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Mercedes-Benz S-Class S 400 4MATIC Coupé common faults.

2014–2018, coupé, petrol, 367 HP.

The fault list covers: M256, M276DE30AL engine, MB7229, MB7250 transmission.

What you save stays on this device only. My saves

5 fault write-ups. All are important. 18 recalls.

If you know the year, pick it. Faults for other years drop out of the list.

Before you buy

Known faults

5 important faults

critical1

M271, M272, M273: a leaking camshaft adjuster magnet and oil in the wiring harness

critical

The solenoid of the camshaft adjuster is sealed from the factory by nothing more than a plain sealing ring, and over time that starts to leak. The maker's own bulletin names two places: if the leak is between the solenoid and the cylinder head, the sealing ring has to be replaced, and if it comes through the electrical connector, then the solenoid itself.

Show the rest

The more serious trouble is at the connector. Through it the engine oil gets into the engine wiring harness and travels under the insulation by capillary action, so it reaches the engine control unit and other important parts as well. The loss of the control unit is the end of that road, and serious engine damage can follow; alongside the contaminated harness the most varied fault messages can appear. Cases have been reported where the oil ran out of the connector, and the consequential damage after that was already large.

The check is simple: the connector of the solenoid has to be taken off and looked at to see whether it is oily. In the fault memory a faulty solenoid gives one of the codes 0059, 0060, 0063, 0064, 0271, 0272, 0275 and 0276. One thing is worth knowing: according to the maker only the solenoid that has a corresponding code has to be replaced, so if a workshop has changed all four of them alongside two codes, that is worth asking about.

The engine number decides what is in the car. Above engine number 2729..30 759427 (M272) and 2739..30 193592 (M273) the maker already fitted the improved solenoid, under part number A272 051 01 77. The oil-leaking solenoid is a problem on engine numbers below 2729..30 895140 and 2739..30 236360.

The prevention is the oil stop cable, which has to be fitted between the solenoid and the harness: the two wires contain a sealed copper sleeve covered with heat-shrink tubing, and that stops the oil from travelling further. It is available from the factory and is not expensive: the two solenoids were around 33 euros and the two oil stop cables around 31 euros, while replacing the control unit is a four-figure sum.

between 90,000 and 130,000 kmfrom 31 EUR

What to check

  • Ask whether an oil stop cable has been fitted between the camshaft solenoids and the harness
  • Ask for a check: taking the connector off the solenoid shows whether it is oily
  • Read the fault memory and look for codes 0059, 0060, 0063, 0064, 0271, 0272, 0275 and 0276
3 more steps in the write-up

expensive4

Cold start rattle: the chain tensioner and the camshaft adjuster drain

expensive

At a cold start a brief, metallic rattle comes from the front of the engine, and it has two causes. With the engine stopped the oil drains out of the passages of the timing chain tensioner, so at start-up the tensioner begins dry, and until the pressure builds back up the chain rattles. The camshaft adjuster rattles for the same reason.

Show the rest

The rattle lasts one to two seconds and then goes quiet, and that length is exactly what matters. A rattle of a couple of seconds points to the tensioner and the adjuster, not to a chain that has jumped. The control unit logs a code to match: a timing deviation, not a jumped chain.

It is not only the mileage that marks out the affected cars. The maker issued a service document for this in June 2013, and in it the examples with an engine number below 276 8xx 30 001281 or 276 9xx 30 406603 are the affected ones; that runs up to production in February 2013. The fault is also reported between 60 000 and 100 000 miles, that is between roughly 96 000 and 160 000 kilometres. Repairing the chain tensioner costs between 900 and 1300 pounds and the camshaft adjuster between 700 and 1100 pounds, and long cranking and misfires belong to the second job as well.

