Alexbc

Hi all...

Looking for a S550 and specifically a 2012/2013 model... worried about reliability.

There are HUNDREDS of horror stories about W221 reliability including issues with older V8 on S550... but not much about 2012/2013 updated models and specifically the V8 bi-turbo engine and if it's had the same issues... so could you help me out on the following:

- Any issues with 2012 S550 engines? Has there been any first year design challenges fixed later on?
- How's the technology pre-safe system? I know NOT as good as W222, but is it OK? I am buying this for my 75yr old Father and I want it to be as safe as possible!
- Any major electronic failures to know of?
- What's this issue of car driving to the right? MANY have complained the car just steers right and no alignment fixes it?!
- Is it even worth considering or save for W222 (can't afford it now)
- Would a certified car with 1.5yr warranty left worth considering?
- We're also looking at 2013 Lexus LS460, for sure much more reliable but Benz is our preffered car, haven't looked at A8 or 750i yet.

Thanks!

DaveW68

There is tons of information in the forum. Just do some reading and you'll find what things plague these cars. As they age, they are prone to problems just like all cars, including Lexus.

I've owned a '91 LS400, '95 LS400, '99 GS400, '01 LS430, and '08 LS460. They were all great cars and comfortable, but multiple levels below my S600. The S600 is just so much better looking and the power is addicting. I'm sure the same goes for the easily tunable bi-turbo V8 in the car you are considering. My old LS460 was reasonably quick for what it was, but nothing like the S600. And the S600 is much more roomy and comfortable than the LS460. Lexus builds high quality cars, but not near the level of refinement and over-engineering standards that MB does. If your dad wants the ultimate in features, comfort, luxury, and power, ask him to test drive an S600 before making his decision. He may find that a 2010 or 2011 S600 can be had for the same money as a 2012 or 2013 S550 with similar miles. It's just so much more car.

The best advice is to purchase warranty coverage that will last as long as your dad plans to own the car. And find the lowest mileage one that you can as the warranty coverage is MUCH cheaper on lower mileage cars.

Alexbc

Thanks but you didn't answer my question, how's the V8 biturbo reliability? Any issues? I can only get 1.5yrs of warranty from factory, I have to inquire about extended coverage I guess, but is 2012 S550 a decent reliable car or having issues like 2007?

In terms of S600, he doesn't care about power, and fuel economy is more of a concern so S600 is too much car for him. I am not sure what else is beneficial on 2011 S600 vs. 2012/2013 S550.

DaveW68

Did you ask about he v8 bi-turbo motor reliability? Sorry, I must have missed that. From what I understand, that motor is just as reliable as the previous NA motor prior to 2012, except it is more powerful and gets better gas mileage. The 7 speed in those more recent models is definitely more reliable than the older 7 speed trans. All of them have some issues as they age and accumulate miles....mostly related to Airmatic or ABC and COMAND glitches which sometimes rear their ugly heads. The electronics are generally good in these cars, but not as glitch-free as Toyota/Lexus.

MB over-engineers the crap out of the S-class as that car is always the leader in all technology. It's been that way for many decades. The technology that you see in a new S-class today doesn't generally show up in the mainstream car market for at least 5 years. Lexus/Toyota does a great job copying MB and then improving the electronics reliability. But Lexus will never match the solid build quality of MB. They tend to skimp on materials such as metal thickness and leather quality which definitely shows as the cars age. My car is 11 years old, but if you sat down in it, you'd think that you were sitting in a brand new car. The same cannot be said for an 11 year old Lexus.

I'd recommend picking up an after-market exclusionary warranty that will cover your dad for as long as he plans to own the car. There is lots of information on that here on this board.

Alexbc

Thanks Dave, appreciate your help. I just heard so many horror stories on earlier S550 that I am very cautious. I just asked the dealer to quote me a 4yr warranty and see where does that go.

superpop

I have a 2012 S550 that I purchased used in 2015 and I have put 20K trouble free miles on the motor so it is now up to 46K. It has plenty of power and rides like a dream. I did extend the factory warranty to 7/70 as it was still under the factory warranty when I purchased. I think I paid around 3200 for the warranty but I think it is worth it for the peace of mind. Motor seems to be bulletproof though from what I can tell as I drive my cars pretty hard. Only maint has been the brakes and tires and I did the brakes myself.

regiment1

I have a 2013 I bought as a CPO in February 2015.

There have been two warranty items on this car:
- Lighting in the rear passenger door stopped working. Replaced door panel
- Passenger seat bolsters losing air. Replaced entire set of bladders. Now the memory settings don't work on that side, which I'm taking it to the dealer for

These problems basically fit the reputation of cars in this class. They drive great, and have small problems with the many convenience and comfort functions.

