S600 v S500 (W221): Just how "risky" is the V12 compared to the V8 ?

[alabbasi]

£700 to change the plugs?....gulp...

In that case, you don't want to know what it costs to change the coil packs.

 

[ToeKnee]

In that case, you don't want to know what it costs to change the coil packs.

In my head, a coil pack is a coil pack so why are the V12 ones so expensive?

 

[W1ghty]

In my head, a coil pack is a coil pack so why are the V12 ones so expensive?

Based on the cars original purchase price I guess .

 

[markjay]

In my head, a coil pack is a coil pack so why are the V12 ones so expensive?

I don't know the answer as such, but my experience is that repair costs are going up with the number of cylinders, in part due to limited access around the engine bay often requiring more labour time.

 

[MikeInWimbledon]

In that case, you don't want to know what it costs to change the coil packs.

In my head that's a three or four grand, once a decade. Peanuts compared to fuel cost.
Familiar territory for any BMW straight six owner. ("New injectors, sir? That'll be £2k, please")

 

[Will]

In my head, a coil pack is a coil pack so why are the V12 ones so expensive?

I think from memory they come in complete units per bank - so each ‘coil pack’ will feed twelve plugs per side.

Coupled with low volume of production (it’s not a part shared with other engines such as say the individual coil packs used on many everyday cars)

V12 tax really

 

[ToeKnee]

I think from memory they come in complete units per bank - so each ‘coil pack’ will feed twelve plugs per side.

Coupled with low volume of production (it’s not a part shared with other engines such as say the individual coil packs used on many everyday cars)

V12 tax really

That would explain it.

 

[ALFAitalia]

So £700 for plugs?.....are they special (read expensive) plugs or does it take hours to do?

 

[Will]

So £700 for plugs?.....are they special (read expensive) plugs or does it take hours to do?

They’re expensive plugs, there’s twenty four of them, access is probably not as easy as many other engines (V-configuration, twelve cylinders, six litre engine)

£29 a plug fitted I guess isn’t bad at a main dealer for genuine parts.

And heaven forbid you break a coil pack in the process!

 

[WOODYTHEWISE]

They’re expensive plugs, there’s twenty four of them, access is probably not as easy as many other engines (V-configuration, twelve cylinders, six litre engine)

£29 a plug fitted I guess isn’t bad at a main dealer for genuine parts.

And heaven forbid you break a coil pack in the process!

They’re expensive plugs, there’s twenty four of them, access is probably not as easy as many other engines (V-configuration, twelve cylinders, six litre engine)

£29 a plug fitted I guess isn’t bad at a main dealer for genuine parts.

And heaven forbid you break a coil pack in the process!

Yes indeed. Changing the plugs was a condition of my purchase. A lot of people don't bother. Plus its nice to know the plugs are not seized.

 

[Will]

You can say that again!

 

[ALFAitalia]

I'm thinking that there will be compatible plugs around at well under £29 too if you DIY like me.

So it must be rather more than £700 to change the plugs at a dealer then as the plugs alone are £696 at £29 each.

 

[Will]

I'm thinking that there will be compatible plugs around at well under £29 too if you DIY like me.

So it must be rather more than £700 to change the plugs at a dealer then as the plugs alone are £696 at £29 each.

I read that as parts and labour, but I’m sure Woody can clarify

 

[Swotty]

IIRC and without checking the invoices, the plugs were €16 each 2 years ago, so about £14 ... x 24.

The coil packs were c. £1100 each (there are 2), which were almost half of the MB price over here .... all sourced from Germany ... but that was before the dreaded import tax following Brexit.

You can't run a V12 car costing over £100K on peanuts but the rewards of having such a car to drive and use makes it all worth it.

Wish I'd bought a non - ubiquitous silver/black interior one, though .... blue or red (Carmine?) with beige would have been nice, but I only paid £8K for the car in 2014. Probably spent £10K on it including 2 sets of premium tyres but the cost over that time is probably in the order of £5 - 6K depreciation. Not bad for such a great car.

 

[DSM10000]

IIRC and without checking the invoices, the plugs were €16 each 2 years ago, so about £14 ... x 24.

