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Mercedes-Benz S-Class S 350 d Prestige Plus common faults.

2013–2017, saloon, diesel, 258 HP.

The fault list covers: OM642LSDE30LA engine, MB7229, MB7250 transmission.

What you save stays on this device only. My saves

6 fault write-ups. All are important. 10 recalls.

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

Before you buy

Known faults

6 important faults

critical1

OM642 V6 diesel: the swirl flap and its plastic linkage break

critical

The swirl flaps sit in the intake of both cylinder banks, and a central electric actuator moves them through a linkage. Soot builds up on the linkage and on the flaps, the flap starts to bind, and in the end the plastic breaks. This is the most frequent single failure on this engine, and the broken pieces can get into the engine, which can lead to engine damage. The symptoms are the engine warning light, rough running and a lack of power, with the code P2004 or P2005 in the fault memory. The condition of the flaps can be seen with an endoscope through the intake, without dismantling. It is worth looking above 150,000 km, especially on the W164 ML320 and ML350 CDI. An aluminium repair kit is available for it, which lasts longer than the factory part.

above 100,000 km

What to check

  • Read the fault memory and look for the P2004 and P2005 codes
  • Ask whether the flaps have been inspected with an endoscope, because they are visible without dismantling
  • At low revs watch for a lack of power and rough running
2 more steps in the write-up

expensive5

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.

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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

OM642 V6 diesel: leaking oil cooler seals in the engine valley

expensive

The oil cooler sits in the V between the cylinder banks, and its seal becomes porous over the years. The leak is characteristic: there is no visible trace on the outer sides of the engine, because the oil collects in the V under the intake and drips down from there. A smaller oil puddle can therefore appear under the car, while the place of the leak cannot be found from outside. As the fault gets worse, oil can also get into the coolant, and that shows up as oily streaks in the expansion tank. It gives no fault code. The repair is expensive because the cooler can only be reached after removing the intake and the swirl flap actuator. In a specialist workshop it can run up to 2,000 euro. The fault comes up above 120,000 km. One thing is worth asking even after the repair. If the V is not cleaned out thoroughly, the remains of the old seal and the soot get into the oil circuit, and there they can ruin the bearings and the oil passages as well.

above 120,000 kmup to 2,000 EUR

What to check

  • Look at the expansion tank: an oily streak means oil in the coolant
  • Look for an oil puddle under the car, but do not look for the leak on the side of the engine
  • Shine a light under the intake, between the cylinder banks, where the oil collects
2 more steps in the write-up

OM642 V6 diesel: the injector shaft soots up and it starts hard when cold

expensive

Combustion gases escape past the shaft of the Bosch piezo injector, and soot builds up around the shaft. The symptoms are a hard, rough cold start and a rough idle. The engine has six injectors, so finding the faulty one is more work as well. The quantity correction values of the control unit have to be read per injector, and this is worth doing before anyone replaces all of them. A cleaning additive and better quality fuel help to prevent the sooting. The fault comes up above 120,000 km. The high-pressure system of the same engine (Bosch CP3) can also give starting trouble and a lack of power at high mileage, so the diagnosis separates the two.

above 120,000 km

What to check

  • Start the engine cold and watch whether it starts hard or roughly
  • At idle watch for rough running
  • Ask for the quantity correction to be read per injector, not for a general fault code list
2 more steps in the write-up

OM642 V6 diesel: defeat devices, KBA 009147, threat of an operating ban

expensive

The maker issued recalls and voluntary service actions for the six cylinder OM642 diesel, aimed at defeat devices (Abschalteinrichtungen) in the engine control software.

Show the rest

According to the German technical press the KBA 009147 recall is dated 12 August 2019; at the maker it carries the codes 5496121 and 5496142. The ADAC names two affected groups: E 350 BlueTEC / E 350 d (only the C 207 coupe), 02.2013 to 12.2016, and G 350 d (possibly G 350 BlueTEC), 09.2015 to 12.2015.

Felix Domke uncovered eight defeat devices affecting the SCR catalyst or the exhaust gas recirculation.

In summer 2023 it was reported that the KBA in Flensburg and the federal transport ministry were threatening part of the OM642 diesel fleet with a ban on further operation.

When buying outside Germany this mainly concerns the 2011 to 2016 V6 diesels exported out of the German market (ML/GLE 350, E 350, S 350, GL, Viano). Only the franchised dealer can tell you by VIN whether the update was done.

