Used 2011 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Consumer Reviews
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Love what you drive...and I love the S550
For the 2010, everything you need (and then some) is included in this car. Engine is strong and accelerating with ease. The ride is quiet and smooth. Sport mode brings the car back alive with both acceleration and handling. Only downside for me is bluetooth: voice only and no music streaming Updates: i got the car 2.5 years ago with 50k miles and it is now 127k miles... still run smooth as the day I got it. Cost abit for maint though. Her’s what I spent $3400 for 4 shocks...all went dead around 105k miles and the car was sagging 2 set of tires aound $2500 total Oild change every 7k miles with full synthentic ( $115x 10 = $1,150). I bought the oil and filter and have a mechanic close to where I live change and top off fluids and rotate tires 2 alignments (one paid for by Mercedes, the other one is $99) so just say $100 since labor only nonparts A brandnew windshield - $100 deductible Water pump and belt = $600 So all maint is about $8,000 not too bad for a S550 Now this the part that it will shock you Fuel/gas = almost $15,000 but I did drive over 75,000 miles so about 30,800 miles a year... It’s a nice car to drive but as you can see, cost about $23,000 to maintain it if you drive as much as I do. Hope this realistic review helps ya ... Gas is about
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It does not get any better than this!
traded 08 S550 4matic, third S class in a row and I have to honestly say, they just keep improving! The lighting on the 10 is very...well 2010! I think for the money you can not honestly buy a better car at this price point. If you can afford BUY IT!
- S550 SedanMSRP: $16,98819 mi away
- S550 4MATIC SedanMSRP: $13,10020 mi away
- S550 SedanMSRP: $14,90023 mi away
Nicely Designed Ride requires constant attention
Bought this Car in 2018 with 40k miles on it , it was a one owner vehicle in meticulous shape. In the 6 months I've owned the car I've had to change both front air struts(4800.00 at MB ) both control Arms and The motor mounts and transmission mounts also need to be replaced. The car is beautifully designed , but lacks a little bit in iron clad reliability compared to say the Lexus LS460. Beautiful and fun car to drive that turns heads, but be prepared to give this car constant maintenance attention as it tends to be really finicky particularly with the suspension.
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Great car - real value as a CPO
Bought the 2010 S550 4-matic with every option as a lease return CPO at almost 1/2 the original purchase price at two years old and with 20K miles on the ode. Bought an extra 2 year warranty and have only had to use it once for the drivers wheel sensor. Dealership replaced all the wheel sensors just to make sure. Oil, brakes, windshield wipers, air filters and one set of tires is all I've put into this car with over 60K miles of almost daily use. Tires made a huge difference - bought Conti DWS and that made this car perfect in all weather and super quiet, including managing a foot of snow on the road. I've had no issues with transmission or engine - starts off the line fast in sport mode, rides smooth in comfort, shifts great with no hesitation between gears. I've owned over fifty cars (all types) and this car is one of the best. I'm 6'6" and the drivers seat fits perfect - If I want, I can put the seat back far enough so I can't reach the pedals. Massage, heated/cooled and fine leather seats are perfect for long trips. Oil changes at the dealer (MB-PDX) with a free loaner (due to the car being S-Class) has been great. 60K highway / freeway miles has averaged 20 mpg (per the panel). Finally, I can sell / trade the car for about 1/2 of what I paid which isn't too bad for driving this level of comfort.
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flagship with great mileage
had 2007 s-600. this is same car, but softer ride and less torque. so it took less time to learn all the toys. night vision now has added thermal. lane drift actually vibrates steering wheel like road bumps. at 70 mph, in cruise, i get 29-30 mpg, at 2,000 rpm. blind spot warnings in mirrors are great.
