2000-2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class/CL-Class: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
2005 Mercedes-Benz S-Class/CL-Class
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2000-2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class ▼
- Price Range: $11,300 - $75,100
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 2000-2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Acceleration
- Entry/exit
- Refinement
- Build quality
- Passenger room
- Ride
Cons
- Fuel economy
- Navigation-system controls
Vehicle Highlights
Mercedes-Benz introduced its redesigned, rear-drive luxury sedan in spring 1999, as an early 2000 model. Trimmer in dimensions than its predecessor, the S-Class contained even more leading-edge technology. A closely related CL500 coupe companion joined the lineup early in 2000. An inch or two smaller in all dimensions than its predecessor, the sedan weighed some 500 pounds less. Front head room decreased only marginally, and leg room was a bit greater than before. Six-cylinder and V12 models were dropped, at least for the time being, leaving only two V8 sedans: an S430 with a 4.3-liter engine and an S500 that held a 5.0-liter V8. Both engines drove a five-speed automatic transmission that had a separate shift gate for easier manually selected gear changes. An air-bladder system replaced the prior coil-spring suspension, able to adjust damping to suit the road surface. The driver could select sport or normal settings, as well as automatic level control. All-disc antilock braking included Mercedes' Brake Assist feature. Traction control and an antiskid system also were standard. Rear side airbags were standard, and curtain-type airbags deployed along all side windows to protect occupants' heads and shoulders in a side impact. A standard satellite-based navigation system included an in-dash video display and voice-controlled response. Mercedes' TeleAid emergency assistance system also was standard. Rivals included the Audi A8, BMW 7-Series, and Lexus LS 400/430.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Mercedes-Benz S500 Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 7 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 10 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 6 | |
| Quietness | 10 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 10 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 9 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 4 | |
| Value within Class | 3 | |
| Total Score: | 67 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 2000-2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 2000-2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
Year to Year Changes
2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class/CL-Class:
A new limited-edition S600 sedan with a V12 engine joined the S-Class lineup for 2001. To save fuel, the V12 was capable of deactivating six of its cylinders when full power was not needed. The S600 got exclusive interior trim and unique high-polish wheels. Also new was an S55 AMG sedan, packing a 354-horsepower, 5.4-liter V8 engine. Created by Mercedes' performance division, the S55 featured 18-inch wheels and aero lower-body styling. An optional Sport Package for the S430 or S500 delivered an AMG appearance and included a firmer suspension. Both the S55 AMG and the S600 had Active Body Control with coil springs, with electro-hydraulic rams that counteracted body lean during hard cornering. That system was optional on other models. A Distronic "smart" cruise-control option used radar sensors to automatically adjust speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicles ahead. The standard COMAND in-dash video system controlled audio, navigation, and phone functions. TeleAid now included door unlocking and vehicle diagnostics services. A new internet-based "InfoServices" option displayed news, sports, weather, and other user-selected information.
2002 Mercedes-Benz S-Class/CL-Class:
Except for a more powerful maximum-cooling setting for the air conditioner, little was new for 2002. Power seats added a third memory setting.
2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class/CL-Class:
S430 and S500 were offered with Mercedes' 4Matic all-wheel drive. The S55/CL55 AMG models gain supercharging boosting their 5.4 V8 by 138 hp and 125 lb-ft of torque. New for the flagship S600 is a twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V12 with an extra 131 hp and 199 lb-ft vs. last year's nonturbo 5.8 V12. Modified by Mercedes' in-house performance team, AMG models had 18-inch wheels, aero body addenda, and uprated brakes; other models offered a Sport Package option with similar looks and tires.
2004 Mercedes-Benz S-Class/CL-Class:
Mercedes-Benz introduced a 7-speed automatic transmission on the S430, S500, and CL500 in 2004. Also new this year is a navigation system that uses DVDs instead of CDs.
2005 Mercedes-Benz S-Class/CL-Class:
All-wheel drive at no extra cost makes 2005 news for Mercedes' largest cars. For 2005, the S430 and S500 offer Mercedes' 4Matic all-wheel drive as a no-charge instead of extra-cost option.
2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class/CL-Class:
A new base sedan with a 6-cyl engine joins the roster of Mercedes-Benz' largest cars for 2006. The newcomer is the S350 with a 241-hp V6. CL-Class is unchanged.
