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Mercedes-Benz S500 Repair and Maintenance

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Mercedes-Benz S500 Questions and Answers

bhugh9, 2000 Mercedes-Benz S500, Oceanside, CA

I recently had the kit installed for my front struts now the right side does not stay up as soon as the car is turned off it goes down could it be a line or bad kit?

estebanalanmax, 2000 Mercedes-Benz S500, Spring Valley, CA

where do i put the oil for trasmision

mlk, 2001 Mercedes-Benz S500, Los Angeles, CA

Intermittently, my car will not turn on or start with the first turn of the key. I have replaced the battery in the key and then got a new key($200.00+)...still happens. any ideas?

runningman59, 1995 Mercedes-Benz S500, Winter Springs, FL

how do you remove wires for spark pugs, i cannot get them off the sparkplug

mmmtime, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S500, San Bernardino, CA

What should be done to eliminate this ticking sound?

tcluca, 2000 Mercedes-Benz S500, Oyster Bay, NY

we replaced the rear pads and sensors but the light is still on..how do you reset it? I hit the reset button for the mileage and it stays off but comes on when u start the car again thanks

S500GM, 1994 Mercedes-Benz S500, Beverly Hills, CA

Hi,
I need to find out the full and proper plug lead orientation for my 1994 S500 W140 V8. I have installed new plugs and rotor arms and distributor caps, I just need the orientation now of which p...

shrubski, 1995 Mercedes-Benz S500, Dekalb, IL

My 1995 S500 with 96000 miles runs rough while idle. While driving it seems to run fine. I have changed plugs,wires,rotors,dist. caps,coils,oxygen sensor and it still runs rough,can you help me,
...

humayon3, 2000 Mercedes-Benz S500, Westwood, MA

car has been to two mechanics( Non mercedes dealers) . they recharged and did the leak test, but can not find the problem.the car just came back from the second mechanic and has a strange smell ins...

Scorpion, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S500, Nyack, NY

My Mercedes s500 2003 has turned on the engine light, the color of the light is orange, in the other hand, the suction in the passenger door stopped working, finally, the parking sensors stopped wo...

tre, 2000 Mercedes-Benz S500, San Diego, CA

A/C was not blowing cold air. used the A/C booster and now A/C BLOWS HOT air, and fan starts when i turn on the A/C. Could i have leaked out all of the refrigerant?

mercs500, 1995 Mercedes-Benz S500, West Babylon, NY

CAN THE ABS CAUSE A TRANNI NOT TO CHANGE

mercs500, 1995 Mercedes-Benz S500, West Babylon, NY

I have a 1995 S500 it has been a couple months since the tranni is only change on low gear. can the abs be the problem or does that have sothing to do with the hidrolic tank being impty.

aspromallis, 1995 Mercedes-Benz S500, Port Saint Lucie, FL

what is the cost of replacing the aircondition.
Nothing is working it just stop.

peter1, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S500, Canby, OR

which piston is number 5 or which coil is number 5

peter1, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S500, Canby, OR

i pluged in the code reader and it said coil #5 five is miss firing which one is it

carl62, 1997 Mercedes-Benz S500, Guild, TN

replaced no 5 coil and miss cleared up two weeks later no 1 and 6 show misfiring,replaced coils and all new platinum plugs still missing, runs clear when cold and then developes miss within 5 to 10...

melvin corea, 1994 Mercedes-Benz S500, Downey, CA

I started to remove the brake pads off the car. as soo i removed all four bolts, some green liquid started to leak. installed all four bolts back into place. can you guide me in how to replace fron...

maxipooh, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S500, Marietta, GA

This car has 130,000 miles. When I am on the road going 65 mph or more, there is a vibration which develops and I have to keep raising or lowering my foot on the accelerator just to minimize the vi...

maxipooh, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S500, Marietta, GA

This car develops a vibration over 60 mph when I begin to ascend a slight rise in the road. I cannot use the cruise control because of the shaking. I have been told that I need a replacement trans...

Mercedes-Benz S500 Car Reviews (5)

1995 Mercedes-Benz S500, roberts500, Stone Mountain, GA, March 06, 2010 03:26

I have a 95 s500, were does power steering fluid go, were do I add it. What type is used.

2006 Mercedes-Benz S500, suite702, Atlanta, GA, December 01, 2009 09:45

the transmission has bad problems MB will not support. Overall a classic.

1994 Mercedes-Benz S500, melvin corea, Downey, CA, October 02, 2009 08:57

had not problems with this ca except the sun roof and the window regulator, but you cant expect too much from a 15 year old car.

1995 Mercedes-Benz S500, pblue, Miami, FL, July 31, 2009 08:05

suspension is not as smooth i would like for a mercedes.but so far i love this automovil is clasic, elegant and very safe.