If it is left like this, the timing fault codes become permanent, the idle turns uneven, power drops and the repair grows larger. The diagnosis runs on live data: the workshop reads the real timing angle and looks at the freeze frame of the fault code.

between 96,000 and 160,000 km

What to check

  • Start it cold and time how long the rattle lasts: one to two seconds points to the tensioner and the adjuster
  • Check the engine number: the examples below 276 8xx 30 001281 and 276 9xx 30 406603 are the affected ones
  • If the knock lasts for minutes and fades as it warms, it is not this but cylinder bore wear
4 more steps in the write-up

7G-Tronic (722.9): mechatronics and conductor plate

expensive

In the Mercedes 7 speed 722.9 automatic (7G-Tronic / 7G-Tronic Plus) the mechatronics unit and the conductor plate (Leiterplatte) age over time: jerking on shifts, delayed engagement, a "Getriebe schützen" message, and fault codes on the gearbox electronics.

Show the rest

The repair is typically replacing the mechatronics unit or the conductor plate together with an oil change: not the whole gearbox. The complaint is most common on the longitudinal platforms from around 2005 to 2015 (C/E/ML and the early GLC).

The 9G-Tronic (725.0) is a different design; this applies only to the 7G.

between 100,000 and 220,000 km

What to check

  • Try it cold and warm: a delayed 1 to 2 or 2 to 3 shift is suspect
  • Watch for the gearbox warning or the "Getriebe schützen" message on the dash
  • Ask for a fault code read on the gearbox controller (not just the engine codes)
1 more steps in the write-up

Airmatic air suspension: leaking air spring, overworked compressor

expensive

The Mercedes Airmatic system holds the ride height with air springs and electronically controlled dampers. The most common faults over time are the relay, the compressor and a leaking air spring or air line.

Show the rest

The rear air springs of the 2003 to 2009 E-Class (W211) are particularly prone to leaking along the clamps. If the system leaks, the compressor runs continuously, overheats and fails, so an unrepaired leak takes the compressor with it.

Symptoms: one corner of the car sinks by morning, an "Air Suspension" or level control fault message, and compressor noise while standing. It was an option (or standard) across several generations from the W220 S-Class onwards; the estate E-Class often has air springs with level control on the rear axle as standard.

between 100,000 and 220,000 km

What to check

  • In the morning, before setting off, look at all four corners: an uneven stance means a suspected leak
  • With the car standing, listen to the compressor: continuous running indicates it is overworked
  • Ask for a fault code read on the suspension controller (level and pressure sensor codes of the C1132 / C1144 kind)
3 more steps in the write-up

Oil cooler seal in the V valley: the oil and the coolant mix

expensive

The oil cooler sits in the V valley between the cylinder banks, under the intake manifold, where the oil circuit and the coolant circuit meet. Its seal ages, and from then on it leaks along two paths. Outwards the oil collects in the V valley, runs down and leaves traces on top of the engine and around the intake manifold, so for a long time all that shows of it is that the oil level falls. Inwards the two fluids mix into each other.

Show the rest

The signs of the mixing are clearly visible. A mayonnaise-like, frothy deposit appears on the oil filler cap and on the dipstick, an oily film settles in the expansion tank, and the coolant level falls with no external leak. White smoke from the exhaust can come with it, overheating without any visible loss of fluid, and uneven running.

Once the seal has started, the leak accelerates. A few weeks of inattention is the difference between a seal replacement and a rebuild with connecting rod bearings, because oil diluted with coolant does not lubricate the bearing.

The repair costs between 1700 and 3800 euros and is a one to two day job: the cooler can only be reached after the intake manifold has been removed and the engine partly disassembled. The labour makes up the price, not the part.

1,700–3,800 EUR

What to check

  • Unscrew the oil filler cap and pull the dipstick: a mayonnaise-like, frothy deposit means mixing
  • Look into the coolant expansion tank: an oily film on the top belongs here
  • Ask how much coolant has to be topped up: loss with no external leak gives it away
3 more steps in the write-up

Checklist

Mercedes-Benz S-Class S 400 4MATIC Coupé

First what you would check on any car. Then the faults of this model.

Before you buy

Checklist

The printed sheet starts with what you would check on any car. What you tick stays on this device only.

