I'm just not sure. While the E63 could cost more, it's very typical to say it will always be broken down and needing repair. I mean from all that I've seen, the main concerns were head bolts if you buy an early one. I confirmed the '11 I looked at is not in the bad range. The transmission could be costly, but not really notable for going out. Air suspension is in the rear only and sure it could go bad, but it won't cost as much as the LS air suspension that's on all four corners. Most of the cost comes from dealer service, which I wouldn't do. Even if you search like I did for a pedal position sensor (the gas pedal, which looks to be what is wrong on the one I looked at) Autozone sells a Duralast version for $750, but there's a Genuine OEM Mercedes version sold for $211 and it's the exact part.

BMW7_LS430's comments on the AWD also concern me on the AWD LS460. I'm well aware car makers can sometimes just stop making a part you need, GM did it on the '97-'99 C5 Vettes. The early EBCM they used was not made anymore, so if theirs died - which they often did - you were left to go find one off a junkyard C5 or a used one that hasn't broken yet. One day that will just be dried up and those years will be SOL for replacements.

Given the costly nature of the LS and probably the E63, I'm more inclined to just look for an E350. Though I will admit, I haven't found a perfect one as of yet. The one I did find a few years ago that was, lacked folding rear seats (which was a requirement from an E class for me). There were a few E350s around $15k that had <60k miles and were '14s so I'm thinking those make more sense anyhow. I wish I could like a GS350, but no folding rear seats and the overall style and feel just doesn't do it for me. I like the LS still, but it sounds like RWD with no air ride would be the one to go for (and I know they are faster too). There was an '11 near me with I think 64k miles for $17k that was RWD but didn't even have Mark Levinson radio and I can't go for just the basic radio...and it seems that one is gone now anyhow.

I'm pretty sure if I was willing to lower my standards and buy something like a Camry or Accord with 100k on the clock, they would be perfectly fine for many years still. I highly doubt they are the only cars this is a true statement for. I've seen plenty of awful Tahoes and Yukons with 180-200k+ miles, somehow despite their lacking quality they make it to high miles and continue to keep going. I was talked into looking at an old Yukon XL once with 208k miles and it was perfect with a mountain of records on it. But ugh the styling and the fit and finish, I don't see how people drive those things.

 

Then go get an E350 lol