Another thinking of a change of car

[Benzowner]

Hi all, always had Mercs, well, for the last 25+ years anyway, and my current B Class is still going well, but we are beginning to think of a change. I have previously owned an S Class and, well, I miss the comfort. So, the question, I have heard there were problems with he early W221's, but can't find what problems, anyone any advice?

 

[UrBusted]

The only problem I had with my W221 was that it didn't change gear after not using it for a few months and the Mercedes Mobile Mechanics came to my aid. I may have had more problems but that was the worst problem I had. I've never abused the car, and was owner from new and it seemed like a good car, but the MPG is bad. I'm getting 15+ MPG more on a W222.

 

[flango]

Hi all, always had Mercs, well, for the last 25+ years anyway, and my current B Class is still going well, but we are beginning to think of a change. I have previously owned an S Class and, well, I miss the comfort. So, the question, I have heard there were problems with he early W221's, but can't find what problems, anyone any advice?

I'm researching these at the minute and have also read the last of the W220 is better than the first gen of W221 most faults seem to be centred around gearbox and suspension failures and electrical gremlins

One thing I do know from my years in the trade is the first versions of the 7g box were very fragile and prone to faults

 

[Anthony 69]

No the subject of W221 poor MPG, are you talking about Diesel or Petrol ? Did your W221 have stop start and was it a Blue Efficiency car, is that where the MPG difference is, or do you know where the difference comes from, welcome your thoughts.

 

[Scott_F]

I don't know a huge amount about the W221 but I recently had a ride in the front seat of a 2007 model and two things struck me.

Firstly, for a luxo barge, the ride across bumpy London roads was not especially refined. Secondly, the plasma screen / LCD / whatever-it-was dashboard can only be described as an acquired taste and looked naff.

 

[markjay]

Mine is a face-lifted W203.

Of course it is no S-Class, but in Classic trim (not Sport/Avangarde) and standard 16" wheels it has surprisingly comfortable ride, and it will be roomier that your B-Class.

And... with the bullet-proof 5g gearbox and simple reliable underpinnings in general, there is much less potential for expensive repair bill that will see the car written off.

The face-lifted cars (2004-2007) are exceptionally well-built.

The way I see it, with the W203 you get very reasonable comfort and low running costs.

 

[V12]

The early V6 cdis can suffer problems with the timing chain and crankshaft bearings. They are not an especially unreliable engine but after the previous I6 engine they seem much more prone to issues.

The electronic handbrake on the first 2 years of cars can have issues with not releasing or randomly engage when you don't want it to, like at a set of traffic lights etc.

As stated above, 7g gearbox issues and other minor electronic problems.
W221 also suffers air suspension issues the same as the W220, no major issue, but can be expensive when it needs components renewing.

The ride in the W221 is marginally stiffer than the W220 but it does also handle better and generally feels like driving a lighter car.

The 2003 onwards W220 seem very tough and reliable compared to their Pre facelift counterparts and the 06 and 07 W221s seem especially prone to many issues.

I've had my current W220 for 3.5 years now and apart from routine servicing it has only needed a set of tyres, 1 parking sensor, and 4 front suspension arms (£400 lemforder ECP). It will average 45-50mpg at motorway cruising speeds and up to 30mpg around town.
Every time I drive a W221 I always get back in my W220 and don't miss the W221 at all.