M278 S500 Advice

[Mallo]

Hi there,

Long time lurker and reader. It's thanks to this forum that I got into MB ownership and I haven't regretted a minute of it. I've now had a E320CDI, CLS55 and I'm now on an S320CDI. I'm thinking of getting an S500 (back to petrol - yay) with the M278 engine. I can only afford high milers so I was wondering if there are any potential disasters looming with the engine? I know all about airmatic having replaced 3 struts and electrical gremlins (why doesn't my clock change now?) etc.

The ones I'm looking at are in the 70-100k range - I'm particularly worried about the turbos. I have read about fual injector failures and timing chain tensioners but those problems usually surface early on. My plan is to keep it for about 3 years and 20k miles.

As ever any advice welcome!

 

[Blobcat]

I don't think we've many (any) issues reported with the 4.7ltr twin turbo "500"

 

[Steve@Avantgarde]

The early 273 engines had the balance shaft gear wear issues and Ive not come across anything on the 278 which has been major surgery yet. All in all it seems to be a good lump.

Go for it!

 

[Mallo]

Thanks guys - puts my mind at rest - M278 it is! Will let you know how I get on.

 

[John Laidlaw]

Interesting prospect , good luck!

 

[S500 Pete]

I have had a 4.7 Turbo S class for a couple of months now and love it. Even better than my previous 5.0 E Class.
That reminds me to change my Avatar

 

[brandwooddixon]

I've got one of these in my CL.

I think that I can say that I've had the main troubles and they are timing chain and turbocharger wastegate linkages.

The timing chain and tensioners can suffer wear and there was an MB service notice to replace the oil supply check valves on the tensioners with a redesigned type. There is a timing chain for each bank.

The turbocharger waste gates and linkages can suffer wear (in fact the tolerances for play for these on new units is shocking).
I think that both issues are exacerbated by the start-stop system (my vehicle was low mileage at 37k miles at 6 years old and had been used for a daily commute of about 15 miles a day).

I don't know about the S-class but on the CL a turbocharger replacement is a massive job - full engine out including removing most of the front suspension (cross members etc) and everything forward of the engine. MB will quote £8500 to replace a turbocharger and £600 to diagnose the problem.

So my advice, listen out for noises on start-up.

 

[Mallo]

Wow - thanks brandwooddixon - I'm getting a video done by the selling garage - I'll ask about noise on startup - what does it sound like? Can I also find out if it has had the check valves done? It's got full MB service history and is 2011 with 97k.

 

[Mallo]

Well I've seen a video on idle after start and the timing chains are very quiet, so that a good start. Paid my deposit and if all is well collect Saturday - will let you know how I get on. I bought a 2 year full warranty so should be covered if something goes wrong.

 

[Mallo]

Well, got back from a marathon drive yesterday at about 6:30. Set off from Newcastle to Croydon yesterday at about 05:30 to pick the car up.

Coming from already owning an '09 S Class I can't believe the difference. The facelift must have had some serious work on soundproofing and flex or maybe the S500 got special treatment I don't know. It is so quiet it's frightening.

The garage think it was a demonstrator car as it has pretty much every option available - nappa leather,
heated and cooled all seats, massage, distronic plus, camera etc. I must say it's absolutely blown me away.

The only thing I would improve is the stereo - for some reason they didn't get the Harmon Kardon upgrade and it needs it - the sound is pretty awful. Is there any way I can upgrade just the speakers or do I need to replace the amp as well? Any advice welcome.

I'll attach some pics.

Simon

 

[LostKiwi]

That looks a very pleasant place to spend time! Well done sir!

 

[John Laidlaw]

I would happily live in that !

 

[Jimbo1959]

Wow, very nice indeed, enjoy!

 

[grayb]

I think Alfie/Comand.com do speaker upgrades. Might be costly but they do know their way around an MB.

 

[ajlsl600]

Well, got back from a marathon drive yesterday at about 6:30. Set off from Newcastle to Croydon yesterday at about 05:30 to pick the car up.

Coming from already owning an '09 S Class I can't believe the difference. The facelift must have had some serious work on soundproofing and flex or maybe the S500 got special treatment I don't know. It is so quiet it's frightening.

The garage think it was a demonstrator car as it has pretty much every option available - nappa leather,
heated and cooled all seats, massage, distronic plus, camera etc. I must say it's absolutely blown me away.

The only thing I would improve is the stereo - for some reason they didn't get the Harmon Kardon upgrade and it needs it - the sound is pretty awful. Is there any way I can upgrade just the speakers or do I need to replace the amp as well? Any advice welcome.

I'll attach some pics.

Simon

View attachment 51099 View attachment 51100 View attachment 51101 View attachment 51102 View attachment 51103 View attachment 51104

nice car that...

 

[Capra]

Well, got back from a marathon drive yesterday at about 6:30. Set off from Newcastle to Croydon yesterday at about 05:30 to pick the car up.

Coming from already owning an '09 S Class I can't believe the difference. The facelift must have had some serious work on soundproofing and flex or maybe the S500 got special treatment I don't know. It is so quiet it's frightening.

The garage think it was a demonstrator car as it has pretty much every option available - nappa leather,
heated and cooled all seats, massage, distronic plus, camera etc. I must say it's absolutely blown me away.

The only thing I would improve is the stereo - for some reason they didn't get the Harmon Kardon upgrade and it needs it - the sound is pretty awful. Is there any way I can upgrade just the speakers or do I need to replace the amp as well? Any advice welcome.

I'll attach some pics.

Simon

View attachment 51099 View attachment 51100 View attachment 51101 View attachment 51102 View attachment 51103 View attachment 51104

That looks very nice indeed.

 

[Atavus]

Looks great. Super car for the journey home. Especially the massage seats.