Coming Soon

Mercedes-Benz S-Class W221 (5th Generation)

2007–2013 · W221 · sedan

Major redesign after the W220 reliability nightmare. M272/M273 V6/V8 early; M157 5.5L biturbo V8 in the S63 from 2011; M275 6.0L biturbo V12 in the S65 AMG. Airmatic standard, optional ABC (Active Body Control) on AMG models. Pre-LCI cars (2007-2009) carry W211-era weaknesses; 2010+ LCI is the sweet spot.

Watch out: ABC (Active Body Control) hydraulic suspension on AMG/S65 — repair costs measured in five figures. M272 V6 balance shaft gear wear on early cars (carryover from W211). M157 head bolt failure (rare but expensive). Air suspension bag failures are routine 100k-mile maintenance now.