2004 Mercedes-Benz S430

Introduction

The 2004 Mercedes-Benz S430 is a luxury sedan known for its comfort, performance, and technology. It features a 4.3-liter V8 engine producing 275 horsepower and 302 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission.

Engine

• 4.3L V8

• Timing chain tensioner failure: The timing chain tensioner may fail, causing the timing chain to skip and potentially damage the engine.
  • Solution: Replace the timing chain tensioner and inspect the timing chain.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
• Intake manifold gasket failure: The intake manifold gasket may fail, causing vacuum leaks and performance issues.
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
• Oil leaks: The engine may develop oil leaks from various gaskets and seals.
  • Solution: Inspect and replace any leaking gaskets or seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on the location and severity of the leak
• Ignition coil failure: The ignition coils may fail, causing misfires and reduced performance.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty ignition coils.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400 per coil

Transmission

• 5-Speed Automatic

• Shift solenoid failure: The shift solenoids may fail, causing shifting problems and potentially leaving the transmission in neutral.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty shift solenoids.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500
• Valve body failure: The valve body may fail, leading to shifting problems and loss of gears.
  • Solution: Replace the valve body.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
• Torque converter shudder: The torque converter may experience shuddering, causing vibrations during acceleration.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $3,000+
• Transmission fluid leaks: The transmission may develop fluid leaks from various seals and gaskets.
  • Solution: Inspect and replace any leaking seals or gaskets.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on the location and severity of the leak

Suspension

• Airmatic suspension struts failure: The air suspension struts may fail, causing the vehicle to sag or bounce excessively.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty air suspension struts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+ per strut
• Control arm bushings wear: The control arm bushings may wear out, causing knocking or clunking noises while driving.
  • Solution: Replace the worn control arm bushings.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
• Sway bar end links failure: The sway bar end links may fail, leading to increased body roll and unstable handling.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty sway bar end links.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400

Electrical

• Battery discharge issue: The battery may discharge quickly, even when the vehicle is not in use.
  • Solution: Inspect the electrical system for parasitic drains and replace the battery if necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
• Alternator failure: The alternator may fail, leading to charging system problems and potential battery drain.
  • Solution: Replace the alternator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
• Electrical harness issues: The electrical harness may experience shorts or corrosion, causing various electrical problems.
  • Solution: Inspect the electrical harness and repair or replace any damaged sections.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on the severity and location of the issue

Exterior

• Chrome trim peeling: The chrome trim on the exterior may begin to peel or discolor over time.
  • Solution: Remove and refinish the chrome trim.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
• Sunroof leaking: The sunroof may leak during heavy rain or car washes.
  • Solution: Inspect and repair or replace the sunroof seals and drains.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
• Door handle failure: The door handles may become loose or break, making it difficult to open the doors.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty door handles.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500

Interior

• Climate control malfunction: The climate control system may malfunction, causing problems with heating, cooling, or ventilation.
  • Solution: Inspect and repair or replace the faulty components in the climate control system.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+
• Navigation system issues: The navigation system may experience software glitches or hardware failures.
  • Solution: Update the software or replace the faulty hardware.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+
• Seat adjustment motor failure: The seat adjustment motors may fail, making it difficult to adjust the seats.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty seat adjustment motors.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500 per seat

Other

• Brake system wear: The brake pads, rotors, and calipers may wear out over time, reducing braking performance.
  • Solution: Replace the worn brake system components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
• Brake hoses leaking: The brake hoses may develop leaks, leading to reduced braking performance or potential brake failure.
  • Solution: Inspect and replace any leaking brake hoses.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500

Summary

The 2004 Mercedes-Benz S430 is a luxurious and powerful sedan, but it has some known issues that can be costly to repair. The engine and transmission are prone to several problems, and the air suspension struts are a significant expense when they fail. Interior and exterior issues are generally cosmetic or related to wear and tear. Nonetheless, these issues should be considered when purchasing or maintaining this vehicle.