Used 2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Consumer Reviews
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Oh Yes,.... The Moosemobile Rides Again!
David D. Johnson, 05/26/2018
updated 07/05/2019
2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S550 4MATIC 4dr Sedan AWD (5.5L 8cyl 7A)
39 of 41 people found this review helpful
I'm 73 years old and this 2008 S550 4-MATIC will easily carry me and the missus into the sunset. I trust if you have looked for the big luxurious S class cars, you have seen how the prices have dropped significantly from the ridiculous cost new of $103,000. This is exactly why I've never purchased a Mercedes new. Figure that after you've been able to convince your wife just why paying so much for a new car, you'll have to hide because the price used after three years will be one half the new sticker cost. Through the years, I've owned many S class examples, and by far this '08 example is the best of the bunch. As you know, the huge styling change for the 2007 through 2013 was a good idea and staying away from the first year after a "biggie" brought a vehicle second to none. I'm probably looking at a paint refresh but nothing else in my plans for the car. I trust the car to take me where I need to go, either to our second home near our son and grandkids in Colorado, or my occasional legal consulting trip, (Yes, I still work 30 to 40 hours per week because I truly love my legal work). I actually look forward to driving the car, I know, go figure. I'm now bringing my review up to date on the 2008 S550 4-MATIC, July 5th, 2019. Well, not much to add except the car has about 132,000 as of today's date and so far, (knock on wood), everything is super I so enjoy driving the car because it still gets quite respectable mileage, (23.5 MPG), and is so smooth. The air shocks don't leak and everything continues to work as is should. I did have to replace the driver's side power window assembly, (no surprise there). The engine continues to run flawlessly as does the 7 speed automatic transmission, so here's hoping all will continue the same. The only items I wish were in the car are the fancy safety systems, but those weren't added until the 2014's. I was able to add aftermarket cameras to detect traffic from the right or left sides.
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MB Quality is Back
Review by Owner, 12/01/2007
2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S550 4dr Sedan (5.5L 8cyl 7A)
22 of 23 people found this review helpful
After having a couple of MBs with quality issues we are extremely pleased with the rock solid, problem- free S550 we have now had for several months and 3,000 miles. We waited 6 months to get an S with the ABC option but ABC provides such a great combination of ride and handling that it was worth it. COMMAND is very easy to use (I have never opened the manual) and allows for a dash that is free of button clutter (particularly compared to Lexus LS). You can get gas mileage well into the 20's on the highway but it can degrade to below 15 mpg in urban driving. But you feel so great in this vehicle that you hate to have to get out when you reach your destination
2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class for sale near you
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One sweet ride
FN SIK, 07/03/2007
2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S63 AMG 4dr Sedan (6.2L 8cyl 7A)
21 of 22 people found this review helpful
This car is absolutely fantastic! Everything about the car exudes quailty and hand built craftsmanship. The touch of the control buttons, the steering, the road grip (with not a hint of body roll at any speed I've traveled so far) The AMG leather is better than in the 600 and the seat comfort is unmatched with almost limitless adjustments. opperating the many features is easy and nearly intuitive through the command control or one of the redundant feature buttons. I havn't been able to pull the 4.5 sec.0-60 times reported, only able to get it to 6.3 (ironic) but I am not a professional driver and haven't managed to time my shifts correctly yet. Either way the car is a blast to drive.
Front Differential Seize Up
moebaz, 03/11/2013
2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S550 4MATIC 4dr Sedan AWD (5.5L 8cyl 7A)
75 of 83 people found this review helpful
I was stopped at a red light. When the light turned green and I was moving forward at about 15-20 miles per hour, the car came to a sudden stop. The vehicle behind me almost ran into my back since there were no brake lights illuminated when this unfortunate malfunction took place. I immediately looked the control panel for any malfunction alarm and there were none. The root cause of the problem was front differential seize up without any warning. There were the right amount of oil in the reservoir so the problem was no due to lack of lubrication. The car was repaired by MB dealer and I was given a bill for (hold on to your pants) $8,252. I called MB customer service to find out if there are any recall on this malfunction. I was told none reported. I have a hard time believing that I am the only one with this problem. I almost came to a decision to sign over the title and have them sell the car to recover the repair cost. Obviously the dealer is not at fault here. However you would expect that a car of this caliber would be better designed and supported. As you have guessed I am unhappy with my MB. By the way if you are trying to sign on for MB online owner community and want to choose the username "UNHAPPY", you can't. It is already taken. Try it with some #s.
