Faults:

The central computer failed. Warranty.

The telephone failed. Warranty.

The key has failed three times resulting in lockout. Still doesn't work.

General Comments:

This is a wonderful automobile to drive over long distances. I recently drove it over 7,000 miles and in one day, over 1,000 miles.

It is a delight in all handling situations with brakes you can believe in.

It is huge, but other than city parking, this hasn't been a bother. The parking assist radar works as advertised.

The car has no residual value at the end of the three year lease. Depreciation is just amazing.

Faults:

I dislike the cheap plastic that can be found in the car. The cup holders and the small pen holder (which is too small) is made from the same plastic you find in your kids toy cars.

The glove box needs some work, after a while it doesn't close properly, so it appears buckled.

The Parking Sensors switches off by itself from time to time, and doesn't come back on when you really need it. In other words it doesn't operate full time.

The ride itself isn't that comfortable, you can still feel most of the road, although its more comfortable that most cars its still doesn't feel as though its worth the price of £45,000.

The climate control is pretty poor, the fan doesn't blow hard enough when you need it to, for example; it's a really hot day in London, and you car feels like it's an oven. You switch on the a/c it blows as if the temperature outside is mild!!. My E-Class has better a/c and heating than the S-Class. The radio, without the command system, is pretty poor, my shogun gets better reception than the S-Class.

About a year after purchasing the car the on-board computer failed, and so did the wireless key entry. So what does this mean?

Well it means you can't get into the car as the key's battery doesn't work. Also the entire dashboard goes completely black, none of the indicators work, even if you manage to get the car started.

General Comments:

In general the car isn't bad, I guess I noticed most of the problem because I spend so much time in the car. I would recommend buy a Mercedes Benz as the customer care is very good, at least in London. Even though their prices are over the top.

Faults:

For such an excellent car, I have had problems with the wiper blades. They streaked the windshield from early on. By the way, I live in an area where there is very little rain and no snow. It costs a fortune to replace the blades. US$163 for just the rubber blades. My cousin had similar problems on his S Class.

My A/C did not work, but was fixed under the warranty.

My engine had rough idling, it was the air intake sensor. Replaced under warranty.

Otherwise, the car has performed marvellously.

General Comments:

A true status symbol. People start treating you seriously once they see the car.

Very roomy and luxurious. I have standard seats and wish I had bought the seats with the air blowing through. That should be a worthwhile investment.

Am not complaining about the performance, but I think the S500 would have added more oomph.

Do go in for the L version. It adds about 4 inches to back seat leg room. I have small kids and these 4 inches make a big difference.

I had mine ordered from the factory, so was able to choose the options I wanted and of course there are a few I missed on. The one I most miss is the automatic trunk closing. Wish my dealer had told me that this was available. Only found out after the car was delivered.

The best of all. I turn off the Skid Control (ASR) and put the vehicle to spin. Even with the ASR off, it takes some effort to get the wheels to slide. What a car!