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

differentcarreview.com/2020/0...
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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[@differentcarreview-dcr]

Buying a used Audi A8 (D3/4E) - 2002-2010 kzbin.info/www/bejne/hprNeXeehph6l9U Buying a used Audi A6 (C6/4F) - 2004-2011 kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJO3lomLZdCLopo Buying a used Audi S6 (C6/4F) - 2006-2010 kzbin.info/www/bejne/o6HJZnadeLSbg5I Buying a used Audi Q7 (4L) - 2005-2015 kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZmXSZ6KBZq9onK8 Buying a used Lexus LS (USF40) - 2007-2017 kzbin.info/www/bejne/aoukkJytg91_e9U Buying a used Jaguar XJ (X351) - 2010- kzbin.info/www/bejne/gmWQc2OPlNqFhZY Buying a used VW Phaeton - 2002-2016 kzbin.info/www/bejne/fHi7iZaehKuSnZY Buying a used BMW 6 series F06, F12, F13 - 2011-2018 kzbin.info/www/bejne/n6SbgpiMjr51bqc Buying a used BMW M5 (F10) - 2011-2017 kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZbSmqmkoZaEqLs Buying a used BMW X5 (F15) - 2013-2018 kzbin.info/www/bejne/mGOZfYBqnMuNf9U Buying a used Mercedes CLK (W209/C209) - 2002-2009 kzbin.info/www/bejne/bKWWo5aQiJeinsU Buying a used Mercedes E55 AMG, E63 AMG (W211) - 2003-2009 kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y5qqqGuVjrF_apY Buying a used Bentley Continental GT, GTC, Flying Spur - 2003-2012 kzbin.info/www/bejne/gF67XmaLpL2YjMk I bought the Cheapest Range Rover in the EU with 447 100 km kzbin.info/www/bejne/f5SUqHukpM6se9k Buying a used Volkswagen Touareg II (7P) - 2010-2018 kzbin.info/www/bejne/lYe5epxra9OClc0 Buying a used Lexus RX (XU30) - 2003-2008 kzbin.info/www/bejne/naWWmZ2OjJ1sa9U

[@ahjaaa1571]

We want a challenger 2008-2020 and a mustang 2005-2014 review please

[@habibibrahim6158]

Fx35 from 2009 plz

[@emilhristov4949]

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

[@Jean-vr7vj]

Както каза Емката - изключително добро видео! Идеално обяснено, с добро, лошо, цени, очаквания, абе всичко. Хуморът също е на ниво, хехе.

[@milanmocik3591]

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.

[@secandar]

Thanks for the info bro

[@PabloEscobar-vv7dr]

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

[@abdoulwane5324]

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.

[@tansu_tuntas]

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

[@jimmyvincentmusacchio6181]

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.

[@mrbenz2392]

I have a R129 and a W221. Mercedes Benz the best or NOTHING !!!!!!!

[@discodroid]

I drove a w221 s550 a couple times...what a machine...Id almost rather have that than the w211 e500 I have now

[@don-pl2rj]

Thanks man I needed to hear that . I’m actually shopping now and I’m wondering do I go with 2013 or newer body 2014+ . My friend has an SL and his advice to me was 1 have a second commuting car , 2 have a RELIABLE shop to work on your Benz. And his heads up was he’s never put his Benz in the shop for less then 500 dollars.

[@Vivaldi111]

Poser

[@don-pl2rj]

Alek Wolf yeah for parts and labor and trustworthy work on a Benz he says it’s good

[@lezivanerrol3697]

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.

[@D0wNhiLL]

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

[@puwanatw.5059]

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

[@gary8853]

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.

[@VelesMemes]

How are you satisfied so far? I want to buy S500 2007 ,but im terrified that everything will go wrong 😂 it seems like you have to be anrocket scientist to see when something starts to rattle 😂 .

[@gary8853]

@@VelesMemes I’ve experienced all the problems mentioned in this video except the catastrophic ones like the worn timing gears, intake manifold flaps, and air struts.

