The Mercedes-Benz S-Class Years To Avoid
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When it comes to luxury sedans, it’s hard to go wrong with the venerable Mercedes Benz S-Class. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a series of luxury sedans produced by German automaker Mercedes-Benz, a German company Daimler AG division. The S-Class designation stands for “Sonderklasse” in German, which translates to “special class” in English, and it certainly more than lives up to this name.
The S-Class has long been a benchmark in the luxury sedan segment. It is often seen as a symbol of technological innovation, comfort, and prestige. Mercedes-Benz has consistently used the S-Class to introduce various innovations, including safety features, interior amenities, and performance technologies, many of which have later become standard across the automotive industry. This has helped the S-Class maintain a leading position in the luxury car market.
THE MOST RELIABLE YEAR FOR THE MERCEDES-BENZ S-CLASS
The most reliable Mercedes-Benz S-Class year could be just what you’re looking for in a used car, so let’s break it down.
But what about its long-term reliability?
Although the S-Class is a well-regarded series, some years are more reliable than others. For today’s post, we highlight the Mercedes Benz S-Class years to avoid and offer insights into why they’re not worth your time and money. Let’s get to it.
Which Mercedes-Benz S-Class Years To Avoid?
In general, luxury cars tend to have a less reliable track record than non-luxury models – that’s certainly the case with the S-Class. As such, below are the worst years to avoid in the long-running lineup of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
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2001 and 2002 Mercedes-Benz S600
The 2001 and 2002 S600 models are two Mercedes Benz S-Class years to avoid – primarily due to the M137 V12 engine. Below is a quick breakdown of the issues you may face with S-Class models with this engine:
- The M137 V12 engine, found in some Mercedes-Benz models, can cause problems. The forces it creates can change the shape of the engine’s cylinder walls. This change allows oil to leak into the combustion chamber. The only way to fix this is to replace the entire engine; even then, the problem could happen again.
- Oil leaking past the cylinders can dirty many engine parts downstream or further along in the system. This can cause a chain reaction of parts failing, leading to high repair costs, until the engine finally dies.
- Moreover, the two-door S600 variant, known as the CL600, was also powered by the M137 V12 engine. Just like the S600, the 2001 and 2002 models of the CL600 had these problems, so it’s best to avoid them.
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In addition, based on several discussions on the MBWorld.org, the M137 V12 also had the following key issues:
- Lack of Power: A poster reported that their 2001 CL600, which uses the M137 engine, idles fine but lacks power when driving. Despite the lack of codes or vacuum leaks, the car struggles to move, even after swapping the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor, testing the actuator, and removing the exhaust to eliminate the possibility of clogged catalytic converters.
- High Injection Time and MAF Reading: The same user noted that the injection time, throttle angle, and MAF reading were unusually high at idle. Despite the Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) testing good, these readings suggest a possible issue.
- Potential Coil and Transformer Issues: Another user suggested renting coils and a voltage transformer to troubleshoot and rule out those components as potential sources of the problem.
- Possible Vacuum Leak: Another user suggested that despite the MAP testing fine, the readings were off, which could indicate a vacuum leak. This could be causing the engine to pulse the injectors longer, resulting in less power.
Remember, while forums are a great place to gather information and suggestions, they may not provide a definitive diagnosis or solution.
1999-2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class W220 Models
Avoiding the Mercedes-Benz S-Class W220 model produced between 1999 and 2006 is generally recommended. This model has been reported to have many problems, including rusting, failures in the suspension system, a slow and unresponsive transmission, and electrical failures. The overall quality of the W220 is considered worse than some economy-level cars of the same era – certainly, some of the worst Mercedes-Benz S-Class years to avoid.
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Below is a quick breakdown of the potential issues you may encounter with W220 models:
- Rust: These models, particularly the older ones, are known to rust in various areas, including under the car and around the headlights.
- Airmatic Suspension: Problems with the air suspension system, such as faulty air struts and leaks, can cause the car to sag.
- Electrical Problems: Owners have reported numerous electrical issues, including problems with the headlights, doors, switches, and battery drainage.
- Steering Issues: The W220 models may experience “torque steer,” where the car steers during acceleration, often due to suspension or wheel alignment issues.
- Engine Problems: Some engines in the W220 have known issues. For example, the OM 628 engine can have timing problems, and the M137 engine may leak oil.
Remember, these potential issues may only occur in some W220 models. Always get a pre-purchase inspection when buying a used car.
2007 Mercedes-Benz S550
The 2007 Mercedes-Benz S550 is another problematic model that used car buyers should steer clear of. Hotcars did an excellent analysis of why it’s worthy of a boycott, and basically, it went as follows:
- Inferior Quality Gear: The M273 engine in the 2007 S-Class has a small gear that connects to the timing chain, made from low-quality metal. The teeth on this gear can deteriorate and fall out, leading to a check engine light and camshaft timing codes. If not addressed promptly, the timing chain can slip, causing the piston to smash the valve and potentially requiring a replacement engine or a new car.
- Complex Repair Process: Addressing the gear issue requires a complex process of removing the engine and several other components, replacing the gear, and then reassembling everything. This process can be costly and time-consuming.
- Balance Shaft Issues: Balance shaft problems are common in 2004 – 2008 Mercedes models with M272 V6 piston engines, potentially affecting the 2007 S-Class.
Hotcars suggests that some enthusiasts may still want this car despite these issues. In that case, it is recommended to opt for later models and ensure they don’t fall within the affected engine serial numbers.
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