Mercedes-Benz S-Klasse W220
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
500–630 PS
5.5L V12 BiTurbo Benzin
S 600 W220 — V12 in the First BiTurbo S-Class
Fun to Drive!500–630 PS
5.5L V12 BiTurbo Benzin
9 weaknesses
Stay Away!Generations
Engine Overview
The Mercedes-Benz S-Klasse W220 is available with 12 engine variants — from 163 to 630 hp. 2 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.
The Mercedes-Benz S 320 CDI (Diesel, 197–204 PS) comes with 2 different engines: OM613 (1999–2002, Stay Away!) und OM648 (2002–2005, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the S 320 CDI!
The Mercedes-Benz S 400 CDI (Diesel, 250 PS) has the OM628 (4.0L V8 CDI) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.
The Mercedes-Benz AMG S 55 (Benziner, 500 PS) has the M113 (4.3-5.4L V8) — rated: "Be Careful", 10 known weaknesses.
The Mercedes-Benz S 280 (Benziner, 204 PS) has the M112 (3.2L V6) — rated: "Be Careful", 7 known weaknesses.
The Mercedes-Benz S 320 (Benziner, 224 PS) has the M112 (3.2L V6) — rated: "Be Careful", 7 known weaknesses.
The Mercedes-Benz S 350 (Benziner, 245 PS) has the M112 (3.2L V6) — rated: "Be Careful", 7 known weaknesses.
The Mercedes-Benz S 430 (Benziner, 279 PS) has the M113 (4.3-5.4L V8) — rated: "Be Careful", 10 known weaknesses.
The Mercedes-Benz S 500 (Benziner, 306 PS) has the M113 (4.3-5.4L V8) — rated: "Be Careful", 10 known weaknesses.
The Mercedes-Benz S 55 AMG (Benziner, 360 PS) has the M113 (4.3-5.4L V8) — rated: "Be Careful", 10 known weaknesses.
The Mercedes-Benz S 55 AMG Kompressor (Benziner, 500 PS) has the M113K (5.4L V8 Kompressor) — rated: "Be Careful", 9 known weaknesses.
The Mercedes-Benz S 600 (Benziner, 367–500 PS) comes with 2 different engines: M137 (1999–2002, Stay Away!) und M275 (2002–2005, Stay Away!). Pay attention to the model year for the S 600!
The Mercedes-Benz S 63 AMG (Benziner, 444 PS) has the M137 (5.8L V12) — rated: "Stay Away!", 6 known weaknesses.
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Airmatic compressor worn The Airmatic compressor runs continuously when there are leaks in the system and burns out. Without swift intervention, total suspension failure and blocked ride-height control follow. Symptoms: Vehicle drops continuously, warning 'vehicle too low', compressor runs audibly without stopping from 180,000 km | High | |
| Air struts leaking Air spring bag seals age and become leaky. The vehicle drops on one side or completely. All four struts typically need replacement by around 250,000 km. Symptoms: Vehicle sits lopsided, front wheel arches touch bodywork, vehicle drops overnight from 200,000 km | High |
Top Reported Issues
Alternatives
Known Problems and Issues
A total of 67 weaknesses have been documented for the Mercedes-Benz S-Klasse W220 (1998–2005) — 61 engine-related and 6 vehicle-related. 3 problem engines: M137 (5.8L V12), M275 (5.5L V12 BiTurbo), OM613 (3.2L R6 CDI). Typical issues affect Suspension, Electronics, Rust.
S-Klasse (OM613, 1999–2002) — Stay Away!: Injector Sealing Washers Burnt In — Injectors Seized, Turbocharger Oil Supply Insufficient — Bearing Failure, Injector failure at high mileage. Power: 197–204 PS.
S-Klasse (OM628, 2000–2005) — Be Careful: Timing chain and tensioner worn, Bi-turbo failure (right turbocharger preferentially), Coolant loss through cylinder head. Power: 250 PS.
S-Klasse (OM648, 2002–2005) — Be Careful: High-Pressure Pump — Common Rail Pressure Dropping, CDI Injector Failure, Turbocharger Bearing Failure. Power: 197–204 PS.
S-Klasse (M112, 1998–2005) — Be Careful: Camshaft Adjuster Leaks Oil into Wiring Harness, Intake Manifold Vacuum Hose Breaks, Valve Cover Gasket and Front Cover Gasket Leaking. Power: 204 PS.
S-Klasse (M112, 1998–2005) — Be Careful: Camshaft Adjuster Leaks Oil into Wiring Harness, Intake Manifold Vacuum Hose Breaks, Valve Cover Gasket and Front Cover Gasket Leaking. Power: 224 PS.
S-Klasse (M113, 1998–2005) — Be Careful: Vibration Damper/Pulley — Rubber Hardens, Rear Crankshaft Seal Leaking, Engine Mounts Worn Prematurely. Power: 279 PS.
S-Klasse (M113, 1998–2005) — Be Careful: Vibration Damper/Pulley — Rubber Hardens, Rear Crankshaft Seal Leaking, Engine Mounts Worn Prematurely. Power: 299–306 PS.
S-Klasse (M113, 1999–2002) — Be Careful: Vibration Damper/Pulley — Rubber Hardens, Rear Crankshaft Seal Leaking, Engine Mounts Worn Prematurely. Power: 360 PS.
S-Klasse (M137, 1999–2002) — Stay Away!: ZAS Cylinder Deactivation Valve Defective, Ignition Module Bank Failure (Both Banks), Cylinder Bore Wear and High Oil Consumption. Power: 367 PS.
S-Klasse (M137, 2001–2002) — Stay Away!: ZAS Cylinder Deactivation Valve Defective, Ignition Module Bank Failure (Both Banks), Cylinder Bore Wear and High Oil Consumption. Power: 443 PS.
S-Klasse (M113, 2002–2005) — Be Careful: Vibration Damper/Pulley — Rubber Hardens, Rear Crankshaft Seal Leaking, Engine Mounts Worn Prematurely. Power: 500 PS.
S-Klasse (M275, 2002–2005) — Stay Away!: Ignition module bank failure (two banks at ~€1,400 each), Turbocharger wear and wastegate wear, ABC hydraulic lines and engine mounts — double defect. Power: 500 PS.
S-Klasse (M113K, 2002–2005) — Be Careful: Supercharger Bearings — Wear at High Mileage, Cooling System — Hoses and Thermostat Age, Supercharger Magnetic Clutch — Wear and Slipping. Power: 500 PS.
S-Klasse (M112, 2003–2005) — Be Careful: Camshaft Adjuster Leaks Oil into Wiring Harness, Intake Manifold Vacuum Hose Breaks, Valve Cover Gasket and Front Cover Gasket Leaking. Power: 245 PS.
What to watch out for with the Mercedes-Benz S-Klasse? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee