There’s always an inherent risk in buying used cars, especially used luxury cars. Sellers aren’t always the most honest people (dealerships included), luxury cars often have more components that could need repairs or expensive maintenance, and insurance costs for nicer cars are almost always more expensive than your typical commuter car. However, it can also be exceptionally rewarding. Let’s say you manage to find a used Mercedes-Benz S-Class for a reasonable price, and the owner is transparent about its service history. You might just get away with a six-figure driving experience for under $20,000.
The version known internally as the W221, which was on sale from 2007 through 2013, and the W222, on sale from 2014 through 2020, are S-Class generations thatare getting older now. While some people might see a nearly-20-year-old luxury sedan, we see bargains waiting to be had by those with small budgets and big aspirations. Buyers can find used S-Class sedans, coupes, and convertibles for less than the price of a new Camry today, but true luxury ownership comes with some expensive maintenance requirements.
The Used Mercedes-Benz S-Class Is Not Desirable
2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class W222 Black Front Angled ViewMercedes-Benz
A huge part of what makes a car valuable is desirability. If buyers don’t want it, then it’s not worth much — the same goes for housing, collectibles, and many other real-life scenarios. That said, the W221 and W222 S-Classes aren’t worth much today, since there aren’t many buyers seeking them out.
W221 (2007–2013) Generation Depreciation
2007-2009 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Front Angle View in whiteMercedes-Benz
All cars follow their own depreciation curves that start rather steep, then mellow out over time. The W221 S-Class depreciated the same way, but it’s still dropping today. According to Kelley Blue Book data, the 2007 model year dropped by 38% in the last three years alone. Looking at the end of this generation, a similar motif emerges: the 2013 model year was worth around $13,500 in 2023, but KBB’s data shows its average resale value at around $8,400 this year – a 37% drop in just three years. That’s just as average, of course.
W222 (2014–2020) Generation Depreciation
2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class W222 Black Front Angled ViewMercedes-Benz
The W222 S-Class is worth a bit more since it’s newer, offers far more modern features and styling, and more. On that note, it’s still not worth much compared to any one model year’s original MSRP. For context, the 2014 S 550 started at $92,900 with rear-wheel drive and no options. Today, that same model is worth about $20k, according to the CarBuzz Marketplace trends data. Kelley Blue Book shows that the S-Class’s value has dropped 27% in the last three years. Since the depreciation curve is usually steeper in a model’s first few years on the road, it’s not surprising to see that a 2020 model year dropped 41% since 2023.
Real-World Listings Show a Mixed Bag
2009 Mercedes-AMG S65 W221 Silver Rear View DrivingMercedes
According to other sources, the W221 generation has an average value of $17,397 for models from 2007 to 2013. Some specific examples include a 2009 S 550 with 59,000 miles that sold in Florida for $16,850 in September 2025, or a 2010 S 550 4Matic that sold in Wisconsin for $22,750 in March 2026. That said, the lowest sale price in the last year was a 2007 S 600 with 122k miles that sold for $4,400, and the highest sale was an ’07 S65 AMG with 12k miles for $56,500.
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The W222 generation has far more sales recorded over the last year. Classic.com shows the generation as a whole earning an average of $64,519 across all model years from 2014 to 2020. Some average-condition examples of sales in the last year include a 2019 S 560 Coupe with 50k miles that sold for $55,000 in March 2026, and a 2016 S 65 AMG with 29k miles that sold in Texas for $65,500. The lowest selling price was $17,750 for a 2014 S 63 AMG with 125k miles, and the highest selling price was $199,943 for a 2020 S 65 AMG Final Edition with 8k miles.
