M176 reliability?
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 9
Likes: 7
From: Evanston, IL.
S 560 4 Matic and 2024 AMG S63E
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 22
Likes: 1
From: Colorado Rockies
2004 Sprinter
M278 and M176
Hello guys,
I am new to the forum. I did read the forum a lot, but wanted to get advice from members who work on their W222.
I am not a mechanic, but pretty handy, had a 1999 LS400 years ago and maintained it myself for 300K miles. I did all fluids, engine, transmission, steering, coolant, diff, fuel filter, spark plugs, radiator and coolant hoses, power steering pump rebuild, drive belt components and belt, alternator, engine and transmission mounts, starter ( inside engine V under manifold), multiple brake and suspension jobs, upper and lower control arms, struts, all sorts of bushings, wheel bearings, driveshaft flex discs, etc.
I have an old Sprinter with 414K miles and I work on it myself, almost exclusively, it’s my work van.
I am considering 2015-2017 S550 4matic ( I live in the Rockies) with 60-70K miles, maybe less.
1.Would you say stay away from 2014 for sure, or have it bore-scoped? I see one with 116K miles and highly optioned.
2. Do I really have to bore-scope 2015-16 models?
3. Should I consider 2018 S560 if I can swing it?
Which car is more DIY-friendly, M278 or M176?
These sedans are not popular in my area and I would have to buy out-of-state, going to order an inspection by a third party prior flying/driving to look at it myself. Logistics could be tricky though…
I would want to keep W222 for a while and maintain it myself whenever possible.
Any thoughts are welcome and appreciated!
I am new to the forum. I did read the forum a lot, but wanted to get advice from members who work on their W222.
I am not a mechanic, but pretty handy, had a 1999 LS400 years ago and maintained it myself for 300K miles. I did all fluids, engine, transmission, steering, coolant, diff, fuel filter, spark plugs, radiator and coolant hoses, power steering pump rebuild, drive belt components and belt, alternator, engine and transmission mounts, starter ( inside engine V under manifold), multiple brake and suspension jobs, upper and lower control arms, struts, all sorts of bushings, wheel bearings, driveshaft flex discs, etc.
I have an old Sprinter with 414K miles and I work on it myself, almost exclusively, it’s my work van.
I am considering 2015-2017 S550 4matic ( I live in the Rockies) with 60-70K miles, maybe less.
1.Would you say stay away from 2014 for sure, or have it bore-scoped? I see one with 116K miles and highly optioned.
2. Do I really have to bore-scope 2015-16 models?
3. Should I consider 2018 S560 if I can swing it?
Which car is more DIY-friendly, M278 or M176?
These sedans are not popular in my area and I would have to buy out-of-state, going to order an inspection by a third party prior flying/driving to look at it myself. Logistics could be tricky though…
I would want to keep W222 for a while and maintain it myself whenever possible.
Any thoughts are welcome and appreciated!
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 779
Likes: 205
From: Texas
63 Falcon vert
2017 is a great car. I'm at 82,000 miles all hwy.
Change oil at 5000 and performs like new. Repairs have been wearables and a few sensor bugs.
Check the maintenance history and do your homework.
Good luck with the search.
Change oil at 5000 and performs like new. Repairs have been wearables and a few sensor bugs.
Check the maintenance history and do your homework.
Good luck with the search.
Last edited by Donnymac; Aug 19, 2025 at 07:42 PM.
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 9
Likes: 7
From: Evanston, IL.
S 560 4 Matic and 2024 AMG S63E
Hello guys,
I am new to the forum. I did read the forum a lot, but wanted to get advice from members who work on their W222.
I am not a mechanic, but pretty handy, had a 1999 LS400 years ago and maintained it myself for 300K miles. I did all fluids, engine, transmission, steering, coolant, diff, fuel filter, spark plugs, radiator and coolant hoses, power steering pump rebuild, drive belt components and belt, alternator, engine and transmission mounts, starter ( inside engine V under manifold), multiple brake and suspension jobs, upper and lower control arms, struts, all sorts of bushings, wheel bearings, driveshaft flex discs, etc.
