W221 Reliability? High Mileage?
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Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 150
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2012 Mercedes-Benz S550
It seems like this thread has deviated from the original ask of whether the W221 reliability is improved upon the W220.
If OP would entertain other makes and models, they would have said so. It could be that they have a great opportunity to upgrade or a “hard to pass up” deal has come up. In general, the W221 is more reliable with less electrical gremlins that show up in the W220.
It is not even close to something needing attention every weekend. At most I would say every six months if you are unlucky or high mileage. Realistically, other than maintenance, it should not need any repairs for long intervals (aka years). I check sales sites and very often find 150k+ mile examples that have been dealer serviced without repairs. I’ve seen some with 250k+ miles as well. Even the M278 engine, which I have had two of.
If OP would entertain other makes and models, they would have said so. It could be that they have a great opportunity to upgrade or a “hard to pass up” deal has come up. In general, the W221 is more reliable with less electrical gremlins that show up in the W220.
It is not even close to something needing attention every weekend. At most I would say every six months if you are unlucky or high mileage. Realistically, other than maintenance, it should not need any repairs for long intervals (aka years). I check sales sites and very often find 150k+ mile examples that have been dealer serviced without repairs. I’ve seen some with 250k+ miles as well. Even the M278 engine, which I have had two of.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 980
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2005 S500 Designo
Like I said in my original post, venturing from the w220 to the w221. I do all my own maintenance. The value proposition is astronomical. The build quality in Mercedes allows well maintained examples to go where other cars simply cannot. The materials are simply better. Certain cars simply disintegrate, but S-Class Mercedes are on a level that they just don't degrade. The issue with the w220 is endless engineering shortcuts and mistakse. Door latches stop working. ABC hoses explode b/c they weren't build robust enough. Sun visors break and don't work right. My suspicion is the w220 suffered under the Schrempp era. The W220 is probably one of the most revolutionary cars ever made, and had they not accompanied it with the cost cutting of the late 90s, would have made a car head and shoulders above anything the world has ever seen.
That's how people felt initially when the V12s came along. "This is the end of cars, nothing can ever be better than this". [url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r1z1qWs3-ws]Initial reviews of the time[/url demonstrate this. I think the w220 sold on the reputation of the w140, but with technology on an unbelievable level. Only once dealers and owners started seeing issues did the unfortunate truth unfold.
My suspicion is the w221 is a bit more of what the w220 should have been, fixing what was broken and with less bull**** breaking. I do like the w220 though.
That's how people felt initially when the V12s came along. "This is the end of cars, nothing can ever be better than this". [url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r1z1qWs3-ws]Initial reviews of the time[/url demonstrate this. I think the w220 sold on the reputation of the w140, but with technology on an unbelievable level. Only once dealers and owners started seeing issues did the unfortunate truth unfold.
My suspicion is the w221 is a bit more of what the w220 should have been, fixing what was broken and with less bull**** breaking. I do like the w220 though.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2021
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From: Iowa
2008 CL550, 2022 EQB 300, 2023 EQS 450 4Matic
I agree with the person above who doesn't want the turbo engine...I'm happy I've got the simpler M273. If I want to go fast, I'll drive my wife's EQS 580, which would bury a M275. Regarding reliability, my car is 15 years old, and was a super complex car when it came out. It has never left me stranded in my three years of ownership. I think we can differentiate between reliable in terms of a car that will get you from point a to b almost all the time, but perhaps is in constant need of some small item needing attention...seat massage not working reliably, maybe a soft close door mechanism on its way out, intermittent crackling noise in the speakers,etc. If one ignores the small issues or does not care, then yah, I would say one the whole pretty good. But if your goal is 100% everything working all the time...that is a challenge.
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 39
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From: Los Angeles, Ca.
2007 S550 Facelift upgrade.
I’ve owned my w221 since new in 07. I’ve got maybe 100k on it. It’s my daily driver, but I only have to due 10 mile round trips. I drive it in sport mode all the time and drive it hard for those 10 short miles. The only issues I’ve had outside of usual wear and tear on brakes, is I literally just replaced the front ABC. My passenger side went out and the dealer recommends replacing in pairs. Total cost was about 3k. Other than that it’s been a great car.
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2012 S550, 2005 SL500
I have a 2011 S550 that I bought as a CPO in 2013 with 14,000 miles. I now have 150,000 miles and have followed the Mercedes maintenance schedule - it is due for a 10,000 mile service soon. I checked the oil level 2 days ago and it is down about 1/2 quart in 10,000 miles. I have never had to add oil. Tranny still shifts smoothly. Problems I have had over the years have been;
Remember that this forum is for people that have problems with their vehicles. There are thousands of W221 owner that love their cars and have few problems with them. I have been fortunate to have a dealer in Southwest Cleveland who has done a great job of maintaining my car.
A quick antidote to end with that says a lot about owning an S class. A few years ago we were visiting our niece and nephew and she was showing us her new Toyota SUV and showed me a button that she could push to amplify her voice to the back and asked If I had that on my Mercedes. My Nephew ,who was in the back seat quickly responded - "Denny's got an S550 Mercedes - you can whisper in the front seat and be heard in the back!"
