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I purchased a 17k mile 2012 S400 recently. I’ve been reading that these are very expensive to fix. I was wanting to see what everyone’s thoughts are considering this is a low mileage example. I will be getting an extended warranty. Thanks
I purchased a 17k mile 2012 S400 recently. I’ve been reading that these are very expensive to fix. I was wanting to see what everyone’s thoughts are considering this is a low mileage example. I will be getting an extended warranty. Thanks
Consider getting that warranty ASAP, and make sure it covers ALL the hybrid components.
I leased one of these when were first released, didn't keep it long enough. Warranty is a must, costs have come down but still can be expensive all things being equal. Good luck and congrats!
Repairs to the hybrid system on the S400 often exceed the value of the car. The HV battery alone is $12,000 or more. When it goes bad, you cannot start the car. At this point most of these are in the junk yard due to repair costs. You'd be much better off with an S550 from a cost of repairs and reliability standpoint, but it's too late now. The low mileage doesn't matter. You'll also be stuck with the dealership for any repairs as many independent shops don't have the tools or knowledge to work on it. Good luck.
Last edited by E55Greasemonkey; Nov 12, 2021 at 10:44 PM.
I wanted one back in 2015 and found one for a great price but ended up walking away after realizing that the repair costs will exceed the fuel efficiency difference 1000x over. Much cheaper to have a regular S550. Mind you, an ABC suspension system overhaul in an S65 AMG is around $20k which is still cheaper than the $30k mentioned in the thread above.
However, that was 8 years ago and prices may have changed (Hopefully for the better)
US EPA Fuel Efficiency Stats
2011 Mercedes S550 (Mine with M273 5.5 N/A)
City: 14 US MPG (16.8L / 100km)
Highway: 21 US MPG (11.2L / 100km)
2012 Mercedes S550 (M278 4.7L TT)
City: 15 US MPG (15.6L / 100km)
Highway: 24 US MPG (9.8L / 100km)
2012 Mercedes S400 Hybrid (Yours with M272 3.5 N/A w/ 3 Phase AC magneto motor)
While the w221 is a great car, the s400 doesn't seem to excel in any one area. The S350 bluetec gets quite a bit more MPG's, is quieter in the cabin by 2 decibels, and makes more torque than S400. If you want speed, the S550 is it. In some states, the "hybrid" logo gains you access to HOV lanes on the freeway and reserved parking spaces, so that may be one benefit that the other models cannot claim.
Last edited by argon3030; Apr 1, 2023 at 01:46 AM.
2012 Mercedes S400 Hybrid (Yours with M272 3.5 N/A w/ 3 Phase AC magneto motor)
City: 19 US MPG (12.4L / 100km)
Highway: 25 US MPG (9.4L / 100km)
You forgot 2012/2013 S350 bluetec. Rated at City: 21 Highway: 31. The highest of all w221 models, it delivers even better MPG than indicated on the specs. FWIW on long freeway drives, if I keep a reasonable speed (<75 mph), utilize the cruise control, my car routinely does 35+ mpg as the average consumption on such trips. The 445 ft/lbs of torque from this engine puts it between the S400 and S550 for power.
Last edited by argon3030; Apr 1, 2023 at 02:04 AM.
You forgot 2012/2013 S350 bluetec. Rated at City: 21 Highway: 31. The highest of all w221 models, it delivers even better MPG than indicated on the specs. FWIW on long freeway drives, if I keep a reasonable speed (<75 mph), utilize the cruise control, my car routinely does 35+ mpg as the average consumption on such trips. The 445 ft/lbs of torque from this engine puts it between the S400 and S550 for power.
i have 3 of these engines in a W164, W166 and X166 and can’t believe i left it out. Thanks for the info!
please note a real gallon is an imperial gallon of 4.546 09 litres
where as a US gallon lost a litre somehow ? and ends up at a baby gallon [US, liquid] of 3.785411784 liters
so if you must ref fuel consumption figures, you need to state which unit your car's trip computer is inventing fake readings for
No fakes here, this is typical consumption for long freeway drives. The 35.9 MPG as displayed above is in US gallons. I would expect to see 40+ MPG on Imperial gallons.
Last edited by argon3030; Apr 1, 2023 at 11:39 AM.
the fake bit - is that nearly all gars give 10% win vs a real measurement - it make you feel better - and is still a useful tool for comparisons like for like or to test what you manage in various conditions / routes
I needed to read this thread, was going to look at a beautiful blue, S400 with 68K miles on it but, at less than 30 MPG and the hybrid system it just doesn't feel like I'm going to win when I look back at this deal 5 years from now...
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