Living room comfort
Drives like a dream. As we travel through the rough roads in daily Seattle traffic I’m reminded of being in the comfort of my living room with the quiet that allows my wife and I to have a normal conversation without the road noise from surrounding traffic to interfere. I’m amazed that we have recognized 20-21mpg in mixed mode driving. I will admit that the mpg decreases with increased use of the gas pedal. The transmission functions flawlessly and allows either paddle shifts or automatic shifting. In sports mode it hold gears to redline before shift application. While the technology is prevalent throughout once understood the infotainment system provides a rewarding results and the suspension & engine responses are intuitive and rewarding. My only complaint or challenge is with its length as parking in the garage proves to be tight and it’s a three car garage.
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be careful with this choice
Very powerful and well built, but the transmission shifting is truly awful on mine...some new "wet clutch" technology that just doesn't work well. Hesitates badly in confort mode as it rides its clutch, and in sport it hangs on to 1st gear too long and jerks thru 2nd for a nano second on its way to 3rd. The car is fine if you're pushing it hard, but it just isn't programmed for normal driving. Previously had an S550 sport and it is a much more enjoyable car, as is an S65 or S600...all these have conventional smooth shifting automatics.
Elegant Confidence
My eighth S-Class, the 2010 S550 is a marvel. Once you master the flush switches and COMAND options, you are piloting the most confident car on the planet. And it inures you into its confidence. The interior is elegant, sophisticated and beautiful. I have the black premium leather and select the Polar blue ambient lighting and it's a marvel to me even after 3 months. The Distronic PLUS reduces you driving to steering only, if you allow it. It all works as stated. The LED lighting front and rear was designed to be functional as one would expect; but also designed to make a statement that shows off Mercedes-Benz style. I have 9,800 miles on my car, and there has not been a single problem .
2011 MB S63
The only way that I could possible love this car is if I had never owned a 2008 version. The "ecco" drive system is a bust. Luxury sports sedans with this much power should not have to be coaxed out of the starting blocks. Add to all of this the fact that I have to add a quart of oil every other month and I'm so mad at MB that I could holler!. Why would you take a perfectly fine luxury sedan(2008-2010) and ruin it like this. I'm also tikced off at the three delaers who told me that there was major differences between the '08 and '11.(I live in a smaller market and none of the local dealerships had a car I could drive prior to purchasing the '11). Future S-63 buyers--Save your money!
Best Mercedes yet
I've owned BMW, Lexus, Jags, Porsche and this is my third Mercedes. This summer I sold my 2007 CLS 550. I loved the CLS with a few exceptions. The trunk was too small and I could never figure out how to change the clock (I'm pretty computer savvy). The 2010 S 550 is very different. The trunk is huge ( a lot of room for a golf bag). The Command controller is the silver round nob you see in the photos on the console ( I call it the joy stick) and if you fiddle with it for about an hour you can work almost everything in this car. Changing the clock takes about 20 seconds. The S 550 is beautiful, functional and comfortable in every way. How could it be any better? I can not wait to see the new MB.
MY 2011 550 S CLASS 4 MATIC
I JUST BOUGHT MY 2001 S CLASS AND IT IS WITHOUT A DOUBT THE BEST CAR i HAVE EVER OWNED. i HAVE HAD MANY BMW"S AND 2 AUDI'S. i LOVE THIS SO MUCH MORE. iT IS IN A CLASS BY ITSELF. i DID LOOK AT Thre new audi 8. It has this big grill which some like and some hate. From the drivers door back it is boring. From the back is it a 4,6,or 8. Who knows. The s class is just that, class.You must drive it to realize what it can do. I have the P2 package which has the most comfortable seats ever. The sides of the seats inflate as you go around a turn to keep you in your seat. I have the 20 inch amg wheels and the new magnatite black color. It stands out so much and has a young look. Nit your dads s class.
Exellent vehicle
This car seems like it was pulled straight out of the autobahn, fast but comfortable. Test drove the 7 series, Maserati Quaduellete, and Porsche Pannera, none of which could nearly compare. I commute between Miami and Tampa every day, and this car is simply unbelievable. Beware though- Sometimes I forget in a American highway and not in the autobahn and find myself doing 130 something in a 75 zone. The rides THAT good.
The best bang for your buck!
