The Mercedes-Benz S-Class W222 is the fifth generation of the world's most iconic luxury sedan, produced from 2013 to 2020. Positioned at the very top of the Mercedes-Benz lineup, the W222 set new benchmarks in comfort, technology, and refinement when it launched. With its Magic Body Control suspension, Burmester audio systems, and a cabin that rivaled private jets, this S-Class became the reference point for the entire luxury segment.
For used car buyers in the US market, the W222 represents a compelling opportunity. A vehicle that retailed for well over $90,000 new can now be found for a fraction of that price. But with complexity comes cost, and the W222 is one of the most technically sophisticated automobiles ever built.
This guide covers everything a prospective buyer needs to know: known reliability issues by engine, maintenance costs, the best versions to target, and the parts most likely to need attention. Whether you are shopping for a S550, S63 AMG, or a diesel variant, read on before you commit.
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The W222 S-Class was unveiled at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show and went on sale in the US as a 2014 model year vehicle. A significant mid-cycle facelift arrived for model year 2018, bringing revised styling, updated infotainment, and new engine options including the M256 inline-six with 48V mild-hybrid technology.
Body styles included the standard long-wheelbase (W222), the short-wheelbase version sold in select markets, the C217 coupe, and the A217 cabriolet. AMG variants — S63 and S65 — rounded out the performance-oriented end of the lineup.
| Engine | Displacement | Power | Torque | 0-60 mph | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M276 (S400/S450) | 3.0L V6 Turbo | 329–362 hp | 354–369 lb-ft | 5.2–5.5 sec | Post-facelift S450 uses upgraded tune |
| M256 (S450 post-2018) | 3.0L I6 Turbo + 48V | 362 hp | 369 lb-ft | 4.9 sec | EQ Boost mild-hybrid |
| M278 (S550 pre-2018) | 4.7L V8 BiTurbo | 449 hp | 516 lb-ft | 4.6 sec | Most common US variant |
| M176 (S560 post-2018) | 4.0L V8 BiTurbo | 469 hp | 516 lb-ft | 4.4 sec | Replaces M278 at facelift |
| M157 (S63 AMG) | 5.5L V8 BiTurbo | 577 hp | 664 lb-ft | 3.9 sec | AMG-specific engine |
| M279 (S65 AMG) | 6.0L V12 BiTurbo | 621 hp | 738 lb-ft | 4.1 sec | Flagship AMG variant |
| OM642 (S350d) | 3.0L V6 Diesel | 258–286 hp | 457–480 lb-ft | 6.2 sec | Euro market only |
| OM656 (S400d) | 3.0L I6 Diesel | 340 hp | 516 lb-ft | 5.2 sec | Post-facelift, Euro only |
How to Check a Used Mercedes-Benz S-Class W222's History
Before buying a used Mercedes-Benz S-Class W222, it is essential to ensure full transparency about its past. Undisclosed accidents can hide poor-quality repairs that directly compromise the safety of the driver and passengers.
The W222 is particularly vulnerable to concealed damage given its complex array of active safety systems. A prior collision can leave behind misaligned air suspension geometry, unreplaced curtain airbags, and hastily patched ABC or Magic Body Control actuators — components that are expensive and critical to the car's behavior. Structural repairs to the aluminum-intensive body can also mask frame damage that only manifests later under load. It is therefore strongly recommended to check the vehicle's complete history using its license plate or VIN number before making any purchase decision.
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Key Strengths
The W222 S-Class remains one of the most impressive used luxury buys on the market when approached carefully. Its build quality is exceptional, with materials and fit-and-finish that age gracefully even on higher-mileage examples.
The air suspension — when well maintained — delivers a ride quality that few vehicles can match at any price. The 9G-Tronic automatic gearbox is smooth, reliable, and well-suited to the car's grand touring character.
The W222 also introduced autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and 360-degree camera systems to the mainstream luxury segment, features that remain genuinely useful years later.
From a value standpoint, the S550 (M278) and S450 (M276) represent the best entry points: powerful, well-documented, and with the widest availability of aftermarket parts and independent specialist knowledge in the US.
Finally, the W222's strong used market presence means that replacement parts are accessible, and specialist mechanics familiar with this generation are easy to find in most major US cities.
Known Reliability Issues
S400 / S450 — M276
The M276 V6 engine is generally regarded as one of Mercedes' more dependable modern units, but it is not without its weaknesses in the W222 context.
