Used Mercedes-Benz S320

What to know before buying: Mercedes-Benz S320

From 3 forum threads · updated 12/10/2026

What the reviews say

• An owner of a 2000 W220 S320 CDI reported that at 330,000 km its engine and transmission worked very well, with 13,000–14,000 km covered monthly without problems.[2]one source
• Latvian forum contributors described the 3.2-litre engine as good and even “royal,” while noting possible cylinder-head microcracks on the R6 version.[3]one source
• After beginning repairs, the owner of a neglected 2005 W220 S320 called it superb; adding almost five litres of oil restored flawless transmission operation.[2]one source

Typical faults

• W220 S320 CDI reports include transmission jolts and severe hesitation when moving off. One 2005 car had almost no transmission oil and leaked at the connector.[1][2]

  S320 CDI

• Airmatic may show a fault because of insufficient compressor pressure, or let the car sink completely or to one side after a night or several days parked.[1][2]

  S320 CDI

• W220 Soft Close faults are reported: one car retained operation only on the rear doors, while another also lost powered boot closing and lifting.[1][2]

  S320 CDI

• Reported electrical faults include failed driver-seat adjustment, heating and ventilation, an intermittently extinguishing headlamp, and recurring air-conditioning shutdown.[2]one source

  S320 CDI

• Hissing under acceleration may indicate a pressure leak along the turbo–intercooler–intake path; hoses, the intercooler and manifold gasket were identified as possible points.[1]one source

  S320 CDI

• On one 2005 W220, ABS and ESP warnings returned and the steering became heavy; replacing the ABS sensor restored normal steering operation.[2]one source

  2005–2005 · S320 CDI

• The same 2005 S320 CDI had a diesel leak from the injector return hoses and a markedly different correction value on injector five.[2]one source

  2005–2005 · S320 CDI

• A forum report says the inline-six S320 CDI engine can develop microcracks in the cylinder head.[3]one source

  S320 CDI R6

Which engine and version to take

• Consider the 3.2-litre engine when diagnostics and service history are convincing: it was rated positively, and one S320 CDI reportedly ran very well at 330,000 km.[2][3]

What to check at the inspection

• With the car cold and warm, test moving off and every gear; it should not jolt or require heavy revving to start moving.[1][2]
• Check transmission-oil level and colour and inspect the connector for leaks; establish whether the oil, filter and gasket were replaced.[2]one source
• Leave the car parked and monitor its ride height; use diagnostics to check Airmatic compressor pressure, level sensors and their wiring.[1][2]
• Listen for hissing under acceleration; carefully pressure-check the turbo, intercooler and intake hoses as well as the intercooler itself.[1]one source
• Test Soft Close on every door and the boot, all driver-seat adjustment, heating and ventilation, both headlamps, and the air conditioning over an extended drive.[1][2]
• Run a full diagnostic scan and check the SRS, ABS and ESP lamps. Faults must not return after steering input and a drive, and the steering must not become heavy.[2]one source
• At cold start, listen for noise around the power steering; inspect the fluid level, belts, pump and hoses.[2]one source

Verdict

Sources

1. [1]clubmercedes.ro — W220 S320 CDI-cateva probleme - Mercedes Benz Forum · forum
2. [2]clubmercedes.ro — Sfat achizitie w220 S320 defect - Mercedes Benz Forum · forum
3. [3]forum.mbclub.lv — MB S320 · forum

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