2003 Mercedes-Benz S600

The 2003 Mercedes-Benz S600 represents the pinnacle of luxury and performance from that era. It boasts a powerful 5.5L V12 engine producing 493 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission. Other engine options for the W220 S-Class include a range of V6 and V8 engines. Owners often praise the S600 for its smooth ride, powerful engine, and opulent interior. However, it is also known for its complexity and high maintenance costs, with the air suspension and numerous electronic systems being particularly troublesome.

Engine

5.5L V12 (M275)

• Coil Pack Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Misfires, rough idling, and a check engine light. Typically, one or more coil packs fail, preventing proper ignition in the affected cylinder(s).
  • Solution: Replace the faulty coil pack(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+ per coil pack (parts and labor).
  • Recalls: None Found
• ABC (Active Body Control) Pump Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Whining noise from the pump, red “ABC Visit Workshop” message on the instrument cluster, sagging suspension, especially after sitting overnight.
  • Solution: Replace the ABC pump.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,200 - $2,500+ (parts and labor).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil drips under the car, burning oil smell, low oil level. Common leak locations include valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket, and rear main seal.
  • Solution: Replace the leaking gaskets or seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Valve cover gaskets ($300 - $800+), Oil pan gasket ($500 - $1,200+), Rear main seal ($800 - $2,000+).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Fuel Injector Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, misfires, poor fuel economy, and a check engine light.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty fuel injector(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ per injector (parts and labor).
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-Speed Automatic (722.6)

• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering during acceleration, especially at lower speeds, and/or slipping between gears.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+ (parts and labor).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve Body Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or erratic shifting, delayed engagement of gears, and/or slipping between gears.
  • Solution: Rebuild or replace the valve body.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,000+ (parts and labor).
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• ABC (Active Body Control) Strut Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Leaking fluid from the struts, sagging suspension, uneven ride height, red “ABC Visit Workshop” message on the instrument cluster.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty ABC strut(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,500+ per strut (parts and labor).
  • Recalls: None Found
• ABC Hose Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Fluid leaks, low ABC fluid level, red “ABC Visit Workshop” message.
  • Solution: Replace leaking hoses.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+ depending on hose location and complexity (parts and labor).
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• EIS (Electronic Ignition Switch) Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Key not recognized, inability to start the car, steering wheel lock malfunction.
  • Solution: Replace the EIS. Requires programming.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500+ (parts and labor, including programming).
  • Recalls: None Found
• PSE (Pneumatic System Equipment) Pump Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Malfunctioning door locks, trunk not opening, seats not adjusting properly, lumbar support failure.
  • Solution: Replace the PSE pump.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500+ (parts and labor).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Car battery draining quickly, requiring frequent jump starts. Can be caused by a variety of electrical issues, including a faulty voltage regulator, parasitic draw from a module not shutting down properly, or a failing battery.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair the source of the battery drain.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1000+ depending on the source of the drain (parts and labor).
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust bubbles forming on the lower portions of the doors, fenders, and around the wheel wells.
  • Solution: Rust repair, including cutting out rusted metal, welding in new metal, and repainting.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+ per panel, depending on severity and shop.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof not opening or closing properly, getting stuck, or making excessive noise.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the sunroof motor, tracks, or cables.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+ (parts and labor).
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary:

The 2003 Mercedes-Benz S600, while offering luxurious features and impressive performance, is prone to several potentially expensive issues. The ABC suspension system, electrical components, and complex V12 engine are the primary sources of concern. Repair costs can be significant due to the specialized parts and labor required. Potential buyers should be aware of these common problems and factor in potentially high maintenance costs when considering purchasing this vehicle.