Mercedes-Benz W220

The first public show of the Mercedes S-Class W220 took place in 1998 at the Paris Motor Show. A year later, the S320 CDI and the flagship version of the S600 were presented, and a year later - the S400 CDI. In the autumn of 2002, the car underwent a small facelift. The sedan received slightly modified taillights and new front lights, with transparent lenses. The last W220 left the factory in 2006. The limo was assembled in Germany and Indonesia.

exterior

Compared to its predecessor, the design has undergone a real revolution. Mercedes S-Class began to look more elegant, and the headlights acquired the original configuration. Despite the less massive aerodynamic shape, the German sedan still looked very presentable, especially in black body color.

Interior

A lot has changed in the interior as well. Here completely broke the connection with the style of other Mercedes models. The S-Class was supposed to be unique and different from the cheaper E-Class and C-Class. It was the only car in the German automaker’s range that had a special steering wheel, center console, door panels and seats. Interestingly, the steering wheel with buttons for controlling the phone and audio system was subsequently exported to Maybach, which relies on design solutions of the S-Class.

Equipment

We can talk about equipment for a long time. The predecessor of the W140 very high raised the bar in the field of equipment with electronic devices. The W220 had no choice but to go further in that direction. Anyone who decides to buy a luxury German sedan should know that this car has never had a set of trim levels. The list of basic equipment was completely dependent on the power unit under the hood, and everything else could be obtained for an additional fee. So theoretically, if you want to buy the S-class in the fullest equipment, you need to choose among the flagship engines. However, in practice, even 320 CDIs can be equipped with Keyless Go. Active ventilated seats with massage function during fast cornering always keep the driver in the optimal position. The seats work in collaboration with the Pre-Sef system, a preventive safety system designed by Mercedes for this model. If the system detects a collision hazard, the driver and passenger seats are instantly put in optimal position, the hatch is locked, and the belts slightly attract the driver and passengers. Thanks to this training, all safety systems, including 8 airbags, provide the greatest degree of protection in a collision. The S-Class did not take part in EuroNCAP crash tests.

Engines

4.0 V8 BiTurbo (250/260 hp) S400 CDI. Under the hood of the Mercedes S-Class W220 installed 6-, 8- and 12-cylinder engines. Among the gasoline units, the weakest is the 204-horsepower V6, which got the S280. Two more V6s were offered: the S320 and S350. In the lineup were present and two V8: weaker S430 developed 279 hp, and the stronger S500 already 306 hp. The latter accelerates the massive sedan to 100 km / h in 6.5 seconds. If someone and this is too little, then you can always choose the S600, the power unit of which has a return of 367 hp. Later he began to develop 500 hp. In Europe, diesel units are the most common. The weakest of them is 320 CDI with a capacity of 197 hp, and then 204 hp. The most powerful 400 CDI with two turbochargers can provide 250 or 260 hp. With the V8 S400 turbo diesel, the CDI accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.8 seconds and reaches a top speed of 250 km/h. The declared average fuel consumption is 9.6 liters per 100 km. For AMG fans, the S55 model (360 and 500 hp), S63 (444 hp), as well as the top version of the S65 (612 hp), which is capable of accelerating to 100 km / h in 4.2 seconds, and after removing the restriction easily oversteps the mark of 300 km / h, was prepared. The lowest operating costs require 6-cylinder gasoline engines. They provide the optimal trade-off between fuel consumption and reliability. Most of all emotions, of course, give the strongest units from under the court tuning studio AMG. But this is the choice of those who are not afraid of the consumption of 20 l / 100 km. In general, operating costs are proportional to the size of the engine.

Transmission

None of the engines were available with a manual transmission, only a 5 or 7-speed automatic. The S-Class W220 is not a very reliable car, and the transmission is one of the weak points of the limousine. Mercedes was also available with the 4Matic all-wheel drive system, which significantly improves stability and handling.

The high torque of powerful engines, especially the 560 Nm S400 CDI, causes serious damage to the automatic transmission. Often, problems have arisen after 50,000 km. Trouble can be avoided by observing a simple rule – never press the gas to the stop until the car starts. The cost of repairing the box is about $ 2,500. First of all, all this concerns the 5-speed automatic transmission.

There are leakages of oil from the rear differential.

Clicks when changing the load indicate wear of the damper of the cardan.

Suspension

Both the rear and front of the S-Class has a multi-link suspension with Airmatic air elements. In some instances there is also an Active Body Control system, which itself adjusts the suspension characteristics depending on driving conditions.