Timing chain wear is the most significant concern. On early M276 units, the balance shaft sprocket can strip its teeth, leading to catastrophic engine noise or failure. This typically appears between 60,000 and 90,000 miles and is a critical-severity issue. Later production units received a revised sprocket design.
Oil consumption can become noticeable after 80,000 miles, particularly if oil changes were not performed strictly on schedule. Check the dipstick carefully on any inspection.
Camshaft adjuster solenoids can clog with sludge if the oil service history is incomplete, causing rough idle and fault codes. Severity: Moderate. Typical onset: 50,000–70,000 miles.
S450 (Post-2018) — M256
The M256 is a sophisticated unit pairing a turbocharged inline-six with a 48V mild-hybrid system (EQ Boost). As a newer engine, long-term data is still emerging, but a few patterns have surfaced.
ISG (Integrated Starter-Generator) faults can trigger warning lights and temporary loss of the mild-hybrid assistance function. Severity: Moderate. Typical onset: 40,000–60,000 miles.
High-pressure fuel pump issues have been reported on early M256 examples, causing hard starts and rough running. Severity: Moderate. Typical onset: 50,000 miles and above.
For a detailed breakdown of this engine's architecture, see our Mercedes-Benz M256 Engine Guide.
S550 (Pre-2018) — M278
The M278 4.7L V8 BiTurbo is the heart of the most common W222 in the US market and carries over some issues from the W221 generation.
Valve stem seal wear is a well-documented problem, causing blue smoke on cold starts and increased oil consumption. This typically manifests between 70,000 and 100,000 miles. Severity: Moderate to Critical depending on how long it is ignored.
Turbocharger oil feed line seals can weep, leaving oil residue on the underside of the engine. Left unaddressed, this progresses to turbo bearing damage. Severity: Critical. Typical onset: 80,000–120,000 miles.
Coolant pipe fittings — particularly the plastic composite sections — are known to crack and leak. A pre-purchase inspection should specifically check for coolant residue around these junctions. Severity: Moderate. Typical onset: 60,000–90,000 miles.
S63 AMG — M157
The M157 5.5L V8 BiTurbo is a potent but maintenance-intensive unit that demands diligent ownership.
Camshaft adjuster (phaser) failure is the most critical known issue. Worn phasers produce a distinctive rattling noise on cold start that escalates with mileage. Severity: Critical. Typical onset: 60,000–80,000 miles. Replacement requires significant labor.
Carbon buildup on intake valves is an inherent trait of direct-injection engines. On the M157, this accelerates if short trips dominate the usage pattern. Walnut blasting every 40,000–50,000 miles is strongly recommended.
Oil cooler gasket leaks are common, manifesting as oil seeping from the front of the engine. Severity: Moderate. Typical onset: 50,000–80,000 miles.
S65 AMG — M279
The S65's 6.0L V12 BiTurbo M279 is an engineering tour de force, but ownership costs are substantial and reliability demands respect.
Spark plug and ignition coil wear accelerates on this twelve-cylinder unit. With twelve coils to replace at intervals, routine ignition service costs can be significant. Severity: Moderate. Typical onset: 40,000–60,000 miles.
Vacuum line deterioration affects numerous actuators and can produce a wide range of fault codes. Severity: Minor to Moderate. Typical onset: 60,000 miles and above.
Transmission oil cooler lines are a known weak point and should be inspected for seepage at every service.
Chassis Issues
Air suspension compressor and valve block failure is one of the most commonly reported W222 issues across all variants. The compressor can wear out from 60,000 miles onward, and a failed valve block causes one or more corners to sag overnight. Repair costs range from $800 to $2,500 depending on which component fails.
Magic Body Control (MBC) stereo camera can malfunction after windshield replacement if the camera is not properly recalibrated, effectively disabling the road-scanning function.
Rear air strut leaks typically begin after 80,000–100,000 miles, especially in regions with significant temperature cycling.
Engine mount failure is a very common W222 issue, especially on higher-mileage V6, V8, and AMG variants.
When the hydraulic mounts collapse, they cause excessive vibration at idle, harsh gear engagement, and a noticeable loss of refinement in the cabin.
Electronics and Software
COMAND infotainment system updates are infrequent and the interface ages relative to modern expectations, but the hardware itself is generally stable. Faults with the navigation hard drive have been reported on pre-facelift units.
Instrument cluster pixel fading is uncommon on the W222 compared to older generations, but faulty ambient lighting modules and seat control units generate nuisance fault codes on higher-mileage examples.
