Mercedes-benz S550 problems

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The Mercedes-Benz S-Class, formerly known as Sonderklasse (German for "special class", abbreviated as "S-Klasse"), is a series of full-sized luxury sedans, limousines and armored sedans produced by the German automaker Mercedes-Benz. The S-Class is the designation for top-of-the-line Mercedes-Benz models and was officially introduced in 1972 with the W116, and has remained in use ever since. The S-Class is one of the flagship vehicles for Mercedes-Benz.

The S-Class has debuted many of the company's latest innovations, including drivetrain technologies, interior features, and safety systems (such as the first seatbelt pretensioners). The S-Class has ranked as the world's best-selling luxury sedan. In automotive terms, Sonderklasse refers to "a specially outfitted car." Although used colloquially for decades, following its official application in 1972, six generations of officially named S-Klasse sedans have been produced.

In 1981, the two-door, four-seat S-Class, designated as SEC, was introduced, sharing the petrol V8 engines with its four-door version, W126. After the introduction of a new nomenclature scheme, SEC was simply renamed as S-Class Coupé. For the 1996 model year, the coupé was separated from the S-Class line and named as new CL-Class (in line with other two-door models: CLK, SL, and SLK); however, the CL-Class was reintegrated into the S-Class model line (same with CLK becoming E-Class Coupé and Cabriolet). The first-ever S-Class convertible since 1972, internally named A217, was introduced and became a one-generation model only. After the end of W222 production in 2020, the successors to the C217 coupé and A217 convertible are not planned, citing the low demand for those models and stronger demand for SUV models.

photo of Mercedes-benz S550 car production

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Mercedes-benz S550 model years

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S550 2017
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S550 2016
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S550 2015
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S550 2014
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S550 2013
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S550 2012
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S550 2011
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Common Mercedes-benz S550 problems

Based on the complaints from owners of the Mercedes-Benz S550 cars, common problems with this model include:

  1. AIRMATIC Suspension Issues:
    • AIRMATIC suspension fails to inflate properly.
    • Ride height sensor failure.
    • Punctured or leaking air spring.
    • Warning lights like "AIRMATIC Visit Workshop" and "AIRMATIC Stop, Car Too Low" indicate suspension problems.
    • Early warning signs include a bouncy ride, sagging, sitting low, stopping long, and nose diving.
    • Costly repairs at the dealership for components like the AIRMATIC air compressor and active suspension control module.
  2. Electrical Problems:
    • Reported issues with headlights, doors, switches, and battery drainage.
  3. Steering Issues:
    • Torque steer during acceleration due to suspension or wheel alignment problems.
  4. Engine Problems:
    • Specific engines like the OM 628 and M137 may have timing issues and oil leaks, respectively.
  5. Rust:
    • Particularly in older models, rusting can occur in various areas, including under the car and around the headlights.
  6. Transmission Problems:
    • Slow and unresponsive transmission reported in certain models.
  7. Inferior Quality Gear in the 2007 Model:
    • The M273 engine in the 2007 S-Class has a small gear connecting to the timing chain made from low-quality metal, leading to potential catastrophic engine failure if not addressed promptly.
  8. Oil Leaks and Engine Failure:
    • Oil leak problems and faulty engine oil plugs in certain models leading to engine failure and potential danger on the road.

These issues highlight the importance of thorough inspections before purchasing a used Mercedes-Benz S550 to avoid costly repairs and ensure a reliable driving experience.

Mercedes-benz S550

Is the S550 reliable?

Mercedes-Benz S550 owners have to bring their vehicles into a repair shop for unscheduled repairs an average of 1.0 times per year, compared to an average of 0.8 times for luxury fullsize cars and 0.4 times for all vehicle models.

Is the Mercedes S550 expensive to maintain?

The annual maintenance cost of a Mercedes-Benz S550 is $1,249.

What is the best year for a Mercedes S550?

The most reliable Mercedes-Benz S-Class year is the 2009 model, according to motorbiscuit.com. There are several big reasons for this. For example, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class has various trim options, plus several engine options you can find in the used car market.

How much is a S550 worth?

Prices for a used Mercedes-Benz S-Class S 550 currently range from $4,786 to $77,999, with vehicle mileage ranging from 8,930 to 247,751. Find used Mercedes-Benz S-Class S 550 inventory at a TrueCar Certified Dealership near you by entering your zip code and seeing the best matches in your area.

Latest 5 recalls Mercedes-benz S550

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 29 recalls for different components of the Mercedes-benz S550.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.

  • Model: Mercedes-benz S550 2017
  • Report Received Date: 2023-12-15
  • Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
  • Components: STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS
  • Summary: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2014-2020 C-Class, CLA, GLA, S-Class, GLC, and GLE vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details. The front roof panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle during a prior repair, allowing the front panel to detach from the vehicle.
  • Consequence: A detached roof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
  • Remedy: Dealers will replace the front panel, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 2, 2024. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on, March 22,2024, and August 2, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 21V-197.
  • Model: Mercedes-benz S550 2016
  • Report Received Date: 2023-12-15
  • Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
  • Components: STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS
  • Summary: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2014-2020 C-Class, CLA, GLA, S-Class, GLC, and GLE vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details. The front roof panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle during a prior repair, allowing the front panel to detach from the vehicle.
  • Consequence: A detached roof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
  • Remedy: Dealers will replace the front panel, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 2, 2024. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on, March 22,2024, and August 2, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 21V-197.
  • Model: Mercedes-benz S550 2015
  • Report Received Date: 2023-12-15
  • Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
  • Components: STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS
  • Summary: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2014-2020 C-Class, CLA, GLA, S-Class, GLC, and GLE vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details. The front roof panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle during a prior repair, allowing the front panel to detach from the vehicle.
  • Consequence: A detached roof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
  • Remedy: Dealers will replace the front panel, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 2, 2024. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on, March 22,2024, and August 2, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 21V-197.
  • Model: Mercedes-benz S550 2014
  • Report Received Date: 2023-12-15
  • Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
  • Components: STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS
  • Summary: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2014-2020 C-Class, CLA, GLA, S-Class, GLC, and GLE vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details. The front roof panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle during a prior repair, allowing the front panel to detach from the vehicle.
  • Consequence: A detached roof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
  • Remedy: Dealers will replace the front panel, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 2, 2024. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on, March 22,2024, and August 2, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 21V-197.
  • Model: Mercedes-benz S550 2015
  • Report Received Date: 2021-03-19
  • Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
  • Components: STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS
  • Summary: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2020 C300 Coupe, C43 Coupe AMG, C43 AMG, 2015-2020 C300, GLA250, 2016-2018 C350e, CLA45 Coupe AMG, 2015 C400, S65 AMG, 2015-2019 C63 AMG, 2016 C450, 2015-2016 GLA45 AMG, S600, 2016-2020 GLC300, 2017-2019 GLC43 AMG, GLE43 Coupe AMG, 2014-2019 CLA250 Coupe, 2014-2015 CLA45 AMG, 2018 GLC63 AMG, 2014-2017 S550, 2018-2020 S450, 2016-2019 GLE63 Coupe AMG, 2016 GLE450 Coupe, 2014-2020 S63 AMG, 2018-2019 S560, and 2019 GLC350e vehicles equipped with a panoramic sunroof. The front roof panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle during a prior repair.
  • Consequence: The adhesive bonding of the front panel might deteriorate, possibly causing the front panel to detach from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
  • Remedy: Mercedes-Benz dealer will remove the bonded panel and will install a new front panel by following the detailed repair instructions and using the approved primer, cleaner and adhesive, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 3, 2021 and October 26, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

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