What years should I avoid / look at?
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S550 V8, CL600 V12, SLK32 AMG
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I do most of my own work, so I can tell you, the 4matic is more difficult to work on than the rwd. Unless you really need awd, just get the rwd.
I have the V8, and yes, the power is good, but the V6 with the newer transmission isnt far off, and its cheaper to buy, cheaper to run and cheaper and easier to fix.
Also, the twin turbo V6 is probably the most reliable engine Mercedes has ever produced.
If I had to do it again, I would get the facelift V6 instead of the pre facelift V8
I have the V8, and yes, the power is good, but the V6 with the newer transmission isnt far off, and its cheaper to buy, cheaper to run and cheaper and easier to fix.
Also, the twin turbo V6 is probably the most reliable engine Mercedes has ever produced.
If I had to do it again, I would get the facelift V6 instead of the pre facelift V8
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2001 S600 V12 Sold, 2011 Jaguar XFR Sold, 2017 S550 4-Matic, 2018 S63 AMG Sedan
Hi Carlos
Chuck in Lake Forest Park here.
I was noodling around on the forum and found this thread about engines.
You comment that anything older than 2014.5 is susceptible to “bore scoring”. I assume that you mean 2014 mid year manufacture date. Carfax shows that my 2015 was offered for sale by the dealer on 7/31/2014. Without using the VIN for verification…are you able to estimate if my engine received the cylinder wall upgrades?
Also, I opened a thread this morning regarding my heater blowing cold air regardless of temperature setting.
I would love to hear any feedback you may have in that.
take care Carlos
Chuck
Chuck in Lake Forest Park here.
I was noodling around on the forum and found this thread about engines.
You comment that anything older than 2014.5 is susceptible to “bore scoring”. I assume that you mean 2014 mid year manufacture date. Carfax shows that my 2015 was offered for sale by the dealer on 7/31/2014. Without using the VIN for verification…are you able to estimate if my engine received the cylinder wall upgrades?
Also, I opened a thread this morning regarding my heater blowing cold air regardless of temperature setting.
I would love to hear any feedback you may have in that.
take care Carlos
Chuck
Here's the thread that talks about the manufacture dates for bore scoring. I think the original poster got his terminoogy mixed up, but the date is what's important. The original poster thought it went from silitec to cast iron when in reality it went from twin arc to silitec, and is still silitec to this day. You might have to scroll down a few posts to get to the post with the exact engine numbers covered: https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...liability.html
Here's another post that talks about the cylinder liners. On this thread they say the change for the engine build date was March of 2015 from the old way to the new way: https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...2016-w222.html
You heater situation is because the "heater control valve" that regulates air flow is broken. Sorry to be the one to tell you: https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...nside-car.html
Last edited by carlosinseattle; Apr 21, 2025 at 06:19 PM. Reason: added second link
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2015 S600, 2014 E550 4-Matic
Recent M278 service - Wastegate actuator clip, vacuum pump valves, 4 leaky cam sensors. My recent M277 service - 24 spark plugs, coil pack. M275 service in que: 24 spark plugs, possible coil pack repair.
Honestly, I was floored when the wastegate actuator was unhooked on the M278. This is an issue I had on a 1989 Dodge Caravan at similar age/mileage. The V12's need plugs, coils, valve cover gaskets. $1700 in ignition parts over the past 10 years/100K miles on the W220.
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From: Pacific Northwest
2001 S600 V12 Sold, 2011 Jaguar XFR Sold, 2017 S550 4-Matic, 2018 S63 AMG Sedan
Not jumping to conclusions on my car, but there is oil in some of the plug bores. Some are totally dry, others have more. Don't know what the threshold is for oil affecting the ignition system.
Taking it to my indy this week to find out for sure what we're dealing with ...
Taking it to my indy this week to find out for sure what we're dealing with ...
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2010 E350 4Matic
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MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Pacific Northwest
2001 S600 V12 Sold, 2011 Jaguar XFR Sold, 2017 S550 4-Matic, 2018 S63 AMG Sedan
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From: Phoenix
222 S-65
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Joined: Feb 2012
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From: Phoenix
222 S-65
My 279 has been excellent. 144,000 on it. A water pump (easy for me DIY), Spark plugs and one ignition coil. No leaks. No drama. I don’t spare the horses.
Pay attention to how often we see threads dealing with problems with the bent eights in a 222 vs the bent-12. Yes; there are less V12 powered 222 cars. They are not having the issues seen with the 275.
Last edited by JohnLane; May 3, 2025 at 09:58 PM.
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From: Pacific Northwest
2001 S600 V12 Sold, 2011 Jaguar XFR Sold, 2017 S550 4-Matic, 2018 S63 AMG Sedan