- 42k - Replaced thermostat
- 58k - Replaced left front wheel speed sensor
- 90k - Replaced both lower control arms.
- 111k - Replaced engine & trans mounts. Drivers side door handle replaced.
- 140K - Replaced front & rear air shocks.
- 144k - Replaced starter motor.
Remember that this forum is for people that have problems with their vehicles. There are thousands of W221 owner that love their cars and have few problems with them. I have been fortunate to have a dealer in Southwest Cleveland who has done a great job of maintaining my car.
A quick antidote to end with that says a lot about owning an S class. A few years ago we were visiting our niece and nephew and she was showing us her new Toyota SUV and showed me a button that she could push to amplify her voice to the back and asked If I had that on my Mercedes. My Nephew ,who was in the back seat quickly responded - "Denny's got an S550 Mercedes - you can whisper in the front seat and be heard in the back!"
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Joined: Aug 2005
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not sure where you live - but you struggle to get over 20mph these days -
a lexus...
makes a honda look unreliable
with the M Levison upgrade has the best std fit stereo of anything out there
is better made than anything out there
is way more reliable than anything out there
has more performance than anyone needs
it just has a slightly naff brittle suspension - but then so do all the latest cars - none flow down the road like old cars used to...
ever heard of an IS F ...after 2010 has std fit LSD https://www.evo.co.uk/lexus/is/6815/...ad-test-review
a lexus...
makes a honda look unreliable
with the M Levison upgrade has the best std fit stereo of anything out there
is better made than anything out there
is way more reliable than anything out there
has more performance than anyone needs
it just has a slightly naff brittle suspension - but then so do all the latest cars - none flow down the road like old cars used to...
ever heard of an IS F ...after 2010 has std fit LSD https://www.evo.co.uk/lexus/is/6815/...ad-test-review
I had a ls460 2008 before my s550 08. Lexus was if not better in every regard. Body was tight if not tighter. Ride with coils was a lot better. Sound system was light years ahead. Had a GS 430 and LS 400 before that. Very capable and well engineered cars. Might not be sexy, but they are much better cars than MB makes. Quality and engineering comes first.
I plan to go wiht a 2013 or last year of LS460 after this one. I dont need m278 bore scoring issues in newer S cars. Unfortunately.
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Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 77
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S550
Lexus Lovefest
I had a ls460 2008 before my s550 08. Lexus was if not better in every regard. Body was tight if not tighter. Ride with coils was a lot better. Sound system was light years ahead. Had a GS 430 and LS 400 before that. Very capable and well engineered cars. Might not be sexy, but they are much better cars than MB makes. Quality and engineering comes first.
I plan to go wiht a 2013 or last year of LS460 after this one. I dont need m278 bore scoring issues in newer S cars. Unfortunately.
I plan to go wiht a 2013 or last year of LS460 after this one. I dont need m278 bore scoring issues in newer S cars. Unfortunately.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2014
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S500
Member
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 150
Likes: 109
2012 Mercedes-Benz S550
Nobody cares about that inferior brand, stop kidding yourselves. Otherwise you’d be on that forum and actually owning it 
Here you go: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/
I’m sure they’d love you there!
Here you go: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/
I’m sure they’d love you there!
Last edited by cruiser02; Mar 13, 2024 at 08:37 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 5,320
Likes: 1,676
S500
Nobody cares about that inferior brand, stop kidding yourselves. Otherwise you’d be on that forum and actually owning it
Here you go: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/
I’m sure they’d love you there!
Here you go: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/
I’m sure they’d love you there!
your issue - is you don't understand this is a car forum - where we talk about cars and try to help others out
you seem to think its a place to be rude and abuse others - in case no one mentioned it, that's not a very nice habit by the way
Member
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 150
Likes: 109
2012 Mercedes-Benz S550
This is a car forum for Mercedes only. Your issue is that you like to go off on unrelated tangents that nobody asked for.
Tell me again how your recommendation for other car brands is helping the OP? This is after they mentioned they’re not even interested in other models but the W221, let alone other car brands.
Tell me again how your recommendation for other car brands is helping the OP? This is after they mentioned they’re not even interested in other models but the W221, let alone other car brands.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 980
Likes: 224
2005 S500 Designo
This is a car forum for Mercedes only. Your issue is that you like to go off on unrelated tangents that nobody asked for.
Tell me again how your recommendation for other car brands is helping the OP? This is after they mentioned they’re not even interested in other models but the W221, let alone other car brands.
Tell me again how your recommendation for other car brands is helping the OP? This is after they mentioned they’re not even interested in other models but the W221, let alone other car brands.
This is a forum about mercedes, not mercedes fanboyism afaik... at least there's no fanboyism anymore in the w220 forum once people realize how often and expensively all the mercedes awesomeness goes kaput.
I appreciate that lexus acts as a thorn in Mercedes' side, b/c mercedes does need that spanking.