I purchased my S-Class back in November 2021 with 134k miles and I gotta say as crazy as this may be, this is the most reliable, most bang for your buck luxury car you can get. Now to be fair I’ve, got $3k in to my car. However it’s never left me stranded and $1,800 of that is preventative maintenance. The other $1,200 was for an Airmatic compressor and that’s the only major issue I’ve ever had. Even still I could drive the car. I’ve put 16,000 miles in the time I’ve had the car. It’s ultra luxurious, ultra comfortable, ultra reliable, and ultra powerful (for the size of the car). All of this for the price of a Mitsubishi Mirage (yes maintenance included!) and you’d be a fool not to buy one of these!!!
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The Neo-Classic Benz
A perfectly executed modern rendition of classics past. Mercedes had the courage to combine a refreshingly new look with the best design elements of earlier models. The 300 Adenauer of the Fifties comes most closely to mind. The hint of fenders, jewel like tail lamps, the proud grille, genuinely tasteful headlamps in this era of hideous excess. The design elements come together brilliantly, totally sidestepping the grotesque for sake of difference found in so many other current vehicles. Beautifully, beautifully harmonious.
Exceeds expectations easily
I was looking for a "COVID-Car" - something that would be comfortable for road trips of 300-400 miles assuming I won't be flying for a while. I was targeting a 2016 off lease BMW 5 Series when I stumbled on a 2010 S550 with 24k miles on it. Bought it for a song....about the price of a Kia Optima It's ten years old - but still smells new. I have driven Benzes, BMWs and Audis for the last decade - this beast blows them all away. It is fast. It is quiet. It is a luxury ride in a luxury cabin with a luxury finish. I thought I knew what luxury was (see above) - now when I get in my wife's audi it feels like a Ford. It's decent on gas if your drive it sensibly. Put it in sport mode and everything tightens up and it flies. Sure - maintenance is expensive (about 15-20% more than a BMW 3 series). But - and its an important but - [non-permissible content removed] doesn't break easily. A year in with the beast and I have only changed oil. My only concern - if you do commit to this car - be aware that every car after that will feel inferior. It is really that good.
Very quiet automoblle
This auto drives and rides like no other. Very quiet and powerful. New hard drive in dash makes listening to music much easier.
a Benz with personality
I sympathize with the reviewers who expected a smooth luxury cruiser, because this car is surprisingly challenging to drive, but that's a big part of its appeal to me. Step off is balky in C ("controlled efficiency") or S ("sport") modes, maybe because the transmission doesn't have a torque converter. But it smooths out considerably in M ("manual") mode and, in fact, the car seems considerably happier, although MPG nose dives. The C and even S modes lug the car unmercifully. Weird to drive a huge luxury car that needs driver involvement, but I'm the rarity who likes that. Reminds me of my 2005 Maserati GranSport, although of course the Maserati shifts far more positively. Update 10/13/16: The transmission finally got to me. Lurching off the line isn't my idea of luxury. That, and the continual squeak coming from the dash that would have embarrassed a Kia, let alone a $130k car. A fine example of "be careful what you wish for. You might get it".
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2011 S63 AMG
Traded in my 2008 S63 AMG for a 2011 S63 AMG, and couldn't be more disappointed, the 2011 is a dog in comparison. The pedal is squishy and sloppy with absolutely no feel under foot. The marriage between the engine and transmission is horrible, it is rough, clunky and far from smooth. Because i had a previous S63 which completely out preformed this 2011, i have a hard time driving this new one, specifically because it brings so much disappointment. This will be a money loosing short lived car for me, don't waste your money, find a clean 2008 you'll be much happier.
100% Love my S63
I have every option available on this car. I have owned S-Class Mercedes for the past 25 years. This is my 1st 63 and I will never buy another 550. The performance package is an important option. The car does require oil about every 1000 miles. For this configuration its normal.(my R8 is every 500)
Perfect gift for a DIYer
I have owned my S550 4Matic for one year, it’s pretty reliable. Except tear and wear parts, Only small issues on this car, such as gasket leaking, CV boots, control arms, engine mounts…… easy to fix. Driving is so quiet and comfortable, I currently feel other cars as “ tractor toys “. I bought this beauty at very affordable price, guess what? I could sell it at higher though I will keep it forever.