On every car

Ask the owner

Faults of this model

vinkodex.com · Before you buy it, see what can go wrong.

Official recall18 recallsShow

The manufacturer fixes these for free at a franchised dealer. Ask with the VIN whether it was done.

Most recent: 19 March 2021

21V197000STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARSSTRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS19 March 2021 · NHTSA (USA)

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2020 C300 Coupe, C43 Coupe AMG, C43 AMG, 2015-2020 C300, GLA250, 2016-2018 C350e, CLA45 Coupe AMG, 2015 C400, S65 AMG, 2015-2019 C63 AMG, 2016 C450, 2015-2016 GLA45 AMG, S600, 2016-2020 GLC300, 2017-2019 GLC43 AMG, GLE43 Coupe AMG, 2014-2019 CLA250 Coupe, 2014-2015 CLA45 AMG, 2018 GLC63 AMG, 2014-2017 S550, 2018-2020 S450, 2016-2019 GLE63 Coupe AMG, 2016 GLE450 Coupe, 2014-2020 S63 AMG, 2018-2019 S560, and 2019 GLC350e vehicles equipped with a panoramic sunroof. The front roof panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle during a prior repair.

Risk: The adhesive bonding of the front panel might deteriorate, possibly causing the front panel to detach from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Mercedes-Benz dealer will remove the bonded panel and will install a new front panel by following the detailed repair instructions and using the approved primer, cleaner and adhesive, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 3, 2021 and October 26, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

The authority's notice

21V072000COMMUNICATIONCOMMUNICATION12 February 2021 · NHTSA (USA)

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2019 C300, E300, 2018-2020 CLA250, 2020 CLS450, AMG E53, AMG GT53, GLE450, 2018 AMG E63, AMG GTA, 2017-2020 GLA250, GLC300, 2019 GLC350, AMG GLC43, 2017-2018 GLE350, 2019 AMG GLC 43, GLC350, GLE400, 2017 GLS450, S550, C300 Cabrio, and 2018-2019 S560 vehicles. On June 18, 2021, an additional 9 vehicles were added, including certain 2021 GLA250, GLC300, 2018 S450, E400, and 2017 CLA250 vehicles. The communication module might have been inadvertently deactivated during a service visit, which could have disabled the Emergency Call (eCall) function.

Risk: A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting emergency services through the call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the communication module and activate it, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2021. Letters for the owners of the 9 additional vehicles were mailed July 9, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021030005.

The authority's notice

20V449000ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWAREELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE31 July 2020 · NHTSA (USA)

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019 C300, C300 Coupe, CLS450, E450 Coupe and S450, 2017-2019 E300, 2018 E400 Coupe, E400 Stationwagon, and 2018-2019 S560 vehicles that have previously had the instrument cluster replaced. The software in the replaced instrument cluster may cause the seat belt warning system to not operate properly, only displaying a solid warning light if either the driver or passenger seat belt is unfastened, instead of a blinking light with an audible tone.

Risk: Without the audible tone and blinking warning light to remind the front seat occupants that their seat belts are not buckled, they may forget to buckle their seat belt, increasing their risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge. The recall began September 8, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020080015.

The authority's notice

20V173000ENGINEENGINE20 March 2020 · NHTSA (USA)

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2019 S560 and Maybach S560 vehicles equipped with 4.0L 8-cylinder gasoline-engines. Two engine oil plugs may not withstand high engine loads while driving, possibly resulting in an engine oil leak.

Risk: An engine oil leak can spill on to the road and cause slippery road conditions. Additionally, if the engine runs out of oil it can cause an engine stall while driving. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will reinforce the engine oil plugs by adding a retaining plate, free of charge. The recall began August 11, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020060018.

The authority's notice

19V915000SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADSSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS20 December 2019 · NHTSA (USA)

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 S560 and S450 vehicles. These vehicles may be equipped with front brake components (brake discs, calipers, and pads) with different dimensions than specified for the vehicle.

