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The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class range of configurations is currently priced from $127,898.
Our most recent review of the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class resulted in a score of 8.5 out of 10 for that particular example.
Carsguide Contributing Journalist Byron Mathioudakis had this to say at the time: Mercedes-Benz set out to restore the S-Class' place amongst the greatest sedans in the world.
You can read the full review here.
This is what Byron Mathioudakis liked most about this particular version of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class: S-Class' return to splendour, Stunning high-tech cabin presentation, Outstanding ride and handling capabilities
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class carries a braked towing capacity of up to 2100 Kg, but check to ensure this applies to the configuration you're considering.
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class 2021 prices range from $155,870 for the basic trim level Sedan 4Matic (hybrid) to $392,150 for the top of the range Sedan L.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class Model | Body Type | Height x Width x Length | Ground Clearance |
---|---|---|---|
S560 L
|
Body Type: Sedan | Height x Width x Length: 1500x1899x5259 mm |
Ground Clearance:
120 mm
|
S560 Base
|
Body Type: Sedan | Height x Width x Length: 1505x1899x5129 mm |
Ground Clearance:
130 mm
|
S580L 4Matic (hybrid)
|
Body Type: Sedan | Height x Width x Length: 1503x1921x5290 mm |
Ground Clearance:
130 mm
|
S350 D
|
Body Type: Sedan | Height x Width x Length: 1502x1899x5129 mm |
Ground Clearance:
109 mm
|
Mercedes-Benz S-Class Model | Body Type | Front Tyre Size | Front Rim | Rear Rim |
---|---|---|---|---|
S560 Base
|
Body Type: Sedan | Front Tyre Size: 245x40 R20 | Front Rim: — |
Rear Rim:
—
|
S450 4Matic (hybrid)
|
Body Type: Sedan | Front Tyre Size: 255x40 R20 | Front Rim: 9x20 ET34 in |
Rear Rim:
10x20 ET48.1 in
|
S450 L
|
Body Type: Sedan | Front Tyre Size: 245x40 R20 | Front Rim: — |
Rear Rim:
—
|
S350 D
|
Body Type: Sedan | Front Tyre Size: 245x45 R19 | Front Rim: — |
Rear Rim:
—
|
That’s not a huge mileage for an engine like this, and I wouldn’t expect to see timing chain stretch over that distance. However, it begs the question of how the vehicle has been serviced. Timing chains really should last the life of the car (or, at least, the engine) but if the engine hasn’t been treated to the correct oil changes and general maintenance, the timing chain can be one component that will suffer.
If the car was bought second-hand, it would be worth going through the service history to see if any scheduled servicing was skipped. This could be the root cause of the problem. It’s also important not to confuse a stretch timing chain with a worn chain tensioning system. The tensioner holds the chain tight, taking the slack out of it and allowing for some stretch to be taken up over the years of operation. If it fails or becomes weak, you might start to hear the chain rattling.
There hasn’t been a move by Mercedes-Benz Australia to fix this problem, which is not to say it hasn’t been noted by owners. But, really, a carmaker will only issue a recall for a fault or problem that represents a safety issue, which peeling door cards does not.
Sometimes, a manufacturer will issue what’s called a technical service bulletin which is like a recall but for non-safety related problems. Again, though, a floppy door card is unlikely to elicit that response. If you still have the trim pieces in question, a motor trimmer should be able to reattach them for you in a way that means they won’t come adrift again.
I’m not aware of a recall or class action over this problem, but it would definitely be worth talking to Mercedes-Benz’s Australian customer service department to see if there’s any help on offer. Provided the car has a complete service history, you might get a sympathetic ear, but, that said, don’t count on it.
The counter-argument you’ll likely be met with is that you should have been paying attention to the car’s temperature gauge and stopped the engine when it began to overheat. "That’s why cars have temperature gauges", will probably be the response at dealership level, but go straight over the dealer’s head and talk to head office.