The S63 is the best combination of comfort and speed in one machine
riosouza, 08/04/2014
2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S63 AMG 4dr Sedan (6.2L 8cyl 7A)
21 of 25 people found this review helpful
The S63 is the best combination of comfort and speed in one machine, period. It has so much power on "S" mode that if it wasn't for the traction control it would be hard to keep it straight. It's like being on a Cadillac with the feeling of a high end sports car when you hit the gas pedal. I drive my S63 daily, and the comfort makes me slow down and enjoy the ride. Then when I got an idiot tailgating me, I just hit the gas for few seconds and he disappears on my rear view mirror. If you go for a test drive, you will buy it...
S63 AMG - This is it!
Domenic Vitanza, 06/16/2021
2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S63 AMG 4dr Sedan (6.2L 8cyl 7A)
13 of 15 people found this review helpful
This car is amazing I purchased it in 2021 and its an 2008 and it looks better than a new one I love this model and the motor is crazy fast. I'm a big guy so I fit comfortable in it. Its the best car I have owned and I have owned Cadillacs, Lincolns ,Audi's, Etc. . S63 AMG white color. Fabulous. As far as maintenance yes its expensive but to me worth it.
Rumbling gas guzzler
Chuck Sutnick, 07/14/2007
2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S63 AMG 4dr Sedan (6.2L 8cyl 7A)
15 of 18 people found this review helpful
New for '08, it's exhaust is tuned to rumble. It's too noisy on acceleration, and constantly hums in the rear compartment. I have an '07 S550 which gets 26.6 mpg on the highway. This S63 gets 18 mpg if you keep the speed at 70. Otherwise, mileage drops dramatically. Acceleration is awesome. The car starts out as a jack rabbit and turns into a missle. Before you know it, you're doing 60 mph in a 30 speed zone, and 90 in a 65. The interior is a superb improvement over the last generation. The dash is beautiful. The COMAND has 4 ways to get to a function making it user friendly.
Affordable LUXURY!
Chris Allen, 09/21/2020
2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S550 4MATIC 4dr Sedan AWD (5.5L 8cyl 7A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
Shoppers should simply know THIS about the Mercedes S-550: You can read, see and hear all the buzz about this car--but until you drive it in the starts and stops of city travel, then take it on the interstate on a road trip: you will NEVER UNDERSTAND or APPRECIATE the luxurious comfort & blessing this car Really Is!!! I'm Chris Allen. I Approve This Message :)
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This car has everything
tallyken, 09/20/2007
2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S63 AMG 4dr Sedan (6.2L 8cyl 7A)
11 of 13 people found this review helpful
Is it possible to have luxury, comfort, superb build quality, and safety in one car? Yup! Oh, you want performance too? Well, this is the one to get. I'm comparing the S63 to other cars I've owned: NSX, SL600, 2 Vipers, several Corvettes, S500, SL55 AMG, and the S63 rules.
Truly the Best
Barbara, 07/31/2007
2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S600 4dr Sedan (5.5L 12cyl Turbo 5A)
10 of 12 people found this review helpful
My husband has been a Mercedes-Benz afficianado for decades but I have always bought whatever car I thought looked the best, which has led me to Audi and BMW many times over the years. Those vehicles were very enjoyable to own but were hopelessly unreliable. I just purchased a new car following my husband's advice (he has an S550 himself) and have never been this pleased with a car. The S is so refined and luxurious I can hardly fathom how I lived without it all this time. This truly is the best luxury sedan available today. So far it is completely problem free and it has that bank vault solidity to it, I am so enamored with this car.
2008 S550 4matic with Distronic plus
Ingo Rademacher, 04/17/2010
2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S550 4MATIC 4dr Sedan AWD (5.5L 8cyl 7A)
44 of 60 people found this review helpful
This is my second s class. have owned it for over 2 years and have done 42,000 miles problem free. can't compare ride to any other car that's trying to be in it's class. feels super heavy and planted on the road. 90% FWY drive MPG life average is 20.6 and i see 23-25mpg on my morning drives @77mph. I use Distronic plus (Adaptive cruise control stop-go) 99% of the time. Takes some understanding and becomes easier to use with time. The car drives me to work stress free, all i do is steer. When I come through Malibu canyon late night, i put it in sport mode and use the steering wheel gear shifters. The car turns into a WRX for just long enough ;-) and the engine goes nuts.
