Stepping up, what are the cost differences?
 

My parents are thinking of moving on from their old w163 ml500 onto something newer, let's say a 2007 S550. Personally I don't think it is a financially sound decision to buy a used euro that is packed with electronics, but I would still like to get the idea of what are the costs of maintaining a vehicle like a 4-5 year old luxury car (S-class, CLS-class, 7-series etc.) and let them know what they are getting into.

I have worked on the w163 replacing basic parts as well as some wear and tear, and I did not enjoy working on them. So for service and labour, we'd probably go to a small specialist garage.

why not buy a ls460?

what is the budget? the S550 is an absolutely amazing vehicle.

Well, the budget can vary, as I said they are entertaining the idea. Personally, I don't know what kind of numbers they have in mind (nor do I want to know lol.) I am sure they are a amazing vehicle, but the maintenance costs are gonna be a huge step I assume, but I'd still like to get a ball park of common areas that requires servicing on those kind of cars and the price.

And why not a ls460? Well, my parents have been driving Japanese cars for a long time, our family all drive Japanese cars, so they like a change.

well if your worried about maintenance costs im pretty sure Japanese cars will have lower costs over euros

That's true, and they are anticipating that they will be paying more for service and maintenance for the step-up, but approximately how much is the question.

I don't want them to end up committing only to find out that maintenance is 2-3x more for stepping up.

well i don't have experience for a new benz but what i know of is from my experience is that a ecu replacement for a 04? c240 from dealer was roughly $3500, a 94 S class window regulator? (common fault apparently) is $200 per window (parts only), a late ninety's c230 window visor with garage door opener is $1900, used at local wreckers is $800.

so yea i cant imagine how much it is to replace anything on a 07 s550.

maintence wise 221 s class if probrably cheaper.
Services are same price.
Air filter 163 is cheaper because of single air filter
Spark plugs 221 is cheaper because single plug
Fuel filter 163 is cheaper because its not in tank
Brakes 221 cheaper
Batteries 163 is cheaper, 221 runs dual batt
163 is a pig on brakes, front end suspension and fuel


221 is actually really reliable if you consider whats packed into it there a huge step up compared to the 220. I would recomend getting Star certified or one with MB exended warranty.

tried checking out those MB or BMW boards???