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2020 450 vs 560 - which engine more reliable

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Old Oct 11, 2024 | 11:08 PM
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2020 450 vs 560 - which engine more reliable

Looking into 2020 S class used

low mileage 20,000-30,000 miles

I usually drive my cars to 120-150k miles

which engine is more reliable 560 or 450 on 2020 S class ?

thanks
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Old Oct 11, 2024 | 11:13 PM
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Originally Posted by lazybones18
Looking into 2020 S class used

low mileage 20,000-30,000 miles

I usually drive my cars to 120-150k miles

which engine is more reliable 560 or 450 on 2020 S class ?

thanks
I believe the North American S 450 with the M276 is more reliable. I am not sure if you are in North America or Europe because they have different engine versions despite both being called 450.

That said, the S 560 will be smoother experience over all due to more cylinders.
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Old Oct 11, 2024 | 11:28 PM
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Originally Posted by W205C43PFL
I believe the North American S 450 with the M276 is more reliable. I am not sure if you are in North America or Europe because they have different engine versions despite both being called 450.

That said, the S 560 will be smoother experience over all due to more cylinders.
i am in North America
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Old Oct 11, 2024 | 11:55 PM
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You asked about (reliability), but is that the only factor you care about? In a W222, I don’t see reliability of the M256 in the S450 being a priority over the smoothness of the M176.

The M256, as an inline-6 cylinder engine, should be more reliable, but without the 48V system, there is turbo lag and hence the ride feels sluggish and not as smooth (you’ll find a need to push the accelerator harder which causes harsh shifts by default). I chose the M265 in the GLS (and would do the same probably in a W223) only because the engine uses the 48V electrical system to operate an electric supercharges which spins up to 10s of thousands of rpm to reduce turbo (almost no lag at all); very smooth and very reliable .. and in that case the ride is VERY subtle combined with the reliability benefits. 48V and the electric motor isn’t an option in the W222, so make sure to drive one first and see if you’ll like it.
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Old Oct 12, 2024 | 12:47 AM
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Maintenance wise M256 should be more budget friendly but M176 is V8 and nothing is like a V8 once you drive in . Reliability wise , I don't even think M176 would be a bad choice over M256 either . I also think some M278's failures (turbo line oil leaks ) must have been sorted out by now and M176 engine should present a better owning experience as well
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Old Oct 12, 2024 | 10:40 AM
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A think a simple answer to your question is the 450.
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Old Oct 12, 2024 | 12:24 PM
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Drive them both. The 6 just doesn't make the car feel the way the V8 makes it feel. Neither car is going to be a bastion for reliability, if reliability is what you're really looking for buy a Lexus, an LS460 not an LS500. Even they aren't perfect and have some common issues that are quite expensive.

The biggest potential issue for the M176 seems to be leaking valve cover gaskets which my unit had and a couple other people here have had. That can be a big job, and it can pop up before 50k miles. Most people realize theirs leak when they do their spark plugs at 50k miles. Something to just be prepared for and try and get addressed under warranty like I did. I would not own one of these without a warranty.

But I would never even consider the S450, personally.
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Old Oct 13, 2024 | 07:59 AM
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I’m on my second S450, and I’ve been very happy with both of them, no engine issue with either of them. In both instances the whole package of a 450 has lined up nicely for me, price, options and warranty. The 560 has more oomph, based on the test drives that I did, and finding a well optioned 560 is easier than finding a well optioned 450. The standard leather in the 560 is an upgrade to the standard leather in the 450, not that there is anything wrong with the 450 😃
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Old Oct 14, 2024 | 05:40 PM
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Originally Posted by lazybones18
Looking into 2020 S class used

low mileage 20,000-30,000 miles

I usually drive my cars to 120-150k miles

which engine is more reliable 560 or 450 on 2020 S class ?

thanks
I don't think there is a difference in long term reliability solely based on which motor you choose. 90% of long term reiliability is due to maintenance and usage. Any problems related to design or assembly will show themselves within the first few years, so you should be past that point now. You can make either engine last a long time if that's what you want. The 8 cylinder motor is going to cost more to operate and maintain, more fuel, more oil, more spark plugs, etc. And if you fail to maintain either motor it's going to be costly, but slightly more costly with the 8 cylinder motor. Like others have said, the driving experience will be different, and it will be close to impossible to find an S450 with a bunch of options. On the other hand, if you put a lot of miles per year on your car - a better choice, economically, might be an S450 like @will_atl .

My advice would be to look for the car with the best service history. I would have gladly bought an S450 if it had the options I wanted plus a great service history.

Last edited by carlosinseattle; Oct 14, 2024 at 07:02 PM.
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Old Jan 1, 2025 | 08:11 PM
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2018 S450 4Matic, 2021 Toyota Tundra, 2010 GL350 (sold)
Feeling happy about my Christmas Eve purchase 😁

Wow… this thread makes me feel like I bought the perfect W222. This car has better than perfect service records and every option possible. We cannot find a flaw on the car anywhere. It needs new brakes and tires soon, which I’m doing now. @BenzNinja lowered it 17mm (I think) and turn on ILS+, new maps, annoyances turned off, and many other things - HIGHLY recommend him. Even the air freshener has Tom Ford F@cking Fabulous loaded. Ha. I’m having fun.

I’d love to know the back story on the single prior owner. He cleared loves this car too.

Attached is the datacard. No pics yet as I’ve been sick and it’s been raining.
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S450 DataCard.pdf (61.8 KB, 149 views)
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