2023 Mercedes-Benz S500
The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S500 is a luxury sedan known for its opulent interior, advanced technology, and smooth ride. The S500 features a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, producing 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options include the S580 featuring a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine producing 496 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, and the S580e plug-in hybrid, combining the inline-six with an electric motor. All engines are paired with a 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise the S500’s comfortable and quiet cabin, cutting-edge driver-assistance features, and overall sense of refinement. Common complaints include the complexity of the infotainment system, the high price tag, and occasional software glitches.
Electrical
- MBUX Infotainment System Freezing/Crashing
- Description/Symptoms: The MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system occasionally freezes, crashes, or reboots unexpectedly. This can disrupt navigation, media playback, and access to vehicle settings.
- Solution: Software updates from Mercedes-Benz are often released to address these issues. A system reset (performed by holding the power button) can sometimes temporarily resolve the problem. In more severe cases, a dealer visit for a software re-flash or hardware replacement may be required.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: Software updates are typically free. Hardware replacements can range from $500 - $2000+, depending on the component.
- Recalls: None Found
- Driver Assistance Systems Malfunctioning
- Description/Symptoms: Issues reported with the adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and blind spot monitoring systems. Symptoms include systems deactivating unexpectedly, providing incorrect alerts, or failing to function at all.
- Solution: Recalibration of the sensors or replacement of faulty sensors. Software updates are also frequently part of the solution.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1500+ depending on the sensor or module that needs replacement and labor costs for calibration.
- Recalls: None Found
- 12V Battery Drain
- Description/Symptoms: Some owners report issues with the 12V battery draining quickly, particularly when the vehicle is not driven for extended periods. This can lead to difficulty starting the car or a complete failure to start.
- Solution: Software updates can help to optimize the vehicle’s energy management system. A parasitic drain test can identify the source of the drain. Replacing a faulty battery or module may be necessary.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: Battery replacement $200-$500. Parasitic drain diagnosis $100-$300. Module replacement $300-$1000+
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Sunroof/Moonroof Rattling or Squeaking
- Description/Symptoms: Rattling or squeaking noises emanating from the sunroof or moonroof area, particularly when driving on uneven surfaces.
- Solution: Lubricating the sunroof tracks and seals, tightening loose components, or replacing worn seals. In severe cases, replacement of the sunroof assembly may be necessary.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: Lubrication and minor adjustments $50-$200. Sunroof assembly replacement $1000 - $3000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Seat Adjustment Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Electric seat adjustments malfunctioning or failing to operate smoothly. This can include issues with the seat moving in the wrong direction, becoming stuck, or failing to respond to the controls.
- Solution: Checking the seat control module, wiring harness, and seat motors. Replacing faulty components as needed.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ depending on the component needing replacement.
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Air Suspension Leaks
- Description/Symptoms: The S500 features an air suspension system. Owners have reported occasional air leaks, leading to a drop in ride height on one or more corners of the vehicle. This can result in a rougher ride and potentially damage other suspension components.
- Solution: Locating and repairing the air leak. This may involve replacing air struts, air lines, or the air compressor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: Air strut replacement $800-$2000+ per strut. Air compressor replacement $500-$1500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Air Suspension Compressor Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The air suspension compressor fails to provide sufficient air pressure, resulting in the vehicle sitting low or failing to adjust to different ride heights.
- Solution: Replacing the air suspension compressor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+
- Recalls: None Found
Engine
3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six (M256)
- No Issues Found
Transmission
9G-Tronic Nine-Speed Automatic (9G-TRONIC 725.0)
- Rough Shifting
- Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported harsh or jerky shifting, particularly during low-speed maneuvers or when accelerating aggressively.
- Solution: Software updates from Mercedes-Benz may address some shifting issues. A transmission fluid flush or replacement of the valve body may be necessary.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: Software updates are typically free. Transmission fluid flush $300-$500. Valve body replacement $1000-$3000+
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Sensor Alignment Issues (Parking Sensors, etc.)
- Description/Symptoms: Parking sensors or other exterior-mounted sensors becoming misaligned, leading to inaccurate readings or false alerts.
- Solution: Realignment of the sensors. In some cases, replacement of damaged or faulty sensors may be required.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: Sensor realignment $100-$300. Sensor replacement $200-$500+ per sensor.
- Recalls: None Found
Summary:
The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S500, while a pinnacle of luxury and technology, exhibits a range of issues reported by owners. The most common complaints revolve around electrical glitches, specifically within the MBUX infotainment system and driver-assistance features. Suspension issues, especially related to the air suspension system, also appear with some frequency. While engine issues seem to be less common, transmission problems like rough shifting have been noted. The severity of these issues varies, with some being resolved through simple software updates, while others require more costly component replacements. Overall, potential buyers should be aware of these potential problems and ensure that any used S500 they are considering has received the necessary software updates and maintenance. The cost of repairs can range from a few hundred dollars for minor fixes to several thousand dollars for more significant issues like air suspension or transmission repairs.