Mercedes S-Class V8 Engine Recall Due To Lambda Sensor Problem

Mercedes S-Class has reliability problems. A potential problem with the lambda sensor affects some 53,200 units worldwide.
 

Mercedes has to recall about 53,200 examples of the current-generation S-Class. They have problems with the lambda sensor. Affected are Mercedes S-Class models with V8 engines including the Maybach S 580 4Matic produced between 06/30/2020 and 09/19/2023.
 
Lambda sensor recall
According to the official information on the European Commission’s Safety Gate website, the problem with the lambda probe is as follows:
“In the event of an independent hardware failure, the lambda control in the Engine Control Unit (ECU) software can erroneously increase the amount of injected fuel during cylinder deactivation. As a result, exhaust temperatures can increase and this can damage surrounding components (e.g. engine wiring harness, catalytic converter). This can create an unexpected loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries. Moreover, this can increase the risk of fire. In addition, local statutory exhaust emission limits could be exceeded”.
 
Mercedes has reacted and announced that the engine control unit software will be updated in Mercedes service centers, an operation that takes one hour. The recall campaign code is 5496234.
 
The current-generation Mercedes S-Class has had several other recalls. According to the European Commission’s safetygate.eu website, the current generation has had 13 recall operations, which for a luxury Mercedes model and a 4-year lifecycle is too much.
 
The Mercedes S-Class has been the world’s best-selling luxury limousine for many years, but this year sales have gone into a sharp decline. In the first six months of 2024, only 28,100 units were sold, 25% less than the same period in 2023.
 
A facelift is planned for 2026, after which a new generation with ICE engines will follow. Codenamed W224, the eighth generation will arrive in 2030. Mercedes has revised its strategy and will offer the S-Class in Europe for as long as legislation allows.
 
The Mercedes EQS is a commercial failure and the German automaker is thinking of ditching the current generation’s aerodynamic shape. The next generation EQS, probably named S-Class EV will have a similar design to the S-Class but use the current EVA II platform upgraded to 800V. Mercedes has dropped the Large version of the new MB.EA platform.