2005 Mercedes-Benz S500, benzito, Lehigh Acres, FL, March 18, 2009 13:49

The car is awesome,rides beautiful, but cant stop worth a lick. Definitely a head turner. But the new body style puts it to shame. Personally I have not had many problems, but I do not hear many good this ride.

Mercedes-Benz S500 Problems

Brakes
  • Due to the size and materials of the brakes on these vehicles, the brakes start to squeak around the 50 percent wear point. The brake rotor surfaces become uneven, causing a lip to form at the outer edge of the rotor. Because of this, the rotors are usually replaced when the pads are worn (pad life varies depending on driving style and terrain).
  • Brake fluid should be flushed every two years to prevent premature anti-lock brake system (ABS) failure.
Engine
  • Oil leaks develop from the head gasket and timing cover gasket; these leaks should be repaired before the engine oil and coolant intermix.
  • Radiators break due to degradation of the plastic tanks and fittings.
  • Older vehicles should have the cooling system serviced even if the mileage is low. The hoses can look good on the outside, but the rubber can degrade and erode on the inside. If not carefully checked, the hoses can burst at any time.
  • Oil feed tubes break and fall into the crankcase (engine) and the tappet becomes noisy (ticking), resulting in degraded idle quality. Our technicians recommend replacing all of the tubes at the same time, broken or not.
Exhaust & Emissions
  • Ports in the cylinder head related to the emissions air injection and EGR systems can clog; the cylinder head should be removed and the ports cleaned.
  • A faulty mass air flow (MAF) sensor can cause erratic/rough engine operation and fuel economy issues. Since this sensor measures the actual amount of air entering the motor, when it fails, the engine control module (ECM) takes the wrong information and delivers incorrect volumes of fuel to the cylinders.
Suspension & Steering
  • Irregular and premature tire wear can be caused by the lower control arm bushings cracking and causing excessive movement at the control arm pivot point. Ball joints can also wear out prematurely, causing similar tire wear symptoms.
  • The tie rod ends, drag link, and idler arm in the linkage of the steering system can wear out.
  • There is a steering dampening shock that will leak fluid when it goes bad.
  • Vehicles with level control that ride harshly in the rear (no give in the suspension, like you are riding on a brick) may have bad dampening actuators. The actuators should be replaced in pairs.
  • Some models have tandem hydraulic pumps—one section for power steering and the other for suspension adjustment. These pumps are prone to leakage from either section.
Drive Train
  • A vibration felt through the center floor of the vehicle can be caused by driveshaft flex discs, which crack and shred, causing excessive driveshaft movement. Not repairing these can cause damage to the driveshaft center support bearing, or, in the worst case scenario, damage to the transmission or differential.
  • High mileage vehicles can leak from the transmission oil seals.
  • High mileage or older vehicles develop leaks at the differential seals and cover; the whole unit needs to be resealed to repair the leaks.
  • The bushings for the shifter lever wear out to the point where they break and fall out. This causes excessive movement (loose feel) in the shifter lever and a clanging-type noise when changing gears.
Electrical & Lights
  • The insulation degrades on the engine wiring harnesses because the insulating material falls off of the wires and leaves the conductors exposed. This can cause many problems depending on which wires are exposed and what they touch.
  • Throttle valves can suffer electrical failure.
Heating & Air Conditioning
  • Other than a defective motor, a bad switch or blower motor resistor assembly can cause inoperative heater blower motors.
  • Leaks at the AC compressor, hose manifold for the compressor, or the evaporator core can cause poor AC performance.
  • The climate control system can fail or perform erratically due to internal wear in the climate control unit buttons.
  • A cracked or broken heater core outlet housing can cause a coolant leak near the bulkhead (firewall).

Mercedes-Benz S500 Recalls and TSBs

Mercedes-Benz S500 Recalls (Recent)

Body, Interior & Misc.: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LOCK
Campaign Number: 04V285000
Dates Manufactured: 11/2002 to 10/2003
Number of Vehicles Affected: 16,690
Model Years Affected: 2003, 2004
Date Owner Notified: 08/2004

Defect Summary: ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE TRUNK LID SPRINGS COULD FAIL IN THE CLOSED TRUNK LID POSITION.

Consequence Summary: IF THE TRUNK LID IS MANUALLY LIFTED, IT MAY NOT REMAIN IN THE UP POSITION AND COULD CAUSE INJURY IF IT COMES DOWN WHILE SOMEONE IS REACHING INTO THE TRUNK.

Corrective Summary: DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH TRUNK LID SPRINGS. THE RECALL BEGAN AUGUST 17, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MERCEDES- BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.