Super Sedan
walter, 06/02/2008
2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S65 AMG 4dr Sedan (6.0L 12cyl Turbo 5A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I had this car for a 7months. This car has the best utilization for a super car. I considered Porsche 911 turbo, Audi R8, and Ferrari F430, but with a family, those cars are unacceptable. Considered Alpina B7 but, shaky reliability and it being non-factory car, I disqualified it from my list. I opted for S65 AMG for performance and 4 door convenience. I have not regretted choosing this over Porsches or Ferraris. Until Porsche Panamera or Ferrari comes with a four door sedan, this car has no competition. Plus reliability wise, MB is a far better choice. For now, this is the only choice for supersedan.
Review By Owner
FLFX, 09/28/2007
2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S550 4dr Sedan (5.5L 8cyl 7A)
6 of 7 people found this review helpful
Much better in in aspects then my 04 S430. By far the best under 100k Luxury Sedan. The car adapts to your driving style! How the new Consumer Reports can rate the Lexus LS higher is beyond me. It takes a bit to get used to the new COMAND, yet after that you will never want to go back to plastic push buttons again. How on earth could anyone think the controls are difficult to use, unless they never used a computer mouse in their lifetime. I am picky and looked at all in this class, and very satisfied with my purchase. European Luxury Sedans just have better road feel than the Japanese. The S Class has more steel interior parts than Lexus LS & is just a better handling car.
Almost Perfect Sedan
Vincent Wong, 07/31/2008
2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S550 4dr Sedan (5.5L 8cyl 7A)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
As a total package, the 2008 S550 sets itself apart from all the super luxury sedans under $100K. I've owned many performance cars: CL500, Porsche 911's, BMW 7 series, Lexus LS430 etc.. The S550 by far is the most comfortable and pampering vehicle in its class. It has a perfect balance (through purposeful engineering) between performance and comfort - it's a well appointed family room on wheels. I'm in total agreement with MB's design philosophy: understated luxury as it is a true way to reflect the owner's sophisticated taste without overstating his/her presence. The S550 is a remarkable automobile.
Good Car, Not Thrilled, But Good Car
ibitty, 06/10/2008
2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S550 4dr Sedan (5.5L 8cyl 7A)
8 of 11 people found this review helpful
This is a very beautiful car. Not the best, but nice. Really the best on the market right now, but not sure that says a lot. S550 best of a choice for the current market when compared to the Quattroporte, 7 Series, A8. Cars I wish it came close too, the driving feel and comfort of my 2001 740iL or the elegance of my 2006 Range Rover. I have had it to the shop twice for TPMS and a tire that kept going flat.
Best S series yet
MTech8, 03/18/2008
2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S550 4dr Sedan (5.5L 8cyl 7A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Had every generation of MB S class since 1991. This one by far is the best one ever! I can't truly comment on reliability yet since its still a new car. But so far no problems. The drive and the features of the car are great! Plenty of power for everyday driving. If you're a racer, you should be looking at AMG models. Gave the fuel economy an 8. It drinks gas like water, but not uncommon for V8. Think there is definite room for improvement though. Cross shopped against BMW 7 series. Choose this model due to the 7 series getting a model revision very soon.
Second S550 ... first 4matic
doublet, 04/09/2008
2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S550 4MATIC 4dr Sedan AWD (5.5L 8cyl 7A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I just traded in my 2007 S550 (bought March 2006) with 24,000 miles on a new 4matic with almost every option (list $107k). Obviously I loved my 2007, or would not have bought the 2008. There is a big difference in both the driving and mileage of this one versus my 07. The new one is both 4matic and has the AMG appearance package. It drives more like a BMW, but gets much less gas mileage than the 2 wheel version. By the way, my old one had no reliability issues during the 2 years of ownership.
LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS CAR
vonda williams, 02/12/2018
2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S550 4MATIC 4dr Sedan AWD (5.5L 8cyl 7A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
it is a great luxury car-once i had one i cant see driving anything else! Fast and sporty-so many options i am still learning them all! I had one for two months before I was hit in it -a 50 mph crash and i walked away! My car didnt-so I bought another one! What a safe feeling car it is! Put together solid and with quality parts.
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The Best Car I’ve Ever Owned!