Our road test for the 2000-2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2000-2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2000-2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
With the 2000 S-Class, Mercedes-Benz produced a leaner, sportier-feeling flagship sedan. A silken, hushed performer, it delivers strong pickup, great crosswind stability, confident handling, super braking, and an absorbent ride. Still too big and heavy to qualify as nimble, the sedan is pleasantly responsive, able to hustle along twisty roads with poise. You might notice a trace of wobble on expressways when in the wake of large trucks, and some side-to-side pitching on uneven pavement. Mild "float" can occur over big pavement dips, but that can be cured by switching to a firmer damping schedule. In any mode, the S-Class confronts rough pavement with granite solidity. Active Body Control keeps cornering lean modest. Acceleration is swift, smooth, and nearly seamless. AMG models have robust power reserves and provide effortless passing response. An S500 yielded 16.6 mpg--impressive for this sedan's class. Braking is strong and easily modulated. Engine, road, and wind sounds are nearly nonexistent. Most controls are intuitive, but a daunting array of seat, climate, audio, and communications features takes time to learn. The navigation system projects route guidance into the main instrument cluster, but operation is complex. Not only does the main screen wash out in certain light conditions, but cursor-selected functions can be a real distraction. Seating is supportive and long-distance comfortable, though the benefits of "massaging" seatbacks are dubious. Head room is generous and leg room limousinelike, front and rear, but a narrow cabin discourages three-across seating in back. Outward visibility is outstanding. Primary gauges are unobstructed, but their electronic presentation is one-dimensional and does not dim sufficiently at night.
Value for the Money
Ranking as a world-class luxury-sedan benchmark, the S-Class substitutes technological sophistication for its predecessors' unapologetic size and uncompromised material. High resale values translate to lofty prices at the luxury used-car lot.
Ranking as a world-class luxury-sedan benchmark, the S-Class substitutes technological sophistication for its predecessors' unapologetic size and uncompromised material. High resale values translate to lofty prices at the luxury used-car lot.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Mercedes-Benz S500 Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 7 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 10 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 6 | |
| Quietness | 10 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 10 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 9 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 4 | |
| Value within Class | 3 | |
| Total Score: | 67 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Mercedes-Benz S-Class/CL-Class includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Mercedes-Benz S-Class/CL-Class .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Air conditioner:
S500 coupes suffer A/C failure when water damages the evaporator-temperature sensor. (2000-02)
Air conditioner:
The heating/air conditioning/ventilation system may malfunction and not direct air to the proper outlet or the defroster may remain on. (2000-01)
Brake wear:
After hard or extended braking, the car may vibrate because heat can distort the parking-brake drums allowing the parking brakes to make contact requiring new brake shoes and proper adjustment. (2000-02)
Dashboard lights:
The air-suspension warning light on the dash may come on because water gets into the electrical connecters and causes corrosion. (2000)
Rough idle:
Poor engine idle, vibration, and stalling may be caused by a defective mass-airflow (MAF) sensor.
Water leak:
The reed valve that drains water from the fresh-air intake gets clogged and must routinely be cleared to avoid water in the passenger compartment. (2000-02)
Windows:
During aftermarket window tinting, the soapy water can get into the door-control module and damage it. The module should be removed prior to tinting. (2000-01)
Windshield washer:
On a certain number of vehicles, the heated windshield washer hoses can overheat and melt. Although customers were being notified, check for work to have been done. (2000)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $655 |
| Alternator | $440 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,525 |
| Brakes | $790 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $0 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $1,405 |
| Exhaust System | $985 |
| Radiator | $610 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $1,840 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $400 |
Our price chart for this generation Mercedes-Benz S-Class/CL-Class details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
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| 2006 | |||
| S350 | $29,500-31,500 | $27,400-29,300 | $20,400-21,700 |
| S430 | $36,500-39,000 | $33,900-36,300 | $25,900-27,700 |
| S500 | $39,500-42,500 | $36,700-39,500 | $28,400-30,600 |
| S55 AMG | $50,000-54,000 | $47,000-50,800 | $37,500-40,500 |
| S600 | $52,000-56,000 | $48,900-52,600 | $39,000-42,000 |
| S65 AMG | $75,000-79,000 | $71,300-75,100 | $57,000-60,000 |
| 2005 | |||
| S430 | $29,500-32,000 | $27,400-29,800 | $20,400-22,100 |
| S500 | $31,800-34,000 | $29,600-31,600 | $22,300-23,800 |
| S55 AMG | $41,000-44,000 | $38,500-41,400 | $29,500-31,700 |
| S600 | $39,500-42,500 | $36,700-39,500 | $28,400-30,600 |
| 2004 | |||
| S430 | $25,000-27,000 | $23,300-25,100 | $16,500-17,800 |
| S500 | $27,500-29,500 | $25,600-27,400 | $18,400-19,800 |
| S55 AMG | $34,000-37,000 | $31,600-34,400 | $24,100-26,300 |
| S600 | $32,000-35,000 | $29,800-32,600 | $22,400-24,500 |
