car. Hope he enjoys and takes care of it as previous owner obviously did. Have a blessed day!

[@rafamotive]

Neither have I. Haha, this was my first time in any S-Class. I have personally always been a Toyota/ Lexus/ Subaru consumer. It’s always nice to see how other brands go about building luxury vehicles compared to some of the conventional brands. But again, these vehicles do require some considerable amount of maintenance to keep them running in pristine condition (like the one in the video). But good luck on you’re Mercedes Benz endeavours.

[@skad1448]

@courtney starnes there are buttons in the car which make it lower and raise the car. Sport button lowers the car to the max low, comfort mode puts the car at the mid level and the “vehicle raise” button takes the car up to the highest level

[@highwaystar3780]

I had a New 2013 s65 and had Nothing but Rattles and Squeaks. Everything Rattled after only few Thousand miles. Especially from cheap plastic around Dashboard. Pure garbage!

[@todbot1338]

Why do you test in kph and not mph 😅

[@rafamotive]

In Canada, we use kph.

[@JOESTRENGHT]

I think you’re wrong, because this car definitely has an AMG package

[@rafamotive]

Yea you’re right, I could be wrong. I was going off the owner’s words.

[@artisannurse]

they said these is the sedan god of all sedan cars

[@a1phamalestud]

I have the same interior spec

[@The_Tech_Corner]

There's a mercedes-benz s600 aswell

[@rafamotive]

Oh yea, forgot about that. Extremely rare trim level to be fair.

[@The_Tech_Corner]

@@rafamotive it's okay lol

[@trut52]

That's some bumpy roads there, my RAV4 would probably jump lol

[@tariktokalija452]

And btw this is AMG trim...

[@dojocho1894]

Im looking at a sme year with 120K miles on it can someone tell me repair issue with that milage or repair common problems on that year I never owned a Mercedes just Jaguars.

[@rafamotive]

I would have a shop that specializes in MB do a pre-purchase inspection, that way you know exactly what’s going on with the car. But in general I seen this chassis with leaking air-ride systems, leaking engine oil from various places, low or replaced battery causing various modules to fail, a/c system issues, and other issues. Pretty expensive to maintain in general.

[@dojocho1894]

@@rafamotive thanks Owning a jag is pretty expensive i just replaced 4 struts and upper arm bushings $1600

[@rafamotive]

Honestly that sounds pretty reasonable for a Jag

[@UncleSarkis]

Did you buy it? Want updates?

[@homeboy144]

i like how you dont know sht about this car but it doesnt really matter since the feeling it gives and you are able to show is more important (Y)

[@robertlee8572]

I have a s550 amg very nice car too much power twin turbo V8 it's a rocket

[@johnrand93]

I love these cars but unless you get a Designo interior the MB Tex interior is really kinda cheap looking,

[@highwaystar3780]

Designo was rare on these unless it was a s65. I had a 2013 with lots of Rattles and Squeaks from Dash and Doors. These cars were built like shit...same week chassis as w220 but since these were Havier the Shit structure couldn't handle the weight. I have a03 s600 with 68k and have hardly any Rattles Except a Creak from the rear. W222 was Trash Too. Now after 9yrs We finally hear that Magic Carpet never even worked on 222...and many say 221 actually Rode better.

[@BrianErwin]

i've been driving a ct6 for the past four years. just test drove a 2011 s550 and they are pretty much the same.. same ride quality, same features, etc. the crazy part is that my ct6 is 2019, so the benz was ahead of its time.

[@UWyatt23]

And it has the nigh vision mode.

[@rafamotive]

This car didn’t have that option.

[@UWyatt23]

Go to 12:44 in the video that little silver lever by the switch for lights on the side of the steering wheel is the night vision. Once the sun starts to set give it a shot. It’ll pop up on the dash. That’s the same button I had in my 08 S550. It’s a really dope option to have. Comes in handy sometimes too.

[@rafamotive]

Oh thank you. I’ll check it out.

[@mizterblicky5569]

You curved bros car

[@mancinochirurgo8026]

I’m JDM guy and I see only that white crown)

[@rafamotive]

Haha yes thank you. I love it, plus it’s a pretty unique car for the western world.

[@lewischime5737]

There's a 'S 280'

[@rafamotive]

Wow I didn’t know that.

[@SiTiZEN5555]

Das kann nicht sein 😮

[@kxngearner698]

Everything toyota makes is GARBAGE

[@philreynolds6018]

turbos that overheat engine , all wheel drive that is heavy and hard to service and no spare tire ! runflat tires are heavy , expensive and a short life Great car ?

[@rafamotive]

No one said this is a cheap vehicle… like I said it’s a great vehicle if you can maintain it.