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2000 Mercedes-Benz S500

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By Research the Car 4 min read

The 2000 Mercedes-Benz S500 is a full-size luxury sedan known for its comfortable ride, opulent interior, and advanced technology for its time. It was offered with a 5.0L V8 engine, producing 302 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque. Some owners appreciate the S500’s smooth power delivery, comfortable ride, and prestige, while others find its maintenance costs and complex systems daunting. Other engine options included a 4.3L V8 in the S430, and a 5.8L V12 in the S600.

Engine

5.0L M113 V8

  • Oil Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks can develop from various locations, including the valve cover gaskets, oil filter housing gasket, and rear main seal. Symptoms include visible oil leaks, burning oil smell, and low oil level.
    • Solution: Replace the leaking gasket or seal.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ depending on the location of the leak.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Mass Airflow Sensor (MAF) Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, poor acceleration, decreased fuel economy, and the check engine light illuminating.
    • Solution: Replacing the MAF sensor
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Catalytic Converter Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light with codes indicating catalytic converter inefficiency, rattling noises from underneath the car, and a sulfur-like smell.
    • Solution: Replacement of the catalytic converter.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-Speed Automatic (722.6)

  • Transmission Conductor Plate Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Erratic shifting, transmission slipping, getting stuck in limp mode, and stored diagnostic trouble codes related to the transmission.
    • Solution: Replacement of the conductor plate, which also includes the filter and gasket.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1200+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Valve Body Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Hard shifting, delayed engagement of gears, transmission slipping, or failure to shift.
    • Solution: Replacing or rebuilding the valve body.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Airmatic Suspension Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sagging on one or more corners, air compressor running constantly, “Airmatic Visit Workshop” message on the dash.
    • Solution: Replacing faulty air struts, air compressor, or air lines.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000+ per strut, $500-$1000+ for the compressor.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • ABC (Active Body Control) System Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Leaks from hydraulic lines or struts, vehicle sagging, stiff or uneven ride, warning messages on the instrument cluster.
    • Solution: Replacing leaking hydraulic lines, struts, or the ABC pump. Flushing the ABC system can also help.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2000+ per strut, $1000+ for the pump, $200+ for a flush.
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • Battery Drain
    • Description/Symptoms: Car battery dies overnight or after a short period of being parked.
    • Solution: Finding and eliminating the parasitic draw, which could be caused by a faulty module, improperly installed aftermarket accessories, or a failing component.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ depending on the complexity of the issue.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Instrument Cluster Pixelation
    • Description/Symptoms: Pixels missing or fading on the instrument cluster display.
    • Solution: Replacing or repairing the instrument cluster.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Window Regulator Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Window failing to go up or down, or making grinding noises when operating.
    • Solution: Replacing the window regulator.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200-$500+ per window.
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Rust
    • Description/Symptoms: Rust can appear on the rocker panels, door bottoms, wheel arches, and around the trunk.
    • Solution: Repairing or replacing rusted panels and applying rust protection.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+ per panel, depending on the severity.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Headlight Lens Clouding/Yellowing
    • Description/Symptoms: Headlight lenses become cloudy or yellowed, reducing light output.
    • Solution: Polishing the headlight lenses or replacing the headlights.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200 for polishing, $300-$1000+ for replacement headlights.
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Sunroof Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof failing to open or close properly, getting stuck, or making excessive noise.
    • Solution: Repairing or replacing the sunroof motor, tracks, or cables.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Door Lock Actuator Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Door failing to lock or unlock with the remote or interior switch.
    • Solution: Replacing the door lock actuator.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ per door.
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2000 Mercedes-Benz S500, while a luxurious and comfortable vehicle, is prone to several common issues, particularly in the suspension, electrical, and transmission systems. The Airmatic suspension and transmission conductor plate are frequent problem areas that can lead to high repair costs. Rust on the exterior can also be a concern. Due to the age of the vehicle, many rubber components may be failing due to old age. Potential buyers should carefully inspect these areas and factor in potential repair costs when considering purchasing this model. The severity and cost of repairs can range widely, but generally, owning a 2000 S500 requires a willingness to address potentially expensive maintenance items.

Mercedes-Benz, S500
Mercedes-Benz S500 2000
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