B.E.R.U.A.N.G

there are a lot of "errors" for the w221...make me even less likely to get w221

is that a common small error?

Chucky300

Every car will have minor issues - Mercedes quality has jumped high up on the list - improving themselves big time.

You should not be worried about the W221. I have one - 20K now... and its been nothing short of brilliant. If there is an issue - its fixed quickly and its no problem.

EinMD

I've had mine for about 4 months. Breaks squeek a little...otherwise flawless. Major improvement in quality since late 90's.

konigstiger

Service Campaign 2007100005 NOV07 Fuel door - tire pressure inflation label may be incorrect. Dealers will check for the correct label and replace as necessary. Additionally, they will correct tire pressure and reactivate the tire pressure monitor. Approximately 1,583 vehicles affected.

P-B-32.50/60 NOV07 Chirping / whistling noise from the area of the Active Body Control (ABC) tandem pump (engine compartment) when the vehicle is idling, the pump will be replaced with a revised part.

P-B-30.30/65 DEC07 “Distronic Plus – mph” displayed within the IC when attempting to activate and/or “Release Parking Brake” in conjunction with acoustic warning and automatic release may not possible the airbag control module will be replaced. In order to permit activation of Distronic Plus, the ABR control unit requires that certain prerequisites be satisfied, such as the signal that the driver has fastened his seat belt. The airbag control unit provides this information.

Service Campaign 2007100007 DEC07 There may not have been specified clearance placed between the hydraulic line and longitudinal member during the manufacturing process. Dealers will check and correct the routing of the hydraulic line, and replace if necessary. Approximately 273 vehicles affected.

EinMD

I have that exact noise but do not have ABC. Any suggestions as to cause or how to correct?

konigstiger

The noise is caused by an internal throttle for the high pressure oil lubrication, it may be your power steering pump.

Diesel Benz

The bulletin list may seem long but you would have to interpret it relatively to the other cars that you know (or assume knowing).

You can take it in absolute terms also if you figure out the total production and the number of cars each bulletin actually concerns.

Also if a car manufacturer has a low threshold for releasing a bulletin, that makes the number higher but should be seen as the company taking care of even small issues instead of leaving car owners alone.

W211 has improved a lot but if you compare the early W211 bulletins to early W221 bulletins, you can see a big difference. On the other hand, I was not too bothered when I had an early W211 car because MB took care of the issues (and in my case a dealer visit was not a big issue as long as I did not have to pay).

The bulletins certainly show that the W221 neither is flawless, as no commercial car would be. I don't want to start comparing to Toyota or others, simply don't have the info or experience.

konigstiger

P-B-32.20/47a JAN08 -- 221.171 up to VIN A104333 knocking noise front axle when driving over small bumps such as speed bumps; will apply adhesive to the stabilizer bar’s rubber mounts.

P-B-42.45/71a JAN08 -- 221 up to VIN A126228 and 216 up to A005109 “ESP/BAS Defective” or “ESP/BAS Visit Workshop” displayed in the instrument cluster (IC); wiring harness to passenger- side wiper motor may be chafing and requires repair.

P-B-32.22/49a JAN08 – Airmatic inoperative “Visit Workshop” displayed in IC; the fuse for the Airmatic compressor may have blown. The routing of the compressor cable in the vicinity of the right front headlamp from the compressor towards the A-pillar may be chafed and will be repositioned and repaired.

Kar don

wow, lots of clearance issues with the 221... looks like they didn't get the tolerances quite right.

konigstiger

P-B-83.10/108 JAN08 Water leakage into the passenger compartment may cause erroneous blower and A/C operation. CL (216) caused by blocked drain holes on the right and/or left sidewalls. S-Class (221) due to body tolerances, the left rear or right rear wheelhouse may leak. Moisture can penetrate the rocker panel on one and/or both sides. If the4 drain grommets do not open when moisture enters the rocker panel, moisture can enter the passenger compartment. The result of which is that control units, electrical connectors, and lines become damp. Have your dealer check your VIN in VMI to determine if your vehicle is involved in Service Campaigns 2008010002 and/or 2006020007 if not, then this DTB will apply.

S-B-46.30/21a FEB08 Grinding or gushing noises heard from the area of the steering system/power steering pump may be in the A/C compressor drive. Noise is present at both idle and higher engine speeds, can be heard whether the steering wheel is stationary or moving, and frequency increases with the engine speed.

konigstiger

Recall Campaign 2008030005 MAR08 - Model Year 2008. A malfunction in the Front SAM (Signal Acquisition and Actuation Module) may cause the loss of operation of the headlamps, windshield wipers and steering wheel adjustment function or the center console lighting. Front SAM will be replaced. Approximately 3,283 vehicles affected.

P-B-91.10/147 MAR08 Cracking noises coming from the seat rails while traveling on rough roads, this may be due to not enough lubricant between the upper and lower rail at the end of the seat rail. Grease will be applied.

