2004 Mercedes-Benz S600

The 2004 Mercedes-Benz S600 is a luxury sedan known for its powerful V12 engine and opulent features. Other engine options available for the 2004 S-Class included various V6 and V8 configurations, while the S600 specifically featured a 5.5L Twin-Turbo V12 producing 493 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. The S600 delivers impressive acceleration and a smooth, refined driving experience. Owners often praise the car’s comfortable ride, luxurious interior, and advanced technology for its time. However, the complex systems and high-performance engine can lead to costly repairs, and some owners find the car’s electronics to be prone to issues. Fuel economy is also a common concern.

Engine

5.5L Twin-Turbo V12 (M275)

• Coil Pack Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Misfires, rough running engine, check engine light. Often caused by heat and age.
  • Solution: Replace faulty coil packs. Replacing all 12 at once is recommended to ensure even performance and avoid future issues.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+ per coil pack (including labor), so potentially $3600 - $7200+ for all 12.
  • Recalls: None Found
• ABC (Active Body Control) System Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Red “ABC Visit Workshop” message, vehicle sagging or not maintaining proper ride height, fluid leaks from the ABC system’s hoses, pump, or struts.
  • Solution: Identify and replace leaking components (hoses, struts, pump). Flush the ABC system and refill with new fluid.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2000+ per component, depending on what needs to be replaced. A full system overhaul can be very expensive.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Turbocharger Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, whistling noises, excessive oil consumption, smoke from the exhaust.
  • Solution: Diagnose the source of the turbocharger problem (e.g., faulty wastegate, damaged compressor wheel, oil leaks). Repair or replace the turbocharger.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2000 - $5000+ per turbocharger (including labor), depending on the severity of the damage and whether repair or replacement is needed.
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-Speed Automatic (722.6)

• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering during acceleration, delayed engagement, harsh shifting.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve Body Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Erratic shifting, harsh shifts, failure to shift, transmission slipping.
  • Solution: Replace or rebuild the valve body. Sometimes a rebuild can resolve the issue, but in other cases, full replacement is necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Airmatic System Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sagging or sitting low, “Visit Workshop” message, compressor failure.
  • Solution: Replace faulty air struts, compressor, or valve block. Check for leaks in the air lines.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000+ per strut, $500 - $1500+ for the compressor, additional costs for valve block and lines.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Instrument Cluster Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Pixels missing on the display, gauges not working properly, intermittent failures.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the instrument cluster.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Dead battery, requiring frequent jump starts.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair the source of the parasitic draw. Common causes include faulty modules (e.g., seat control modules, door control modules), improperly installed aftermarket accessories, or a failing alternator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ (depending on the source of the drain, plus the cost of a new battery if necessary)
  • Recalls: None Found
• SAM (Signal Acquisition Module) Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Malfunctions of various electrical components, such as lights, wipers, windows, or door locks. Can also lead to communication errors with other control modules.
  • Solution: Diagnose which SAM module is faulty (front, rear, etc.) and replace it. The new module will likely need to be programmed to the car.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust forming on fenders, door bottoms, and other body panels.
  • Solution: Repair or replace rusted panels.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $2000+ per panel, depending on severity and repair method.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof not opening or closing properly, getting stuck, making excessive noise.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the sunroof motor, regulator, or tracks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2004 Mercedes-Benz S600 offers a luxurious experience with a powerful engine but is prone to various issues, particularly with its complex systems. Engine-related problems like coil pack failure and turbocharger issues can be very expensive to repair. Suspension and electrical problems are also common and can result in significant repair bills. The severity of these issues ranges from minor inconveniences to major mechanical failures that can render the vehicle undrivable. Owners should be prepared for potentially high maintenance costs when considering this model.