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Mercedes-Benz S600 Repair and Maintenance - Get an online auto repair estimate for your Mercedes-Benz S600

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Mercedes-Benz S600 Repair and Maintenance

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Mercedes-Benz S600 Questions and Answers

Trunk will not open with trunk pull,opens with key only
sam1, 2001 Mercedes-Benz S600, Marietta, GA

Dealer diagnosed problem latch vacuum actuator split and leaking.
Does anyone have repair solution and how it can be done.

ABC System
s600owner, 2001 Mercedes-Benz S600, San Gabriel, CA

Every morning when I trun the car on the ABS warning message comes on. I have turn the car off then turn it back on and the message will go away. What could be the problem?

SOS warning light
s600owner, 2001 Mercedes-Benz S600, San Gabriel, CA

As I'm driving the car, the SOS take to workshop message comes on and goes off. It does this randomly, what could be the cause?

lost of power
onefordgt, 2001 Mercedes-Benz S600, Germantown, TN

The car is very slow to get to speed. does not seem to misfire but lost of power. could the converters be stopped up?

why does the active body control (abc) show up on my mercedes
maxpanos, 2001 Mercedes-Benz S600, Sacramento, CA

all the is coming up actve body control (abc)

why speaker dont make any sound
maxpanos, 2001 Mercedes-Benz S600, Sacramento, CA

the radio is look is working

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Mercedes-Benz S600 Car Reviews (2)

2003 Mercedes-Benz S600, FelixKrull, Austin, TX, August 03, 2009 12:49

It's hard to believe how difficult this car has been to deal with -- Mercedes should be embarrassed. Even my mechanic has empathy for me as this car has been a lemon from day one. On the upside, it is absolutely gorgeous. It is in the shop every month for the past two years. Luckily, I have an aftermarket warranty. Most problematic areas: 1) ABS/suspension 2) center console cup holder (design flaw -- i've gone through 4) trunk motor 5) seat systems, etc.
2001 Mercedes-Benz S600, gordhan, Bloomingdale, IL, June 10, 2009 12:35

This car has a serious problem with their electronic systems. I am having a continuous problems with sensors. Serious problem with cars suspension and automatic balance system. I spent close to $30,000 for the repair cost and still have the problems.

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Mercedes-Benz S600 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
  • A rough running motor or lack of power can be caused by the distributor cap and rotor.
  • 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.
  • 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).

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Mercedes-Benz S600 Recalls and TSBs

Mercedes-Benz S600 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, 2007

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: 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: 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: 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.

Suspension & Steering: SUSPENSION
Campaign Number: 04V228000
Dates Manufactured: 12/1999 to 03/2004
Number of Vehicles Affected: 6,238
Model Years Affected: 2001
Date Owner Notified: 08/2004

Defect Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER 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 HEAT AND HUMIDITY. OVER TIME, CORROSION MAY DETERIORATE THE INNER STEEL PORTIONS OF THE HOSE.

Consequence Summary: THIS MAY RESULT IN ABC HYDRAULIC FLUID LEAKAGE. UNDER SOME CIRCUMSTANCES, LEAKING HYDRAULIC FLUID MAY COME IN CONTACT WITH HOT ENGINE COMPONENTS AND LEAD TO A POSSIBILITY OF FIRE.

Corrective Summary: DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW, CORROSION RESISTANT ABC HIGH-PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION HOSES. THE RECALL BEGAN AUGUST 31, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.

Recall Notes: MERCEDES-BENZ RECALL NO. 2004070012.CUSTOMERS CAN 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: 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.

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Mercedes-Benz S600 Technical Service Bulletins (Recent)

None reported.

 

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Recent Mercedes-Benz Repair Estimates

Brake Pad and Rotor Replacement
2001 Mercedes-Benz S600 in El Mirage, AZ
$535 - $716
Maintenance Service A
2001 Mercedes-Benz S600 in El Mirage, AZ
$213 - $301
Maintenance Service B
2001 Mercedes-Benz S600 in El Mirage, AZ
$480 - $892
Maintenance Service B
2001 Mercedes-Benz S600 in El Mirage, AZ
$356 - $663
Strut/Shock Absorber Replacement - Front
2001 Mercedes-Benz S600 in El Mirage, AZ
$606 - $1974

Most Common Mercedes-Benz Repair Estimates

Brake Pad and Rotor Replacement
$544 - $727
Maintenance Service B
$345 - $651
Maintenance Service A
$204 - $291
Alternator Replacement
$482 - $2199
ABS Control Module Replacement
$1325 - $2460