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2005 Mercedes-Benz S500

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By Research the Car 4 min read

The 2005 Mercedes-Benz S500 is a full-size luxury sedan that offers a blend of comfort, performance, and technology. The S500 came standard with a 5.0L M113 V8 engine producing 302 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options available were the S430 with a 4.3L V8, the S600 with a 5.5L V12, the S55 AMG with a supercharged 5.4L V8 and the S65 AMG with a twin-turbo 6.0L V12. All engines were paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission. Owners appreciate the S500 for its smooth ride, luxurious interior, and powerful engine. Common complaints include high maintenance costs, complex electronics that can be prone to failure, and the air suspension system.

Engine

5.0L M113 V8

  • Oil Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks from various locations on the engine, including valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket, and rear main seal. Symptoms include visible oil leaks, burning oil smell, and low oil level.
    • Solution: Replacing the leaking gaskets or seals.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+ depending on the location of the leak and the shop’s labor rates.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Failed Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor
    • Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, poor acceleration, and decreased fuel economy. The check engine light may illuminate.
    • Solution: Replacing the faulty MAF sensor.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Catalytic Converter Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Reduced engine performance, rattling noises from the exhaust system, and the check engine light illuminating with codes related to catalytic converter efficiency.
    • Solution: Replacing the faulty catalytic converter(s).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000+ per converter.
    • Recalls: None Found

5.5L M275 V12

  • Ignition Coil Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Misfires, rough running engine, reduced power, and check engine light illumination. V12 engines have individual coils for each cylinder, so a single coil failure can cause noticeable issues.
    • Solution: Replacing the faulty ignition coil(s).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400 per coil, plus labor.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Oil Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks from various locations, similar to the V8, but the complexity of the V12 can make some leaks more difficult and costly to address.
    • Solution: Replacing the leaking gaskets or seals.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1500+
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-Speed Automatic (722.6)

  • Transmission Conductor Plate Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Erratic shifting, limp mode (transmission stuck in a single gear), and inability to shift. This is a common issue with the 722.6 transmission.
    • Solution: Replacing the conductor plate, which often involves replacing the transmission fluid and filter.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1200+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Valve Body Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Harsh shifting, slipping between gears, delayed engagement, and general transmission performance problems.
    • Solution: Valve body replacement or rebuild.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Airmatic Suspension Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The car sits low or unevenly, the air compressor runs constantly, and you may receive warning messages on the dashboard. Individual air struts, the air compressor, or the valve block can fail.
    • Solution: Replacing the faulty air strut(s), air compressor, or valve block. It’s recommended to replace air struts in pairs.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000+ per strut, $500 - $1500+ for the compressor, and $300 - $800+ for the valve block.
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • Battery Drain Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: The battery drains quickly, especially when the car is not in use. This can be caused by a faulty component that is not shutting down properly.
    • Solution: Diagnosing and replacing the component causing the drain. Common culprits include the seat control modules, the COMAND system, and the alarm system.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: Highly variable, depending on the component. $100 - $1000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • COMAND System Malfunctions
    • Description/Symptoms: The COMAND system (navigation, radio, climate control) may freeze, reboot, or display error messages.
    • Solution: Software updates, replacement of the COMAND unit, or repair of faulty wiring.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $2000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Rust
    • Description/Symptoms: Rust on the lower body panels, wheel arches, and around the trunk lid.
    • Solution: Rust repair, including sanding, priming, and painting.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300-$2000+ per panel, depending on severity.
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Sunroof Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof may be difficult to open or close, may make grinding noises, or may leak.
    • Solution: Repair or replacement of the sunroof motor, tracks, or seals.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2005 Mercedes-Benz S500, while a luxurious and comfortable vehicle, is prone to several common issues, particularly with the air suspension, transmission, and electrical systems. Engine oil leaks can also be a problem. The cost of repairs can be significant due to the complexity of the car and the price of Mercedes-Benz parts. Prospective buyers should have the vehicle thoroughly inspected by a qualified mechanic before purchasing, paying close attention to the condition of the air suspension and transmission. Addressing these potential issues proactively can help avoid costly repairs down the road.

Mercedes-Benz, S500
Mercedes-Benz S500 2005
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