[@gary8853]

@@VelesMemes I wouldn’t get a 2007 because those engines still had the worn timing gear issues.

[@fisephalnoxt]

@@gary8853 You did the opposite of what's in the video, should have bought a facelift 2010 and up. 1 owner. good service.

[@mihairadupop2491]

I think the best car buy support ever. Thank you

[@metparker]

Wow !!!! I love the new format and in-depth analysis. Bravo.

[@saadettin3221]

7 Series G11 next! Depreciation just did its work.

[@joelstatosky1817]

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

[@Falco_e46]

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.

[@mooauto2388]

Lies

[@Falco_e46]

@@mooauto2388 very much not. What color is your w221r? 😂

[@c.m.2747]

@@Falco_e46 I have found several comments on these CLS and S that talk about what great cars these are, yet we have these videos telling us horror stories, It's hard to make up my mind. I am looking at a 2013 S 550 and a 2014 CLS 550, I don't even know what to think now.

[@fisephalnoxt]

@@c.m.2747 Did you find one? The secret is to buy a 1 owner car with excellent service even if you pay a premium over a one with many owners. Also get the last model year so the 2013, get a Mercedes specialist inspect before buying. if you buy the cls buy the last year, not sure 2014 is the one for that generation.

[@richarddespres8011]

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

[@daniellele9634]

Great video as always! Keep them high quality vids coming man :D

[@kasimkn]

Great work pal! Keep up the good work! Take care.

[@juaniglesiasgarcia7269]

Really good (and also funny) videos!!! Thanks from Spain.

[@ComfortablyNumbBIYD33]

Ok you just completely talked me out of ever ,ever ,ever, ever wanting a Mercedes Benz! Holy crap

[@FvZz1623]

oh hell ye you're back! love your channel

[@TheaterAtReference]

Wow ... what an amazing detailed professional review.

[@Adrian77087]

Awesome video! I really appreciate your work👍👍

[@cleanwheels2021]

I am looking to buy a W221 S350 LWB as my first car! This really helped me!

[@alekscarguy5153]

Super amazing and detailed review! Thank you brother

[@Shakalkg]

very informative guide, great job!

[@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! 😉

[@PiranhaJaw22]

I appreciate your graphic inserts. It makes the videos very entertaining

[@kristianstarling8301]

😍 S63 AMG 2010 is coming my way 😎 Fantastic review 🤓 Thank You!!!

[@Weasel4Fun]

Yes! Was waiting for this...

[@sergiozorayan3488]

Amazing job. Thank you 👌🏻

[@Jason-Jason]

Damn, what an awesome video! Alot of good info! Thumbs Up

[@Brett7777]

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.

[@VelesMemes]

I spent 3k on owning Mitsubishi Outlander for 1 year 😂 and i wanted it to save money because it doesn’t have a lot of electronics 🤣

[@fisephalnoxt]

@@VelesMemes 😄

[@racingvenny1151]

Great job.. like always!!!!

[@AbsolutAutobahn]

what would we do without your videos?! Greetings from Germany!

[@sanketbora7778]

Very good and informative video! Can you make one on Mercedes Benz W204 Facelift Model?

[@200hit]

Awesome information!! Thank you

[@DecadentDro]

Great indepth review 👍🏽

[@corbinschuster2664]

WOW 10/10, covered everything, great video

[@arsdpr5018]

You make the bests reviews !!!

[@user-zz6nr3vb3j]

thnx for review man keep it up

[@MGT600]

Thumbs up for the video!👍 Hopefully after this you can do another review for w140, which I know the w140 are much reliable than the successor.😅

[@scottalston8670]

Don’t drive one or you will fall in love. They drive amazing. I have a 2010 and spend several thousand every year to maintain. I justify this by the fact I drove a 100k car when it was new for a few hundred a month and it still drives better than most brand new luxury cars… it is smooth as silk, engine, trans shifts smooth. My 13 year old paint still looks better than 3yo Hyundai, interior quality is just second to none. Buy one pay the maintenance and enjoy. These cars will be obsolete as electric appliance cars become the norm.

