Which Years of Used Mercedes-Benz S-Class Vehicles Are Most Reliable?
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The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is one of the benchmark luxury sedan lines, starting with the 1972 W116 Series Mercedes-Benz. Indeed, these so-called “special class” cars are favorites for daily commuters, small families, or those who just want nimble, comfortable cars to roll down the road. The most reliable Mercedes-Benz S-Class year could be just what you’re looking for in a used car, so let’s break it down.
Most Reliable Years for the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Vehicle
When it comes to reliability, there are a handful of model years you should pay attention to above all else. These include:
- 2009 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
- 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
- 2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
- 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
THE MERCEDES-BENZ S-CLASS YEARS TO AVOID
We highlight the Mercedes Benz S-Class years to avoid and offer insights into why they’re not worth your time and money. Let’s get to it.
That’s a pretty small list, but the truth is there are so many different Mercedes-Benz S-Class vehicles that it’s ultimately futile to try to pin down reliability for the entire car type. Instead, these model years are particularly well known for their design features, comfort, and safety.
For example, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is very roomy and can fit five passengers, all while offering a very smooth, quiet ride. Meanwhile, the more modern 2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class has greater fuel efficiency and better performance, plus some of the modern technological features you might expect in a comfortable sedan.
Are Mercedes-Benz S-Class Vehicles Generally Reliable?
Buying one of the most reliable Mercedes-Benz S-Class years is a good idea, but what about vehicles from the rest of the line?
Fortunately, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class line of vehicles tends to be fairly reliable, especially for similar low-cost luxury sedans. Indeed, hotcars.com indicates that even a used Mercedes-Benz S-Class is an excellent choice if you want a reliable vehicle with various high-end features that don’t demand you break the bank.
Motorandwheels.com also indicates that the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is fairly reliable, particularly if you purchase a car from after 2007. On the downside, this source does note that many model years are less than stellar, so it’s important to keep track of which years are the least reliable from this vehicle line.
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Which Mercedes-Benz S-Class Vehicles Are the Least Reliable?
You should stay away from some Mercedes-Benz S-Class model years if you want to avoid headaches and financial hardship in the future. Specifically, try to avoid:
- Any 1999- 2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class vehicles. Preowned vehicles owned in the early years of the new millennium should be avoided since they had a lot of issues, poor suspension, and a higher propensity for rust
- 2007 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, which received several big complaints with the transmission, suspension, and risk of overheating
- 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Owners of this vehicle reported problems with the air suspension system, like total failure or leaks
Are Mercedes-Benz S-Class Vehicles Expensive to Maintain?
Maintaining your Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a great idea, especially if you want to keep it running well for years to come. Repairpal.com indicates that the average annual cost for maintaining a used Mercedes-Benz S-Class is about $1200.
However, this can vary heavily depending on the exact Mercedes-Benz S-Class vehicle you purchase (less luxurious vehicles will cost you less each year to maintain, for example). Furthermore, some maintenance fixes aren’t overly pricey. As another example, a coolant leak diagnosis will be less than $70, and most battery cable terminal end service fixes should run you less than $50.
All in all, it’s a wise idea to ask a car seller what the average maintenance costs are before purchasing any used Mercedes-Benz S-Class. That way, you’ll know exactly what financial agreement you’re getting into.
Which Mercedes-Benz S-Class Vehicle is Most Reliable?
Want to really maximize your purchase? 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. No matter what you choose, you’ll enjoy active body control suspension technology and adaptive seats.
The resulting vehicle is agile, very comfortable, and quite powerful. While it’s not the most fuel-efficient used vehicle you can purchase, it is highly safe. The 2009 Mercedes-Benz S-Class has brake assist technology, stability control technology, and active, reliable airbags.
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What Are the Most Common Mercedes-Benz S-Class Vehicle Problems?
Keeping abreast of the most common Mercedes-Benz S-Class problems is a wise idea, particularly if you want to avoid serious headaches later. According to breakervard.com, the most common Mercedes-Benz S-Class issues include:
- Airmatic suspension pump failure
- Water leaking into the front passenger for well
- Central locking problems
- Electric window problems
While it’s possible you could encounter these maintenance problems with the most reliable Mercedes-Benz S-Class year, they’ll be more common in the least reliable model years. Ask for a vehicle history report before buying so you can avoid accidentally purchasing a dud.
Is the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Vehicle Worth It?
Given the above information, is the Mercedes-Benz S-Class line really worth it? Overall, the answer is undoubtedly yes.
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class offers a lot of flexibility and freedom, particularly if you shop around the used car market. Odds are there’s an affordable, attractive Mercedes-Benz S-Class vehicle just right for your needs and your budget, especially if you try to purchase a vehicle from after 2009 or so. If you do this, you’ll avoid many of the vehicle classes that had problematic recalls or mechanical issues.
At the same time, you’ll be able to drive an agile, comfortable sedan that can fit anywhere between four and six people, plus provide you with a good fuel economy and fantastic value for money.
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Final Thoughts
In the end, a used 2009 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is the best choice if you’re looking for one of these vehicle types. However, there are several other years you can consider as well, depending on what’s available at your local used car market. Whatever you do, stay away from older Mercedes-Benz S-Class vehicles, even if the price is apparently right. The last thing you want to do is purchase a lemon car that already has trouble going on under the hood.
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