Undoubtedly, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a benchmark in the luxury car category. Large luxury sedans have been part of the Mercedes-Benz lineup for years, but it wasn't until the 1972 launch of the W116 series Mercedes-Benz that these "Sonderklasse" (special class) cars were officially named S-Class.
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has become the world's most successful large luxury sedan, surpassing Britain's Jaguar XJ and fending off rivals developed by Audi and BMW.
A used Mercedes S-Class is an excellent choice for a low-cost luxury sedan with high-end features. The decision to purchase a Mercedes-Benz comes from understanding the company's value proposition, which revolves around luxury and premium features.
Those who can afford a brand-new Mercedes-Benz often don't care how well it holds up because they'll replace it a few years later. But if you want to get the perks of a fantastic car a few years later, then a used car is your best bet.
But before you buy a used Mercedes-Benz S-class, there are a few things you should be aware of.
Some Mercedes-Benz S-Class Models Experience Issues
As with all cars, Mercedes-Benz has its fair share of issues. One particular issue has to do with foggy headlights. Thoroughly inspecting the headlights before you buy a used S-Class is crucial because they tend to fog up in most 2010 models. Even under warranty, the dealer will not replace fogged headlights, deeming the problem "normal" because LED lights do not generate enough heat. While this is partially true, Mercedes headlights can sometimes fog up completely.
There are also cases where the timing chain wears out severely. The timing chain is an essential component of a car because it connects all camshafts and crankshafts to spin them at the proper rate. When the engine snaps, you'll almost certainly need to replace it. The engine rattle during startup indicates a worn timing chain or tensioners. Many manufacturers, including Mercedes-Benz, use thinner timing chains in modern vehicles to save weight. You should replace the timing chain in modern Mercedes-Benz vehicles every 80,000-120,000 miles.
Mercedes-Benz models also have a comfortable but problematic Airmatic suspension. While Airmatic suspension cars ride beautifully, everything from the tubing to the shock absorbers and the air compressor tend to fail, costing hundreds of dollars to repair.
Mercedes-Benz continues to use Airmatic suspension in their new models, but it has since changed numerous times, so air suspension issues are no longer common but something to look out for.
Here's What To Look For When Buying A Used Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Before buying a used S-Class, try to gain information from the previous owners. Being able to show an excellent maintenance record and evidence that the car has been well cared for is essential if you want to reduce the likelihood of potentially costly problems.
Check that every piece of equipment works and that the service schedule is up-to-date. This includes changing the oil in the seven-speed automatic transmission every 40,000 miles and ensuring smooth shifting.
The 2009 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Is A Reliable Used Car
A beautiful S-Class that has stood the test of time is the 2009 model. This is the best pick used S-Class, known for having few issues and being reliable. There are three trim levels available for the 2009 Mercedes S-Class. The four-door 5.5-liter V8 4MATIC has all-wheel drive, whereas the other two levels have rear-wheel drive with a 5.5-liter V8 and a twin-turbo V12 with 604 hp as the engine options.
For a slightly older car, the S-Class comes equipped with Distronic Plus cruise control, onboard navigation, a Harman Kardon surround-sound audio system, Active Body Control (ABC) suspension technology, and adaptive seats as some of the unique features. The engine, body, and special features all work together to create a powerful, agile, and supremely comfortable vehicle.
The S-Class had some of the most advanced safety equipment available in 2009. Mercedes-Benz equipped the S-Class with brake assist, stability control, and active airbags to keep passengers as safe as possible. The 2009 S-Class has state-of-the-art luxury features, handling, and performance of a smaller sport sedan, eye-watering acceleration of AMG models, available all-wheel drive, and famed S-Class prestige.
The only downside of the 2009 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is its fuel economy. It may not be for you if you're looking for a fuel-efficient vehicle. According to the EPA, the car gets 11 to 14 miles per gallon in the city and 17 to 22 miles per gallon on the highway.
Now that you know the best pick S-Class, there are a few steps to take before finalizing the purchase and ensuring its reliability. First, test-drive the vehicle to ensure you are happy with its handling. Next, obtain a history of the vehicle's maintenance. You should obtain a record of what type of work has gone on the car and the name of the company that handled the repairs. Finally, have a seasoned third-party mechanic inspect the 2009 S-Class.
Sources: Edmunds, mbworld.org, carvertical