Faults:

The intake manifold flaps accumulate carbon deposits, blocking the mechanism and triggering the engine's emergency mode.

The car's extensive technology causes intermittent faults on the instrument cluster display.

Engine compartment and windshield drains become clogged with leaves and debris, allowing water to seep into the main electronic control units.

The suspension compressor and air bellows lose efficiency and suffer some wear over time.

General Comments:

An impressive car in every sense of the word, as a proper Mercedes should be.

It goes without saying, but I’ll say it anyway: getting into this car makes you fall in love with it. It retains the brand's hallmark quality while incorporating modern touches; the beige leather seats are immediately impressive, as are the wood accents on the dashboard and controls. Everything about it exudes exceptional luxury.

Not only does the car handle exceptionally well, it doesn't look like it was built in 2007, it looks like it was made less than five years ago. It is incredible how well the quality of the materials has held up, looking just as good as the day it was new (and I bought it when it already had 12 years of use).

The suspension and brakes are incredible, the soundproofing is phenomenal, and so on. Everything works perfectly.

It isn't the fastest car, but there is no doubt that it is light and agile. It can reach a top speed of 230 km/h with ease. The 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine is quiet, starts without issues (even in freezing temperatures) and is as reliable as the old Mercedes diesels.

With just the required maintenance, the vehicle performs spectacularly. I have only encountered electronic issues, typical of cars from this era, but mechanically, it is very solid and reliable.

If properly cared for, cars like this will become highly valuable in the future, especially given that Mercedes' reputation today is not what it used to be.

Faults:

Suspension needed to be replaced at 16,000 miles.

Engine is making a strange knocking noise since 15,000 miles.

Many electrical problems including a malfunction light, which continuously appears on the dashboard.

The steering is making some weird clicking noises.

The ventilation fan has been getting louder lately.

Transmission problems when selecting reverse gear. I need to give the car a bit more of a push on the accelerator when attempting to reverse.

General Comments:

The S-Class is unspeakably one of the most extravagant cars of its class. I originally imported this car from England in 2007, after receiving an excellent deal from an end of the year clearance sale for a demo Mercedes S-Class. Here in Tanzania, given the exclusivity of owning such a fine vehicle, I get stares as I drive it into town.

Unfortunately this car hasn't been as promising as I was expecting it to be. It's been horribly unreliable, and I can't think of a reason to explain why.

The suspension is expected to fall apart at 16,000 miles, given the poor road conditions in Tanzania. As for the electrical and other mechanical faults with this car, it seems far too expensive and problematic to maintain. Either I purchased a lemon or there is a fault with all Mercedes S-Class's of this year.