2014 Mercedes-Benz S500

The 2014 Mercedes-Benz S500 is a luxury sedan known for its opulent interior, advanced technology, and smooth ride. The S500 specifically features a 4.7-liter twin-turbo V8 engine producing 455 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options for the 2014 S-Class included a 3.0-liter V6 and a 6.0-liter V12 in the S600. All models were equipped with a 7-speed automatic transmission. Owners typically praise the S500 for its comfort, quietness, and array of features, while potential downsides can include high maintenance costs and complex electronics that can be prone to glitches.

Engine

4.7L Twin-Turbo V8

• Oil Leaks from Turbocharger Oil Supply Lines
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks from the turbocharger oil supply lines, leading to a burning oil smell and potential low oil levels.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty oil supply lines with updated parts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Filter Housing Gasket Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks from the oil filter housing gasket. This is a common issue on many Mercedes-Benz V8 engines. The leak can drip onto other components, causing a burning smell.
  • Solution: Replace the oil filter housing gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

7-Speed Automatic (7G-Tronic)

• Rough or Delayed Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Hesitation when shifting between gears, rough downshifts, or a general lack of smoothness in gear changes. This can be due to wear in the valve body or conductor plate issues.
  • Solution: A transmission fluid flush may temporarily improve the shifting, however, typically the valve body or conductor plate will need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Airmatic Suspension Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The Airmatic suspension system is known for potential failures. Symptoms include the car sitting low, not raising or lowering properly, or displaying warning messages on the dashboard. Problems can stem from leaking air struts, a faulty compressor, or problems with the valve block.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty components (air struts, compressor, valve block).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $3000+ per strut, $800 - $1500+ for compressor
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Premature battery drain, often caused by a module not properly shutting down or a parasitic draw.
  • Solution: Diagnose the source of the parasitic draw and repair or replace the faulty module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+ (depending on the source of the drain)
  • Recalls: None Found
• COMAND System Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: The COMAND system (infotainment) can experience glitches, freezes, or complete failure.
  • Solution: Software updates, replacement of the COMAND unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sensor Failures (Parking Sensors, Blind Spot Monitoring)
  • Description/Symptoms: Parking sensors or blind spot monitoring systems may fail intermittently or completely.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty sensor(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ per sensor
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Panoramic Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The panoramic sunroof can experience problems such as sticking, failing to open or close properly, or making excessive noise.
  • Solution: Lubrication, repair, or replacement of the sunroof mechanism.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $2000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Seat Actuator Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: Power seats may have issues with the seat actuators, leading to the seats not adjusting properly.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the faulty seat actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Dashboard Delamination
  • Description/Symptoms: The leather dashboard can start to delaminate, causing it to pull away from the underlying structure. This is especially prevalent in hot climates.
  • Solution: Replacement of the dashboard (very expensive) or professional repair.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $5000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2014 Mercedes-Benz S500, while offering a luxurious experience, can be susceptible to a range of issues. The Airmatic suspension system and electronic components, in particular, are prone to problems that can lead to costly repairs. Engine and transmission issues, while less frequent, can also be expensive to address. Prospective buyers should carefully inspect the vehicle’s history and condition, especially the suspension and electrical systems, and factor in potential maintenance costs. Overall, the severity of these issues ranges from minor inconveniences to major mechanical failures, with associated repair costs spanning a wide spectrum.