What to check

  • Ask by VIN whether KBA 009147 (maker codes 5496121 / 5496142) applies to the car, and whether it was carried out
  • On an imported car ask for the German service history and the recall confirmation
  • Check whether it is a C 207 coupe (E 350 BlueTEC / E 350 d): the ADAC list names only the coupe in the 02.2013 to 12.2016 window
2 more steps in the write-up

Checklist

Mercedes-Benz S-Class S 350 d Prestige Plus

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 recall10 recallsShow

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

Most recent: 15 December 2023

23V854000STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARSSTRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS15 December 2023 · NHTSA (USA)

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2014-2020 C-Class, CLA, GLA, S-Class, GLC, and GLE vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details. 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, allowing the front panel to detach from the vehicle.

Risk: A detached roof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the front panel, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 2, 2024. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on, March 22,2024, and August 2, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 21V-197.

The authority's notice

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

19V787000COMMUNICATIONCOMMUNICATION1 November 2019 · NHTSA (USA)

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2013-2017 vehicles due to a software fault that may cause the date and time for the emergency call system (eCall) to differ from the actual date and time, potentially relaying an inaccurate vehicle location. For a full list of the affected models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RMISC-19V787-4620.pdf

Risk: An inaccurate vehicle location may delay emergency responders, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: MBUSA has initiated an Over the Air (OTA) remote update. MBUSA will also notify owners, and dealers will check software for a successful OTA or update the communication module software as needed, free of charge. The recall began December 23, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019120008.

The authority's notice

16V899000STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEMSTEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM14 December 2016 · NHTSA (USA)

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 SL550, 2013-2014 SL63 AMG, 2014-2016 E350, 2014 E350 Cabriolet, E350 Coupe, 2014-2015 S550, 2015 E350 Bluetec, 2015-2016 E400, 2016 E550 Coupe, and Maybach S600 vehicles manufactured August 23, 2012, to August 14, 2015. The affected vehicles use an electric power steering system that may have improperly soldered contacts inside the control unit, potentially resulting in the power steering system deactivating while driving.

Risk: If the control unit pins lose connection, there would be a loss of electric power steering assist, increasing the risk of a crash. The increase in pin contact resistance can also increase the risk of a fire, even while the vehicle is parked and ignition is off.

Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electric power steering control unit, free of charge. The recall began October 13, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

The authority's notice

16V829000SEAT BELTSSEAT BELTS16 November 2016 · NHTSA (USA)

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 S63 AMG Coupe, S65 AMG Coupe, S550 Coupe 4Matic, S63 AMG 4Matic Convertible, and S550 Convertible vehicles manufactured June 29, 2015, to March 15, 2016. The seat belt extenders on the affected vehicles may not retract as intended and may potentially break the event of a crash.

Risk: In the event of a crash, if the seat belt extender does not retract and/or the extender breaks, the seat occupant may not be properly restrained, increasing their risk of injury.

Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the control unit software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in mid-December 2016. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

The authority's notice

16V760000EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTSEXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS20 October 2016 · NHTSA (USA)

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 S550 Coupe 4MATIC, S63 AMG Coupe 4MATIC, S65 AMG Coupe and S63 AMG Convertible 4Matic vehicles manufactured September 3, 2015, to February 4, 2016. The low beam headlights on the affected vehicles may not be properly adjusted. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Risk: If the low-beam headlights are out of adjustment, the driver's visibility may be reduced, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and correct the headlight adjustment, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in November 2016. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

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

A12/00481/20Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The level sensors of the vibration damper software may not have been installed in the correct direction which can cause the headlamp levelling to be outside the tolerance limits. If the vehicle is used with the maximum number of passengers, this will result in the oncoming traffic being affected by glare.

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

A12/0626/17Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The propellant mixing ratio in certain seat-belt pre-tensioner igniters may be incorrect. As a result, in the event of an accident where the front seat-belt pre-tensioners are activated, the pre-tensioners would not provide the restraint performance required if the igniter did not ignite as intended. This could put the occupants at a greater risk of 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

SR/03711/24Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The three aluminium screws of the steering box may corrode due to exposure to spray water and aggressive road-grit (salt) used for melting ice. Advanced corrosion could weaken the screws, leading to potential breakage during manoeuvring or parking. If all fixing screws fail, the power-assisted steering could detach, resulting in a loss of power steering and an increased risk of an accident. The product does not comply with 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

Engine and transmission

1 engines · 2 transmissions

OM642LSDE30LA

190 kW (258 HP) · diesel

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 transmission is possible. 7 gears = MB7229, 9 gears = MB7250.

Variant data

What is in this version

Factory data

Trim
S 350 d Prestige Plus
Body
saloon
Fuel
diesel
Transmission
automatic
Engine size
2987 cc
Power
190 kW (258 HP)
Drive
RWD
Production
2013–2017

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)

  • Fuel filter, diesel

    • 60,000 km or 2 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