Mercedes-benz S500 problems

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The Mercedes-Benz S-Class, formerly known as Sonderklasse (German for "special class", abbreviated as "S-Klasse"), is a series of full-sized luxury sedans, limousines and armored sedans produced by the German automaker Mercedes-Benz. The S-Class is the designation for top-of-the-line Mercedes-Benz models and was officially introduced in 1972 with the W116, and has remained in use ever since. The S-Class is one of the flagship vehicles for Mercedes-Benz.

The S-Class has debuted many of the company's latest innovations, including drivetrain technologies, interior features, and safety systems (such as the first seatbelt pretensioners). The S-Class has ranked as the world's best-selling luxury sedan. In automotive terms, Sonderklasse refers to "a specially outfitted car." Although used colloquially for decades, following its official application in 1972, six generations of officially named S-Klasse sedans have been produced.

In 1981, the two-door, four-seat S-Class, designated as SEC, was introduced, sharing the petrol V8 engines with its four-door version, W126. After the introduction of a new nomenclature scheme, SEC was simply renamed as S-Class Coupé. For the 1996 model year, the coupé was separated from the S-Class line and named as new CL-Class (in line with other two-door models: CLK, SL, and SLK); however, the CL-Class was reintegrated into the S-Class model line (same with CLK becoming E-Class Coupé and Cabriolet). The first-ever S-Class convertible since 1972, internally named A217, was introduced and became a one-generation model only. After the end of W222 production in 2020, the successors to the C217 coupé and A217 convertible are not planned, citing the low demand for those models and stronger demand for SUV models.

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Mercedes-benz S500 model years

mercedes-benz s500 2022 photo
S500 2022
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Common Mercedes-benz S500 problems

Based on the complaints from owners of the Mercedes-Benz S500 cars, several common problems have been identified:

  • Engine Problems: Some S500 engines have experienced design defects over the years, such as prematurely wearing timing chain guides, balance shaft and idler gear failures, oil leaks, and more. Diesel S500 engines with high mileage may face additional issues like diesel fuel injector failure, EGR valve problems, and clogging of diesel particulate filters, leading to costly repairs.
  • Power Windows Issues: Mercedes W221 models often encounter problems with power windows getting stuck and failing to raise or lower correctly. This issue is typically caused by a damaged window regulator mechanism or electrical failure.
  • Brake Problems: Reports indicate that brake lines and parts in Mercedes S500 cars can corrode or break down quickly, potentially leading to brakes failing without warning. Other issues like faulty brake light switches or booster systems can also cause brake malfunctions.
  • Oil Leaks: As the Mercedes-Benz S500 ages, it is prone to oil leaks from various areas, including the rubber camshaft plugs on the cylinder heads, valve cover gaskets, oil filter housing seals, oil cooler connections, and the front timing cover.
  • Suspension Issues: The S500's air suspension system, which uses air pressure to raise and lower the car, can face problems with the air compressor over time. Failure of the air compressor can lead to insufficient air pressure for the suspension to lift the car, causing it to ride low.
  • Water in the Footwell: Buyers are advised to check the footwell of any S500 they intend to purchase, as a rubber piece in the drain box under the car can fail and get clogged, leading to water flooding the interior floor area and potentially damaging other major parts like the heater/AC system.

These common problems with the Mercedes-Benz S500 highlight the importance of regular maintenance and thorough inspections to address issues promptly and ensure the longevity and performance of the vehicle.

Mercedes-benz S500

Is the Mercedes S500 reliable?

AutoExpress gives it 4.5 stars out of 5 for reliability, but this can depend on the car's model, year, mileage and how well it has been maintained.

How many miles can a Mercedes S500 last?

This would all depend on how often the car is serviced. For example, in certain cases, car motors need to be replaced after having run merely 60-80,000 miles since the oil wasn't changed on time. The same cars can run over 250,000 miles with no hassle if they are properly maintained.

Is the S 500 good?

The in-line six is ultra smooth and sounds great, and the nine-speed automatic is smooth. The S500 is efficient, too; I have no trouble matching the EPA's 30-mpg highway rating and I'm doing a few mpg better than the 21-mpg city figure. Like the S580, Mercedes' 4Matic all-wheel drive is standard.

What is common issue on Mercedes-Benz?

Engine Misfiring Issues

Engine misfires constitute one of the most prevalent problems that Mercedes-Benz cars face. This is a common occurrence in cars that have not received periodic maintenance to replace components such as ignition coils and spark plugs.

Latest 5 recalls Mercedes-benz S500

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 7 recalls for different components of the Mercedes-benz S500.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.

  • Model: Mercedes-benz S500 2022
  • Report Received Date: 2023-12-21
  • Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
  • Summary: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2024 GLE, GLS, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL, GLC, CLS, AMG GT, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details. The fuel pump may shutdown, causing a loss of drive power.
  • Consequence: A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
  • Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 28, 2024. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on February 23, 2024, April 19, 2024, June 28, 2024, August 9, 2024, and October 1, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 23V-445.
  • Model: Mercedes-benz S500 2022
  • Report Received Date: 2023-06-26
  • Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
  • Summary: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2023 C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS, SL, GT, GLC, GLE, GLS, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details. The fuel pump may shutdown, which can result in a loss of drive power.
  • Consequence: A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
  • Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 14, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2023070012.
  • Model: Mercedes-benz S500 2022
  • Report Received Date: 2022-12-16
  • Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
  • Components: STRUCTURE:INTERIOR PANELS:DASHBOARD
  • Summary: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling one 2022 S 500 vehicle. The dashboard may be insufficiently attached, which can result in an improper front passenger air bag deployment in the event of a crash.
  • Consequence: Improper deployment of an air bag can increase the risk of injury.
  • Remedy: Dealers will replace a portion of the dashboard, free of charge. The owner notification letter was mailed January 20, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2023010001.
  • Model: Mercedes-benz S500 2022
  • Report Received Date: 2022-03-28
  • Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
  • Park It: 1
  • Components: SUSPENSION:SUBFRAME/MOUNTING BRACKET
  • Summary: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2022 S580Z, S500V, and S580V vehicles. The sub frame weld for the thrust arm on the rear axle carrier may have been improperly welded, causing the thrust arm to break and detach.
  • Consequence: A detached thrust arm can cause a sudden loss of vehicle control, or cause the vehicle to pull to one side during emergency braking, increasing the risk of a crash.
  • Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy has been performed. Dealers will inspect the sub frame weld on the rear axle carrier and replace the rear axle carrier as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 8, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for the recall is 2022030028.
  • Model: Mercedes-benz S500 2022
  • Report Received Date: 2022-03-25
  • Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
  • Components: STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
  • Summary: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2022 C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL, EClass Coupe/Convertible, CLS, AMG GT 4-doors Coupe, and EQS vehicles with a heated leather steering wheel. Due to a software error in the hand detection control unit, the hands-off detection might not detect when the driver's hands are away from the steering wheel when using the Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC system.
  • Consequence: Deactivated hands-off detection will prevent DISTRONIC system features from functioning, including warnings to grab the steering wheel and calling first responders as part of the Active Emergency Stop Assist, which can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
  • Remedy: Dealers will update the hand detection control unit software for the DISTRONIC system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 6, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022040010.

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