used Mercedes S-class (W221) - 2006-2013, Ultimate Buying Guide with Common Issues

Buying a used Mercedes Benz S-class (W221) - produced from 2005-2013

How reliable are the engines? How good is this car? What are the common problems/weak points of these cars? What is the price for fixing the various issues? Watch the video and you will get answers to all these questions and more!

What to look for when buying a used Mercedes S-class W 221 advice / guide

used Mercedes S class W221 review

Mercedes S280, S300, S350, S400 Hybrid, S450, S500, S550, S600, S63 AMG, S65 AMG

0:00 - Intro + price
0:38 - Interior
2:27 - Body, rust protection
3:17 - Possible issues general
6:49 - Electronics
7:58 - Water leaks into the interior
8:47 - Suspension
12:37 - Petrol Engine issues
19:41 - Diesel Engine issues
21:39 - Timing chain
22:08 - Transmissions
23:17 - Ending/Summary
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[emilhristov]

This is a proper buying guide, nobody is even close to yours videos, thanks!

[milanmocik]

Very VERY good guide. Can confirm, keep the voltage at requested levels, it will deflect 90 percent of the problems with electronics. S klasses are made to EAT kilometers, not to sit in the parking lot for more than 2 weeks. While buying this, i seriously recommend to take a mechanic with PROPER mercedes benz diagnostics, where you can check all the functions. Without this tool, you wont be able to tell if the airmatic is working properly, there are pre-scripted test in the software to check if everything is OK. DONT look at the mileage, look at the overall shape. they are meant to be driven long distances, so dont get scared. Cloged dpf and egr are a result of short distance travels, it will also tell you a lot about the shape of the transmission. This will also shown in the diagnostics. You can also check WHEN the oil was changed and HOW MUCH has been changed, it all shows in diagnostics. Problem in my country ( slovakia) is that there are two types of mechanics: the first smaller group will honestly tell you, they have little experience with mercedeses ( or they dont have proper equipment/diag ), the second, larger group will tell you they have no problem fixing it while having NO experience or tools. They will f*ck your benz. Dont fear genuine services. Gear, diff fluids i would recommend to do by them, oil and filter change can be done by everyone. Geometry and brakes also done by genuine merc service. Especially geometry must be done in certail level of the airmatic pillows.

[PabloEscobar-vvdr]

The best review ever and I saw a lot ! Very professional for a youtuber... great work waiting for more .

[abdoulwane]

One of the most underrated review I have come across. Superb details, great at assessing reliability and probabilities of failure associated with repair cost and complexity. Fantastic at comparing various engines from a single model. Just LOOOVED it ! Thanks big man.

[jimmyvincentmusacchio]

I drive an S class W221. I'm not rich, and I would not want to drive any other luxury car, with the exception of a Rolls Royce. Very reliable car. If it breaks it is not cheap, but In my experience It is TANK.

[gary]

This video single-handedly convinced me to get a 2008 S550. When I bought the car at 127000 miles, the engine bay and drive train was spotless. There’s so much room to work under the hood.

[tansu_tuntas]

Incredibly detailed guide. Amazing. Nobody should buy a W221 without watching this video. Hats off..

[Falco_e]

Great video!
My dad had a 2012 s500 L 4 matic amg line, he had it from 100tkm - 180tkm, and there was not one single thing failing at all. Everything worked, really not one repair on the whole car.

[lezivanerrol]

One of the best reviews for an S Class I've ever seen - amusing too.
Keep up the good work. When I buy my W221 I'll be back to check out your other videos.

[DwNhiLL]

I’m so happy you did another video on this s class generation!

[saadettin]

7 Series G11 next! Depreciation just did its work.

[mr.obiora]

W221 owner here, one big thing not mentioned here the engine computer (ECM) is a known failure point of this car. Just search ME9.7 failure. Seems like it’s been happening more as these cars reach the 13yr mark. Anyway only way to fix is to get a replacement cloned. It can solve random throttle body failure code p2112 and p2101

[sfneurosurgeon]

Button issue can be cleaned with alcohol wipe. Wrinkled leather can be fixed with cold pack and heat gun. I still drive my 2007 W221 and it is the most reliable s class I’ve ever owned. Save $2k USD a year for maintenance and repair.

[joelstatosky]

Guys a lot of this can be dealt with by purchasing one if very good condition. Also I would save up enough money to cover the common issues around $5, 000 after that the car is actually one of the most reliable mercedes

[puwanatw.]

Yours content for this one is much improve and more detail than before. Awesome review.

[mihairadupop]

I think the best car buy support ever. Thank you

[Brett]

Buddy has 2012. He has had it for 5 years. He spent 3 grand on it since buying it with 35k on it. Has 65k on it now. Honestly not bad for 5 year ownership.

[richarddespres]

This was a great buying guide. I may go hunting for a 2010-2013 S63 or S65 when the time comes without too many worries. Thank you for the great review

[Nightbird.]

I am really surprised you still haven't done a buying guide for the W222..many of which are now affordable for more people. Please do one soon as we could use your advice. Thank you and stay well! 😉

[Skambutisz]

I drive s350cdi which has on the clock still runs smooth without a problem.