"Is the S Serisi S680 reliable, and what should you check?"
When buying a used Mercedes-Benz S-Class S680 2023 (223), the most frequently mentioned issue is faulty thermostats and cooling circuits. Oil leaks (gaskets and seals) are also commonly reported.
Engine: M279
M279.980 · turbo petrol · S680 · Used in this car from 2021-2025
Strengths
No expensive ignition blocks, now uses dual coils
No coking issues due to port fuel injection
Watch-outs
Timing chain stretch reported before 150,000 km
Cylinder liner scoring reported on foreign forums
Known engine issues
Timing chain stretchOwners report timing chain stretch before 150,000 km.
Listed from most frequently reported, each with its source.
Faulty thermostats and cooling circuits
Often reported
Multiple users report failures of thermostats or cooling circuit pipes/manifolds located in hard-to-reach areas. Replacement often requires extensive labor and may involve removing accessory components.
Cooling
Oil leaks (gaskets and seals)
Often reported
Common oil leaks in the V8 M177 architecture: deteriorated valve cover gaskets, excessive crankcase pressure due to undersized air/oil separators, and documented cases of rear main seal leaks.
Engine Internal
Ignition, injector, and timing faults
Often reported
Reports of misfires, need to replace ignition coils and injectors, and error codes related to the direct injection system. Users attribute many issues to high-output engines: spark plugs and coils wear quickly.
Engine Internal
Oil in turbos and turbo seals
Often reported
Multiple users report oil in the turbo housing, air filter, and turbo lower housing, sometimes accompanied by a burning smell.
Turbo
Mercedes-Benz S Serisi S680 technical specs
Mercedes-Benz S Serisi S680 (2023): boot 495 L; fuel use 14,4 l/100 km (urban 20,6 l/100 km · extra-urban 10,3 l/100 km); 0–100 in 4.5 s.
Boot capacity
495 L
Fuel consumption
14,4 l/100 km (urban 20,6 l/100 km · extra-urban 10,3 l/100 km)
What should I look for when buying a Mercedes-Benz S-Class S680?+
When buying a 2023 S680, check the service history, test drive, and look for engine/transmission warnings. The most commonly reported issues are: faulty thermostats and cooling circuits; oil leaks (gaskets and seals); ignition, injector, and timing faults.
What are the chronic problems of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class S680?+
The most commonly reported issues are: faulty thermostats and cooling circuits; oil leaks (gaskets and seals); ignition, injector, and timing faults.
Is the Mercedes-Benz S-Class S680 reliable?+
Rather than a simple yes/no, it is necessary to evaluate the proven pros and cons together. This page lists 4 verified findings.
How does Carbeak collect data?+
The cards on this page are derived from Difetti fault database records; the source vehicle and target vehicle are verified for brand, fuel, engine, and generation compatibility. Topics with insufficient evidence are not shown.