I have an old Sprinter with 414K miles and I work on it myself, almost exclusively, it’s my work van.
I am considering 2015-2017 S550 4matic ( I live in the Rockies) with 60-70K miles, maybe less.
1.Would you say stay away from 2014 for sure, or have it bore-scoped? I see one with 116K miles and highly optioned.
2. Do I really have to bore-scope 2015-16 models?
3. Should I consider 2018 S560 if I can swing it?
Which car is more DIY-friendly, M278 or M176?
These sedans are not popular in my area and I would have to buy out-of-state, going to order an inspection by a third party prior flying/driving to look at it myself. Logistics could be tricky though…
I would want to keep W222 for a while and maintain it myself whenever possible.
Any thoughts are welcome and appreciated!
I am new to the forum. I did read the forum a lot, but wanted to get advice from members who work on their W222.
I am not a mechanic, but pretty handy, had a 1999 LS400 years ago and maintained it myself for 300K miles. I did all fluids, engine, transmission, steering, coolant, diff, fuel filter, spark plugs, radiator and coolant hoses, power steering pump rebuild, drive belt components and belt, alternator, engine and transmission mounts, starter ( inside engine V under manifold), multiple brake and suspension jobs, upper and lower control arms, struts, all sorts of bushings, wheel bearings, driveshaft flex discs, etc.
I have an old Sprinter with 414K miles and I work on it myself, almost exclusively, it’s my work van.
I am considering 2015-2017 S550 4matic ( I live in the Rockies) with 60-70K miles, maybe less.
1.Would you say stay away from 2014 for sure, or have it bore-scoped? I see one with 116K miles and highly optioned.
2. Do I really have to bore-scope 2015-16 models?
3. Should I consider 2018 S560 if I can swing it?
Which car is more DIY-friendly, M278 or M176?
These sedans are not popular in my area and I would have to buy out-of-state, going to order an inspection by a third party prior flying/driving to look at it myself. Logistics could be tricky though…
I would want to keep W222 for a while and maintain it myself whenever possible.
Any thoughts are welcome and appreciated!
Do you have time for a phone call? It would be easier to share it by speaking.
otherwise, I can fill you with some crucial keys in here.
I only work on my 2018 S 560 4Matic ( dealer never touched it basically) and am almost at 490,000 miles.
i had same Lexus you mentioned as well.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 14,663
Likes: 4,567
From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
Do you have time for a phone call? It would be easier to share it by speaking.
otherwise, I can fill you with some crucial keys in here.
I only work on my 2018 S 560 4Matic ( dealer never touched it basically) and am almost at 490,000 miles.
i had same Lexus you mentioned as well.
otherwise, I can fill you with some crucial keys in here.
I only work on my 2018 S 560 4Matic ( dealer never touched it basically) and am almost at 490,000 miles.
i had same Lexus you mentioned as well.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 4,975
Likes: 1,343
From: Cincinnati
2010 E350 4Matic
I would only look at 2016's or later unless you get the motors serial number to avoid risk of the bore scoring. M176 valve cover leaks would be a big challenge for a DIY guy.
Last edited by MBNUT1; Aug 19, 2025 at 08:44 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 2,524
Likes: 2,041
From: US
2008 E350, 2012 ML350, 2014 E350, 2015 ML350
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Junior Member
Joined: May 2025
Posts: 35
Likes: 10
This is a good question. Would like to hear from any S560 owners that have high miles. I am thinking that the M176 is a better engine than the M278 only because of the issues identified with the M278 and lack there of with the M176, but that could simply be because the M176's haven't had enought miles on them yet.
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
19' E450 4matic
I'm also curious on this as well. Currenly running a 19' W213 E450 4matic, bought almost new, 4k km on odometer, and after almost 6 years, it's got 175K km now. Everything still run great. Just found a low mileage 19" W222 S560 4 matic at a very attractive pricining. Good idea?