P-B-54.10/195 MAR08 “Battery – Service Required” illuminated in red in the IC without impairing the electrical system, the software in the Vehicle Power Supply control module (BNS) will be flashed.

P-B-54.65/194a MAR08 If Park Assist indicator bars do not extinguish (over speeds of 10 mph) or Park Assist does not function this may be due to the software in the radar control unit. Software will be updated.

P-B-67.39/22 MAR08 If the power window in any door is not functioning this may be due to a software error in the door control module. The applicable door control module will be flashed.

P-B-82.90/618 MAR08 If intermittently the radio stations or CD/DVD tracks cannot be changed using the Multi-Function Steering Wheel Controls (MFS), or the MFS keys must be pressed a few times to respond this may be due to a software error in the instrument cluster (IC). The IC software will be updated.

P-B-83.75/113 MAR08 - VIN A092227 to A119911. If the REST Button is nonfunctional, the Upper Control Panel (UCP) may have incorrect software installed. UCP will be flashed with latest available software.

konigstiger

P-B-91.12/155 MAY08 Jarring/creaking noises coming from the bottom cushion, weight sensing seat bearing will be lubricated. If the noise persists, the seat-adjuster will be replaced.

P-B-91.25/158 MAY08 Venting noises from the seat backrest when the dynamic seat function is active, this may be caused by the filter element in the air outlet of the valve units in the dynamic seat system modules.

P-B-91.25/159 MAY08 Dynamic/multi contour seat pump emitting too much noise (droning or humming) from the trunk this may be due to a hardware malfunction in the pump and it will be replaced.

konigstiger

P-B-54.21/201 JUN08 216 & 221 Multifunction steering wheel inoperative may be due to defective electronics of the steering wheel.

P-B-32.22/64 JUN08 221.171/186 Vehicle’s Airmatic suspension does not lower at front axle and “Airmatic Visit Workshop” displayed within the IC, replace defective air strut.

P-B-91.10/165 JUN08 Noises from the front of the driver or passenger may be caused by the locking system of the storage container in the front of the seat lubricant will be applied to correct.

konigstiger

Service Campaign 2008070002 AUG08 – 164, 164.8, 171, 203, 209, 211, 216, 219, 221, 230, and 251 Dealer will replace the existing V-belt upper guide pulley with one that is optimized for noise reduction (guide pulley – part #A272202101905). Approximately 192,941 vehicles affected.

Service Campaign 2006110005 AUG08 – 164, 171, 203, 209, 211, 215, 219, 220, 221, 230, 251, X164 Vehicle may have an earlier version navigation disc installed than that specified. This could lead to navigation directions based upon non-updated map data. Dealers will update the navigation disc as required. Approximately 12,559 vehicles affected. If your VIN range is not listed, have the dealer check VMI to see if your vehicle is included.

171,211,215,219,220,230 will receive BQ6460232
164, 203, 209, 251, X164 - BQ6460226
221 - BQ6460233

221.171 = A002624-A100038
221.176 = A022878-A099920
221.179 = A067424-A099727
221.186 = A083850-A100125

konigstiger

P-B-46.20/52a JUL08 Muffled knocking noises when driving slowly (up to 15 mph) on uneven road surfaces is resolved by checking the torque of the two mounting bolts of the steering rack replacing if necessary and replacing the outer and inner tie rods.

S-B-13.22/01d JUL08 Up to engine #272xxx 30 476520 RPM dependant grinding, howling, whining or high pitch whistle noise coming from the front section of engine, the upper idler pulley will be replaced.

P-B-27.60/69a JUL08 (VIN A000355 to A016837) S550 uncomfortable downshifting while coasting resolved by reprogramming the engine control module.

P-B-67.39/22b SEPT08
216.371/376/377/379 up to VIN A010649
221.171/176/177/179 up to VIN A161249
If power window in any door not functioning, the applicable door control module software will be flashed with SDS.

P-B-82.85/512g SEPT08 COMAND and Telematics system having any of the conditions below the COMAND Head Unit and Telematics Ring software is to be updated with DAS and Telematics disc A221 827 63 59 ES2: 0002 (or newer).

- Intermittently, head unit does not display radio station name, artist and track (RDS) info
- During a multi-line telephone call in navigation screen, the COMAND display may turn dark
- Audio source volume not lowering during a navigation announcement in route guidance
- Intermittently, vehicle shows incorrect position even with more than three satellites visible
- Wrong navigation compass indicator
- Intermittently, back up camera image not shown on the COMAND display
- User’s cellular telephone phonebook entries are not completely down loaded
- COMAND display swivels left-right on its own and may not stop until driver turns ignition off
- Intermittent resets of the COMAND head unit
- During an active telephone call user tries to reject it by pressing REJECT both calls terminate
- Intermittently, head unit does not correctly toggle between name and # in telephone book
- No sound on startup with empty play field on head unit
- Incorrect GPS coordinates displayed in status line
- Inaccurate navigation voice or visual announcements during active route guidance

P-B-88.70/64a SEPT08 221.171/176/179 up to VIN A138372/A236284/A249754 wind noise in the interior from front door is resolved by sufficiently sealing the outside rear view mirrors.

