Service A / Service B
About 25,000 km or 1 year (ASSYST)
25 000 km
12 months
Oil and filter at each service; Service B adds filters and wider checks. The ASSYST indicator prevails.
Source [1]W221 · 2010–2013
Mercedes Classe S S 500 W221 · 435 hp (2010 to 2013)
The Mercedes Classe S S 500 of the W221 generation uses the M278 4.7 V8 petrol engine with 435 hp.
Choose an engine
Identify the car and prepare its maintenanceTechnical specifications
- Fuel
- Petrol
- Power
- 435 PS / 320 kW
- Displacement
- 4 663 cm³
- Cylinders
- 8
- Engine code
- M278 4.7 V8
- Period covered
- 2010–2013
- Documented market
- Europe
Transmission
- Automatic · 7 speeds
Figures apply to the cited configuration and market; equipment and transmissions may vary by production date.
Specification source : [1] AutoKarnet
This version
435 hp (320 kW), rear-wheel drive, 7-speed automatic. Built from 2010 to 2013.
AutoKarnet advice
In the range
It is the most powerful petrol version of this generation. It replaces the 388 hp version built until 2010. The M278 4.7 V8 engine is also fitted to: Mercedes Classe E (W212), Mercedes CLS (C218), Mercedes Classe S (W222), Mercedes GLE / ML (ML / GLE W166), Mercedes GLS (X166), Mercedes SL (R231).
AutoKarnet advice
Maintenance and records
Brake fluid
Every 24 months
24 months
Time-based replacement, whatever the mileage.
Source [1]Questions about this version (2)
Which engine is in the Mercedes Classe S S 500 W221?
The M278 4.7 V8 petrol engine (4 663 cc), 435 hp (320 kW).
AutoKarnet advice
Which oil for the Mercedes Classe S S 500?
A MB 229.5 / 229.51 / 229.52-approved oil suited to the M278 4.7 V8 engine.
AutoKarnet advice
Documentary sources
- [1] Rédaction AutoKarnet
AutoKarnet · FR · Europe · Synthèse éditoriale AutoKarnet · Accessed 09/10/2026