The most problems are caused by air suspension. The compressor fails, and leaks appear in the system. About problems with Airmatic will tell suspiciously low clearance and too reluctant lift after starting the engine. The compressor is located on the right side behind the bumper. His work can be checked by turning on the ignition - he has to earn. The costs of repairing suspension defects can cost about $1,500. The most common harbinger of expenses is the message “TOO LOW” on the screen of the onboard computer.

Avoid instances with an optional Active Body Control system – often the pump and hydraulic shock absorbers break down. Although, the system fails less often than air suspension, but it is more expensive to repair.

Problems with pneumatics are often associated with depressurization of the connection point of the air supply line and the pneumoballon.

Typical malfunctions

Before buying, you should pay close attention to body elements, which are often affected by rust. Corrosion is most common on the lower edges of doors and in the area of wheel arches, and the "Red plague" is characteristic of cars assembled before 2003.

There are also cases of failure of the pump hydraulic power, as evidenced by excessive resistance that appears during the rotation of the steering wheel.

It causes problems and developed electronics. All sorts of sensors are failing. There are problems with the navigation system and the CD player. Due to hardware failures, the Command system screen fades. At low temperatures, parking sensors will fail. ESP sensors and generators may fail.

Generator defects are more common in cars before 2003.

Some owners complain of temperature fluctuations or a change in the speed of rotation of the inflow fan in random order. Calibration of the valves is required.

These are just some of the pitfalls that await the S-Class owners.

The steering rods wear out relatively quickly.

Equipment

• So theoretically, if you want to buy the S-class in the fullest equipment, you need to choose among the flagship engines.

Engines

• The most common problems of gasoline units are failure ignition coils.
• Fans of diesel engines are faced with malfunctions in the injection system (nozzles).
• One of the weaknesses is the turbine, and the V8 (OM628) has two, which increases repair costs.
• To replace it, you need to remove the engine, and this is an additional cost that should be expected after 200,000 km.
• There are also throttle failures and cases of clogging of the valve of the EGR exhaust gas recirculation system.
• Often the crankshaft leaks.
• Sometimes the catalyst and lambda probe are replaced.

Transmission

• Often, problems have arisen after 50,000 km.
• The cost of repairing the box is about $ 2,500.
• Clicks when changing the load indicate wear of the damper of the cardan.

Suspension

• The most problems are caused by air suspension.
• The compressor fails, and leaks appear in the system.
• About problems with Airmatic will tell suspiciously low clearance and too reluctant lift after starting the engine.
• His work can be checked by turning on the ignition - he has to earn.
• Avoid instances with an optional Active Body Control system – often the pump and hydraulic shock absorbers break down.
• Although, the system fails less often than air suspension, but in repair it is more expensive.
• Problems with pneumatics are often associated with depressurization of the connection point of the air supply line and the pneumoballon.

Typical malfunctions

• Before buying, you should pay close attention to body elements, which are often affected by rust.
• Corrosion most often appears on the lower edges of doors and in the area of wheel arches.
• There are problems with the navigation system and the CD player.
• At low temperatures, parking sensors will fail. ESP sensors and generators may fail.
• Generator defects are more common in cars before 2003.

With the arrival of the W220, it quickly became clear that the era of the invulnerable and reliable Mercedes was over. When choosing the W220, you should not pay attention to the cheapest offers. In such instances guaranteed: terrible condition, overhaul of the engine or attachments, comprehensive repair of electrical wiring and suspension. Ultimately, the amount spent on the restoration of the limousine will exceed the cost of the car itself.

It is much better to choose samples for fresh - the last years of release. Despite the unflattering reviews about the car, it has its price. However, before buying, you should think carefully: can you really afford repairs, which sometimes exceeds the amount of 2-3 thousand dollars?

However, the Mercedes S-Class is not only high operating costs, but also comfort, luxury and power of engines.

• Exterior: Compared to its predecessor, the design has undergone a real revolution.
• Interior: A lot has changed in the interior.
• Equipment: You can talk about equipment for a long time.
• Engines: The most common problems of gasoline units are failure ignition coils.
• Transmission: Problems often occur after 50,000 km.
• Suspension: The most problems are caused by air suspension.
• Typical malfunctions: Before buying, you should pay close attention to body elements, which are often affected by rust.

Shows, bargaining and re-registration take time: buyers look, promise to think and disappear. Fair price after inspection closes the auction on the spot. If money is needed urgently, the purchase takes away waiting and repeat displays.

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