RECALL Campaign 2008080004 SEPT08
215, 216, 220, 221 and 230 MY 2001-2008
Variations in the suppliers soldering process in soldering points on the board of the ABC sensors may not be within design tolerances. A variation in the transmitted values between affected and unaffected sensors can result in an uneven front suspension. A warning will show in the IC. This condition may lead to unexpected body movements at the front axle that can adversely affect directional stability. Dealer will replace the sensors. Have your dealer check VMI to see if your vehicle is included. Approximately 4,579 vehicles affected.

MBfiend

Hey Konigstiger, great info. Thanks.

Do you have any info about a Sirius update to be able to get additional XM channels. I had heard there would be a mid-October fix but do not have any concrete info.

Thanks.

konigstiger

P-B-83.55/101a SEPT08 – 221.171 insufficient cooling with the air conditioning, the refrigerant compressor may be contacting the upper section of the oil pan resulting in no refrigerant being delivered – shims will be installed.

Service Campaign 2008090001 OCT08 – 221 & 216, MY2007-2008 dealer will check the auxiliary transmission cooler thermostat for leaks and replace the o-rings if needed (365 vehicles affected).

P-B-91.30/121a OCT08 – 221.171/176/177/179/186 active seat ventilation fans in the rear seats making a rattling or grinding noise may be due to the fan impeller contacting the seat cushion base.

P-B-82.85/641 OCT08 – 221.171/176/177/179/186, 216.317/376/377/379 up to MY2008 central display swivels on its own without pressing the adjustment button, update software.

P-B-77.20/62c OCT08 – 221.171/176/179/186/177 VIN A206697 to A248508, 216.371/376/377/379 A016352 to A020281, 204.054/056/081 up to A180914 and F193468 tilt/sliding roof automatic function or rain closing inoperative, overhead control panel (OCP) software will be flashed.

P-B-22.10/01c OCT08 – 221.186 (4matic) up to VIN A127497 humming/vibrations in the engine rpm range from 1200 to 1600 (felt in steering wheel and footwell floor) optimized engine mounts will be installed.

P-B-72.12/101a OCT08 – 221 up to VIN A257232 dust cover strip of the rear door sun blind is loose and/or is rattling, retaining clips will be installed.

P-B-54.15/205 NOV08 – 221.171/176/177/179/186 up to VIN A256812, 216.371/376/377/379/386 up to A021048 starter turns (cranks) but the engine may not start or the selector lever cannot be moved out of park position, RSS switch may be malfunctioning pre-fuse box will be replaced.

P-B-54.30/206 NOV08 – 221.171/176/179 up to VIN A077729 night view assist picture occasionally does not display, instrument cluster (IC) software will be updated.

konigstiger

Service Campaign 2008120001 JAN09 MY09 216 & 221 due to supplier variations in the soldering process the prefuse box may not be within design tolerance. As a result, the starter may not function and a hard starting or no start condition may occur. Dealer will replace the prefuse box. Approximately 4131 vehicles affected.

Service Campaign 2008120002 JAN09 MY09 216 & 221 due to thermal expansion damage may occur with the engine compartment prefuse box. If the metal strip is damaged the battery can no longer be charged. Dealer will replace prefuse box. Approximately 4130 vehicles affected.

DTB P-B-82.60/667 NOV08 221.171/176/177/179/186 MY07 up to VIN A033392 front left or right speakers inoperative intermittently or permanently, the upper centering pin of the mirror base may be too long. The pin causes contact with the tweeter connections creating a short circuit. Resolve, modify pin.

P-B-32.50/71 DEC08 216.371/376/377 & 221.171/176/177/179 with Active Body Control - whistling / flute like noise emanating from the front or rear axle area with engine idling. Caused by the internal pressure limiting valve in the front axle ABC valve block and noise may transfer to the rear via the hydraulic lines. Resolve, replace front valve block.

P-B-54.18/209 DEC08 221.186 (S550) RPM dependant noises heard in the interior may be due to the grounds strap of the alternator causing a mechanical vibration. Resolve, replace ground strap.

P-B-82.60/669 DEC08 221.171/176/177/179/186 MY07 with multi-contour rear seats (code 406) rear audio control panel switches and controls not illuminating however, still operate normally and after cycling the ignition off and then back on illuminating, this may be due to an incorrect operation of the control panel’s over-voltage protection circuit. Resolve, replace rear control panel.

