S-class Reliability?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 47
Likes: 4
Lexus LS430
S-class Reliability?
I'm thinking about upgrading from my 02 Lexus LS to the S-class, 7-series, or waiting for the new Lexus LS or Audi A8. I've read a lot of review on the S-class and my biggest concern is reliability.
I owned a 94 S-class and it gave me nothing but trouble and it seems like it spent more time at the dealership service than at the house. Consumer report and some other ratings have shown below average for this current car, which is what's keeping me from pulling the trigger because I absolutely love the ride comfort as well as interior and exterior design. From what I've read nothing can match the comfort for 4 adults of this car for long trips.
Basically the car will be used to run errands as well as for long road trips for 4 adults, some of which are in places with no cell phone reception. Plus I'll probably be driving a lot of places with no MB dealership nearby.
What kinds of problems are common with this car? Are they ones that would keep you from getting the car if you were in my shoes?
I owned a 94 S-class and it gave me nothing but trouble and it seems like it spent more time at the dealership service than at the house. Consumer report and some other ratings have shown below average for this current car, which is what's keeping me from pulling the trigger because I absolutely love the ride comfort as well as interior and exterior design. From what I've read nothing can match the comfort for 4 adults of this car for long trips.
Basically the car will be used to run errands as well as for long road trips for 4 adults, some of which are in places with no cell phone reception. Plus I'll probably be driving a lot of places with no MB dealership nearby.
What kinds of problems are common with this car? Are they ones that would keep you from getting the car if you were in my shoes?
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 42
Likes: 4
From: Upstate NY
1963 190SL, 1978 450SL, 2002 MINI,2004 SL500, 2004 VOLKWAGEN PHAETON,2015 S550 4MATIC
I'm thinking about upgrading from my 02 Lexus LS to the S-class, 7-series, or waiting for the new Lexus LS or Audi A8. I've read a lot of review on the S-class and my biggest concern is reliability.
I owned a 94 S-class and it gave me nothing but trouble and it seems like it spent more time at the dealership service than at the house. Consumer report and some other ratings have shown below average for this current car, which is what's keeping me from pulling the trigger because I absolutely love the ride comfort as well as interior and exterior design. From what I've read nothing can match the comfort for 4 adults of this car for long trips.
Basically the car will be used to run errands as well as for long road trips for 4 adults, some of which are in places with no cell phone reception. Plus I'll probably be driving a lot of places with no MB dealership nearby.
What kinds of problems are common with this car? Are they ones that would keep you from getting the car if you were in my shoes?
I owned a 94 S-class and it gave me nothing but trouble and it seems like it spent more time at the dealership service than at the house. Consumer report and some other ratings have shown below average for this current car, which is what's keeping me from pulling the trigger because I absolutely love the ride comfort as well as interior and exterior design. From what I've read nothing can match the comfort for 4 adults of this car for long trips.
Basically the car will be used to run errands as well as for long road trips for 4 adults, some of which are in places with no cell phone reception. Plus I'll probably be driving a lot of places with no MB dealership nearby.
What kinds of problems are common with this car? Are they ones that would keep you from getting the car if you were in my shoes?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 8,139
Likes: 4,362
From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Before getting my first S550 in 2013, I had eight, brand new, top line Lexus LS sedans. All of them had air suspension. I loved most of them, but when I got my 2013 W221, I gave up on Lexus. MB has really opened a big lead between the two brands as far as luxury and features go. I put the current LS behind most all competing cars in the segment, as it is a dinosaur, basically unchanged since 2007. Add to that, the absolutely idiotic "spindle grill" and other anime design features and I truly feel that the Lexus brand has become a joke, aimed only at those who play video games 24 hours a day. To answer your main question, I have found both my 2013 W221 and 2015 W222 to be less problematic than either my 2008 or 2011 LS460L's were. I like to say that I didn't leave Lexus, Lexus left me. Right now, I would like a new RX as a third car, but if they think I would ever consider driving around in that "Super Hero" caricature of a vehicle, with all those jagged edges and lightning bolt designs, they need to get their heads examined. Get yourself a new 222. You'll love it and never go back.
Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 187
Likes: 3
From: Traverse City, Michigan
2023 AMG SL55,2015 S550 4MATIC, 2023 BMW X5
My 2015 S550 4matic will be two years old this July. Other than scheduled maintenance, my car has been back to the dealer once for an issue: The front passenger side seat heating control stuck in the "on" position & discharged the battery.
