Owning a Mercedes-Benz comes with the prestige of a luxury brand, but also carries a significant financial commitment beyond the purchase price. A typical Mercedes owner will spend nearly $13,000 on maintenance and repairs during the first decade of ownership—almost $1,000 more than the industry average for luxury vehicles—creating a substantial gap between maintenance investments and the vehicle's declining resale value.

Key Takeaways

• Mercedes maintenance costs average $908 annually, approximately 40% higher than the industry average of $652

• Maintenance expenses escalate dramatically with vehicle age, from $576 in year one to $1,903 by year ten

• Premium models like the S550 and GL450 have the highest annual maintenance costs, exceeding $1,200

• Mercedes vehicles experience rapid depreciation, losing approximately $41,594 in value over five years

• The gap between maintenance investment and resale value can be substantial, with documented cases of $45,500 in service resulting in less than $9,000 resale value

The True Cost of Maintaining a Mercedes-Benz

The allure of a Mercedes-Benz often overshadows the ongoing financial commitment required to keep these luxury vehicles in peak condition. With annual maintenance costs ranging from $652 to $1,250 depending on the model, Mercedes owners pay approximately 40% more than the industry average for vehicle upkeep.

Routine service costs add up quickly with oil changes ranging from $150-$300, tire rotations costing $50-$100, and brake pad replacements running $300-$600. The manufacturer-recommended service schedule includes alternating "Service A" and "Service B" maintenance packages, with basic Service A starting at $350 and the more comprehensive Service B costing between $800-$1,300 or more.

Long-Term Maintenance Expenditures Over a Decade

The financial impact of Mercedes ownership becomes more apparent when examining the long-term maintenance costs. Owners spend approximately $12,962 on maintenance and repairs during the first 10 years of ownership, exceeding the industry average for luxury brands by $978.

These costs follow a predictable upward trajectory as vehicles age:

• Year 1: $576 average maintenance cost

• Year 5: $1,192 average maintenance cost

• Year 10: $1,903 average maintenance cost

Perhaps more concerning is the increasing probability of major repairs as these vehicles age. While only 4.08% of Mercedes vehicles require major repairs in their first year, this figure jumps to 41.24% by year ten. This escalating risk translates directly to higher average costs and potential for unexpected expenses.

Mercedes-Benz Model Comparison: Which Models Cost Most to Maintain

Maintenance costs vary significantly across the Mercedes-Benz lineup, with a clear correlation between vehicle price point and ongoing service expenses. Entry-level models like the CLA 250 ($736) and C300 ($739) have the lowest annual maintenance costs, making them relatively more affordable to maintain.

Mid-range models see a noticeable increase in maintenance requirements:

• E350: $788 annually

• ML350: $1,020 annually

The premium models demand the highest financial commitment for maintenance:

• E550: $1,059 annually

• S550: $1,249 annually

• GL450: $1,293 annually

This price difference reflects the more specialized parts, complex systems, and higher labor costs associated with servicing these high-end vehicles.

The Depreciation Dilemma: Maintenance Investment vs. Resale Value

One of the most challenging aspects of Mercedes ownership is the stark imbalance between maintenance investments and declining resale value. Mercedes vehicles experience significant depreciation, losing approximately $41,594 in value over 5 years, with first-year depreciation averaging $16,360 for models like the E-Class sedan.

This creates situations where owners invest substantially more in keeping their vehicles running than they can ever recover when selling. In one documented case, a Mercedes that received $45,500 in service over nine years ultimately sold for less than $9,000—highlighting the substantial gap between maintenance investments and resale value that luxury car buyers should carefully consider.

Mercedes vs. Other Luxury Brands: Cost Comparison

When comparing maintenance costs across luxury brands, Mercedes-Benz consistently ranks among the most expensive to maintain. With annual maintenance costs averaging $908, Mercedes ownership is significantly more expensive than competitors like Lexus, which averages just $551 annually.

This cost disparity becomes more pronounced over time:

• 10-year Mercedes maintenance: $11,000-$13,000+

• 10-year Lexus maintenance: $7,000-$8,000

Beyond the raw numbers, Mercedes vehicles also have a higher probability of requiring major repairs—30-40% over 10 years compared to just 15-20% for Lexus models. Even routine service appointments reflect this difference, with Mercedes' basic "Service A" starting at $350 compared to comparable Lexus services costing $200-$300.

Total Cost of Ownership: Beyond Just Maintenance

Maintenance costs represent only one component of the total financial picture. For an E-Class sedan, the total 5-year ownership costs reach approximately $85,007, with maintenance ($8,883) representing about 10% of that total.

The complete ownership cost calculation must include:

• Depreciation (the largest expense)

• Insurance premiums (typically higher for luxury vehicles)

• Fuel costs (often requiring premium fuel)

• Financing expenses

The luxury features and performance that make Mercedes vehicles desirable also contribute to higher operating expenses throughout ownership. Potential buyers should factor these costs into their purchase decision to avoid unexpected financial strain.

Strategies for Managing Mercedes Maintenance Costs

While Mercedes ownership will always carry premium maintenance costs, several strategies can help manage these expenses:

• Consider extended warranties to protect against expensive repairs, particularly for components like transmissions and electronics

• Evaluate prepaid maintenance plans (averaging $786 per year/10,000-mile interval) for potential savings and budget predictability

• Schedule regular inspections to catch issues early before they develop into major problems

• Use genuine Mercedes parts to maintain quality, while exploring certified aftermarket options for non-critical components

• Strictly follow the manufacturer's maintenance schedule to prevent costly repairs

While these approaches won't eliminate the premium costs associated with Mercedes ownership, they can help make them more manageable and reduce unexpected expenses over the life of the vehicle.

Sources

Edmunds - Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2025 Cost to Own
Automoblog - Mercedes Maintenance Cost Review
CarEdge - Mercedes-Benz Maintenance
YallaMotor - 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE: Understanding Maintenance Costs
Rallye Motors - Mercedes vs Lexus: Luxury, Performance and Ownership Costs Compared