Gramma_Benz

My main issues for my 12 S550 are the rattling of the front door panels when cold and vibration at highway speeds 75-80.

This actually isn't the 1st year for this engine as it was used in the 2011 E550.

Donnymac

My 2012 that I bought in 2013/14 (can't remember) with +20k mi now sits at +90k mi. Car performs with zero issues. Non service items to date: one Command related module replaced under factory warranty and two front struts replaced one factory one third party warranty.

I could not be more pleased with the car and would buy its low mi twin manana. Good luck in your search.

Bamzilla

I have 2013 S550....build 524000. The engine has been fine. Electrical is a different story. I've had to have two modules and the fuse box replaced. And I may still have the issue they're trying to fix. While many have no issues...many do. I would say this: be prepared for some expensive ****ing repairs. Warranty yourself to death.

gsholz

No issues with our 2013 S550 4matic. Power is great for such a large car. Just keep the transmission in sport mode. We do have some buzzing in the passenger door panel on certain roads. Probably aggravated by running 20 inch wheels and low-profile tires. Has been perfect otherwise

s550hollywood

Was the brake job as easy as any other car with disc brakes? I have the 2013 W221.

Timo Schroeder

I'm the happy owner of a 2012 500 4 M with the M278 V8 BITURBO engine. Just turned 390.000 km and no bigger issues. Both turbo's was changed at 375.000, not worn out, but just to be safe. At the same time I've had all 4 air suspension changed to new ones. The car is fully loaded and everything is working perfectly. The car is fully serviced, gearbox are flushed at every 40.000 km. By every olie change, engine and transmission is added special additives. Good luck.

strider-g3

Wow that is a lot of mileage. How long have you owned it? How much did it cost to re do suspension? No electrical issues?

Timo Schroeder

Yes, but not a problem. This particular car 6½ year, no electric issues - turbo's, all air shocks, break roteres all the way around and big B service schedule was ≈ 4500€.

MBCO

Support what previous posters mentioned. These cars are precision engineering marvels, but need precision adherence to maintenance schedules and even then have failures. But parts are available and know how is available when issues arise. No car is perfect, even Camrys, don’t be afraid if you find one with precision maintenance records.

kevm14

I still can't put my finger on the M278......if you go back a few years, folks were still saying the M278 didn't have any issues, but the old M273 did. In 2022, I have determined that the M273 is the better bet but I'd still like to know what the actual risk is with the M278.

s550hollywood

The M278 had issues with cam sensors and cam magnets leaking oil into the electrical connection connected to them which would eventually spread into the main wire harness. I've read some people say the fix for them was $15,000 resulting in a new wire harness at the dealer. If oil was found in the connectors, its recommended to dry it out and replace the sensors. Easy job, took me 30 minutes and $300 to replace the 4 cam magnets and 4 cam sensors.

s550hollywood

I also found that although my car was running great, the M278 LOVES new oxygen sensors and once you give it new ones, you get all that factory torque back you didn't know was missing as well as better gas mileage. Word to the wise though, if you have a 2013 S550, you want to lower the exhaust to replace oxygen sensors and have a kid or a woman with long skinny arms and tiny hands, otherwise you will really struggle to get it done. The problem one is the upstream on driver side, its crammed in a place inaccessible by hands. I bet the builders got a laugh out of that one at the factory saying some poor soul will buy the car used and struggle with this one. I'm convinced that the dealer will lower the exhaust to do this one. I don't see that lowering exhaust is a big deal if you have a lift from what I could see while under the car.

kevm14

I think the M273 has the same issues and those aren't what concern me. It's the internal engine issues that seem either worse or more likely when under the pressure of twin turbocharging...

s550hollywood

Well, I can't be 100% sure but I thought Mercedes continued to use the M278 for quite a few more years and models beyond 2013 didn't they.

kevm14

Yes and my research indicated that aside from some of the early chain tensioner issues, the later ones can have all of the ring/scoring type issues that basically require a new engine. The M273 can have these, too, but I assessed it is not that common. Not to mention all of the cooling system issues. There is a whole laundry list of stuff.

s550hollywood

I was speaking with the parts manager at a dealer recently and he told me the newer S550's are coming in with a rear engine seal leaking and he said no one is making that seal anymore. I asked what they're doing and he said putting in new engines. I think he was referencing 2020-2021 models. Far as I can tell my 2013 is pretty solid except most any hose or connector related to cooling was brittle falling apart when touched.

What are the symptoms "ring / scoring"?

kevm14

Massive oil consumption and low compression. I can build a list of what I found if you want but it scared me enough to swear I'd never touch one, even a later one. I mean, it would be nice if I am wrong...

BenzV12

Those cars are too complex but should be more reliable than other rivals in their class to me . .An old W221 Owner had said he would not buy an S Class without an extended warranty .