2002 Mercedes-Benz S500

The 2002 Mercedes-Benz S500 is a luxury sedan known for its comfortable ride, elegant styling, and advanced technology for its time. The S500 was offered with a 5.0L V8 engine producing 302 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque. A smaller 4.3L V8 was available in the S430 model. Some owners appreciate the smooth ride and powerful engine, while others dislike the potential for expensive repairs and complex electronics.

Engine

5.0L M113 V8

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks from various locations, including valve cover gaskets, rear main seal, and oil cooler lines. Can cause oil consumption and potential engine damage if not addressed.
  • Solution: Replace leaking gaskets and seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1500+ depending on the source of the leak and labor involved.
  • Recalls: None Found
• MAF (Mass Air Flow) Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, poor acceleration, and a check engine light. The MAF sensor provides information about the airflow entering the engine.
  • Solution: Replace the MAF sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found
• Catalytic Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light, decreased fuel economy, and potential failure to pass emissions testing.
  • Solution: Replace the catalytic converter(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000+ per converter.
  • Recalls: None Found

4.3L M113 V8

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks from various locations, including valve cover gaskets, rear main seal, and oil cooler lines. Can cause oil consumption and potential engine damage if not addressed.
  • Solution: Replace leaking gaskets and seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1500+ depending on the source of the leak and labor involved.
  • Recalls: None Found
• MAF (Mass Air Flow) Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, poor acceleration, and a check engine light. The MAF sensor provides information about the airflow entering the engine.
  • Solution: Replace the MAF sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found
• Catalytic Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light, decreased fuel economy, and potential failure to pass emissions testing.
  • Solution: Replace the catalytic converter(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000+ per converter.
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5G-Tronic 722.6 5-Speed Automatic

• Conductor Plate Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Erratic shifting, limp mode, or failure to shift at all. The conductor plate houses the transmission’s electronic control unit (TCU) and speed sensors.
  • Solution: Replace the conductor plate and often the associated electrical connector.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering, slipping, or harsh shifting.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $2500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve Body Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Hard shifts, delayed engagement, or slipping.
  • Solution: Rebuild or replace 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, compressor failure, warning lights. This system is prone to leaks and component failure.
  • Solution: Replace air struts, compressor, valve block, or associated air lines.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000+ per strut, $500 - $1500+ for the compressor, other components vary.
  • Recalls: None Found
• ABC (Active Body Control) Suspension Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Similar to Airmatic, vehicle sagging, warning lights, and poor ride quality. ABC is more complex and expensive to repair than Airmatic.
  • Solution: Replace accumulators (nitrogen-filled spheres), pump, struts, or valve blocks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $3000+ per component, especially accumulators and pump.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery draining overnight or within a few days, requiring frequent jump-starts. Can be caused by a faulty module, relay, or wiring issue.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair the source of the parasitic draw.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+ depending on the complexity of the issue.
  • Recalls: None Found
• SAM (Signal Acquisition Module) Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Intermittent electrical issues, such as lights not working, wipers malfunctioning, or other electronic components failing.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty SAM unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Instrument Cluster Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Pixels missing, gauge malfunctions, or complete failure of the instrument cluster.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the instrument cluster.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust forming around wheel wells, door edges, and other body panels, especially in areas with harsh winters.
  • Solution: Repair or replace rusted panels, treat with rust inhibitor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $3000+ depending on the severity of the rust.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof failing to open or close properly, leaking, or making unusual noises.
  • Solution: Repair or replace sunroof motor, tracks, or seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Command System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Navigation malfunctioning, radio cutting out, or screen freezing.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the COMAND unit or associated components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $2000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Seat Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Seat not moving in one or more directions.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty seat motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+ per motor.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Door Lock Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Door failing to lock or unlock with the remote or interior switch.
  • Solution: Replace the door lock actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+ per actuator.
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2002 Mercedes-Benz S500, while offering luxury and performance, can be prone to expensive repairs, particularly concerning the suspension, electrical systems, and transmission. Issues like Airmatic or ABC suspension failures and conductor plate failures are not uncommon. While some issues are relatively minor, others can easily cost thousands of dollars to fix, so potential buyers should be aware of these potential expenses.