Risk: The incorrect size brake components may lead to the wrong replacement components fitted to the vehicle during brake repairs, possibly affecting braking performance and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front brake system, free of charge. The recall began May 8, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020030020.

The authority's notice

19V821000ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINEENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE15 November 2019 · NHTSA (USA)

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2019 S560, S560 Cabriolet, and S560 4MATIC vehicles equipped with 8-cylinder gasoline engines. The threaded connection between the camshaft idler gear and the crankcase may be improperly tightened, possibly causing the idler gear to detach from the crankcase.

Risk: A detached idler gear can damage the engine, resulting in a stall and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine, free of charge. The recall began February 21, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020020013.

The authority's notice

18V908000STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEMSTEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM19 December 2018 · NHTSA (USA)

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 AMG S63 4MATIC coupe, AMG S63 4MATIC sedan, AMG S63 4MATIC Cabriolet, S450 4MATIC sedan, S560 4MATIC coupe, S560 4MATIC sedan, and Maybach S560 4MATIC vehicles. Due to an incorrect steering boot installation, the Active Steering Assist system may remain engaged despite the driver's hands not being on the steering wheel for a prolonged period of time.

Risk: If the system remains active despite the driver not having their hands on the wheel, the driver's inattention may increase the risk of crash.

Remedy: MBUSA has notified owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and correct the steering boot installation, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 13, 2019. Owners may contact Mercedes Benz customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019040025.

The authority's notice

18V910000LANE DEPARTURE: LANE KEEP: AUTOMATIC STEERINGLANE DEPARTURE: LANE KEEP: AUTOMATIC STEERING19 December 2018 · NHTSA (USA)

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (Mercedes) is recalling certain 2018 S450 4MATIC, S560 4MATIC Coupe, S63 AMG 4MATIC Coupe, Maybach S560 4MATIC, S560 4MATIC, S63 AMG and S63 AMG 4MATIC Cabrio vehicles. The Hands-off-Detection system may malfunction, causing the Active Steering Assist system to remain engaged despite the driver's hands not being on the steering wheel for a prolonged period of time.

Risk: If the system remains active despite the driver not having their hands on the wheel, the driver's inattention may increase the risk of crash.

Remedy: Mercedes has notified owners, and dealers will update the software of the steering control unit, free of charge. The recall began May 13, 2019. Owners may contact Mercedes customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019040024.

The authority's notice

18V407000ELECTRICAL SYSTEMELECTRICAL SYSTEM15 June 2018 · NHTSA (USA)

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 Mercedes-Maybach S560 and S560 4Matic and Mercedes S450 4Matic, S450, S560, S560 4Matic, and S560 Coupe 4Matic vehicles. The electrical power bars inside the pre-fuse box in the trunk may not have been secured properly.

Risk: If the power bars are not properly secured, it can cause higher electrical resistance increasing the risk of a fire. Additionally, an intermittent contact between the power bars could lead to a loss of vehicle functions. The engine operation, the seat belt functions and the instrument cluster could be impaired, increasing the risk of a crash and injuries.

Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the pre-fuse box, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began August 30, 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2018080001.

The authority's notice

17V816000LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCHLATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH18 December 2017 · NHTSA (USA)

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017 GLE400 4Matic, GLE350 4Matic, GLE350, GLE550e 4Matic, GLE43 AMG 4Matic, GLE63 AMG 4Matic, GLS450, GLE63S 4Matic, GLS63 4Matic, S550e, S600, S63 AMG 4Matic, S65 AMG, S550, Mercedes-Maybach S600, Mercedes-Maybach S550 4Matic, GLE43 AMG 4Matic Coupe, GLE63S 4Matic Coupe, 2017-2018 GLS550 4Matic, S550 4Matic, 2018 S450, and S63 AMG 4Matic vehicles. The rear passenger door on the driver side may indicate that it is locked, when it may not be. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 206, "Door Locks and Door Retention Components."

Risk: If the door appears to be locked, the door may be unintentionally opened, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the left rear door lock, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in January 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-496-3691.

