Alternatives

Ownership cost

Our recommendations

What is it like?

Reliability

Saloon

<p dir="ltr">Mercedes’ line-up is vast – ranging from the A-Class family hatchback through to staple saloons such as the C-Class and E-Class, and onwards towards multiple SUVs, luxury saloons and even sports cars. Coupés and convertibles are thrown into the mix as well.</p>

<p dir="ltr">As one of the ‘big three’ German brands, Mercedes most often finds itself competing with Audi and BMW but more recently has found itself fending off Jaguar and Volvo, too.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Mercedes models are known for comfort. One example of this is the E-Class, because while the Audi A6 has a plusher interior and the BMW 5 Series handles better, the E-Class is probably the most comfortable for a long motorway journey.</p>


MERCEDES-BENZ

S CLASS

<p>The Mercedes S-Class is probably the best luxury barge in the world</p>


Used Mercedes-Benz S-Class Saloon 1999 - 2006

<p>Considering the expensive beast the S-Class can be, owning costs actually aren't too bad, because some models (particularly the most expensive ones) lose value quite sharply in the first couple of years. An S600, which cost a cool £92k new, was worth barely half that by its third birthday. By contrast, an S320 diesel retained two-thirds of its original value at the same marker.</p>

<p>Servicing is costly if you use a main dealer, but it will at least entitle you to <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/mercedes-benz">Merc</a>'s Mobilo-life package, which provides breakdown assistance and a corrosion warranty for an astounding 30 years from new. But, if you're not too bothered by that, use a good independent Merc specialist and pay only half as much for labour.</p>

<h3>&nbsp;</h3>


The Mercedes S-Class is probably the best luxury barge in the world


<p>Whichever luxury car you're after, the brief is the same: buy the ones with the smallest engines. Every model has decent performance and even the smallest version delivers nine-tenths of what you'd get if you bought the flagship version - but at a knockdown price.</p>

<p>The S320 CDI diesel is our first choice, followed by the smallest petrol, the S280. These were the best sellers, so there should be lots around.</p>

<p>Other models include an S350, S500, S600 and the performance flagship, the thundering S65 AMG, which offers no less than 612bhp. Of these, only the S350 is anything like a sensible choice.</p>

<p>Each model has a single trim level, with loads of equipment that includes leather seats, climate control and the Comand system that runs the sat-nav, stereo, phone and other gadgets. However, the list of extras for the car is so long that we've not seen two identically equipped.</p>

<p><strong>For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter <a href="https://pages.haymarket.com/whatcar/wcar-form.html">here</a></strong></p>

<h3>&nbsp;</h3>


<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Plush ride and the ability to cruise in near-silence </li> <li>Powerful and efficient engine</li> <li>Space for passengers to stretch out in the rear seats</li> <li>Exquisite materials and build quality</li> <li>Endless luxuries on the options list</li> <li>Sensible fuel and tax bills</li></ul>

<p>If you’re in the market for a luxury car, you’ll be after a sumptuous interior, a ride that can soak up the worst of the UK’s pockmarked roads and supreme refinement that allows you to travel at speed in near-silence.</p>

Luxury

<p>The What Car? Reliability Index paints a poor picture of the S-Class and puts average repair costs at a whacking £600. However, that figure also encompasses the previous model, and we would expect this model to be much better.</p>

<p>There's no doubt it's a tough car, and the engines and transmissions last indefinitely if cared for, although the electrics can go haywire.</p>

<p>Equally, you should shop carefully because a few bills are horrible. Don't buy one, for example, if the air-con isn't working, no matter how cheap the car is. Overhauling the chilled air system won't leave much change from £2k.</p>

<p>Another worry if you buy a 320 CDI is a tinkling from under the car that grows as revs rise. It indicates that the catalytic converter is breaking up - replacing that to ensure an MoT pass will cost well into four figures.</p>

<h3>&nbsp;</h3>


<p>When it was launched, critics hailed the Mercedes S-Class as among the very best executive saloons you could buy, regardless of price. It's a big car with a huge cabin, but it's also sleeker and less daunting than the slab-sided previous model. Inside, it's supremely comfortable and all models have generous equipment levels, which most first owners added to from a long list of options.</p>

<p>The big Merc drives neatly for its size and responds well, feeling much smaller than it really is. The standard seven-speed automatic gearbox is superb and wind noise is shut out effectively thanks to the double-glazed side windows.</p>

<p>As if all that wasn't enough, the version of the S-Class that replaced this one looks only subtly different, meaning even the earliest examples of this model still look up to the minute. Last, but not least, its value dropped sharply from new, making older ones surprisingly cheap to buy.</p>

<h3>&nbsp;</h3>


Used Mercedes-Benz S-Class Saloon 1999 - 2006 reliability

Complete the 2024 What Car? Reliability survey >>

https://survey.alchemer.eu/s3/90474827/16ebb403e3a6&rdt=2

Volkswagen ID 7 Tourer

Renault Symbioz

Dacia Spring

Alfa Romeo Junior

Peugeot e-5008

MG Cyberster

NEW REVIEWS:

site ribbon config

Used Mercedes-Benz S-Class Saloon 1999 - 2006 review

The What Car? Reliability Index paints a poor picture of the S-Class and puts average repair costs at a whacking £600. However, that figure also encompasses the previous model, and we would expect this model to be much better.,There's no doubt it's a tough car, and the engines and transmissions last indefinitely if cared for, although the electrics can go haywire.,Equally, you should shop carefully because a few bills are horrible. Don't buy one, for example, if the air-con isn't working, no matter how cheap the car is. Overhauling the chilled air system won't leave much change from £2k.Another worry if you buy a 320 CDI is a tinkling from under the car that grows as revs rise. It indicates that the catalytic converter is breaking up - replacing that to ensure an MoT pass will cost well into four figures. 

What to look for when buying a Mercedes S-Class 1999 - 2006, covering common problems to check for and overall vehicle reliability.

NEW REVIEWS:

Used Mercedes-Benz S-Class Saloon 1999 - 2006 reliability

Mercedes-Benz S Class 5.0 S500 4dr

Mercedes-Benz S Class 3.7 S350 SE 4dr

What should I look for in a used Mercedes S-Class saloon?

What are the most common problems with a used Mercedes S-Class saloon?

Is a used Mercedes S-Class saloon reliable?

What Car? has cars in stock

Quick search

Tools & services

Legal bits

Information