1998 Mercedes-Benz S320
1998 Mercedes-Benz S320
The Mercedes-Benz S320 is a luxury sedan that was first introduced in 1998. It is powered by a 3.2-liter V6 engine that produces 221 horsepower and 231 lb-ft of torque. The S320 is available with either a 5-speed automatic transmission or a 6-speed manual transmission.
People who like the S320 praise its comfortable interior, powerful engine, and smooth ride. However, some people have complained about the car’s high price and its lack of some features that are found on other luxury sedans.
Engine
3.2L V6
Valve Cover Gasket Leak Description/Symptoms: Oil leaking from the valve cover gaskets, causing a burning oil smell and low oil levels. Solution: Replace the valve cover gaskets. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+ Recalls: None Found
Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure Description/Symptoms: Engine stalling, rough idling, and difficulty starting. Solution: Replace the crankshaft position sensor. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+ Recalls: None Found
Transmission
5-Speed Automatic
Transmission Slippage Description/Symptoms: Transmission slipping out of gear, especially when shifting from 2nd to 3rd gear. Solution: Rebuild or replace the transmission. Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+ Recalls: None Found
6-Speed Manual
No Major Issues Found
Suspension
Front Suspension
Strut Mount Bearing Failure Description/Symptoms: Noises from the front suspension, especially when turning or going over bumps. Solution: Replace the strut mount bearings. Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+ Recalls: None Found
Rear Suspension
Airmatic Suspension Failure Description/Symptoms: Rear suspension sagging, causing the car to ride unevenly. Solution: Replace the airmatic suspension components. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+ Recalls: None Found
Electrical
Battery Drain Description/Symptoms: Battery draining quickly, causing the car to not start. Solution: Find and fix the source of the electrical drain, such as a faulty alternator or parasitic draw. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+ Recalls: None Found
Exterior
No Major Issues Found
Interior
Sunroof Motor Failure Description/Symptoms: Sunroof not opening or closing properly. Solution: Replace the sunroof motor. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+ Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 1998 Mercedes-Benz S320 is a well-built luxury sedan that offers a comfortable and powerful driving experience. However, there are some potential issues that owners should be aware of, such as valve cover gasket leaks, crankshaft position sensor failure, transmission slippage, strut mount bearing failure, airmatic suspension failure, battery drain, and sunroof motor failure. The severity and cost of these issues can vary depending on the individual vehicle and the specific parts that are affected.