Specifications and Two-Year Report for the 2011 S350L BlueTec W221

[MidnightMarauder]

This information may be relevant to anyone considering the purchase of a facelift W221 S350L BlueTec, or for those who are just interested.

On October 1st, 2021, I purchased a S Class car. Prior to that, I sold a 2013 SL350 and made a profit of £7k, which I may use to cover future repair and maintenance costs for a time on the W221 model.

Below are the specific specifications of the automobile and the total expenses spent on it over a period of two years, up until September 30th, 2023.

[MidnightMarauder]

I acquired this automobile for a sum of £15,000 on the 1st of October, 2021, from Praters, a dealership located in Leighton Buzzard.

The vehicle is an S350 Long Wheelbase Bluetec Diesel, registered on December 30th, 2011. It has a Designo Diamond White exterior and a Black Passion Leather inside. The current mileage is 60,529, with 42,826 kilometres driven before.
2 Previous Owners
Complete service history from an authorised Mercedes Benz dealership.
12-month warranty included. Factory value exceeds £15,000. Additional features included:
- Rearview Camera
The Front Seat Memory Package is included.
- Ventilated front seats for enhanced comfort.
- The vehicle is equipped with a panoramic glass roof. - It has 20" AMG alloys with a 5 twin spoke design.
- Illumination in the surrounding environment - Package for enhanced performance and sporty appearance by AMG
- Driving Assistance Package equipped with Distronic Plus
The vehicle is equipped with the Harmon Kardon Front Seat Entertainment Package.
- Diamond White Metallic Paint - Passion Leather

I intended to retain the item for an extended period and wanted to uphold its FMBSH (Full Manufacturer's Service History). Consequently, I opted for a 3-year Service Plan including Services B, A, and B. This plan proved to be quite advantageous as the next service, which includes a Gearbox Service, was covered.

The item was in great shape and all its functions worked flawlessly. Initially, I removed the badges from the vehicle and replaced the radiator grille with a different design. However, after some time, I made the decision to restore the automobile to its former state. Consequently, I purchased a new grille that matched the original style and reinstated all the badges.

All the components I have purchased are genuine MB parts, with the exception of the brake components, which are Brembo. I assume the Brembo parts were installed when the vehicle was brand new. The Services were conducted at the Mercedes Benz dealership in Maidstone, and the repairs were carried out by Mertec, a Mercedes Specialist located in Rainham, Kent. Here is a concise summary:

Maintenance/Repair: Service Plan (3 services: B/A/B) One thousand eight hundred pounds
The cost of the main battery is £158, while the cost of two spring links is £756.
The cost of five Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires is £1,157. There is no cost for two Nox sensors. The Adblue control unit is £559.
The cost of two lower arm bushes is £205, the PCV Valve is £215, and two thrust arms are £537.
Airmatic Suspension Pump The total cost is £461, including £193 specifically for the O/S Wheel Speed Sensor.
The cost of the steering angle sensor rod is £73.
The cost of the engine and gearbox mounts is £552.
The cost for Brembo Discs & Pads for all wheels is £609. The total cost is £7,275.

Cosmetics: Sill plates that provide coverage for rails. The amount is £226.
The cost breakdown for the car repairs is as follows: - Front Radiator Grille: £508 - Smart repair for Stone Chip: £150 - Wheels Powder Coated: £300 - Consumables for cleaning, etc: £250 The total cost of all repairs is £1,434.

Operating Expenses: Fuel: Diesel The tax for a period of two years is £3,018. The cost of insurance for a duration of 2 years is £515. The amount is £616, and the total is £4,149.

TOTALS Maintenance/Repair: £7,275 Cosmetics: £1,434 Running Costs: £4,149

The total amount is £12,858.

MB Maidstone provided and installed the Nox sensors at no cost, since the previous sensors failed after the Diesel Software Update they conducted. Initially, they intended to impose a fee for the replacements. However, due to the fact that the vehicle has received annual servicing from a Mercedes Dealer since its purchase, they ultimately consented to replace them at no cost. During the software upgrade, it was discovered that the AdBlue Control Unit had been deleted. It is evident that a "AdBlue Delete" was performed before I acquired the item. The automobile was unable to start until a control unit was reinstalled, which was provided and installed by the dealer. The AdBlue Control Unit, which was missing, went unnoticed throughout the MOT test and earlier servicing conducted by the MB Dealer.