| 2003 | |||
| S430 | $20,500-22,200 | $18,900-20,400 | $13,300-14,400 |
| S500 | $22,500-24,200 | $20,700-22,300 | $14,600-15,700 |
| S55 AMG | $27,000-29,500 | $25,100-27,400 | $18,100-19,800 |
| S600 | $25,000-27,500 | $23,300-25,600 | $16,500-18,200 |
| 2002 | |||
| S430 | $16,500-18,000 | $15,000-16,400 | $10,600-11,500 |
| S500 | $18,400-19,900 | $16,900-18,300 | $11,800-12,700 |
| S55 AMG | $21,500-23,500 | $19,800-21,600 | $14,000-15,300 |
| S600 | $20,500-22,500 | $18,900-20,700 | $13,300-14,600 |
| 2001 | |||
| S430 | $14,300-15,800 | $13,000-14,400 | $8,900-9,800 |
| S500 | $16,000-17,500 | $14,600-15,900 | $10,200-11,200 |
| S55 AMG | $19,000-21,000 | $17,500-19,300 | $12,400-13,700 |
| S600 | $18,000-20,000 | $16,600-18,400 | $11,500-12,800 |
| 2000 | |||
| S430 | $12,500-13,700 | $11,300-12,300 | $7,100-7,800 |
| S500 | $14,000-15,500 | $12,700-14,100 | $8,500-9,500 |
|
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This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Mercedes-Benz S-Class/CL-Class include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door sedan | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 121.5 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 203.1 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 73.1 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 56.9 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 4133 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 15.4 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 23.2 | |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 37.6 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.3 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 38.4 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 40.3 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Only two engines were available in 2000. In the S430 sedan, a 4.3-liter V8 made 275 horsepower, while the S500 got a 302-hp, 5.0-liter V8. For 2001, the new S600 got a 5.8-liter V12 with a 362-hp rating. The high-performance S55 AMG, also added for 2001, held a 354-horsepower, 5.4-liter V8 engine. In 2003 Mercedes supercharged the 5.4 to 493 horsepower. The V12 shrunk to 5.5 liters, but with the help of a supercharger it also made 493 horsepower and whopping 590 pounds-feet of torque. Initially, all engines worked with a 5-speed automatic transmission. A 7-speed automatic was added as an option to the 4.3- and 5.0-liter V8s in 2004. For 2006, a new base sedan with a 241-hp V6 joins the roster.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| Supercharged ohc V8 | 5.4 / 322 | 493 | 516 | 5-speed automatic: 14/20 | 5-speed automatic: -- |
| Supercharged ohc V12 | 5.5 / 336 | 493 | 590 | 5-speed automatic: 13/19 | 5-speed automatic: -- |
| ohc V8 | 4.3 / 260 | 275 | 295 | 5-speed automatic: 17/24 7-speed automatic: 17/26 |
5-speed automatic: 15.8 7-speed automatic: -- |
| ohc V8 | 5.0 / 303 | 302 | 339 | 5-speed automatic: 16/23 7-speed automatic: 16/24 |
5-speed automatic: 16.6 7-speed automatic: 16.7 |
| ohc V8 | 5.4 / 322 | 354-355 | 391 | 5-speed automatic: 17/24 | 5-speed automatic: -- |
| ohc V12 | 5.8 / 353 | 362 | 391 | 5-speed automatic: 15/23 | 5-speed automatic: -- |
| ohc V6 | 3.7 / 227 | 241 | 258 | 5-speed automatic: 17/25 | 5-speed automatic: -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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Built In: Germany
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Mercedes-Benz S-Class/CL-Class include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Vehicle crash test information not available at this time.The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 2000-2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
2000-01 S-Class/CL-Class:
Blower motor fuse holder may be the wrong size, allowing too much heat through. Dealers will inspect and replace affected parts.
2000-01:
Size of electrical connector of blower motor fuse holder may be below appropriate tolerance, dissipating more heat than the holder was designed to withstand, which could result in overheating and disabling of the defroster function.
2000-02 S-Class:
Due to electrical malfunctions, some instruments and indicators on the dashboard do not illuminate adequately and could increase the risk of a crash. Dealers will replace the instrument cluster modules.
2000-04:
Corrosion of the active body control's distribution hose may cause deterioration of the hose allow hydraulic fluid to leak near the catalytic converter, resulting in a possible fire. Dealers will install a new hose.
2001:
Electrical connection of the heated windshield-washer bottle hose could melt and cause the surrounding plastic and insulation to melt.
2001-03 S-Class/CL-Class:
Certain vehicles may experience a hydraulic fluid leak due to faulty hoses. Dealers will inspect and replace affected parts.
2001-04 S-600:
Corrosion may occur in steel portions of Active Body Control's high-pressure distribution hose, which may result in hydraulic fluid leakage that could become a fire hazard.
2002-06 S-Class equipped with Active Body Control (ABC) acceleration sensors on the front struts:
ABC sensors on either of the front struts may not transmit body movement data because of inconsistent soldering points. This could result in unexpected body movements at the front axle, which can adversely influence the vehicle's directional stability and could lead to a vehicle crash. Dealers will inspect and replace, if necessary, the front ABC sensors in all potentially affected vehicles.
2003-04 S-Class:
Trunk lid springs on some cars could fail in closed lid position, so trunk would not remain in up position when raised.
2004-05 S-Class:
Due to electrical malfunctions, some instruments and indicators on the dashboard do not illuminate adequately and could increase the risk of a crash. Dealers will replace the instrument cluster modules.
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