Other than that, the car has been rock-solid.
Other than that, the car has been rock-solid.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,604
Likes: 125
2026 Mercedes CLE53A4 AMG Cabriolet and 2025 MAYBACH EQS680V4
Reliably, or lack thereof, is just not a consideration on the W221 or W222.
The car is great. Maybe you want it, maybe you don't, but it is not because of reliability.
The car is great. Maybe you want it, maybe you don't, but it is not because of reliability.
Trending Topics
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,936
Likes: 350
From: Huntington NY
S560
I have not had any real issues. They changed my brake rotors because of a vibration during one of my service visits (under warranty). But that was probably driver initiated- I was a bit aggressive. Other than that the car has been flawless and frankly I never hear much towards the way of complaints with the 222's...
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,519
Likes: 391
'25 S63 AMG E Performance, '26 CLE 53 AMG
Based on my experience W222 is extremely reliable. My '14 S550 4matic (before being totaled by insurance company) had 16000 miles on it. Only issue was the seat leather separated at the front headrest area--replaced under warranty.
My '16 S550 4matic with 6300 miles also has been worry free. In fact, my '08 S550 4matic and my '06 S500 4matic were extremely reliable as well. I did have some electrical issues on my '01 S500. But my experience has been the w222 is a worry free car. Simply an awesome car.
My '16 S550 4matic with 6300 miles also has been worry free. In fact, my '08 S550 4matic and my '06 S500 4matic were extremely reliable as well. I did have some electrical issues on my '01 S500. But my experience has been the w222 is a worry free car. Simply an awesome car.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 568
Likes: 83
From: United Kingdom
Porsche Taycan, Range Rover AB, Range Rover SVR, S Class, Mclaren 570s, Urus Hybrid (soon), M3, RS6
Yet people who don't even own the car are complaining the S Class has **** reliability. I've been a proud owner of a 221 and a 222 and neither of them had major issues. There has been 2 minor issues on my 222 though, one to do with the navigation software not mapping roundabouts correctly and some of the rubber around the sun visor in my opinion needs to be replaced.
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 19
Likes: 3
Mercedes Benz 2015 S350 Bluetec
I'm thinking about upgrading from my 02 Lexus LS to the S-class, 7-series, or waiting for the new Lexus LS or Audi A8. I've read a lot of review on the S-class and my biggest concern is reliability.
I owned a 94 S-class and it gave me nothing but trouble and it seems like it spent more time at the dealership service than at the house. Consumer report and some other ratings have shown below average for this current car, which is what's keeping me from pulling the trigger because I absolutely love the ride comfort as well as interior and exterior design. From what I've read nothing can match the comfort for 4 adults of this car for long trips.
Basically the car will be used to run errands as well as for long road trips for 4 adults, some of which are in places with no cell phone reception. Plus I'll probably be driving a lot of places with no MB dealership nearby.
What kinds of problems are common with this car? Are they ones that would keep you from getting the car if you were in my shoes?
I owned a 94 S-class and it gave me nothing but trouble and it seems like it spent more time at the dealership service than at the house. Consumer report and some other ratings have shown below average for this current car, which is what's keeping me from pulling the trigger because I absolutely love the ride comfort as well as interior and exterior design. From what I've read nothing can match the comfort for 4 adults of this car for long trips.
Basically the car will be used to run errands as well as for long road trips for 4 adults, some of which are in places with no cell phone reception. Plus I'll probably be driving a lot of places with no MB dealership nearby.
What kinds of problems are common with this car? Are they ones that would keep you from getting the car if you were in my shoes?
Based on my recent experience with Audi and comments on other forums I will definitely not wait for the A8. Audi seems to be in the midst of a major slump in quality, probably just as bad if not worse than the one Mercedes had in the late 90's early 2000's
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 623
Likes: 131
From: pittsburgh
'25 740i; '15 targa4s; '24 cayenne
1y and 7600m and no mechanical or running issues. whilst it is solid as ever as any s i have owned the last 25yrs, there are some niggling issues with the keyless go not operating and my txtmsgs not downloading and the right door rear view mirror dip not returning to its original postion. those are minor issues and annoyances. but you expect these things to work ALL THE TIME in a $120 car. so overall, i am a big fan except for three blown tyres and a cracked rim. the wheel and tyre insurance policy i got when i bought the car saved my butt over and over again.
and since the o/p asked what issues would keep me from getting this car (again), i would say two things:
1/ if i was going to get another s (i am not), i certainly would not get the 20" low profile tyres. whilst they look killer, i need to consider function over form. i have lost confidence in this car due to how easily the tyres blow given the poor roads here in the midwest. and you need to have confidence in your equipment. so consider carefully the 20" tyres (that come with the "sport package +1" option) and maybe go with the 19" that come with the standard sport package.