Parking sensors and 360-degree camera modules can fail due to moisture ingress, typically after 70,000 miles or following a front/rear bumper repair.
Maintenance and Servicing
Mercedes recommends Service A (minor) every 10,000 miles or 1 year and Service B (major) every 20,000 miles or 2 years. In practice, many independent specialists recommend shortening oil change intervals to 7,500 miles on the turbocharged V8 engines to reduce internal sludge accumulation.
Service A (oil, filter, cabin filter, fluids check) typically costs $300–$500 at an independent specialist and $500–$800 at a Mercedes dealer.
Service B (all of the above plus brake fluid, spark plugs if due, air filter) runs $700–$1,200 independently and $1,200–$2,000 at a dealership.
Key watch points specific to the W222:
- Transmission fluid should be changed every 40,000 miles on the 9G-Tronic, despite Mercedes listing it as a lifetime fill
- Air suspension should be visually inspected at every service for leaks and compressor operation
- Brake pads and rotors wear faster than average given the vehicle's weight; budget for replacement every 30,000–40,000 miles on front axle
- Spark plugs on V8 and V12 variants should be replaced at 40,000–50,000 miles, not the extended intervals sometimes suggested
Parts to Watch / Replace First
Air suspension compressor — High-wear item on all W222 variants; inspect condition and test cycle time before buying.
Air suspension valve block — Controls air distribution to all four corners; a faulty valve block causes ride height errors and corner sag.
Rear air struts — Rubber bladders degrade over time and with temperature cycling; budget for replacement on any example over 80,000 miles.
Valve stem seals — Critical on the M278; blue smoke on cold start is the clearest symptom of deterioration.
Turbocharger oil feed lines — Inspect for seeping at both turbocharger units on V8 variants.
Camshaft adjuster solenoids — Prone to sludge blockage on V6 and V8 units; cheap to replace but neglected on poorly serviced cars.
Coolant expansion tank and hoses — Plastic fittings become brittle with age; preventive replacement avoids roadside coolant loss.
Ignition coils — Replace as a full set on V8 and V12 engines to avoid misfires returning shortly after partial replacement.
Transmission fluid and filter — Often overlooked; fresh fluid dramatically improves shift quality on the 9G-Tronic.
Cabin air filter and pollen filter — Frequently skipped on service; contributes to HVAC odors and reduced airflow.
FAQ
Is the Mercedes-Benz S-Class W222 reliable?
The W222 is reliable by luxury segment standards when it has been properly maintained. Its greatest reliability risks stem from deferred maintenance rather than inherent design flaws. A fully documented service history significantly reduces the risk of expensive surprises.
What is the best engine option in the W222?
For most buyers, the S550 with the M278 V8 offers the best balance of performance and parts availability. The S450 with the M276 V6 is a slightly lower-cost entry point with good reliability if the balance shaft issue has been addressed. Avoid the M157-powered S63 unless you are prepared for higher maintenance costs.
How many miles will a Mercedes-Benz S-Class W222 last?
A well-maintained W222 can comfortably reach 200,000 miles on the powertrain. The limiting factor is typically the air suspension, electronics, and associated luxury systems rather than the engine itself. Budget accordingly for these ancillary repairs.
Is the W222 S-Class expensive to maintain?
Yes, it is more expensive than average. Annual maintenance costs for a well-maintained W222 typically run $1,500–$3,000 per year at an independent specialist. AMG variants (S63, S65) can exceed $4,000–$6,000 per year if any significant repairs arise.
Which W222 should I avoid?
Avoid any example without a complete and verifiable service history. Be particularly cautious of S65 AMG models with high mileage, pre-facelift S550 units showing oil consumption or blue smoke, and any car that has had windshield replacement without MBC camera recalibration. Early 2014–2015 model years can have a higher density of unresolved issues compared to post-facelift 2018-onward examples.
Is the pre-facelift or post-facelift W222 better to buy?
The post-facelift (2018–2020) models benefit from revised engines, improved software, and resolved early-production issues. However, they command a higher used price. A well-maintained 2016–2017 S550 often represents the best value proposition, combining a mature engine tune with reasonable depreciation.
Conclusion
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class W222 earns a reliability score of 7/10 for a used luxury vehicle — genuinely capable of long-term, trouble-free ownership when purchased carefully and maintained properly. The key is finding a well-documented example and budgeting realistically for air suspension, routine fluids, and ignition maintenance.
Browse our catalog of quality replacement and maintenance parts for the W222 S-Class to keep yours running at its best.