There could have been more expenses that I cannot recall, but I believe that is a rather accurate account. Please inform me if you believe I may have overlooked anything.

I anticipate that the next years will be less expensive compared to the previous two, since a significant number of components will not need replacement for an extended period of time (hopefully!). Thus, this does not conform to the usual "cost of ownership" situation during a span of two years. Potential expenses in the future may include the AdBlue tank, Airmatic Suspension Struts, Distronic Plus Radar Sensors, and other electrical components. Hopefully, we remain optimistic for the time being!

Please feel at liberty to provide comments or pose any enquiries.

Thank you.

[BENZE220AMG]

Allocating around 50% of the original purchase price of the vehicle towards repairs and maintenance during a span of less than two years seems to be a significant amount in my perspective. I could be inclined to believe that I had purchased the incorrect item, unless the price was sufficiently low.

[MidnightMarauder]

Undoubtedly, the current expenses are substantial, and I am optimistic that the next years will be more financially favourable.

[nickoyster4]

Although it seems to have been somewhat costly, your analysis is somewhat biassed. If we exclude the expenses for tires and brakes (which are consumables) and the Adblue unit (which is not the car's fault), the total cost comes down to £4950 in the Maintenance/repair category. Which option is more rational.

However, it is undeniable that the money has really been spent.

Ultimately, considering the cost you spent together with any further enhancements, you have acquired a really satisfactory automobile.

[bentleygt77]

One of my favourite S class vehicles, and you demonstrate excellent maintenance of it! I have a strong affinity for the Diamond white hue.

Accumulation may occur rapidly. I have not conducted a thorough estimate of the total expenditure on my S class vehicles, but I do possess a general estimation. Simply put, I could have acquired another luxurious automobile, but I am content with my current situation, since it is well acknowledged that these vehicles come with substantial maintenance costs.

[MidnightMarauder]

You have done an exceptional job in maintaining one of my preferred S class cars! I possess a profound inclination for the Diamond white tint.

Accretion may happen swiftly. I have not undertaken a comprehensive assessment of the overall expenses incurred on my S class automobiles, but I do have a reasonable approximation. In essence, I might have obtained another extravagant vehicle, but I am satisfied with my present circumstances, since it is well acknowledged that these cars entail significant expenses for upkeep.

[bentleygt77]

Expressing gratitude for your kind gesture. 🙂

There is no such thing as a low-cost S class, whether it is equipped with AMG features or an AMG pack. They may still be rather expensive. However, as you said, they should now be more affordable.

[trikey]

The report is intriguing and commendable. I own a 2017 W222 S350D, and it is causing me to contemplate the potential challenges that may lie ahead.

What portion of the expenses you had were allocated to bringing it up to an optimal condition from the beginning of your ownership, as opposed to tasks that were necessary at a later time?

[MidnightMarauder]

Upon purchase, I was aware that the batteries, lower arm bushes, brakes, and tires would need replacement within a span of one to two years. The components that were subsequently revealed are the compressor pump, engine mounts, Thrust arms, speed sensor, spring links, and PCV Valve. The absence of the airmatic pump was unexpectedly discovered on the official update, revealing that the adblue had been intentionally removed prior to my purchase.

[MidnightMarauder]

I was referring to the unexpected nature of the Adblue control unit, not the airmatic pump.

[Starcar2022]

Exquisite. That is fairly reasonably priced in my perspective!

Over the last two years, I have added around 4,000 litres of gasoline to my E320 on a daily basis. Additionally, there have been several other components that need attention.

I am certain that if you pursued a completely do-it-yourself approach, your obsessive-compulsive tendencies would eventually manifest, resulting in a situation where the cost would not have been any lower.

At now, I own two E class (S211) vehicles equipped with the earlier 320 type of the V6 diesel engine, and I have developed a strong affinity for this particular engine. One may argue that it is perhaps the finest contemporary diesel available, particularly if one uses the whole range as intended.

I am excited to get a moderately priced and decent 2011/2012 long S or CLS Estate with a 350 diesel engine.

[DenishP4]

Be aware that there will be several expenses to allocate your funds towards, since these automobiles need substantial maintenance costs.

 

[MidnightMarauder]

I am now making an effort to temporarily divert my attention away from that matter.