[@henriquecosta398]

You are the top 1 reviewer man, would be awesome you do a review like that to an Audi A8 3.0 TDI d4 (2011)

[@Szapega1]

Great content thank you!

[@kiranmuthappa5009]

Great review bro - when are ya going to step it up and do test drives!

[@n2awa]

Was considering a W221, but not after this. Thanks. Great video.

[@youtoobe169]

Great video! Thanks for posting this!

[@ac6370]

Excellent review. I really wanted a 2012/2013 S350L but after watching your video I decided to stay out of the kitchen hahaha. I also watched your other video of the BMW F01 review. Is the reliability of BMW 7 series F01 much better than the S Class W221 or ths video is just phenomenal better than the other one?

[@BenzAddiction]

Very comprehensive and precise...

[@metparker]

Wonderful review. Awesome

[@verkkoveijari]

Good stuff! Can you make a review on the w222 S-class please?

[@NkwasiasemAkwakwa]

He probably works at the manufacturing plant , he gives details on each part , wow 😲!

[@initialb5009]

i love the use of the word 'damn' .

[@AStick3Pedals]

Yay your back 💪

[@ceslovs]

Amazing review!

[@YouKnowGeo]

Great video 👍 explained very well

[@nobster9695]

Love your work bro

[@TheMrFishnDucks]

Great videos. They are always informative and entertaining. Keep up the good work.

[@sevenpaulperalta929]

Thanks for the information, I laughed throughout the whole video!😂

[@SForever-bq2my]

8:18 Gta SA sound effect😂

[@fahmiemisbahuddin6788]

Hey @different car review, i think you should do the reliability score for every car you review. I think that can help your viewers to decide which car they can buy by considering the reliability score.

[@petarpetyoshin5544]

Best review online 👌 👏

[@onroadcowboy]

Perfect review!

[@hungaromakker]

Köszi a videót, csak így tovább! E coupe merciről tudnál videót készíteni? 2009modell

[@Skambutisz]

I drive s350cdi which has 500000km on the clock still runs smooth without a problem.

[@Skambutisz]

@Alek Wolf every one else doesn't own one

[@umarkayani9203]

@@Skambutisz 100% this car is extremely reliable I’ve owned the w220 and now a w221 and the w221 is amazing no problems for 4 years now 🤞

[@MP-wm9gb]

Dude, I checked your account and you have a video of your car with A problem: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kGXSiX2tmZ1ga5Y How was this fixed and how much did it cost you?

[@ianmackey2048]

Wow! So helpful!

[@GoldCoastAA]

Respect, very detailed

[@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.

[@ronsimmons3183]

Exactly! I'm currently at 150k on the dash in my 07, and it is very reliable!

[@Dranreb865]

Both of you are fooling us all. You just wanna sell your w221 🤣

[@vardgesmkrtchian2743]

@@ronsimmons3183 did u replace the suspension parts yet ?

[@jaymills7377]

@@ronsimmons3183you still got it ? Thinking bout getting one next week is it worth it? The one I want has 200k miles plus already though

[@jaymills7377]

You still have it ??

[@nobster9695]

OOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHH MAAAANNN YOUR DESCRIPTION SECTION (CHANNEL) IS A PPRICELESS GEM!!

[@56wb56a]

Man your pretty good! How do you know so much about these mercedes?

[@SsgtHolland]

Great video! You're a funny guy. Knowledgeable...but funny.

[@hamzaal-ahlasi5600]

Really you are the best no body can do what you do

[@noordeind100]

Super good revieuw

[@shubhamjain9194]

Great video

[@peterthermocline]

You sound like a typical no nonsense Swiss Engineer. Amazing indepth video

[@peter-pickering]

Very entertaining, and funny, commentary.

[@mercmush]

This video is so good that it should be enough to frighten off any prospective sane buyer. I’ve owned one w220 which was an endless money pit and six w126s which were far far simpler. I think I’ll now give the w221 a miss !!

[@EnthusiastCarHangar]

Fair enough. Which newer S Class is the best one in your eyes?