2/ on the motorway, the car is brill. exactly what you want for a 10h ride. and this is exactly why i bought it. it sits in the garage most of the time save for those long-haul trips because around town, it is a boring drive. so consider your needs before buying.
and since the o/p asked what issues would keep me from getting this car (again), i would say two things:
1/ if i was going to get another s (i am not), i certainly would not get the 20" low profile tyres. whilst they look killer, i need to consider function over form. i have lost confidence in this car due to how easily the tyres blow given the poor roads here in the midwest. and you need to have confidence in your equipment. so consider carefully the 20" tyres (that come with the "sport package +1" option) and maybe go with the 19" that come with the standard sport package.
2/ on the motorway, the car is brill. exactly what you want for a 10h ride. and this is exactly why i bought it. it sits in the garage most of the time save for those long-haul trips because around town, it is a boring drive. so consider your needs before buying.
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 68
Likes: 16
From: michigan
200E320,2006CLS500,20102015 S550 4 matic,Panamera,1991 porsche 964
2yrs european delivery 27,000 miles
Great car.no problems.Hit a wild turkey so needs headlight replaced.In my experience the Mercedes is more reliable than Porsche panamera. As my service manager who also looks after Porsche's said MERCEDES HAS IT DOWN PAT. .PORSCHE IS STILL NOT THERE ON RELIABILITY.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 47
Likes: 4
Lexus LS430
Thanks for the info everyone. As I stated I absolutely love the look and feel of the car and driving dynamics are exactly what I'd like in a car like. I have a separate sports car with a manual that I love for sporty driving, but for a long road trip across the country for 4 adults a car like this is the way to go.
I found the Consumer Reports from April of 2016 and the S-class has an overall score of 73, with owner satisfaction above average and expected reliability of below average. What's strange i that the 2014 has much worse than average for brakes, noise/leasks, power equipment, and in-car electronics, but the 2015 it shows above average for everything except in-car electronics.
Were there any changes from the 14 to 15? Based on your experiences and the fact that the 15 looks good as far as reliability I'm thinking the car probably makes sense.
I know this is a MB forum, but if you were in my position would you get the S-class today or is there anything on the horizon you'd consider? My old Lexus still works fine (other than the navigation being out of date), but it's looking long in the tooth. As much as I love the Lexus service, the new Lexus seem to moving away from what I loved about them. The BMW 7 looks great, but the reviews I've seen show the S-class to have the better ride comfort.
I found the Consumer Reports from April of 2016 and the S-class has an overall score of 73, with owner satisfaction above average and expected reliability of below average. What's strange i that the 2014 has much worse than average for brakes, noise/leasks, power equipment, and in-car electronics, but the 2015 it shows above average for everything except in-car electronics.
Were there any changes from the 14 to 15? Based on your experiences and the fact that the 15 looks good as far as reliability I'm thinking the car probably makes sense.
I know this is a MB forum, but if you were in my position would you get the S-class today or is there anything on the horizon you'd consider? My old Lexus still works fine (other than the navigation being out of date), but it's looking long in the tooth. As much as I love the Lexus service, the new Lexus seem to moving away from what I loved about them. The BMW 7 looks great, but the reviews I've seen show the S-class to have the better ride comfort.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 4,005
Likes: 711
From: ATLANTA
R Nine T
Your interior is beautiful really. Why is it when I looked at this color on a amG GTS it looked bluish.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,604
Likes: 125
2026 Mercedes CLE53A4 AMG Cabriolet and 2025 MAYBACH EQS680V4
If you would like, lots of pictures in the link below.
https://mbworld.org/forums/new-s-cla...it-begins.html
Last edited by LovinMercedes; Apr 3, 2016 at 10:27 PM.
Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 96
Likes: 26
From: Baltimore
2015 S550 4matic
I have 10K on my S550 and had to get the window switch replaced as the window was stuck on the passenger side and wouldn't go all the way up. Should I mention that this happened when the window tint guy was taking off the door panel?
