Models · Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz S-Class W222 buying guide
The sixth S-Class, sold from 2013 to 2020 in standard and long-wheelbase forms, with a facelift in 2017 that brought new straight-six diesels. The diesels are the sensible choice, and owners rate its refinement, comfort and build quality highly.
The versions
- Diesel: S350 BlueTEC 3.0 V6 from 2013; 2.9 straight-six S350d (282bhp) and S400d (335bhp) from the 2017 facelift
- Petrol: S500 V8 at launch; S560 4.0 twin-turbo V8 (463bhp) from 2017; S600 V12 (523bhp)
- Standard and long-wheelbase saloon, with a choice of rear seat layouts
- Automatic gearbox on every car; no cambelts on any engine
- Hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions are not covered here; the S63 and S65 AMG are covered separately
What to check on a W222 S-Class
3 model-specific things to look at when you view one. They're a starting point, not the full inspection.
Stalling with start/stop
What to look for: On the drive, come to a stop several times in traffic and let the start/stop system cut the engine. It should restart promptly each time. Note any erratic idle, stalling, or a car that needs putting in park to restart, and ask when the auxiliary battery was last replaced.
Why it matters: A wiring harness fault could send a false camshaft signal that confused the start/stop system and stalled the engine, and factory software could make the idle erratic. Both were covered by recalls. Specialists find most start/stop problems come down to a weak auxiliary battery, so a healthy battery and clean restarts are what you want.
Gearbox wiring on the diesels
What to look for: On a diesel, ask whether the gearbox wiring recall has been done, or check the car's recall status with the registration. On the drive, note any moment where the gearbox drops into neutral or loses drive.
Why it matters: On the diesels, heat from the exhaust can damage the gearbox wiring harness, which can make the car shift into neutral while driving. The recall fix inspects the harness and replaces or reroutes it. Most cars will have had it done.
Sunroof, Comand and the electrics
What to look for: Try every function: each seat's adjustment, heating and massage, the Comand screen and sat nav, and the powered boot lid opening and closing fully. If a sunroof is fitted, open and close it fully and watch that both sides rise together.
Why it matters: An S-Class has over a hundred electric motors and modules, so there's a lot to test. Comand has occasionally shut down, gone blank or lost its navigation, and sunroofs on early cars sometimes opened on one side only. Everything working as it should is a sign of a car that's been looked after.
Also in the full guide
- Turbo oil feed and engine oil leaks
- The cold start, test drive and paperwork checks for the exact version you're viewing
The full guide to the W222 S-Class
The CrankSight guide walks you round the car on your phone at the viewing, with every check for the exact version you're looking at: what to look for, where to find it, and what anything you find is likely to cost. As you go it builds an assessment of that car, and if you view more than one, it lines them up side by side.
£29 for the model, used on as many cars as you like, delivered within 72 hours or your money back.
Other generations
General points for the model, last checked October 2026. Every car is different, so treat this as a guide to what to look at, not a verdict on any car. CrankSight is independent and has no connection with Mercedes-Benz.