Mercedes-Benz S 500 W221 — Reliability

W221 Sedan Luxury 2005–2013 1 engine

Reliability Summary

Engine M273 — 66/100 CAUTION
Known Issues 6

Engine in this model

CAUTION 66

M273

V8 NA 4.7-5.5L

Smooth, strong naturally aspirated V8 (4.7 and 5.5) from the S 500, E 500, CLS 500, SL 500, ML/GL 50...

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Known Issues Across All Engines

Issue Engine Severity Onset
Idler gear wear in the timing drive (early engines, US settlement) M273 critical 80,000 km – 150,000 km
Intake manifold flap lever breakage M273 moderate —
Oil consumption at high mileage M273 minor 160,000 km
Camshaft adjuster solenoid / seal oil leaks M273 minor —
Map-controlled thermostat failure M273 minor —
Spark plugs + ignition coils (8 of each) M273 minor 80,000 km – 150,000 km