2007 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S550 review from North America

The ignition malfunctioned, which disabled me from starting the car and getting the key out at 11,000 miles. I had Mercedes-Benz roadside service come out and they replaced the relay.

The display screen in the center dashboard malfunctioned at 14,000 miles where I could not see the map nor the radio station. The dealer replaced the whole screen.

Night-view assist malfunctioned recently and I took it in to get the sensor replaced. Door assist pump went out. The good thing is all that was covered under the factory warranty.

Performed a recent Service "A" maintenance service at 22,000 miles because the warning light came on with the wrench symbol (flexible service system) paid well over $1,000.

It's a good smooth riding car and has all the bells & whistles with luxury amenities, but I don't think you may not want to keep this car long term after the warranty expires unless you purchase the extended warranty contract, because it is very costly in repairs. Compared to the older generation S-Class models, you have to take this model to the dealer because it requires so many special coded tools to work on this, and majority of the private Mercedes repair place may not have the right tools to diagnose the problems on this model. Good thing I leased this and I am due to return this next year, which I will.

I currently own the older style W126 in-line 6 body style S-Class model (300SE) and this is more reliable and easy to work on, I can take this to a private Mercedes repair place. Also the S550 is not as reliable as my 1996 in-line 4 C-Class Mercedes (C220). They are all well over the one hundred thousand mile mark.

The S550 is quick in acceleration and smooth on the freeway with responsiveness. I'm glad the airmatic suspension didn't go out as of yet, which I have a feeling it may. The airmatic monitors the condition of the road and adjust to proper riding comfort.

The seats in my opinion are very firm both front and back, but the legroom in the rear does not feel that spacious like the older generation S-Class.

The engine is solid and well engineered, where this car will take you from point A to point B with no limitations, but there are some features that are overly engineered and can be costly to repair in the long run.

The center console knob that controls the radio, navigation, and phone is pretty comfortable to use, but you have to get use to it.

The transmission shifter is now in the steering wheel area where you have to move the shifer three times to get to the drive position and two clicks to put it in the reverse from drive position, a little inconvenience.

I hope this review helps, if not then go to the dealer and test drive one. This is a 2007 S550, I bought it in 2006. Overall, my experience with this car was neutral. After I return this car, I'm going to lease a Lexus LS460 and see how that works out.