2006 Mercedes-Benz S 417

The 2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W221) is a luxury sedan known for its advanced technology, comfortable ride, and opulent interior. The S 417 isn’t a specific trim, and it is possible that it is a typo and you mean the S 430 or S 500. However, the S 430 was not offered in 2006, making it likely that this refers to an S 500. The S 500 came standard with a 5.0L M113 V8 engine producing 302 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options for the 2006 S-Class included a 3.5L V6 (S 350 - not available in all markets), a 4.3L V8 (S 430 - not available in all markets), a 5.5L V8 (S 550), a 6.0L V12 (S 600), and AMG variants with supercharged V8 engines. All engines were paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission (7G-Tronic). Owners often praise the S-Class for its smooth ride, luxurious features, and powerful engines. Common complaints include expensive maintenance, complex electronics that can be prone to failure, and high repair costs.

Engine

5.0L M113 V8 (S 500)

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks are common around the valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket, and rear main seal. Symptoms include visible oil leaks under the car, a burning oil smell, and low oil levels.
  • Solution: Replace the leaking gaskets or seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ depending on the location and severity of the leak.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Camshaft Position Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine misfires, rough idling, check engine light.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty camshaft position sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

7G-Tronic (722.9)

• Valve Body Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Hard shifting, delayed engagement, slipping between gears, and erratic shifting behavior. Can result in transmission malfunction indicator on the instrument cluster.
  • Solution: Replacement of the valve body, or individual solenoids if diagnosis isolates the problem.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,000+ depending on the extent of the damage and if a new or rebuilt valve body is used.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering at low speeds, especially when accelerating from a stop. Can also cause transmission fluid leaks.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,200 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Airmatic Suspension Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The Airmatic suspension system is prone to leaks and failures. Symptoms include the car sitting low on one or more corners, a “Visit Workshop” message on the dashboard, and a malfunctioning ride height adjustment. Compressor failure is also common.
  • Solution: Replace the leaking air struts, air compressor, or valve block.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,000+ per strut; $500 - $1,000+ for the compressor.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: The car’s battery drains overnight or within a few days of being parked. This is often caused by a faulty electronic component that is not shutting down properly.
  • Solution: Diagnose and replace the faulty component, such as the seat control module, door control module, or audio amplifier.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+ depending on the component causing the drain.
  • Recalls: None Found
• COMAND System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The COMAND system, which controls the navigation, audio, and climate control, can experience various issues, including screen failures, software glitches, and unresponsive buttons.
  • Solution: Software updates, replacement of the COMAND unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,500+ depending on the issue.
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Sunroof Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: The sunroof may become stuck, make excessive noise, or fail to open or close properly.
  • Solution: Clean and lubricate the sunroof tracks, repair or replace the sunroof motor or regulator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Door Lock Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Door locks may fail to lock or unlock, or may cycle erratically.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty door lock actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500 per door.
  • Recalls: None Found

The 2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class offers a luxurious driving experience, but potential buyers should be aware of the common issues. Airmatic suspension failures and electrical problems are prevalent and can be expensive to repair. Transmission valve body issues are also common and can significantly impact the driving experience. Addressing these issues proactively can help maintain the vehicle’s reliability and prevent costly repairs down the road. Due to the age of the vehicle and the amount of issues that are expected to come up due to the age of the vehicle, the annual cost of ownership is typically higher than most vehicles.