P-B-91.40/185 JAN09 221.171/176/177/179/186 up to VIN A199347 seatbelt height adjustment is nonfunctional the rivet which retains the pin for the cable of the seatbelt height adjustment mechanism on the seat rail may be broken. Resolve, pin attachment repair.

trumpet1

Let's give a big thanks to Konigster for such insightful help on our cars. He truly is the best at informing us of pertinent info on the forum.

sjflett

K. I want to thank u for what is obviously a lot of work which is very helpful.
Do you have any info on excessive oil consumption in the S550. My 6 month car is currently under review by MB (oil consumption measurement procedure). Car was burning 1qt/1000 miles thru 10k. MB took the car in and drove it for 150 at excessive RPM to set rings before test. The SM indicated that this engine has demonstrated a longer break in period than previous 500 engine and that some excessive oil consumption issues are showing up in this engine. Any thoughts or known similar experiences?
Thanks again. Steve

sjflett

This is a follow on to my last post. My S550 with 10k on the clock was tested for oil consumption via measuring quantity consumed over period of time by MB service technician. The findings were the car was consuming 1 quart per 1475 miles. The technician advised he would review with MB HQ. They called back two days later to say that this is not an "unusual" problem and that the car could take over 15k miles to set the rings. They went further to advise that ....get this...600 miles per quart was acceptable for this engine.

As you can imagine, I hit the roof....clearly putting in a qt of oil every 600 miles is crazy. Especially in the new "green" world. When I asked if a consumption rate of 600/quart would allow me to pass our state's (CT) emission requirements they had no response.
They have not completely given up, as the dealer has indicated they will fight for us...interesting!
Has any one else had this problem. Would appreciate your advise.
SteveF

hawk20

Best to raise problems with a new thread so this invaluable thread can stay for its original purpose.

konigstiger

Recall 2009010002 FEB09 MY 07 221 both front ABC struts, a defect may exist in the ball joints of the front struts due to a manufacturing process flaw at the supplier. The flaw may affect the ball joints after significant mileage accumulation combined with continuous stress by driving over rough roads. Approximately 1524 vehicles affected. Check with dealer to see if your VIN is included or if it has been previously repaired.

Service Campaign 2009020004 FEB09 164/164.8/171/204/204.9/209/211/216/219/221/230/251 MY2008 & 2009 instrument cluster message of “No Service” and “Tele Aid inoperable” may be the result of a hardware fault in the Tele Aid control module. Dealer will replace the module.

Service Campaign 2009020005 FEB09 MY07-08 221 spare tire well cover may not have been installed on subject vehicles. Dealer will check and install if missing. Approximately 244 vehicles affected.

DTB P-B-80.20/51 FEB09 trunk lid does not close using the remote trunk-closing feature this may be caused by the ball stud attaching the hydraulic cylinder of the remote trunk closing mechanism being torn out of the mounting console. A new thicker mounting console is installed.

P-B-61.10/11 FEB09 tin clicking noise from the area of the trunk when going over bumps this may be caused by the plastic panel of the trunk floor contacting the shield directly below the spare tire well floor. Foam rubber adhesive strips on the underside of the shield will be installed.

konigstiger

DTB S-B-01.40/25 MAR09 - M273 engine (S550) slow coolant loss without any trace may (vaporizes) be an internal casting flaw in the area of the valve cooling passage between the cylinders allowing coolant to seep into the crankcase metal sleeves will be installed into valve cooling passages. Note amount of coolant loss can be as little as 0.5 quarts in thousands of miles.

P-B-91.25/169 MAR09 multi-contour/dynamic seat air cushions not inflating or bubble formation in one or more seats may be caused by inoperative transistors in the vale electronics. Adapters in the front seat backrest and cushions and/or rear backrest pads will be replaced.

P-B-77.20/75 MAR09 noise from panoramic roof may be caused by loose or missing bolts.

P-B-32.22/75 MAR09 Airmatic “Visit Workshop” may be caused by leakage compressor, airline (compressor to valve unit), and pressure line (compressor to reservoir) will be inspected and replaced as needed.

P-B-42.45/108 MAR09 “ESP Malfunction – Service Required” displayed when vehicle is stationary combined with: transmission can not be shifted out of Park after ignition cycle, doors may lock themselves, speed of 160 MPH displayed with ignition on after approximately two minutes – front and rear wheel speed sensors will be replaced.

konigstiger

Recall 2009030001 MAR09 Supplier may have incorrectly labeled the door locks it is possible that the front and rear locks were interchanged during production. The exchange would result in a front door lock that cannot be opened by merely pulling on the interior handle and a rear lock that can be opened with a simple pull of the interior door handle even if locked. Dealers will check the part number on all doors and replace, if necessary, any incorrectly installed door lock.

Approximately 54 vehicles are involved. Owners of affected vehicles will be notified by letter.