The coil packs were c. £1100 each (there are 2), which were almost half of the MB price over here .... all sourced from Germany ... but that was before the dreaded import tax following Brexit.

You can't run a V12 car costing over £100K on peanuts but the rewards of having such a car to drive and use makes it all worth it.

Wish I'd bought a non - ubiquitous silver/black interior one, though .... blue or red (Carmine?) with beige would have been nice, but I only paid £8K for the car in 2014. Probably spent £10K on it including 2 sets of premium tyres but the cost over that time is probably in the order of £5 - 6K depreciation. Not bad for such a great car.

How can Brexit be blamed for import tax if you are in France and ordering parts from Germany?

 

[alexanderfoti]

Core engine is very reliable, but as others have said, it's the seals and stuff that costs money.

We had one in recently for a refresh. 6k and there are a few other bits that still need doing.

Just go in with your eyes open (and don't take it out on the garage when it goes wrong )

 

[alexanderfoti]

Everyone should have a V12 at least once in their life.

I have the CL (2003). As already said, servicing is reasonable but there can be big ticket items. I've had to replace coil packs, plugs (twice), suspension pump and 2 struts. It goes in next week for €3000 worth of front suspension work. They are heavy cars.

Tyres seem to last about 4 years.

I have 2 V8s, a modified Jag XKR convertible and a lightly modded C4 Corvette. Both are extremely rapid but the CL is stock and in another league, if you want it to be, otherwise just cruise effortlessly. The 'vette is going, the CL is staying. I suspect the proceeds from the 'vette will come in handy/necessary over the next few years!

The M275 is rated as one of the great Merc engines. It has it's foibles (e.g. dribbling oil cooler in the middle of the "v"). I get 23 - 27 mpg in normal country driving.

If in doubt, have your potential purchase inspected and take out a warranty.

Good luck with whatever decision you make.

I have no idea how you have 27mpg out of yours. Granted mine is in a heaver car, but 22mpg is my max. Daily driving 16ish

 

[Swotty]

How can Brexit be blamed for import tax if you are in France and ordering parts from Germany?

Yes, sorry, I meant to say I bought the parts from the UK for roughly half the price it would have cost buying from the nearest Merc dealer here, despite the parts coming from Germany, wherever I bought them from. No profiteering in France, clearly . Actually parts can be expensive but labour charges are far lower. That was pre 2021.

Since Brexit 2 years ago, customs and admin taxes eat into this. Merc UK will send me parts VAT free and that washes its face.

If I order stuff from the States from e.g. Rock Auto for the 'vette, what starts out at say $50 ends up at over twice that and the UK is now in the same category. It's still cheaper than buying from a French 'vette supplier, though.

The French garage - not the Merc one ... long story - has ordered the suspension parts for the CL from the UK as they're significantly cheaper than him buying from Mercedes in France or Germany. Apparently, getting them from the States was still cheaper than here or Germany, though not by as much.

Nowt wrong with Brexit!

 

[Swotty]

I have no idea how you have 27mpg out of yours. Granted mine is in a heaver car, but 22mpg is my max. Daily driving 16ish

I only have very light size 8s! Seems to be more economic when using cruise control. Speed limit is still 50 mph around here.

The CL is for cruising; the Jag and 'vette for more spirited driving ..... but the latter averages 30 mpg - light body and huge torque - and the former 20 - 23 ish.

The Fiat Panda manages 60- 70 mpg on the same routes, but don't tell Mrs Swotty.

 

[MikeInWimbledon]

The French garage - not the Merc one ... long story - has ordered the suspension parts for the CL from the UK as they're significantly cheaper than him buying from Mercedes in France or Germany. Apparently, getting them from the States was still cheaper than here or Germany, though not by as much.

Nowt wrong with Brexit!

I’m constantly stunned by the prices the French pay for kit, from walking boots to bikes, from clothes to Tech and DIY paraphernalia.

The UK has far more competition bringing prices down and offering wider product choice, through Bricks (specialist retail) to Clicks (online: retail, Amazon and EBay)