Recall Notes: MERCEDES-BENZ RECALL NO. 2004 050015.CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

Body, Interior & Misc.: VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
Campaign Number: 01V014000
Dates Manufactured: 11/2000 to 01/2001
Number of Vehicles Affected: 3,400
Model Years Affected: 2001
Date Owner Notified: 01/2001

Defect Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SHEATHING MATERIAL ON THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTION OF THE HEATED WINDSHIELD WASHER BOTTLE HOSE COULD OVERHEAT.

Consequence Summary: THIS COULD CAUSE THE SURROUNDING PLASTIC AND INSULATION TO MELT.

Corrective Summary: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HEATED WASHER BOTTLE HOSE ASSEMBLY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JANUARY 29, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.

Recall Notes: ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

Electrical & Lights: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Campaign Number: 08V303000
Dates Manufactured: 11/2002 to 05/2008
Number of Vehicles Affected: 404
Model Years Affected: 2004

Defect Summary: MERCEDES-BENZ IS RECALLING MY 2006-2008 M-CLASS, R-CLASS, MY 2005-2009 SLK-CLASS, MY 2005-2008 C-CLASS, MY 2003-2004 AND 2006-2008 CLK-CLASS, MY 2003-2008 E-CLASS, MY 2004 AND 2008 CL-CLASS, MY 2008 CLS-CLASS, MY 2004 AND 2007-2008 S-CLASS, MY 2003 G-CLASS, AND MY 2003-2004, 2006 AND 2009 SL-CLASS VEHICLES. A SOFTWARE CALIBRATION NUMBER (SCN) CODING RECEIVED ON THE AFFECTED VEHICLES DURING A RECENT WORKSHOP VISIT WAS INCORRECT. DEPENDING ON THE MODEL YEAR AND MODEL AFFECTED, THE RESULTS OF AN INCORRECT SCN CODING CAN AFFECT A NUMBER OF VEHICLE SAFETY AND EMISSION FUNCTIONS INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING TYPES OF FUNCTIONS: (1) THE FUEL GAUGE READINGS MAY BE INCORRECT; (2) A STUCK FUEL-LEVEL SENSOR MAY NOT BE DISPLAYED IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER; (3) THE OBD SYSTEM MAY CAUSE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE INCORRECTLY; AND, (4) THE SPEEDOMETER MAY BE OUT OF TOLERANCE.

Consequence Summary: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE ELECTRICAL FUEL PUMP MAY NOT RECEIVE A CRASH SIGNAL THAT IS REQUIRED FOR THE FUEL PUMP TO DISCONNECT AND PREVENT FUTURE FUEL DELIVERY AS DESIGNED.

Corrective Summary: DEALERS WILL RECODE THE SCN FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING AUGUST 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.

Recall Notes: MERCEDES-BENZ RECALL NO. 2008 070001.CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

Electrical & Lights: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BATTERY
Campaign Number: 02V338000
Dates Manufactured: 07/1998 to 03/2001
Number of Vehicles Affected: 65,000
Model Years Affected: 2000, 2001
Date Owner Notified: 02/2003

Defect Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, EXCESSIVE STATIC BUILD-UP IN THE TRUNK FLOOR MATS CAN CAUSE A STATIC DISCHARGE WHEN INDIVIDUALS MOVE OR REMOVE ITEMS FROM THE TRUNK COMPARTMENT.

Consequence Summary: THIS CAN DAMAGE THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM COMPONENTS LOCATED IN THE TRUNK, INCLUDING THE VEHICLE¿S BATTERY.

Corrective Summary: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A STATIC INSULATION PANEL BETWEEN THE CARPET AND THE VEHICLE BATTERY WHICH WILL PROVIDE AN ELECTRICAL GROUNDING. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 14, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.

Recall Notes: MERCEDES-BENZ RECALL NO. 2002110014. CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION¿S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

Electrical & Lights: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS
Campaign Number: 04V227000
Dates Manufactured: 05/1998 to 10/2000
Number of Vehicles Affected: 54,454
Model Years Affected: 2000, 2001
Date Owner Notified: 10/2004

Defect Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, DURING THE PRODUCTION PROCESS OF THE BLOWER MOTOR FUSE HOLDER, THE SIZE OF THE ELECTRIC CONDUCTOR OF THE HOLDER MAY BE BELOW APPROPRIATE TOLERANCES.

