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Mercedes-Benz S-class W221 (2005–2013)

4.5/5
Reliability score Good
Email-verified reliability report

Model and generation reliability insights from verified owners. Variants are selected when adding reviews.

4 Verified owner reports

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Most reported affected parts

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No affected parts have been reported yet.

Engine reliability summary

Petrol

Engine Score Reports Common issues
AMG S 63 V8 (525 Hp) 7G-TRONIC (M 156.984) No reports 0 No issues reported
AMG S 63 V8 (525 Hp) AMG SPEEDSHIFT 7G-TRONIC (M 156.984) No reports 0 No issues reported
AMG S 63 V8 (544 Hp) AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT (M 157.980) No reports 0 No issues reported
S 350 (272 Hp) 4MATIC 7G-TRONIC (M 272.965) No reports 0 No issues reported
Show 17 more engines
S 350 (272 Hp) 4MATIC G-TRONIC (M 272.965) No reports 0 No issues reported
S 350 (272 Hp) 7G-TRONIC (M 272.965) No reports 0 No issues reported
S 350 (272 Hp) G-TRONIC (M 272.965) No reports 0 No issues reported
S 350 BlueEFFICIENCY (306 Hp) 4MATIC G-TRONIC (M 276.950) No reports 0 No issues reported
S 350 BlueEFFICIENCY (306 Hp) G-TRONIC (M 276.950) No reports 0 No issues reported
S 400 V6 (299 Hp) HYBRID 7G-TRONIC (M 272.974) No reports 0 No issues reported
S 450 (340 Hp) 4MATIC 7G-TRONIC (M 273.924) No reports 0 No issues reported
S 450 (340 Hp) 7G-TRONIC (M 273.922) No reports 0 No issues reported
S 450 V8 (340 Hp) 4MATIC G-TRONIC (M 273.924) No reports 0 No issues reported
S 450 V8 (340 Hp) G-TRONIC (M 273.922) No reports 0 No issues reported
S 500 (388 Hp) 4MATIC 7G-TRONIC (M 273.968) No reports 0 No issues reported
S 500 (388 Hp) 7G-TRONIC (M 273.961) No reports 0 No issues reported
S 500 BlueEFFICIENCY (435 Hp) 4MATIC G-TRONIC (M 278.932) No reports 0 No issues reported
S 500 BlueEFFICIENCY (435 Hp) G-TRONIC (M 278.932) No reports 0 No issues reported
S 500 V8 (388 Hp) 4MATIC G-TRONIC (M 273.968) No reports 0 No issues reported
S 500 V8 (388 Hp) G-TRONIC (M 273.961) No reports 0 No issues reported
S 550 (388 Hp) 7G-TRONIC (M 273.961) No reports 0 No issues reported

Diesel

Engine Score Reports Common issues
S 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY (204 Hp) 7G-TRONIC PLUS (OM 651.961) No reports 0 No issues reported
S 320 CDI (235 Hp) 4MATIC 7G-TRONIC (OM 642.930) No reports 0 No issues reported
S 320 CDI (235 Hp) 7G-TRONIC (OM 642.930) No reports 0 No issues reported
S 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY (235 Hp) 4MATIC G-TRONIC (OM 642.930) No reports 0 No issues reported
Show 5 more engines
S 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY (235 Hp) G-TRONIC (OM 642.930) No reports 0 No issues reported
S 350 CDI BlueTEC (258 Hp) 4MATIC G-TRONIC (OM 642.868) No reports 0 No issues reported
S 350 CDI BlueTEC (258 Hp) G-TRONIC (OM 642.862) No reports 0 No issues reported
S 420 CDI V8 (320 Hp) 7G-TRONIC (OM 629.911) No reports 0 No issues reported
S 450 CDI V8 (320 Hp) G-TRONIC (OM 629.911) No reports 0 No issues reported

Owner reviews

Verified owner Verified
Model not specified Mileage unknown

S-Class W221: German Engineering or Electrical Nightmare?

Perhaps it's time to start a competition: 'Do you have days when no system error lights up?' German crap stuffed with perpetually failing electrics. For example: a 2004 Volvo S80 mk1 with 300,000 km, used for many years. Here's a different competition: 'Will any warning light illuminate in this car?' The only car out of over 60 in my life that I can drive to China at any moment with full confidence it won't let me down. Only a late-model Toyota Camry.

Pros: Reliable for long journeys, Only car out of 60+ to inspire such confidence
Cons: Constant electrical system errors, Perpetually failing electrics, German engineering questioned
Verified owner Verified
Model not specified Mileage unknown

S-Class W221: Premium Appeal for the Average Wallet

The Mercedes W221 remains an interesting proposition for those seeking a premium car attainable by those with an average financial status. The sensible price-to-quality ratio, even for a decade-old vehicle, allows for enjoyable driving in comfortable conditions. However, for vehicles with over 250,000 km, this comes at the cost of exponentially increasing expenses to restore virtually all vehicle systems to proper technical condition. Any neglect will make itself known.

Pros: Premium feel at a more accessible price point., Comfortable and luxurious driving experience., Good value for money on used models., Timeless design and solid build quality.
Cons: High maintenance costs for high-mileage examples., Potential for expensive repairs on aged systems., Neglecting maintenance can lead to significant issues.
Verified owner Verified
Model not specified Mileage unknown

S-Class W221 Review

Mega comfortable car, its size disappears after a few kilometers, and it works very well as a daily driver. Driving this car can be described in one word: relaxation. The 3.0 CDI engine is more than sufficient for this car. For now, basic servicing is enough. For mixed driving, toggling Eco-off will likely be necessary. So far, I have no issues with the electronics, and there's quite a bit of it onboard. The ergonomics are at a mega high level, and operation is very intuitive. The materials are...

Pros: Extremely comfortable, Effortless to drive daily, Relaxing driving experience, Adequate 3.0 CDI engine, Intuitive controls, High-quality interior materials
Cons: Eco mode might need disabling for performance
Verified owner Verified
Model not specified Mileage unknown

S-Class W221: A Comprehensive Review

Hard to give a different rating, this is an overall assessment. I've had it for over 6 years, third owner. The 5.5 engine is sensational, considering the mileage. For the work I had to do: 1 ignition coil (€12), a starter (original, used but like new - €17), an oil cooler gasket (€40), an intake manifold (used from a wreck, perfect condition - €160, complete), a door handle with keyless go (€42), rear shock absorbers (used, of course - €350 per pair), a new driveshaft support bearing (€23), and a new auxiliary heater pump (€35).

Pros: Exceptional 5.5 engine performance, Relatively low repair costs for major components, Reliability despite age and multiple owners
Cons: Some wear and tear items replaced

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