Nice When New, but Upkeep is Expensive
2015 Mercedes-Maybach S600 W222 6.0L Twin-turbo M277 V12 EngineMercedes-Maybach
Here’s the part where you figure out why they’re not so desirable to most people — they cost far more to maintain than the average commuter car. All those fancy features may be nice when they’re working, but ultimately add up to more breakable parts. For example, an expensive and common issue with the W221 generation is when its air suspension leaks or fails to automatically level the car. RepairPal also lists the S 550’s common issues and the cost to repair them. Here are some of the pricier problems:
- Air Conditioning Condenser Replacement: $1,230-$1,524
- Heater Core Replacement: $4,860-$5,437
- Brake Booster Replacement: $1,545-$1,756
- Coolant Change: $434-$565
- Knock Sensor Replacement: $648-$908
- Thermostat Replacement: $713-$838
Cost of Ownership Extends Beyond Repairs
2007-2009 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Front Seat AreaMercedes-Benz
Maintenance and repairs account for the largest portion of ownership costs beyond depreciation, but car ownership doesn’t end there. Luxury cars like the S-Class are notoriously expensive to insure, and models with V8 and V12 engines suck down premium fuel faster than you can blink. According to TheZebra, a new S-Class is the fourth-most-expensive car to insure today, with an average monthly cost of $548, which comes out to $6,574 per year before discounts for being a safe driver, student, or other opportunities for low-risk drivers.
Buyers must also consider the fact that fuel prices keep hitting record highs, and the S-Class isn’t an efficient vehicle. The 2007 S 550 only gets an average of 17 miles per gallon combined when equipped with rear-wheel drive, and the V12 models get as low as 13 mpg combined.
Is Buying a Used S-Class Worthwhile?
2019 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Black Interior Rear SeatsMercedes-Benz
Used Mercedes-Benz S-Class Specs Overview
2007 S-Class Sedan
2014 S-Class Sedan
Available Engines
5.5-Liter V8 (S550)
4.7L Twin-Turbo V8 (S550)
5.5L Twin-Turbo V12 (S600)
6.0L Twin-Turbo V12 (S65 AMG)
5.5L Twin-Turbo V8 (S63 AMG)
Horsepower
382–604 hp
455–577 hp
Headroom (front | rear) (inches)
37.8 | 38.5
39.7 | 39.2
Legroom (front | rear) (inches)
41.9 | 42.3
41.4 | 43
At the end of the day, we’d argue that the asking price plus maintenance costs can be worthwhile for either generation’s amenities. Both the W221 and W222 S-Classes were available with V8 engines, and the older models can even be found with twin-turbo V12 engines with more power than you’ll ever need. Engines aside, the interiors make it truly special.
For example, the 2007 S 550 comes with standard 14-way-adjustable heated front seats, and the S 600 includes heated and ventilated front and rear seats. Leather upholstery paired with wood or aluminum trim makes for a luxurious drive, along with one of the most comfortable suspension setups on the market.
For those of you with larger budgets, the 2014 S 550 comes standard with even more features: Nappa leather upholstery, real wood trim, a Burmester sound system, and much more.
Are Used S-Class Rivals a Better Deal?
5th-Generation BMW 7 Series Costs of Ownership
2009-2012 BMW 7 Series side angle in white while drivingBMW
The 5th-generation BMW 7 Series was on sale from 2009 to 2015, roughly matching the W221 S-Class, and acted as its direct rival. Buyers at the time could choose among engines like a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six, turbocharged 4.4-liter V8, a 6.0-liter V12, and more over the course of the generation. The base MSRP of a 2009 BMW 750i was $80,300 before destination. Today, that same model is worth about $11,100, according to CarBuzz’s price trends data. Other sources with current listings, auctions, and past-year sales show an average of $18,053.
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This generation came with plenty of comfort features, like self-leveling air suspension introduced as standard after the 2013 model year refresh, and some trims offered massaging rear seats, heated and ventilated seats, and more. On that note, it’s still a BMW that isn’t the most reliable. RepairPal gave the 750Li a 2 out of 5 for reliability, with an annual repair cost of $1,027 per year.
They May be Affordable Up Front, but Maintenance Bites Back
2007-2009 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Front Angle ViewMercedes-Benz
Luxury cars depreciate quickly. That’s just a fact that new-car buyers have to accept when they sign the check. That same fact is a used-car buyer’s delight, especially when it comes to used S-Class generations. The S-Class sold from 2007 to 2013, and the generation that followed is a bargain today, with the oldest models reaching sub-$20,000 prices in average condition. Sure, they come with their fair share of potential repairs and high maintenance costs, not to mention the cost of insuring a car based on its value and status, but we’d take the risk if the car and seller seem honest.
Sources: Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Classic.com, RepairPal, CarEdge, Kelley Blue Book, TheZebra, EPA
