Mercedes-Benz S-Klasse W223
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
421–503 PS
4.0L V8 BiTurbo Benzin
S-Class with real V8 — comfort meets composure
Fun to Drive!Generations
Engine Overview
The Mercedes-Benz S-Klasse W223 is available with 8 engine variants — from 116 to 503 hp.
The Mercedes-Benz S 350 d (Diesel, 286 PS) has the OM656 (2.9L R6 Diesel) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.
The Mercedes-Benz S 400 d (Diesel, 340 PS) has the OM656 (2.9L R6 Diesel) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.
The Mercedes-Benz S 400d (Diesel, 330 PS) has the OM656 (2.9L R6 Diesel) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.
The Mercedes-Benz S 450 (Benziner Mild-Hybrid, 367 PS) has the M256 (3.0L I6 Turbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 9 known weaknesses.
The Mercedes-Benz S 500 (Benziner Mild-Hybrid, 435 PS) has the M256 (3.0L I6 Turbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 9 known weaknesses.
The Mercedes-Benz S 580 (Benziner Mild-Hybrid, 503 PS) has the M176 (4.0L V8 BiTurbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 9 known weaknesses.
The Mercedes-Benz S 350 d (Diesel Mild-Hybrid, 313 PS) has the OM656 (2.9L R6 Diesel) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.
The Mercedes-Benz S 350d (Diesel Mild-Hybrid, 286 PS) has the OM654 (2.0L Diesel) — rated: "Be Careful", 11 known weaknesses.
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| MBUX Hyperscreen freezes or restarts The MBUX system shows sporadic complete failures of both screens. Cause is software and hardware faults in the head unit. OTA updates required. Symptoms: Both displays go black, system restarts while driving, navigation drops out from 40,000 km | High | |
| 12V battery drains during standstill periods The W223 has high quiescent current draw through permanent internet connections and app queries. After 5–7 days standing, the app reports a critical battery warning. Symptoms: App reports critical battery level, vehicle will not start after standing from 30,000 km | Low |
Top Reported Issues
Alternatives
Known Problems and Issues
A total of 41 weaknesses have been documented for the Mercedes-Benz S-Klasse W223 (2020–2025) — 35 engine-related and 6 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Electronics, Suspension, Other.
S-Klasse (OM656, 2020–2025) — Be Careful: Recall Coolant Pump — Fire Hazard (Action Code 2090008), Bosch CP4 Pump Sensitive to Fuel Quality, Coolant Pump Leaking — Fire Risk (Recall). Power: 330 PS.
S-Klasse (OM656, 2020–2026) — Be Careful: Recall Coolant Pump — Fire Hazard (Action Code 2090008), Bosch CP4 Pump Sensitive to Fuel Quality, Coolant Pump Leaking — Fire Risk (Recall). Power: 286 PS.
S-Klasse (OM656, 2020–2026) — Be Careful: Recall Coolant Pump — Fire Hazard (Action Code 2090008), Bosch CP4 Pump Sensitive to Fuel Quality, Coolant Pump Leaking — Fire Risk (Recall). Power: 340 PS.
S-Klasse (M256, 2020–2025) — Be Careful: 48V ISG Battery Failure, Camshaft Adjuster Solenoid Leaking — Oil in Wiring Harness, Elevated Oil Consumption at Higher Mileage. Power: 367 PS.
S-Klasse (M256, 2020–2025) — Be Careful: 48V ISG Battery Failure, Camshaft Adjuster Solenoid Leaking — Oil in Wiring Harness, Elevated Oil Consumption at Higher Mileage. Power: 435 PS.
S-Klasse (M176, 2020–2025) — Be Careful: Timing Chain Stretch — M176 4.0L V8, Camshaft Adjuster Solenoid Draws Oil into Wiring Harness, Coolant Pump Leaking. Power: 503 PS.
S-Klasse (OM654, 2020–2025) — Be Careful: Rocker Arm and Camshaft Wear, Electric Coolant Pump Leaking — Recall, NOx Sensor Defective — AdBlue Fault and Start Inhibit. Power: 286 PS.
S-Klasse (OM656, 2023–2026) — Be Careful: Recall Coolant Pump — Fire Hazard (Action Code 2090008), Bosch CP4 Pump Sensitive to Fuel Quality, Coolant Pump Leaking — Fire Risk (Recall). Power: 313 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