Used Mercedes-Benz S450

What to know before buying: Mercedes-Benz S450

From 2 forum threads and 1 press test · updated 12/10/2026

What the reviews say

• The sole 2006 S450 owner review rates handling, reliability, comfort, value and design at 5/5; however, the evidence is limited to one review.[3]one source
• A 2006 S450 owner highlights body design, performance, ground clearance, material quality and build quality as strengths.[3]one source
• The same 2006 review identifies fuel consumption and servicing costs as drawbacks.[3]one source
• One carefully maintained, mainly long-distance W221 S450 suffered major engine damage at 192,000 km, so a good history alone does not eliminate risk.[1][2]

Typical faults

• On one W221 S450 at 192,000 km, the oil pump failed; the camshafts briefly ran without lubrication, damaging the pump and both cylinder heads.[1][2]

  192 000–192 000 km · V8

• On the same W221, a fault indicated a stretched timing chain and it was replaced at about 192,000 km; major engine damage appeared roughly 500 km later.[1][2]

  192 000–192 000 km · V8

• On one W221 S450, both rear Airmatic dampers were replaced at about 100,000 km and the right-front at 180,000 km for suspension clatter; the left-front was later replaced for the same reason.[1]one source

  100 000–180 000 km

Which engine and version to take

• The sources do not support a confident recommendation for a specific S450 engine version. For a W221 V8, prefer a car with verifiable timing-chain, oil-pump and lubrication-system history.[1][2]

What to avoid

• Avoid a W221 V8 with an unresolved chain fault, uneven running or an unexplained oil-pressure issue: in the reported case, both cylinder heads and the camshafts were damaged.[1][2]

What to check at the inspection

• Check diagnostic history and timing-chain records. On one W221, a fault indicated chain stretch; the forum also advised obtaining the measured cam-timing angle.[1][2]
• During a cold start and when selecting reverse, check for uneven running and warning lights; in the reported case, these signs preceded discovery of oil-pump failure and camshaft damage.[1][2]
• Listen for suspension clatter and inspect the replacement history of every Airmatic damper: one car had already received three by 192,000 km, with the fourth replaced for the same symptom.[1]one source
• If the chain or engine was recently repaired, commission an independent inspection before purchase: the reported major failure appeared only about 500 km after chain replacement and servicing.[1][2]

Verdict

Sources

1. [1]motor-talk.de — Hilfe - kapitaler Motorschaden an S450 nach ... · forum
2. [2]motor-talk.de — Hilfe - kapitaler Motorschaden an S450 nach ... · forum
3. [3]auto.ria.com — Отзывы о Mercedes-Benz S 450 2006 года от владельцев · press

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