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Mercedes-Benz S-Class S 350 d 4MATIC long common faults.

2020–2026, saloon, diesel, 313 HP.

The fault list covers: OM656EVO, OM656M engine, MB7250 transmission.

What you save stays on this device only. My saves

2 fault write-ups. Both are important. 25 recalls.

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

Before you buy

Known faults

2 important faults

critical1

On the OM654 and OM656 diesels the maker started a recall over the vacuum controlled coolant pump (maker action code: 2090008). The fault: a leak can develop between the coolant and the vacuum circuit; if coolant reaches the electric switching valves, an electrochemical reaction can raise the temperature of the part, and a fire risk cannot be ruled out.

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The fix: replacing the electric switching valve and a software update. The campaign started at the end of 2021; the affected group is the C-Class, E-Class and other OM654/OM656 models.

A recall on the model does not mean it was carried out on this car. Only the franchised dealer can tell you, by VIN.

What to check

  • Ask the franchised dealer by VIN: is action 2090008 OPEN or CLOSED
  • Check the coolant level and look around the vacuum system for leaks
  • Ask for the service sheet: a switching valve replacement plus a software update is part of the campaign
1 more steps in the write-up

expensive1

The modern OM654 four cylinder diesel (and the modular OM656 six cylinder) carries two weaknesses on the used market that reinforce each other.

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1) Roller finger followers (Rollenschlepphebel). According to the German technical press, on some cars the followers wear early at around 100,000 to 120,000 km. On 10 July 2018 the maker introduced a strengthened follower from engine number 80278367 (new part number A6540505701 in place of the old A6540501100). On early built cars the risk is higher. A faulty follower develops so much heat that the removed metal shows blue discolouration (Anlaufspur).

2) Oil dilution. The post injection needed to regenerate the particulate filter puts diesel fuel into the engine oil. With short urban use the engine does not get warm enough, the fuel does not evaporate, the oil thins out, and the follower and valvetrain are exactly what suffers most from poor lubrication.

The timing chain sits on the gearbox side: if it stretches, the replacement is labour intensive. There are few complaints of a broken chain, but on the early series about 5,000 cars were recalled for a weak chain, and the Tritan 15 coating was changed to Tritan 18.

between 80,000 and 160,000 km

What to check

  • Listen to the engine on a cold start: metallic ticking or rattling from the follower or the chain is suspect
  • Ask for the engine number: cars below 80278367 (before July 2018) are the old follower group
  • Check the service book: how often and with what oil (MB 229.52 is recommended) it was changed. Long intervals plus urban use is the worst pairing
2 more steps in the write-up

Checklist

Mercedes-Benz S-Class S 350 d 4MATIC long

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

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

Official recall25 recallsShow

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

Most recent: 18 March 2023

A12/00856/23Safety recallInjuries18 March 2023 · EU Safety Gate

The instrument panel may detach, thereby affecting the deployment performance of the passenger airbag in the event of an accident, increasing the risk of injury. 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: 18/03/2023

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

A12/01658/21Safety recallInjuries2 November 2021 · EU Safety Gate

In certain vehicles with a calliper disc-brake system, the bolts of the brake callipers on the front axle may not meet the specifications. A brake calliper can detach during braking, which may lead to braking power being reduced and components being lost. That would increase the potential risk of accidents, including for the following traffic. 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): Distributor Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: 02/11/2021

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

A12/00284/22Safety recallInjuries29 October 2021 · EU Safety Gate

When the vehicle stops the airbag control unit may deactivate the passenger airbag. This could increase the risk of injury in the event of an accident. The product does not comply with the requirements of 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): Importer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: 29/10/2021

We could not check this: model year. 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

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

A12/00045/22Safety recallFireno date · EU Safety Gate

The vacuum-controlled coolant pump may not be tightly sealed between the coolant and vacuum circuits. This may result in the coolant leaking into the vacuum circuit leading to an electrochemical reaction, 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

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

A12/00055/22Safety recallElectric shock, Fireno date · EU Safety Gate

Due to an incorrect material composition of the Mode 2 charging cable for charging at a household power socket, the insulation resistance of the rubber buffer could be impaired, overriding the protective function of the charging cable. Furthermore, in combination with an error in the household infrastructure, the activation of the protective device in the household electrical circuit might be prevented. This could cause the user to have an electrical shock and could lead to a 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

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

A12/00152/21Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The internal tie rods used for the front axle steering may not have been intended for the type of vehicle, and thus, could be too short. In such a case, the rods could be bent or pulled out in the event of an additional, sudden force. This would impair the steerability of 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