[@mercmush]

@@EnthusiastCarHangar I don’t have any personal experience of the w222 but haven’t read too many horror stories about them (yet)! I might fancy giving a w222 a go sometime in the future but I also live in London which has become one of the most car unfriendly places on Earth so I might also just stick to watching KZbin car videos instead.

[@RealLiveCrew]

Thanks for the review you helped me out black panther

[@ZestyLemonBoi]

Brilliant!

[@zuhairsalman4385]

What is your verdict overall on this car , as far as what i have heard its reliable and don’t break up often. I am considering buying non abused 07-09 s550 with less than 80k kms or less than 50k miles ( japan imported)

[@enghussamkar4679]

thanks alot ..keep going

[@jamel472]

First like and comment from Tunisia

[@nurdoanmat593]

I‘m on about 105.000 miles on my S350 W221 pre facelift and it still drives like new Minor sensor issues here and there but nothing else

[@Sheraad190]

When I drive in London with my 2013 CL500 at some point in traffic all the safety systems fail all together. After some driving and restarting the car, all the messages are gone, back to normal. One of the possible causes according to the manual is: -the radar sensor system is temporarily inoperative, e.g. due to electromagnetic radiation emitted by nearby TV or radio stations or other sources of electromagnetic radiation. Do you think this is due to the new 5G poles we have in London? It fails only in one specific area in London. Never when driving up the motorway away from the big city.....

[@michaellaprairie7598]

GREAT job, I have a question. I have a 2008 S450 125,000 klm just recently I having a blue tooth issue. where I can dial out and receive calls BUT am unable to communicate. When I hang up I cannot hear the radio until I hit the power button on and off? I also hear a crackling sound in my speakers when attempting to call, thoughts?

[@chrisali2173]

I always look forward to any review by different car review.

[@differentcarreview-dcr]

thanks for the support!

[@tonymontana3873]

Anyone what would you recommend? Should I buy the (w221) mercedes S65 (v12 biturbo) for $29,000 or a (w205) mercedes C class 4matic for $22,000? They are both pre owned. I kinda want the S63 but it Idk if maintenance and reliability wise it will be too much work and money spent. At this point I'm deciding between reliability and im not sure which to choose?

[@daniellele9634]

This is thw guy to copy ur homework from, puts in every detail!

[@muhammadakbar5614]

You are best guy

[@xnezmo4777]

I have s350-2008 and s500 -2007 and s550 2011 both full feature which one do you think is best

[@jbey6969]

If any w221 expert can help me out, I got a used one and started developing problems which my mechanic is not able to fix, the front struts are new yet there is a bit of clunking sound from even minor speed breakers and the ride has become significantly stiffer with a hard steering wheel, the car is also pulling to the left on straight roads, also the suspension from the front left side sits 1 inch lower than the right front side and the suspension malfunction light randomly appears and goes away. Please help with a fix :(

[@billb.2673]

We don’t even resell them when taken in trade. They go right to the auction, regardless of mileage.

[@4ur1m4s]

Good review thanks Put me off from 221 and new cars in general I guess I’ll keep my 211 E55 forever

[@differentcarreview-dcr]

keep it definitely, I would never sell an E55, those things are already rare and they are not gonna get any cheaper (at least here in EU this is the case)

[@mussegt]

This is best Merc I have had from S202, W210, W220, X218, W220 (again) to W221. I will have W221 S320 CDI next week again, fingers crossed. But best engine is facelift W220 OM648 definitely.

[@Truthseeker934]

Heyyyyy how is your w221 ? I have a c270cdi and thinking about upgrade to the w221 s320 , is it worth it and reliable ?

[@justawhitenigga]

Can you make a video about Mercedes-Benz Vito (second generation/W639)?

[@MrSultanmohammed]

This is my future car, and I was checking the most reliable one

[@wholeNwon]

"reliable"

[@MrSultanmohammed]

@@wholeNwon The S320 CDI is the one i own

I like your finish accent :DD

[@user-on2md7gk4b]

What do you think of a 2004 s430 i dont drive it in winter, got the airmatic replace by a standard suspension and have 190000km on it, regards MD.