2022 Mercedes-Benz S450L

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S450L is a flagship luxury sedan offering a refined driving experience and cutting-edge technology. The S450L features a 3.0L inline-6 turbocharged engine producing 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options available for the 2022 S-Class include the S500 with a more powerful version of the same inline-6 and the S580 with a 4.0L V8. All engines are paired with a 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic transmission. Owners generally appreciate the S-Class’s luxurious interior, comfortable ride, and advanced technology features. Criticisms often focus on the complexity of the infotainment system, the high price point, and occasional electronic glitches.

Engine

3.0L Inline-6 Turbocharged (M256)

• Rough Idle/Hesitation on Cold Start
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported a rough idle or hesitation upon starting the engine, particularly in colder weather. This may be related to fuel delivery or ignition issues during the initial start-up phase.
  • Solution: The solution may include replacing the fuel injectors or updating the engine control unit (ECU) software.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Auxiliary Coolant Pump Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The auxiliary coolant pump, responsible for cooling the turbocharger after engine shutdown, may fail. Symptoms include overheating warnings, reduced engine performance, and potential damage to the turbocharger.
  • Solution: Replacing the auxiliary coolant pump resolves the issue.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

9G-TRONIC 9-Speed Automatic (9G-Tronic)

• Harsh Shifting/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners report harsh or jerky shifting, particularly between lower gears. The transmission may also hesitate or delay when shifting gears.
  • Solution: This issue can potentially be addressed by reflashing the Transmission Control Module (TCM) with updated software. In some cases, replacement of the valve body may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have experienced shuddering or vibrations, especially at lower speeds, which may indicate a failing torque converter.
  • Solution: Replacing the torque converter typically resolves the issue.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Airmatic Suspension Failure/Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: The Airmatic air suspension system can experience various failures, including air leaks, compressor malfunctions, and sensor issues. Symptoms include the vehicle sitting unevenly, ride height adjustment problems, and warning lights on the dashboard.
  • Solution: Diagnose the specific component failure and replace the affected parts (air springs, compressor, sensors, valve block).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3,000+ (depending on the component)
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• MBUX Infotainment System Glitches/Freezing
  • Description/Symptoms: The MBUX infotainment system can experience glitches, freezing, and unresponsive touchscreen behavior. Software updates may not always fully resolve the issues.
  • Solution: Try resetting the system or visiting a dealership for a software update or hardware replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 - $1,000+ (depending on the repair)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sensor Malfunctions (Parking Sensors, Driver Assistance Systems)
  • Description/Symptoms: Various sensors related to parking assistance, lane keeping, and other driver-assistance systems can malfunction, leading to error messages and impaired functionality.
  • Solution: Diagnose the faulty sensor and replace it.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+ (depending on the sensor)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported issues with the battery draining quickly, especially if the vehicle is not driven frequently. This can be attributed to parasitic draw from the various electronic systems.
  • Solution: Diagnostics to identify the source of the parasitic draw and repair or replace the faulty component.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Sensor related issues for advanced driving assist features
  • Description/Symptoms: There have been some reported issues where some of the driving assist features either don’t work or the system will engage the brakes when it is not appropriate.
  • Solution: It is recommended to take the vehicle in for service and calibration of the sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sunroof/Moonroof Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: The sunroof or moonroof may exhibit problems such as failing to open or close properly, making excessive noise, or leaking.
  • Solution: Depending on the issue, the repair may involve lubricating the tracks, replacing the motor, or addressing water leaks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S450L, while celebrated for its luxury and technology, does have some common issues reported by owners. These range from minor electrical glitches to more significant concerns with the engine, transmission, and suspension systems. The MBUX infotainment system and various sensors also appear to be prone to malfunctions. The severity and cost of these issues can vary significantly, with some repairs being relatively inexpensive while others can reach into the thousands of dollars. Potential buyers should be aware of these potential problems and consider them when evaluating the vehicle.