1993 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 500 SEL 5.0 Litre

Summary:

Benchmark of automotive industry

Faults:

The heater fan was blown when I got the car, it's a problem that almost most mercedes cars have. Rear shocks had issues, but other than that nothing else.

General Comments:

I love this car. I cannt believe how much they have dropped in price. I feel so bad for those people driving new Hondas and Toyotas that have no heart whatsoever. Here we all traded in our soul for a market share and political correctness? I am lucky I am not one of those people.

This car is everything you will ever need. 4700 lbs, 325 hp motor that will bury you in your seat when floored, very low levels of outside noise, great stereo system and an undeniable presence. Car is very safe and solid even at 100+mph blasts.

Buy a good well kept model and you will never look back again.

One downside is fuel economy, 12mpg is in the city, and 20 on highway. But when you are being treated like a king, who cares, one life, enjoy it!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th December, 2005

3rd Jun 2006, 07:42

Not many people who drive Japanese cars have to put up with vinyl seats and wind-up windows, unless you are talking about cars built in the sixties and seventies.

These cars are lovely, the high fuel consumption being a major downside.

Mechanical repair costs can be kept low by being vigilant on maintenance and using a specialist for repairs. Avoid main dealers.

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1993 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 400SEL 4.2 Gasoline

Summary:

A sink-hole

Faults:

Motor Mounts collapsed twice--$800 to fix each time.

Air Conditioner lost coolant twice--No leaks found by dealers or independent shops.

Electric rear windows failed to roll up twice. Costs $300 to fix each time.

Trunk closer failed twice. Costs $200 to fix.

Automatic door locks fail to open remotely. Costs $400 to fix.

Seat belt tensioner on both front seats failed. Costs $400 per seat to fix.

General Comments:

This car is over-designed with poor quality. There are too many useless features that break down and are expensive to fix. The list above is not comprehensive--but gives the idea of what is going on.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 11th December, 2002

18th Nov 2005, 18:31

Had some of the exact same problems, engine mounts and seat belt tensioners.

8th Mar 2009, 10:04

I feel your pain. I had a 1992 W140, and at 101K miles, I sold it. Never been so happy to get rid of a car. Overall quality is just poor. Interior trim coming loose, transmission acting up, long list of little things. Spent more time in the shop than on the road. Never again.

Had I realized that MB lost a class-action lawsuit over these cars, I wouldn't have bought one in the first place!

In reply to 18th Nov 2005, 18:31

25th Jun 2014, 17:08

The engine mounts are designed to fail... it's a safety issue.

However...

This also affects the life of the mounts. They are quick and easy to replace, but you will spend a fortune if you have someone else replace them.

I had a severe engine shake. The mounts were about ten (or so) months old. Had no idea what the problem could be. It was the left (most common failure) engine mount. Had I crawled under the car, I would have found the problem. The engine is designed to shear from the mounts in a front-end collision, and dive under the passenger compartment, and absorb energy.

26th Jul 2018, 18:16

I recognize a lot of these things as well. Central locking, soft close doors, backsite antennas, hydraulic suspension, aircon leak, not driving straight... always something. I will have spent +- 4500 euro in half a year's time...

1993 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 300SE

Faults:

Wiring harness had to be replaced because insulation on wires simply cracked and fell off exposing bare wires. New harness cost over $750 to replace!!

Transmission failed at 114K miles!! I've driven Mercedes all my adult life, over 35 years, and this is the first transmission failure, but what a hassle/expense! Have yet to get it fixed. Four very intelligent shops have tried to fix it and its still kaput... It has become apparent to me that they are simply building cars too complex today. The dealers fix of replacing the transmission is now the only option. I've never been able to deal with any of Mercedes dealers down thru the years because of the outrageous cost. Just about decided to give up Mercedes altogether and get something simple and easy to repair... Something virtually any mechanic can understand and fix, including myself.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 23rd June, 2002

25th Jun 2002, 21:05

Buy a 1980's (pampered) W126 series MB - and start smiling again!

29th Nov 2002, 08:01

I have experienced transmission failure with my 380se, just after a transmission fluid change at 143K miles. The best deal I could find was with the local M B dealer, the price for factory rebuilt transmission was only $1,770. and with a two year warranty. The labor was almost another $1,000 but what a car! Don't become discouraged, more people would drive the Mercedes S class if they ever got to experience driving one!

29th May 2004, 22:24

I purchased my 1989 420SEL about 6 months ago and it is a wonderfully made car. It is my first Benz and although it has 135K miles, I have just experienced transmission failure. Well not a complete failure, more like reverse failure. I am currently looking for a 1993 S300 or S400 but I have had no success. I am going to fix the trans because the car is a pampered gem and just needs to be lovingly caressed back to health, but the MB dealer cost is prohibitive. I am looking for a reasonable alternative. Notice I did not say cheap, after all it is a Mercedes.

1st Oct 2005, 19:14

I own a 1988 MB300SE.I have AC problems, start and run problems, and other weird electrical problems...ex.wipers come on when cranking the engine and it won't start until several tries and the battery seems to be weakening. Does anyone know of a common source for these symptoms?

3rd May 2015, 10:06

"These Days"? I have to disagree. These cars were the last over-engineered vehicles Mercedes ever made; well the W124s too. Aside from wiring harness issues and the occasional transmission rebuild, they are relatively bulletproof.