Overview
Community orientation
The W221 S-Class spans the arrival of two modern spine engines. Its facelift S 350 BlueEFFICIENCY introduced the M276 direct-injection V6 and the S 500 BlueEFFICIENCY the M278 twin-turbo V8; those patterns are specific to this range and its contemporaries. The earlier petrol V6 (M272), V8 (M273) and the OM642 / OM651 diesels are the same families modelled elsewhere, resolving onto this generation's own configurations. See the per-configuration breakdown for which patterns apply to which build window. Community orientation only, not a reliability rating or a purchase recommendation.
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Filtered: M272 · 2.5–3.5L V6 (M272).
Known issues
Sorted by severity. Tap an issue to reveal its symptom, repair and what to check.
Engines & reliability
Tap a row to filter the issues to that engine.
Pre-purchase checklist
Diagnostics
- ☐Scan stored DTCs and check live fuel/ignition/boost data before the test drive