1999 Mercedes-Benz S500

Introduction: The 1999 Mercedes-Benz S500 was a luxurious sedan that offered a smooth ride, powerful performance, and a comfortable interior. It came with a 5.0-liter V8 engine producing 302 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options included the 3.2-liter V6 and the 4.3-liter V8, while transmission options included a 5-speed automatic and a 6-speed manual. People enjoyed the S500’s spacious cabin, impressive acceleration, and responsive handling. However, some issues were reported with certain components.

Engine 5.0-liter V8

• Oil leaks from valve cover gaskets: Oil leaks can occur due to worn valve cover gaskets, causing a drop in oil levels and potential engine damage.
• Intake manifold gasket failure: A failing intake manifold gasket can lead to vacuum leaks, rough idling, and decreased power.
• Camshaft position sensor failure: A faulty camshaft position sensor can trigger the Check Engine light and cause starting problems or engine stalling.

3.2-liter V6

• Head gasket failure: A blown head gasket can cause coolant and oil mixing, leading to overheating and engine damage.
• Timing chain failure: The timing chain can stretch or break over time, resulting in engine noise, reduced power, and potential catastrophic engine failure.

4.3-liter V8

• Coolant leaks from water pump: A failing water pump can cause coolant leaks, overheating, and engine damage if not addressed promptly.
• Ignition coil failure: Faulty ignition coils can lead to misfires, reduced engine power, and rough idling.

Transmission 5-speed Automatic

• Transmission slipping or shuddering: Worn clutches or solenoids can cause the transmission to slip or shudder during gear changes, affecting drivability.
• Torque converter failure: A faulty torque converter can lead to transmission overheating, slippage, and loss of power.

6-speed Manual

• Clutch failure: A worn clutch disc or pressure plate can cause slipping, difficulty engaging gears, and potential transmission damage.
• Gear synchronization issues: Worn or damaged synchronizers can make it difficult or noisy to shift gears smoothly.

Suspension

• Air suspension failure: The air suspension system components, such as the air compressor or air bags, can fail, causing the vehicle to sag or ride rough.
• Strut or shock absorber failure: Worn struts or shock absorbers can result in poor handling, reduced ride comfort, and increased tire wear.
• Control arm bushing failure: Deteriorated control arm bushings can lead to excessive play, causing alignment issues, vibrations, and reduced handling.

Electrical

• Battery drain: A parasitic draw on the battery can cause it to drain prematurely, leading to starting problems or electrical system malfunctions.
• Alternator failure: A faulty alternator can fail to charge the battery properly, causing electrical system problems and potential engine stalling.
• Headlight condensation: Moisture buildup inside the headlight assembly can cause condensation, affecting visibility and reducing the lifespan of the headlights.

Exterior

• Door lock actuator failure: Malfunctioning door lock actuators can prevent doors from locking or unlocking properly, affecting vehicle security.
• Window regulator failure: A broken window regulator can cause the window to become stuck or move erratically, reducing convenience and safety.
• Sunroof leak: A clogged or damaged sunroof drain can lead to water leaks into the cabin, causing water damage and mold growth.

Interior

• Heater or air conditioning blower motor failure: A faulty blower motor can cause the heating or air conditioning system to malfunction, affecting cabin temperature comfort.
• Cruise control failure: A malfunctioning cruise control system can prevent the vehicle from maintaining a set speed or cause unintended acceleration or braking.
• Instrument cluster failure: Faulty instrument cluster components can lead to incorrect readings or partial or complete failure of the display, affecting vehicle information and safety features.

Summary Overall, the 1999 Mercedes-Benz S500 is a reliable and well-performing luxury sedan. However, it has some common issues that owners should be aware of, particularly with the engine, transmission, and suspension components. Repairs for these issues can be costly, ranging from around $500 to over $5,000 depending on the severity of the problem. Regular maintenance and timely repairs can help prevent or mitigate these issues and ensure the vehicle continues to provide a pleasurable driving experience.