The authority's notice

A12/00017/22Safety recallFireno date · EU Safety Gate

A trapped particle may damage the sealing between the fuel rail and fuel injector, which could cause fuel to leak into the engine compartment. Consequently, leaking fuel may come into contact with hot parts of the engine, increasing the risk of fire. The product does not comply with the requirements laid down in the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

The authority's notice

A12/00923/20Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The material used in two closure plugs on the engine might not be able to withstand the maximum load under dynamic driving conditions, allowing up to 9 liters of engine oil to escape around the plugs. Consequently, the escaped oil could leak onto the road, posing a risk to the following traffic.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

The authority's notice

A12/01046/20Safety recallFireno date · EU Safety Gate

The elastomer material of the oil feed line for the exhaust-gas turbocharger may not comply with the specification, allowing oil to leak out. Consequently, the leaking oil could come into contact with hot components, increasing the risk of fire.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

The authority's notice

A12/01336/20Safety recallFire, Injuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

Due to the lack of documentation, there is no confirmation that the screw connections of the turbocharger’s oil-supply and oil-return pipes were correctly executed during the assembly process. In the event of a loose screw connection, oil might leak at the oil-supply and/or oil-return pipe of the turbocharger. The leaking oil might then come into contact with hot components, increasing the risk of fire.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

The authority's notice

A12/0268/19Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The sensors in some seatbelt locks may not have been adequately manufactured. Consequently, they might not detect a correctly fastened seatbelt and thus not activate the pre-tensioner systems (electric and pyrotechnic). In the event of an accident, these might not work leading to a limited restraint capacity and increasing the risk of injury to the occupants.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

The authority's notice

A12/1153/18Safety recallFire, Injuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

On certain vehicles, the nuts to attach the conductor rails inside the fuse box in the boot may not have been installed. This could lead to increased contact resistance between the conductor rails and, as a consequence, cause a fire or failure in the engine functioning, seat belt functions and the dashboard, leading to an increased risk of accident and injury.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

The authority's notice

A12/1514/19Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The A, B and C pillar trims may not have been correctly fastened. In the event of an accident, the trims may impair the efficacy of the window airbags. If the window airbags are deployed, the trims might be detached and propelled into the passenger compartment, increasing the risk of injuries.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

The authority's notice

A12/1794/19Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The fixing screw connecting the base holder of the manual control device may not be correctly fitted. This can impair the control over the vehicle, increasing the risk of an accident.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

The authority's notice

Engine and transmission

2 engines · 2 transmissions

M256

17–330 kW (23–449 HP) · petrol

MB7229 · 7G-Tronic / 7G-Tronic Plus, longitudinal (Mercedes 722.9 / NAG2)

automatic · 7 speed

Torque limit700 Nm
MakerMercedes-Benz

We built the code from the model and the gear count. The factory sheet does not state it. More than one engine code is possible. The fault list shows the faults of each. More than one transmission is possible. 7 gears = MB7229, 9 gears = MB7250.

Variant data

What is in this version

Factory data

Trim
S 400 4MATIC Coupé
Body
coupé
Fuel
petrol
Transmission
automatic
Engine size
2996 cc
Power
270 kW (367 HP)
Drive
AWD
Production
2014–2018

Factory service interval

The manufacturer specifies this for this version. Of the mileage and the time, the one that comes first is the one that counts.

  • Air filter

    • 60,000 km or 4 years

  • Cabin (pollen) filter

    • 30,000 km or 2 years

  • Brake fluid change

    • first: 3 years, then 2 years(first change at 3 years, then every two years)

  • Spark plugs, petrol

    • 60,000 km or 6 years
All W222 versions

Information, not an expert opinion

We write the descriptions, and we put the source next to them. A person reviews them before they go out. They are still information, not a technical expert opinion.

  • A fault on the list does not mean the car you are looking at has it.
  • A fault missing from the list does not mean the model is fault-free. Write-ups are made model by model. Not all of them are done.
  • You decide whether to buy. This is no substitute for an inspection. That needs a workshop and a history check.
Details in the terms