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

A12/00485/24Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The catch fixing the wheel hubcaps may not withstand the pressures encountered during driving. In such cases, the hubcaps could detach from the vehicle, increasing the risk of accident and injury to other road users. 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

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

A12/00497/22Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The airbag control unit might not have been bolted according to specifications and might detect incorrect acceleration values when the vehicle is moving. In consequence, the restraint systems might not be activated completely, which can increase the risk of an injury in case 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

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

A12/00610/22Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

Improper welding on the rear axle can cause the thrust rod to come loose from the rear axle bracket. This may cause the vehicle to swerve in response to the road surface or the vehicle may skid sideways during emergency braking. This leads to loss of control over the vehicle, increasing the 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

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

A12/00730/21Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The polycarbonate roof panel located between the windscreen and the panoramic roof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle during a prior repair. In such cases, the adhesive bonding could gradually deteriorate and the panel could become detached from the vehicle, posing a risk to other road users. 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

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

A12/00936/21Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The latching of the fuel delivery module to the fuel tank may be defective and could be released while the vehicle is being driven. As a result, fuel may leak from the fuel tank, 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

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

A12/00939/24Safety recallFire, Injuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

A fuse may be faulty, which can lead to engine failure or impairment of the restraint functions and instrument cluster. This increases the risk of an accident, injuries and fire. 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

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

A12/01260/21Safety recallFireno date · EU Safety Gate

The screw connection of an electrical connector at the pre-fuse box in the passenger footwell may be defective, which could increase the electrical transition resistance at that connection. As a result, the high electrical currents flowing through the connection could increase the temperature in this area, 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

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

A12/01321/21Safety recallFireno date · EU Safety Gate

Due to defective fixing, the electrical connection between the 48V or 12V wiring harness and the support point may be sporadically interrupted. This could result in electrical arcing, leading to increased risk of fire. Furthermore, if the electrical connection were completely interrupted, the vehicle could not be started.

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

We could not check this: model year. 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

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

A12/01347/21Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The fuel tank may not be leak-proof. As a result, fuel could escape and 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

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

A12/01357/21Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The middle fold-down rear headrest may not be correctly locked into the in-use position. This could impair its protective effect, increasing the risk of injury in the event 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

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

A12/01361/21Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The electrical connector of the side-impact sensors might not be correctly latched and could become detached. This would lead to delayed activation of the restraint systems in the event of a side impact, reducing their restraining effect and increasing the risk of injury to the vehicle 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

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

A12/01379/22Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

Trim parts of the backrest on both front seats can detach during rear airbag deployment in the event of an accident. The airbag deployment may be impaired and the airbag itself may be damaged, increasing the risk of injury to rear occupants. 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

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

A12/01603/21Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The mounting screws of the disc brake callipers on the front axle may not be in line with specifications. As a result, when braking, a disc brake calliper may detach, increasing the risk of accidents. 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

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

A12/02133/23Safety recallFire, Injuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The fuse box of the engine compartment may be defective. High electrical currents could increase the temperature, creating a risk of fire. This is turn can lead to an electricity interruption and the vehicle may lose propulsion power, increasing the 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

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

A12/02416/23Safety recallFire, Injuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The 12 volt ground wire screw in the trunk may be defective, which can lead to that certain electronic stability program (ESP) functions can be disabled or strong electrical currents may lead to a local increase in temperature, increasing the risk of an accident or fire. 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

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

A12/03598/24Safety recallEnvironment, Fire, Injuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

In the event of an independent hardware failure, the lambda control in the Engine Control Unit (ECU) software can erroneously increase the amount of injected fuel during cylinder deactivation. As a result, exhaust temperatures can increase and this can damage surrounding components (e.g. engine wiring harness, catalytic converter). This can create an unexpected loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries. Moreover, this can increase the risk of fire. In addition, local statutory exhaust emission limits could be exceeded. 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

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

SR/02431/25Safety recallFire, Injuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

An improperly reworked fuse box may lead to breaks in contact or incorrect fuse ratings. Therefore, systems connected to the fuse could fail, including the vehicle losing drive without warning as well as the restraint systems or the instrument cluster being compromised. This could lead to injury or 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

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

Engine and transmission

2 engines · 1 transmissions

OM656EVO

17–270 kW (23–367 HP) · diesel

MB7250 · 9G-Tronic, longitudinal (Mercedes 725.0 / NAG3)

automatic · 9 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.

Variant data

What is in this version

Factory data

Trim
S 350 d 4MATIC long
Body
saloon
Fuel
diesel
Transmission
automatic
Engine size
2989 cc
Power
230 kW (313 HP)
Drive
AWD
Production
2020–2026

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

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