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S550
Just flatout the best sedan i've driven in a while had plenty of them also!
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A Traitor In Our Midst!
Sarah Howe: While I fully understand and support your right to offer an opinion about the Mercedes S-63, that allegedly you found to be so very disappointing, I feel compelled to call you out on your review. I also owned a 2010 S-63 AMG Benz, as well as 18 other Mercedes and numerous BMW's, (including several 7 Series Bimmers), during my lifetime. I might also add the fact that I raced professionally on an international level for over 20 years and was a Partner / Owner in several highly successful professional racing teams. My 2010 S-63, was without a doubt the best Mercedes that I have ever had the pleasure of owning. Presently, I own four other late model Mercedes, each of which are great cars in their own right, but none of them could even begin to compete with my 2010 S-63. Perhaps you somehow ended up with a "salvage title" example of an S-63, or more likely, you simply don't possess the driving skills needed to really appreciate what an S-63 is all about. Now being retired, I simply cannot justify the expense of a current version of an S-63 or S-65 and must settle for a simple S-550, but if I had the extra dollars to spend on one of the best cars on the planet, I would certainly purchase a new or slightly used S-63 or S-65. All of us who have owned an S-63 or S-65, know that your attempts to malign and discredit such a tremendous example of a world class vehicle are without basis or merit. Please do go and purchase your 7 Series BMW and those of us selecting an AMG Mercedes product will politely wave as we scream by you on the American Interstates or Autobahn.
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2010 S550 AMG Sport ?
Excellent ride and Technology. very fast, The problem is getting the vehicle service at dealership is a pain. it's like walking in to a black whole of uncertainty. Over price service rates, parts are higher than gold. Texas dealers are awful.i have since sold this vehicle. I do not recommend it.
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Last German Car...
I have been a long time driver of German makes. From BMWs to Mercedes, I have owned over 6 German made cars. I have never been more disappointed in the quality and reliability. Most recently, my 2011 S-Class Mercedes. Although new with 8,900 miles, I have been back to the dealer 5 times for A/C malfunction, check-engine light, GPS malfunction and much more. No matter how polite the service department may be, this is the last German car I will ever purchase again. I am disappointed as I will miss the exceptional performance but I do not have the time nor patience to keep bringing back my German cars to the dealer. My wife has a Lexus 460 with over 48K with absolute "zero" problems...
Best S-Class Yet
I have driven the 2010 S-Class several times before. Its handling, style and overall look is like non-other. I knew that as soon as this car hit the scene. The car drives like silk on the road, and anyone around knows when your coming down the street by way of the flasy exterior head lights and dotted fog lights at the base of the front bumper.
The best!
Get a warrentee if you buy it used
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Overpriced peice of junk, should of bought the BMW
Constantly breaking down, always in the shop! I recommend buying the BMW instead. This car was a waste of money, I regret purchasing it.
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great car
the car has been excellent highly recommend. Sold car bought a 2017 CPO S 550 V8 I really am enjoying the car. There is one negative compared to the 2011, the trunk is much smaller and there is no spare tire. The car has run flat tires.
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The Essence of Bland Styling
This car is amazing in every single category except styling, both in and out. Buttery-Smooth Ride, Excellent Materials and Build, Long Cruising Range (Important for all the interstate driving I do), long list of safety equipment, luxurious cabin and ugly looks in and out. Simply the ugliest vehicle to ever lay eyes on in the world. I would have jumped on the 7-Series in an instant if not for the firm ride, and the A8 lacked the AMG Power I needed. I almost downgraded to a Ford Taurus SHO because of the looks.
Forever car.
I have phone two Panamera turbo’s prior to buying this car used. It has 70,000 miles on the engine no problems. The seats are better than anything. I have in my home.
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