Hi Robert,

The good news is that Mercedes really does seem to put a little extra effort in when it comes to bolting together its S-Class and CL models, so major mechanical malfunctions are rare. The only persistent niggle with these cars seems to be an electrical glitch that can affect the satnav. That said, what you need to get with a car like this is a full, proper, stamped and verified Mercedes main-dealer service history. It’s a frighteningly complex car and if it hasn’t been cared for by the experts and by the book, then there’s trouble in store. If there’s even the slightest hint that maintenance has been skimped on or done on the cheap, walk away.