The Mercedes-Benz S600, the flagship V12-powered variant of the S-Class, represents the pinnacle of luxury, performance, and technological innovation for its respective era. However, not all S600 model years are created equal. This guide will help you navigate the complexities of the S600 lineage, highlighting the best years to buy and some to potentially avoid, ensuring you make an informed decision when pursuing this automotive masterpiece.

Comprehensive S600 Model Year Guide

Model Year(s) Strengths Potential Weaknesses
W140 (1993-1999) Robust M120 V12 engine, timeless design, over-engineered build quality, comfortable ride, relatively simple electronics compared to later models. High running costs (fuel consumption, maintenance), potential for rust, aging electronics (though simpler), early models prone to wiring harness degradation.
W220 (2001-2002) More modern features than W140, slightly improved fuel economy, generally lower purchase price than later models. Air suspension issues are very common and expensive to repair, early electronic gremlins, rust can still be a problem, M137 V12 engine less reliable than M120.
W221 (2007-2013) Powerful and relatively reliable M275 V12 engine, advanced technology (for its time), improved interior quality, more refined driving experience. Complex electronics can be problematic and expensive to diagnose/repair, air suspension issues persist, coil pack failures are common, ABC suspension issues (if equipped).
W222 (2014-2020) Most modern features and technology, powerful and refined M279 V12 engine, luxurious interior, improved fuel economy compared to earlier models. Extremely complex electronics, expensive repairs, potential for software glitches, direct injection carbon buildup (though less severe than some other engines).

Detailed Explanations

W140 (1993-1999): The Over-Engineered Classic

The W140 S600 is often considered the last of the truly "over-engineered" Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Its M120 V12 engine is a masterpiece of engineering, renowned for its smooth power delivery and robust construction. The W140 design is instantly recognizable and has aged gracefully. While it features some electronic features, it is simpler than later models, potentially making it easier to maintain in the long run. The W140 is truly a classic.

Strengths:

  • Robust M120 V12 Engine: The M120 is known for its reliability and longevity, capable of racking up high mileage with proper maintenance. Its smooth power delivery is a hallmark of the W140 S600.
  • Timeless Design: The W140's imposing and elegant design has stood the test of time. It exudes a sense of luxury and sophistication that is still appreciated today.
  • Over-Engineered Build Quality: Mercedes-Benz spared no expense in the construction of the W140. Its solid build quality is evident in its sturdy feel and long-lasting components.
  • Comfortable Ride: The W140 offers a supremely comfortable ride, thanks to its well-tuned suspension and plush interior.
  • Relatively Simple Electronics: Compared to later models, the W140's electronics are less complex, making it potentially easier to diagnose and repair issues.

Potential Weaknesses:

  • High Running Costs: The W140 S600 is a thirsty vehicle, with poor fuel economy. Maintenance costs can also be high, due to the age of the vehicle and the complexity of the V12 engine.
  • Potential for Rust: Rust can be a problem, especially in areas where salt is used on the roads. Inspect the car carefully for any signs of rust before purchasing.
  • Aging Electronics: While simpler than later models, the W140's electronics are still aging, and some components may need to be replaced.
  • Early Models Prone to Wiring Harness Degradation: Early W140s (especially 1992-1995) are notorious for wiring harness degradation due to the use of biodegradable insulation. This can lead to a variety of electrical problems.

W220 (2001-2002): A Step Forward, With Caveats

The W220 S600 offered a more modern design and features than its predecessor. It also provided slightly improved fuel economy. However, the W220 S600 is often considered a less desirable model year due to the M137 engine and early electronics. The M137 V12 engine is known to be less reliable than the M120, and the car is more prone to electrical issues.

Strengths:

  • More Modern Features: The W220 S600 features more modern technology and amenities than the W140, making it more appealing to some buyers.
  • Slightly Improved Fuel Economy: The W220 offers slightly better fuel economy than the W140, although it is still not a fuel-efficient vehicle.
  • Generally Lower Purchase Price: W220 S600 models typically have a lower purchase price than later models, making them more accessible to some buyers.

Potential Weaknesses:

  • Air Suspension Issues: The W220's air suspension is notorious for being unreliable and expensive to repair. Leaks and compressor failures are common.
  • Early Electronic Gremlins: The W220 S600 is prone to various electronic issues, which can be difficult and costly to diagnose and repair.
  • Rust Can Still Be a Problem: Rust can still be an issue on the W220, especially in areas with harsh climates.
  • M137 V12 Engine Less Reliable: The M137 V12 engine is generally considered less reliable than the M120, with a higher incidence of issues.