Consequence Summary: CONSEQUENTLY, THE ELECTRIC CONDUCTOR OF THE BLOWER MOTOR FUSE HOLDER MAY DISSIPATE MORE HEAT THAN THE PLASTIC FUSE HOLDER WAS DESIGNED TO WITHSTAND, WHICH COULD RESULT IN OVERHEATING OF THE HOLDER AND DISABLING OF THE BLOWER MOTOR AND THE ABILITY TO DEFROST OR DEFOG THE WINDSHILED IN COLD OR HOT AND HUMID WEATHER CONDITIONS. DEPENDING ON THE OCCURRENCE AND WEATHER SITUATION, DRIVER VISIBILITY COULD BE REDUCED, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Corrective Summary: DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW BLOWER MOTOR FUSE HOLDERS. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING OCTOBER 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.

Recall Notes: MERCEDES-BENZ RECALL NO. 2004 070010.CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION¿S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

Electrical & Lights: INTERIOR LIGHTING
Campaign Number: 06V028000
Dates Manufactured: 06/2000 to 09/2004
Number of Vehicles Affected: 36,911
Model Years Affected: 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005
Date Owner Notified: 09/2006

Defect Summary: ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER IS EXPERIENCING ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTIONS. THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER CONTAINS GAUGES AND INDICATORS THAT MUST BE ILLUMINATED WHENEVER THE VEHICLE IS IN OPERATION.

Consequence Summary: DUE TO INADEQUATE ILLUMINATION, THE DRIVER WILL BE UNABLE TO READ THE GAUGES AND INDICATORS, SUCH AS THE SPEEDOMETER, WHICH COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Corrective Summary: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER MODULES. THE RECALL WILL BE CONDUCTED IN PHASES. PHASE I WAS MAILED OUT TO APPROXIMATELY 7,500 OWNERS ON SEPTEMBER 29, 2006. PHASE II AND PHASE III IS SCHEDULED FOR DECEMBER 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.

Recall Notes: CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION¿S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

Engine: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Campaign Number: 96V058000
Number of Vehicles Affected: 149
Model Years Affected: 1996
Date Owner Notified: 04/1996

Defect Summary: THE DRIVE BELT PULLEY ON THE ENGINE CAN DEVELOP FATIGUE CRACKS IN THE METAL AND BREAK. IF THE DRIVE PULLEY BREAKS, THE CAR WOULD NOT HAVE ENGINE COOLING, BATTERY CHARGING, AND/OR POWER STEERING.

Consequence Summary: LOSS OF THESE SYSTEMS CAN CAUSE THE CAR TO OVER HEAT, LOSE POWER FROM THE BATTERY, AND LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE CAR INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.

Corrective Summary: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ENGINE CRANKSHAFT DAMPER-PULLEY ON THESE VEHICLES.

Recall Notes: SYSTEM: ENGINE; PULLEY; CRANKSHAFT.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 6-CYLINDER ENGINES. NOTE: OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME, SHOULD CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.

Heating & Air Conditioning: EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:AIR CONDITIONER
Campaign Number: 00V141000
Dates Manufactured: 01/2000 to 05/2000
Number of Vehicles Affected: 7,100
Model Years Affected: 2000
Date Owner Notified: 05/2000

Defect Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO AN INTERNAL DEFECT IN THE CIRCUITRY OF THE BLOWER MOTOR REGULATOR, THE REGULATOR MAY OVERHEAT.

Consequence Summary: THIS COULD CAUSE SURROUNDING PLASTIC, INSULATION, AND WIRING TO DEFORM AND POSSIBLY MELT OR BURN.

Corrective Summary: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BLOWER MOTOR REGULATOR.

Recall Notes: OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 22, 2000.OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

Suspension & Steering: SUSPENSION
Campaign Number: 07V263000
Number of Vehicles Affected: 19,924
Model Years Affected: 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004
Date Owner Notified: 07/2007

Defect Summary: ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, CORROSION MAY OCCUR IN THE INNER STEEL PORTIONS OF THE ACTIVE BODY CONTROL'S (ABC) HIGH PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION HOSE DUE TO EXTENSIVE EXPOSURE TO HUMIDITY CAUSING DETERIORATION OF THE HOSE.

Consequence Summary: THIS MAY RESULT IN ABC HYDRAULIC FLUID LEAKAGE NEAR THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. LEAKING FLUID MAY COME IN CONTACT WITH HOT ENGINE COMPONENTS AND LEAD TO A POSSIBLE FIRE.

Corrective Summary: DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW CORROSION RESISTANT ABC HIGH PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION HOSE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 2, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.

Recall Notes: MERCEDES-BENZ RECALL NO. 207060002.CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION¿S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

Mercedes-Benz S500 Technical Service Bulletins (Recent)

None reported.

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Most Common Mercedes-Benz Repair Estimates

Maintenance Service B
$335 - $637
Maintenance Service A
$204 - $291