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2005 Mercedes-Benz S600

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By Research the Car 5 min read

The 2005 Mercedes-Benz S600 is a luxurious and powerful sedan, part of the W220 S-Class generation. The S600 is equipped with a 5.5L Twin-Turbo V12 engine producing 493 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options for the W220 S-Class include various V6 and V8 engines. The S600 models came with a 5-speed automatic transmission. Owners generally appreciate the S600 for its smooth ride, powerful engine, and luxurious features. However, they often cite high maintenance costs, complex electronics, and potential for expensive repairs as drawbacks.

Engine

5.5L Twin-Turbo V12 (M275)

  • Coil Pack Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Misfires, rough running engine, check engine light illumination. Often diagnosed by a specific cylinder misfire code (e.g., P030X, where X is the cylinder number).
    • Solution: Replace faulty coil pack(s). Replacing all coil packs at once is recommended.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+ per coil pack (parts and labor).
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Valve Cover Gasket Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks onto exhaust manifolds, causing burning oil smell. Visible oil residue around valve covers.
    • Solution: Replace valve cover gaskets.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Turbocharger Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, whistling or whining noise from the engine bay, check engine light illumination.
    • Solution: Diagnosis of the turbocharger, potentially rebuild or replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $5,000+ per turbocharger (parts and labor).
    • Recalls: None Found
  • ABC (Active Body Control) System Issues related to Engine
    • Description/Symptoms: The ABC pump is driven by the engine. Failure in the ABC system can often be traced back to the pump failing due to high engine load, age, or fluid contamination. This results in the car sagging, uneven ride height, or ABC warning lights.
    • Solution: Replace the ABC pump, flush the system, and potentially address other ABC components like accumulators or struts.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,500+
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-Speed Automatic (722.6)

  • Conductor Plate Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Erratic shifting, inability to shift gears, transmission stuck in limp mode (usually 2nd or 3rd gear), check engine light illumination.
    • Solution: Replace the conductor plate inside the transmission. This often involves replacing the electrical connector sleeve as well.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Torque Converter Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibrations during acceleration, particularly at lower speeds. Delayed or harsh shifting.
    • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1200 - $2500+ (including transmission removal and reinstallation)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Valve Body Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Hard or erratic shifts, slipping between gears, delayed engagement when shifting into drive or reverse.
    • Solution: Valve body replacement or rebuild.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • ABC (Active Body Control) System Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sagging on one or more corners, uneven ride height, ABC warning lights illuminated on the dashboard, stiff or uncomfortable ride.
    • Solution: Diagnosis of the ABC system, which could involve replacing struts, accumulators, the ABC pump, or repairing hydraulic lines.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $4,000+ per strut, $500 - $1000+ per accumulator, see engine section for pump cost. Hydraulic line repairs can vary.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Air Suspension Compressor Failure (Less Common on S600 but possible)
    • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sagging, particularly overnight, air suspension malfunction warnings.
    • Solution: Replace the air suspension compressor.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • SAM (Signal Acquisition Module) Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Erratic electrical behavior, such as lights not working, wipers malfunctioning, issues with door locks, or other electronic accessories not functioning correctly.
    • Solution: Diagnosis of the SAM unit(s) and potential replacement. There are multiple SAM units in the vehicle (Front, Rear).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000+ per SAM unit (parts and labor, including programming).
    • Recalls: None Found
  • EIS (Electronic Ignition Switch) Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Key not recognized, inability to start the vehicle, steering wheel lock malfunction.
    • Solution: Replace the EIS and potentially reprogram keys.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $2500+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Battery Drain Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: The car has a dead battery after sitting for a short period. Requires frequent jump starts.
    • Solution: Diagnose and repair parasitic draws. This may require specialized equipment and knowledge to trace the source of the drain.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200-$1000+ This can vary widely depending on the source of the drain.
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Rust (Especially around wheel wells and undercarriage)
    • Description/Symptoms: Visible rust bubbling on the body panels, particularly around the wheel arches, door bottoms, and undercarriage.
    • Solution: Rust repair, which may involve cutting out the rusted areas, welding in new metal, and repainting.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $5000+ depending on the severity and extent of the rust.
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Sunroof Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof not opening or closing properly, unusual noises when operating the sunroof, water leaks.
    • Solution: Repair or replace the sunroof mechanism, tracks, or seals.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1500+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Instrument Cluster Pixelation
    • Description/Symptoms: Pixels missing or faded on the instrument cluster display, making it difficult to read information.
    • Solution: Instrument cluster repair or replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1200+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Seat Motor Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Seat will not move in one or more directions.
    • Solution: Replace the faulty seat motor.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2005 Mercedes-Benz S600, while a luxurious and powerful vehicle, is known for its high maintenance costs and potential for expensive repairs. Common issues include coil pack and valve cover gasket failures in the engine, conductor plate problems in the transmission, and ABC system malfunctions in the suspension. Electrical issues with the SAM and EIS units are also frequently reported. Rust can be a problem, especially in areas with harsh winters. The severity of these issues ranges from relatively minor (e.g., individual coil pack replacement) to major (e.g., ABC system overhaul or engine rebuild). The cost to fix these problems can vary widely, from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, making it crucial to thoroughly inspect any potential purchase and factor in potential maintenance costs.

Mercedes-Benz, S600
Mercedes-Benz S600 2005
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