W221 (2007-2013): Modern Luxury and Power

The W221 S600 represents a significant leap forward in terms of technology, performance, and interior quality. Its M275 V12 engine is both powerful and relatively reliable. The W221 also offers a more refined driving experience than previous models. However, the W221's complex electronics can be problematic and expensive to repair, and air suspension issues persist.

Strengths:

  • Powerful and Relatively Reliable M275 V12 Engine: The M275 V12 engine is a significant improvement over the M137, offering more power and better reliability.
  • Advanced Technology: The W221 features a wide range of advanced technology for its time, including features like Distronic Plus adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist.
  • Improved Interior Quality: The W221's interior is a significant upgrade over the W220, with higher-quality materials and a more luxurious design.
  • More Refined Driving Experience: The W221 offers a more refined and comfortable driving experience than previous models.

Potential Weaknesses:

  • Complex Electronics: The W221's complex electronics can be a major source of problems, with expensive repairs.
  • Air Suspension Issues: Air suspension problems continue to plague the W221, with leaks and compressor failures being common.
  • Coil Pack Failures: The M275 engine is known for coil pack failures, which can be expensive to replace.
  • ABC Suspension Issues (If Equipped): Some W221 S600 models are equipped with Active Body Control (ABC) suspension, which is even more complex and expensive to repair than the standard air suspension.

W222 (2014-2020): The Pinnacle of Modern S600 Luxury

The W222 S600 represents the most modern and technologically advanced iteration of the V12-powered S-Class. Its M279 V12 engine is both powerful and refined. The W222 also boasts a luxurious interior and improved fuel economy compared to earlier models. However, its extremely complex electronics can be a source of headaches, and repairs can be incredibly expensive.

Strengths:

  • Most Modern Features and Technology: The W222 S600 features the latest technology and amenities, including advanced driver-assistance systems and a state-of-the-art infotainment system.
  • Powerful and Refined M279 V12 Engine: The M279 V12 engine is a masterpiece of engineering, offering smooth power delivery and impressive performance.
  • Luxurious Interior: The W222's interior is impeccably crafted, with high-quality materials and a luxurious design.
  • Improved Fuel Economy: The W222 offers better fuel economy than earlier S600 models, thanks to its more efficient engine and transmission.

Potential Weaknesses:

  • Extremely Complex Electronics: The W222's electronics are incredibly complex, and even minor issues can be difficult and expensive to diagnose and repair.
  • Expensive Repairs: Repairs on the W222 S600 can be incredibly expensive, due to the complexity of the vehicle and the high cost of parts.
  • Potential for Software Glitches: The W222's advanced software can be prone to glitches, which can affect various systems in the car.
  • Direct Injection Carbon Buildup: The M279 engine is a direct-injection engine, which can be prone to carbon buildup on the intake valves. While not as severe as some other engines, this can still impact performance over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which S600 is the most reliable?

The W140 (1993-1999) with the M120 engine is generally considered the most reliable, due to its robust construction and relatively simple electronics. However, age-related issues can still occur.

What are the most common problems with the S600?

Common issues include air suspension failures, electronic problems, coil pack failures, and rust (especially in older models). The specific problems vary depending on the model year.

How much does it cost to maintain an S600?

Maintenance costs can be very high, especially for older models. Expect to spend several thousand dollars per year on maintenance and repairs.

Is the V12 engine in the S600 reliable?

The M120 (W140) and M275 (W221) V12 engines are generally considered reliable with proper maintenance. The M137 (W220) is less reliable.

Which S600 should I avoid?

The 2001-2002 W220 S600 is often considered a less desirable model year due to the M137 engine and early electronics.

Are parts readily available for older S600 models?

Parts availability can be a challenge for older models like the W140, but many parts are still available through Mercedes-Benz or aftermarket suppliers.

Conclusion

Choosing the best year for a Mercedes-Benz S600 depends largely on your priorities and budget. The W140 offers classic appeal and robust engineering, while the W221 and W222 provide modern luxury and technology, but at a higher cost of ownership. Research thoroughly and consider a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic specializing in Mercedes-Benz vehicles before making your decision.