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2011 Mercedes-Benz

S550

Auto 7-spd, 8 cyl, 5.5 L

Mercedes-Benz S550: best and worst years

Overview

Body
Large CarsEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel DriveEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Transmission
Automatic 7-spdEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Powertrain
GasEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Fuel
PremiumEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026

Engine & performance

Cyl
8EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Aspiration
Naturally aspiratedEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026

Efficiency

MPG Hwy
23 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
MPG City
15 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
MPG Comb
18 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Fuel $/yr
$4,300EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Smog score
5/10
Elec. Range
0 miEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
SmartWay certified
No

Dimensions & capacity

Length
205 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Width
74 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Height
58 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Wheelbase
125 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Curb Weight
4,630 lbNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Pass. Vol
109 ft³EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Cargo Vol
16 ft³EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026

Safety NHTSA, model year

Recalls
0
Owner complaints
0

Known issues manufacturer service bulletins, model year

57 service bulletins filed with NHTSA for this model year

  • May 26, 2026ELECTRICAL SYSTEMLI82.85-P-080507

    Complaint After successful commissioning of the HERMES control unit (N112/9) with XENTRY Diagnosis DVD 03/2026, the message "SOS - service not activated" appears on the instrument cluster. In addition, the following two conditions are also met: • HERMES (N112/9) control unit: event code B15CE00 is ACTIVE and STORED (A+S) • Vehicle Documentation System: For the HERMES control unit, the EID1, EID2, ICCID, IMEI, IMSI, TELNR fields in the "Identification/Serial number" column have the value "-" Caus

  • May 19, 2026VISIBILITY/WIPERLI82.30-P-059239

    Complaint There are several types of complaint about noises or poor windshield wiper wiping performance: A: Wiper blades squeaking, chattering, shuddering B: The windshield is not wiped completely (streaking) C: During the downward movement water is pulled back onto the windshield from the A-pillar (Figure 1) D: After windshield cleaning, water keeps spraying onto the windshield for several wipe cycles (Figure 2) A1: The windshield and wiper blades are contaminated with residues from car washing

  • Apr 16, 2026EXTERIOR LIGHTINGLI82.10-P-078301

    Complaint Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged. Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical impairment of the headlamp. If a pressure compensation diaphragm is fitted in the housing cover, then the lamp unit is a "closed system". Remedy Headlamp: Remedy 1 Clearing fogged/condensed LED headlamps: 1. Drive vehicle into workshop (temperature higher than +18 °C/+64.4 °F) and connect the exhaust extra

  • Feb 25, 2026EXTERIOR LIGHTINGLI82.10-P-078307

    Complaint Headlamps leaking or fogged Cause The fogging of the headlamp is a natural phenomenon which can occur under certain climatic conditions. In contrast to a leaky headlamp, physical fogging does not result in a technical impairment of the headlamp. A leak test must be performed to determine if physical fogging exists or if the headlamp is leaky. Remedy In advance, observe LI82.10-P-078301 "Headlamp/front fog lamp leaky or fogged". 1. Prepare headlamp/check for external damage: For headlam

  • Feb 24, 2026EXTERIOR LIGHTINGLI82.10-P-078896

    Complaint Headlamps leaking or fogged Cause The fogging of the headlamp is a natural phenomenon which can occur under certain climatic conditions. In contrast to a leaky headlamp, physical fogging does not result in a technical impairment of the headlamp. A leak test must be performed to determine if physical fogging exists or if the headlamp is leaky. Remedy Check for external damage: You can identify a damaged headlamp in the following way: For headlamps with a closed system 1. Check the headl

  • Nov 15, 2025POWER TRAINLI33.30-P-056665

    Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The clunk is heard once when changing from forward to reverse (and vice versa). Note: Sound file in attachment Cause If the complaint is eliminated by experimentally loosening the outboard collar nut (by 1 turn), the problem is due to micromovement in the connection between the wheel bearing inner race and the joint housing of the side shaft. Note: The collar nut must always be re

  • Sep 17, 2025POWER TRAINLI27.19-P-072588

    Complaint Transmission control unit Y3/8n4 (fully integrated transmission control unit (VGS)) not listed in quick test and/or no communication possible with VGS. Cause Transmission control unit Y3/8n4 Remedy For vehicles with 722.9 transmission: Ensure LI54.15-P-057373 is performed before replacing any component parts. After processing and complying with the above document(s): 1. Perform an ignition reset on Y3/8n4 (VGS) 2. Inspect transmission connector for loose connections, damaged wiring or

  • Jul 16, 2025ELECTRICAL SYSTEMLI27.19-P-074985

    Complaint Commissioning not possible after replacement of TRANSMISSION 722.9 or of electrohydraulic controller unit (EHS) or of repair kit controller unit (VGS). Cause The wrong older A-code ("Generation EHS") is documented in VeDoc for the newly installed transmission or the newly installed electrohydraulic controller unit (EHS)/repair kit controller unit (VGS). Old VGS2 hardware A0335457332 (from quick test) New VGS3 hardware A0034460310 or A0009018008 (from quick test) Remedy Delete the old A

  • and 49 more

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).

Warranty manufacturer terms, by make

Basic
4 yr / 50k mi
Powertrain
4 yr / 50k mi
Roadside assistance
4 yr / 50k mi
EV battery
10 yr / 155k mi

Information is gathered on a best-effort basis from public sources, may be incomplete or out of date, and is not purchasing or financial advice. Verify with the manufacturer or dealer before buying.