2006 Mercedes-Benz S350

The 2006 Mercedes-Benz S350 is a luxury sedan known for its comfortable ride, elegant styling, and advanced technology. The S350 variant is equipped with a 3.7L V6 engine producing around 241 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options available in the S-Class range for 2006 included larger V8 and V12 engines. A common complaint about the S-Class during this period was the complexity of its electronics, which could lead to reliability issues. However, owners often praised its luxurious interior, smooth ride, and powerful engine options (depending on configuration).

Engine

3.7L V6

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks are commonly reported, often originating from the valve cover gaskets or the front timing cover. This can lead to a burning oil smell and low oil levels.
  • Solution: Replacing the leaking gaskets and seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
• Camshaft Position Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The engine may experience rough idling, stalling, or difficulty starting. A check engine light will likely illuminate.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty camshaft position sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300

Transmission

7G-Tronic 722.9 7-Speed Automatic

• Valve Body Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Erratic shifting, harsh gear changes, delayed engagement, or getting stuck in a gear.
  • Solution: Replacement of the valve body or conductor plate.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2500+
• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering during acceleration, particularly at lower speeds. Can also cause a loss of power or complete transmission failure.
  • Solution: Torque converter replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3500+

Suspension

• Airmatic System Failures
  • Description/Symptoms: The Airmatic suspension system is prone to failures, leading to the car sagging on one side, a rough ride, and an error message on the dashboard. The air compressor, air struts, or valve block may be at fault.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty air struts, compressor, or valve block.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000+ per strut, $500 - $1500 for compressor replacement.

Electrical

• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: The car battery drains quickly, especially when the vehicle is not in use for extended periods. This can be due to faulty modules or a parasitic draw.
  • Solution: Identifying and addressing the source of the parasitic draw, replacing faulty modules.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
• COMAND System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The COMAND system, which controls navigation, audio, and other features, can experience glitches, freezing, or complete failure.
  • Solution: Software updates, component replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+
• EIS (Electronic Ignition Switch) Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The key may not be recognized, preventing the car from starting. The steering wheel may also lock up.
  • Solution: EIS replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $700 - $1500+

Exterior

• Rust
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust can occur on the wheel arches, door bottoms, and other areas.
  • Solution: Rust repair, panel replacement
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+

Interior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The sunroof may become stuck, fail to open or close properly, or leak.
  • Solution: Repairing or replacing the sunroof motor, tracks, or seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+

Recalls

• 2006070005: Safety Recall 2006070005 - SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) Malfunction. In some Model Year 2005-2006 S-Class vehicles, the control unit for the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) may have been produced with faulty programming that could cause improper deployment of certain components of the occupant restraint system in the event of an accident.
• 2010110007: Safety Recall 2010110007 - Door Control Unit (DCU) Update. On some Model Year 2003-2006 S-Class vehicles, the software of the Door Control Units (DCU) in the front doors may not meet current production specifications. In certain crash conditions, the side airbags may not deploy.
• 2017030008: Recall Campaign 2017030008 - Driver Airbag. In some MY [2005-2006] S-Class vehicles, the driver-side airbag inflator may rupture upon deployment, potentially resulting in metal fragments striking vehicle occupants.

Summary The 2006 Mercedes-Benz S350 presents a mix of luxury and potential maintenance concerns. The Airmatic suspension, electrical systems, and transmission are common sources of problems, often leading to costly repairs. While the engine itself is generally reliable, oil leaks and sensor failures are possibilities. Potential buyers should be aware of these issues and factor in potential repair costs when considering this vehicle.