Prior to the 00's, luxury also meant value and longevity, meaning, if not outright reliability, good serviceability and durability. Mercedes fit that mold perfectly... Buying a mercedes (maybe not the top tier) and servicing/maintaining it was more economical than buying a ****box every few years. Unfortunately luxury has turned into some bull**** where idk even what... lcd screens or something.
All that said, it's a valid point of comparison if mercedes has ditched this pillar of luxury while lexus has maintained it, if not through serviceability, outright reliability... And that's where my original motivation for this post comes from.
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 70
Likes: 4
2013 S550
[QUOTE=Goranywork;8936599]You never had to replace the turbo cooling lines /QUOTE]this comment jumped off the page at me. I'm being told mine need replacing, and it's a big job. Once you get to those you might as well replace everything else.
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 70
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2013 S550
to the op's question, I've got a 2013 s550 I bought in 5/2016 CPO with 22k miles. I've followed the maintenance schedule to the letter and this car has given me more unexpected and frankly expensive repairs than a car of it's pedigree should.
50,600 - replace drives side heated seat element (cpo warranty)
59,878 - replace coolant thermostat leaking, replace motor and transmission mounts, alignment (cpo warranty)
78,768 - replace cam sensors, clean wire harness
99,480 - replace right air suspension strut
106,551 -replace lower control arms
118,738 - broken u joint, replace front drive shaft
128,846 - replace front valve block and lines
144,065 - replace rear level sensor
148,279 - replace heater control valve
the above list doesn't include cracked rims or replaced tires. granted, metro NJ and NY roads aren't great, but come on.
Now I'm being told at 150,000 miles I need to replace the turbo coolant lines and there is an oil seep around the filter housing, so while it's apart, might as well replace everything. close to a 3,000 repair.
I had a 96 S420 that didn't give me half this trouble.
Love the car, who knows, perhaps I got a lemon.
50,600 - replace drives side heated seat element (cpo warranty)
59,878 - replace coolant thermostat leaking, replace motor and transmission mounts, alignment (cpo warranty)
78,768 - replace cam sensors, clean wire harness
99,480 - replace right air suspension strut
106,551 -replace lower control arms
118,738 - broken u joint, replace front drive shaft
128,846 - replace front valve block and lines
144,065 - replace rear level sensor
148,279 - replace heater control valve
the above list doesn't include cracked rims or replaced tires. granted, metro NJ and NY roads aren't great, but come on.
Now I'm being told at 150,000 miles I need to replace the turbo coolant lines and there is an oil seep around the filter housing, so while it's apart, might as well replace everything. close to a 3,000 repair.
I had a 96 S420 that didn't give me half this trouble.
Love the car, who knows, perhaps I got a lemon.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 857
Likes: 501
From: Washington, DC
2007 S600, 2007 Chrysler 300 SRT8, 2000 C5 Corvette, 2017 Mustang GT, 2023 300C, and a 2019 Lincoln
I only have 102K miles on my W221 2007 S600. I am pretty strict about doing all of the maintenance. The car is mostly used on the highways between FL and MD. It has been very reliable. I service the ABC with new fluid and filter every two years. I monitor the engine oil using the silly electronic oil check weekly. The car has used a radiator, water pump, pulleys, tensioners, belt, hoses, brake pads, rotors, engine mounts, and tires. I changed out the turbo water pump for the newer higher capacity model. I have used Clark's coil packs and voltage transformers with great performance and satisfaction. The only oddity is the car consumes Techron about 6 of the 20 ounce containers a year. I get 22 miles per gallon on the highway at 70 mph steady. The engine idles so smoothly you have to look at the tach to know its running.
Otherwise, in my opinion, a well maintained S Class is the finest motorcar in the World.
Otherwise, in my opinion, a well maintained S Class is the finest motorcar in the World.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 2,138
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04 E55 AMG (totaled), 07 S550 4Matic, 14 E63S
I assess that the most reliable W221 in the US would be an 08-09 S550 RWD. I have an 07 4Matic (no issues). I think COMAND got less reliable after the facelift and they added some additional complexity like the electric power steering.
I would opt for the M273 all day, if this is something you want to use frequently. The M113 is solid but outmatched by the M273 which makes quite a bit more power and torque, gets a bit better fuel economy and doesn't constantly leak oil.
I briefly was considering a W220 and I am very glad I splurged on a W221. Been almost 3 years. Currently down because one of the original, 17 year old air struts finally gave out. $300 rebuild via RMT and I should be on the road again.
I would opt for the M273 all day, if this is something you want to use frequently. The M113 is solid but outmatched by the M273 which makes quite a bit more power and torque, gets a bit better fuel economy and doesn't constantly leak oil.
I briefly was considering a W220 and I am very glad I splurged on a W221. Been almost 3 years. Currently down because one of the original, 17 year old air struts finally gave out. $300 rebuild via RMT and I should be on the road again.
Last edited by kevm14; Oct 21, 2024 at 01:52 PM.