Dj , 01/06/2020
2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S550 4dr Sedan (5.5L 8cyl 7A)
4 of 6 people found this review helpful
Let me start by saying at 48 I’ve owned a lot of cars. BMW’s....Ferrari’s...Multiple Maserati’s...And this 2008 s550 absolutely takes them all hands down. The car has more room than an suv, the ride is the smoothest ever, the power is amazing, features are never ending, by far most comfortable car I’ve owned, Stereo is amazing , and it even gets great gas Mileage. This said if you’re thinking about buying one of these you’ll be happily surprised it’s the most luxurious car I’ve owned...it’s basically a little smaller version of the Maybach
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Lasting luxury
Florin Arsene, 10/07/2016
2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S550 4dr Sedan (5.5L 8cyl 7A)
5 of 8 people found this review helpful
At 70k miles, the car feels like barely broken in. The build and finish quality are outstanding, with first rate materials. Repairs, well, might seem to be on the costlier side, however when taking everything in consideration this is a small concern, as this car is top quality overall.
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The Paradigm of Luxury
Ross McCullen, 01/14/2009
2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S600 4dr Sedan (5.5L 12cyl Turbo 5A)
5 of 9 people found this review helpful
I knew the S600 was perfect when I was at my local Mercedes Benz dealership, here in Houston. My wife loved it and the kids (8 and 16) love it also. (My teen girl really enjoyed the vanity mirrors), while it was nearly impossible getting my son out of the reclining rear seats. My wife enjoyed the fact that she could read and drive (I would never commend this action) in stop-and-go traffic due to the very intuitive Distronic Plus System. The COMMAND system was overwhelmingly easy and the car overall was extremely comfortable. I have owned a Jaguar XJ Super V8 and a 2003 Bentley Arnage, but they pale in comparison to this big Benz, due to the way it effortlessly combines luxury and technology
Suspension noises
westgent, 06/07/2013
2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S550 4MATIC 4dr Sedan AWD (5.5L 8cyl 7A)
10 of 23 people found this review helpful
My 2008 S550 4matic has 47,000 miles and I am the 2nd owner. I have owned it for about a year and have put 12K on it with no major complaints other than the following: 1) Coolant Level warning light, 2) ABS warning light, 3) noisy front end suspension noises. I believe the first two items are simple computer error causing the warning lights to illuminate having checked the coolant level and braking system with no signs of being too low or malfunctioning respectively. The annoying noises are a mystery. Is the air suspension? Is it rocker arms or bushings? Any feedback and recommendations would be appreciated.
The best car I have ever owned
Dr Ted, 06/29/2008
2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S550 4dr Sedan (5.5L 8cyl 7A)
2 of 4 people found this review helpful
I have owned many new cars incuding 9 new Sclass mercedes. I purchased a new 2007 through my local dealers European delivery program. What a blast. The hotels they were incredible. But the hotels paled in comparison to driving the new S Class on the Autobahn. My wife and I both loved that car so much that the following year we went back to Germany and got another one. Well you guessed we are going back for our third one in August 2009. As long as Mercedes keeps making a car of this quality with such a high retained value I am In.
Ownership
Bruce Hohler, 02/07/2008
2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S550 4dr Sedan (5.5L 8cyl 7A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This car is all you would expect from Mercedes Benz. Economy is much better than advertised...25 on the highway at 80 MPH. Comfort is awesome, handling is great and interior layout was well thought out.
Best car ever!!
D. Garn, 06/29/2019
2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S550 4dr Sedan (5.5L 8cyl 7A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
This car is huge! Every trip is super comfortable and for its age people still think it’s the new model Mercedes! I really enjoy driving my Mercedes I have put the larger 20 inch Mercedes rims I think I may have the vehicle repainted but other than that I’m keeping it!
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Great Vehicle
Kwame Davis, 01/30/2017
updated 07/31/2017
2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S550 4MATIC 4dr Sedan AWD (5.5L 8cyl 7A)
1 of 3 people found this review helpful
This a great vehicle, I originally bought to take long trips across America then I got sick and my wife soon after got sick too. The vehicles was ultimately used for an occasional trip from north jersey down to Waldorf, Maryland. As a result the car only has a little over 32,000 miles on it. I love the car but it's to hard for me to get in and out of it because of my back operations.
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S550 2008
Fan of Mercedes Benz 2008 S55”, 01/02/2023
2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S550 4MATIC 4dr Sedan AWD (5.5L 8cyl 7A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Fantastic sedan.
Mercedes the best or nothing
Big j , 03/07/2023
2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S550 4MATIC 4dr Sedan AWD (5.5L 8cyl 7A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love everything about this car
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Marvelous Mercedes
Bud Willson, 02/28/2024
2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S550 4MATIC 4dr Sedan AWD (5.5L 8cyl 7A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Smooth ride, handles wonderfully, good gas mileage