The most common problems with Mercedes W222

The Mercedes Benz W222 is the previous generation S-Class, which means it costs significantly less than the new W223 while still offering 90% of the overall experience. The W222 is still ahead of the curve and can easily compete with some of the world's newest full-size luxury sedans.

The W222 didn't perform well in terms of reliability, but there are significant differences between the pre and post model. The facelifted model is much better as Mercedes managed to fix many Mercedes W222 problems, who pursued the model before the facelift, straight from the assembly line.

The most common problems with the W222 are related to the gearbox, oil leaks, seat belt tensioners, electrical and air suspension problems. In fact, a car as complex as the S-Class will always need the best possible service. Otherwise, the cost of repair and maintenance will increase significantly.

Overall, the W222 isn't the most reliable S-Class you can buy, but it's one of the best S-Classes you can buy. It's fairly new, but it doesn't cost as much as a factory new W223, especially given the current supply chain issues.

Problems with the Mercedes W222 gearbox

Gearbox on W222 itself has no defects. Of course, there are problems with the transmission, such as jitter, shift lag and lack of response, but the problem is that the location of the alternator and exhaust system means that the transmission harness can be damaged due to high temperatures.

They are too close together, which means that such problems usually result in the transmission either refusing to shift in park or disengaging entirely. The problem is so serious that Mercedes even announced a general recall from the market, which affected almost all Mercedes Benz S350 models. Please make sure you check if the model you are viewing has been recalled or not.

Problems with oil leakage on Mercedes W222

The W222 is also known for potential oil leaks, especially on pre-2014 models. The O-ring between the timing belt tensioner and the engine case is known to leak oil, which can cause all sorts of problems. First, oil usually spills onto the road, putting other road users at risk of losing control of the vehicle.

Secondly, oil can get into places like wiring harnesses, which can cause numerous problems with the car's electrical systems. For this reason, Mercedes also announced a recall and it is worth noting that the most serious oil spills are usually associated with the OM651 turbo engine.

Problems with seat belt pretensioners on Mercedes W222

Mercedes has issued two warnings about problems with pretensioners in both the driver's and front passenger's seat. The problem is that the tensioner was not properly calibrated at the factory. This can result in the tensioner not being able to provide the tension needed to protect it in the event of an accident.

Therefore, in the event of a tensioner failure, the risk of catastrophic injury is indeed high. Therefore, make sure that these problems have been successfully solved on your W222 model. Seat belts are not worth the risk as they are an integral part of your car's overall safety.

Electrical problems in Mercedes W222

The Mercedes W222 S-Class is an extremely sophisticated vehicle as it offers just about everything a car has to offer. Accordingly, the machine is equipped with tons of electrical gadgets that break down from time to time. The Mercedes PRE-SAFE system is a known fault with the W222 and it was also recalled during the production of the W222.

Another electrical problem with the W222 is a fault with the emergency contact handling system, which occasionally loses power. The infotainment system is at times slow to respond or even turns off completely while driving.

Problems with air suspension Mercedes W222

The Mercedes S-Class is a car that should always be equipped with an advanced air suspension system. However, we all know that the air suspension system is complex and can often cause problems. The AIRMATIC system found on the W222 isn't as problematic as some previous Mercedes air suspension systems, but it does occasionally have problems.

The most common air suspension problems are loss of compression, airbag problems, and the car tipping to one side or the other. In any case, most air suspension problems are solved by preventive maintenance, but even with proper maintenance, air suspension can fail.

Read about the problems of the Mercedes C292 GLE Coupe here:  https://vd-lab.ru/podbor-avto/mercedes-gle-350d-w166-c292-problemy  

FAQ Section

Should I buy a Mercedes W222?

The Mercedes S-Class W222 has lost a lot of value since its first appearance in 2013. However, the car can still offer you the highest level of luxury, especially if you opt for the facelifted model. It may be an expensive car to maintain and it may not be the most reliable S-Class in use, but it's definitely worth it.

The reason the W222 is a good buy right now is because it really balances value and luxury really well. It can still compete with new full-size luxury sedans in many ways, and many S-Class owners find the redesigned W222 better than the new W223 S-Class.

Which model of Mercedes W222 is better to buy?

The best W222 to buy is undoubtedly the updated S560 as it offers a 4,0-liter BiTurbo V8 engine and is extremely comfortable and even reliable. The V8 engine isn't cheap to maintain, consumes a lot of fuel, and isn't as smooth as a V12.

However, it's powerful enough to last a long time and makes the S-Class more dynamic and fun to drive than a 6-cylinder engine without being as expensive as a V12.

How long will the Mercedes W222 last?

Mercedes is one of those brands that makes cars that look like they can last a lifetime, and the W222 is definitely one of those cars. In general, with proper maintenance, the W222 should last at least 200 miles and require no major repairs.