2001 Mercedes-Benz S500

The 2001 Mercedes-Benz S500 is a luxury sedan known for its opulent features, smooth ride, and powerful performance. The S500 came equipped with a 5.0L V8 engine producing 302 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options available were the 4.3L V8 and the 6.0L V12, as well as the diesel engine. People often praise the S500 for its comfortable interior, advanced technology for its time, and its stately presence. However, common complaints include high maintenance costs, electrical issues, and some problems with the air suspension.

Engine

5.0L V8

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks are common from various locations, including valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket, and rear main seal. Symptoms include oil spots under the car, a burning oil smell, and low oil levels.
  • Solution: Replacing the leaking gaskets or seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ depending on the location and severity of the leak.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The MAF sensor can fail, leading to poor engine performance, rough idling, decreased fuel economy, and a check engine light.
  • Solution: Replacing the MAF sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-Speed Automatic

• Transmission Slippage/Harsh Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: The 5-speed automatic transmission can develop slippage between gears, harsh shifting, or failure to shift properly. This can be due to worn clutch packs, valve body issues, or low fluid levels.
  • Solution: Servicing the transmission with a fluid and filter change may resolve minor issues. More severe problems may require a valve body replacement or a complete transmission rebuild.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 (fluid/filter change) - $3,000+ (rebuild/replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Airmatic Suspension Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The Airmatic air suspension system is prone to failure, leading to a sagging vehicle (especially overnight), a rough ride, and error messages on the dashboard. This can be caused by leaks in the air struts, a faulty air compressor, or a malfunctioning valve block.
  • Solution: Replacing the leaking air struts, the air compressor, or the valve block. Some owners choose to replace the entire system with a conventional coil-over suspension.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+ per strut; $400 - $800 for the compressor; $300 - $600 for the valve block. Coilover conversion $2000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Instrument Cluster Pixel Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Pixels in the instrument cluster display can fade or disappear, making it difficult to read important information.
  • Solution: The instrument cluster needs to be replaced or repaired by a specialist who can replace the LCD screen.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Door Lock Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Door lock actuators can fail, preventing the doors from locking or unlocking properly.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty door lock actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400 per door
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Many owners report issues with the car battery draining quickly, especially if the car sits for an extended period. This can be due to a parasitic drain from a faulty module or component.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair the source of the parasitic drain, which may involve replacing a faulty module (e.g., seat control module, COMAND unit).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ depending on the source of the drain.
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust can develop on the body, especially around the wheel wells, door edges, and undercarriage, particularly in areas with harsh winter conditions and road salt use.
  • Solution: Repairing the rust by sanding, applying rust converter, and repainting.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+ per panel depending on severity.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The sunroof mechanism can fail, causing the sunroof to stick, become misaligned, or refuse to open or close.
  • Solution: Repairing or replacing the sunroof motor, tracks, or cables.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• COMAND System Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: The COMAND (Cockpit Management and Data) system, which controls audio, navigation, and other functions, can experience malfunctions, such as screen failures, unresponsive buttons, or software glitches.
  • Solution: Replacing or repairing the COMAND unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary:

The 2001 Mercedes-Benz S500 is a luxurious vehicle that, due to its age, is prone to various issues. The most significant concerns are related to the Airmatic suspension, electrical gremlins, and potential oil leaks. Repairs can be costly, especially for the suspension and complex electrical systems. While many of the issues are typical for a vehicle of this age, potential buyers should be aware of the higher maintenance costs associated with owning a luxury car like the S500.