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Mercedes-Benz · Convertible · 2013–2020

Mercedes-Benz S-Klasse W222 Cabrio

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

2.2 / 5.0 · Based on 5 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

612–630 PS

6.0L V12 BiTurbo AMG Benzin

630 hp V12 in the State Saloon — Total Drivetrain Supremacy

Legendary!
Problem Engine

408–455 PS

4.7L V8 BiTurbo Benzin

9 weaknesses

Stay Away!

Engine Overview

The Mercedes-Benz S-Klasse W222 Cabrio is available with 4 engine variants — from 408 to 630 hp.

AMG S 63 · Benziner· 585–612 PS Engine Change
2015 2017
Stay Away! 11 weaknesses
2017 2020
Be Careful 8 weaknesses
AMG S 65 · Benziner· 630 PS
2015 2019
Be Careful 12 weaknesses
S 500 · Benziner· 455 PS
2015 2017
Stay Away! 9 weaknesses
S 560 · Benziner· 469 PS
2017 2020
Be Careful 9 weaknesses

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
ABC/Magic Body Control hydraulics leaking

The active electro-hydraulic ABC suspension requires intensive maintenance. Hydraulic lines, valve blocks and pumps can develop leaks. Hydraulic oil change required every 50,000 km.

Symptoms: Warning 'visit workshop — ABC', vehicle rides harshly, bouncy handling
from 120,000 km
High
AIRMATIC air suspension failure

Air bags and pressure hoses develop leaks. The compressor runs continuously and overheats. Repair: air bag pair 2,500–3,500 €, compressor 1,000–1,300 €.

Symptoms: Vehicle sags on one side, compressor runs longer after starting, AIRMATIC fault message.
from 100,000 km
High
Airmatic/Magic Body Control air strut leaking

Air struts on Airmatic and Magic Body Control suspensions develop leaks. Vehicle drops, suspension warning light appears. Repair per corner is very costly.

Symptoms: Vehicle drops on one side, 'suspension' warning in instrument cluster, ride comfort deteriorates
from 100,000 km
High
Magic Body Control valve block defective

The hydraulic Magic Body Control suspension is prone to valve block and hydraulic pump failures. Contamination in the oil causes system failures.

Symptoms: ABC/suspension fault message, uncontrolled dropping, reduced ride comfort, hydraulic oil smell
from 120,000 km
High

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Mercedes-Benz S-Klasse W222 Cabrio have? +
The Mercedes-Benz S-Klasse W222 as Cabrio has 66 known weaknesses, 17 vehicle-related.
Which engine is recommended? +
Be Careful: M176 (4.0L V8 BiTurbo), M177 (4.0L V8 BiTurbo AMG), M279 (6.0L V12 BiTurbo AMG). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'.
Is the Mercedes-Benz S-Klasse W222 Cabrio worth buying used? +
Caution is advised with the Mercedes-Benz S-Klasse W222 Cabrio — 2 of 5 engine variants are rated 'Stay Away!'.

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee

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