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2005 Mercedes Benz S500 problems

The most common problem on the 2005 Mercedes Benz S500 is electrical system, typically around 99,000 miles. Its complaint count is close to a typical S500 model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
77/100
Owner complaints
11
Recalls
0
Service bulletins
61
Worst area
Electrical
Fuel economy
17mpg

The worst 2005 Mercedes Benz S500 problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Electrical
    7
  • Lights
    3
  • Transmission
    2
  • Body
    1
  • Brakes
    1

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Electrical
    7
  • Lights
    3
  • Transmission
    2
  • Body
    1
  • Brakes
    1
  • Engine
    1
  • Locks
    1

Recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Technical service bulletins for the 2005 Mercedes Benz S500 61

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 61 bulletins for the 2005 Mercedes Benz S500

2005 Mercedes Benz S500 fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
5.0L 8‑cylRWD142217

What 2005 Mercedes Benz S500 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Mar 6, 2019 · 85,000 miles · TX

While driving on the highway the instrument panel went black we were unable to see our speed mileage gas gauge odometer . It went off and on for a period of time . Until it was to dangerous to continue to drive.

Filed Jan 28, 2019 · Electrical · 99,000 miles · CA

Electronic dash instrument cluster went black and the speedometer could not be seen and all other driver information on the remaining gauges were also not visible. The door locks would not operate ,the trunk would not open and the seant would not move in any direction. I was driving the 118 freeway in ca . I was doing 65 MPH when the incident occured. I had to get off the freeway and drive home on surface streets. Way too dangerous to continue on the freeway. The car has approximately 99000 miles and had no other problems.

Filed Dec 4, 2016 · Electrical · 182,000 miles · IL

While driving at approximately 45 MPH my instrument panel went black. I could not determine my speed, time of day fuel usage, miles traveled, or signal lights. I did not buy the vehicle from a mercedes dealer. I called a dealer about a recall. He stated that there was a recall but it had expired. I understand a recall expiring, but it seems that mercedes benz would support their product no matter when the defect occurred. It is a safety issue that could have caused running out of fuel without being able to detect it and no way of being aware of the speed of the vehicle. The signal lights don't function on the cluster. I believe it was a defect that mercedes benz was aware of and that they should replace the instrument cluster at no cost to me. The cost to replace the instrument cluster is outrageous for a component that is obviously defective. Owners should not be responsible for defective components that are or have been a part of a recall.

Filed Sep 22, 2015 · Electrical · 135,000 miles · IL

Blower motor stopped working and remained intermittent through july 2015. Mercedez benz of st. Louis replaced blower motor and regulator/controller. Within days of getting car back the blower continued to be intermittent. It would work for days or weeks and then stop for 1-3 days. I took it back to the dealer when it was not working and they thought it might be the switches in the dash. Still unresolved. In addition the wipers would stop working, the radio would stop working and the passenger seat airbag sensor was intermittent.

Filed Jun 17, 2015 · Electrical · 52,000 miles · TN

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 mercedes benz s500. While driving 35 MPH, the instrument panel seized without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was instructed to take the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 52,000.

Filed Jun 16, 2015 · Electrical · 139,995 miles · NC

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 mercedes benz s500. While driving at various speeds, the instrument panel failed and caused all the gauges to become inoperable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 139,995.

Filed Jan 27, 2015 · Body · 98,000 miles · PA

Tl*the contact owns a 2005 mercedes s500. The contact stated that the trunk lid failed to remained open and almost fell on the passenger head. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection. The technician diagnosed that the trunk struts failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 98,000.

Filed Apr 12, 2012 · Electrical, Locks · 55,000 miles · FL

Took my car to mercedes-benz of pembroke, pines florida I took my car to the dealer last mo mercedes-benz of pembroke pines florida for them to change the oil and filter in transmission. So, monday I took it back in and told them to check my key door locks, because the door would open. "no key" but would not lock by holding the handle. Also, to check the transmission which was harsh when down shifting when it was cold. I got a call the next day telling me I needed a new transmission. I said I only have 52,000 miles on the car and I don't use it that much. The car cost $93,000.00 this should not be. Something is wrong at that dealer, and they won't listen to me, the service mgr won't even return my call long story short, but the bill was $9,300.00 I think I got ripped off. Thank you

Filed Nov 10, 2011 · Lights · 98,307 miles · NY

Polycarbonate headlight lenses, recently substituted for glass by manufacturer, become blackened and occluded over time, rendering headlamps increasingly ineffectual and making night time driving dangerous. This material is unsuited for the purpose of shielding the headlamps and should be replaced in all instances by materials that do not degrade during their intended use.

Filed May 23, 2008 · Brakes, Electrical · 3,592 miles · NY

Tl*the contact owns a 2005 mercedes benz s-500. The contact stated that the engine and service light illuminated and there was a loss of brakes. The failure has occurred 16 times. The dealer was unable to repair the vehicle. The contact would not provide detailed information about the failures. The failure mileage was 3,591 and current mileage was 80,000. Update 06/10/08 *bf the shifter would get stuck in park, the brake wear light illumininated. The dealer replaced the rear pads and rotors, the left rerar marked light was replaced, the trunk assist did not open the trunk all the way, the micro switch for the door lock actuator was faulty, the turn signal light was inoperative, the voltage regulator was replaced, the ABS light illuminated, the consumer complained of no heat in the vehicle. The dealer replaced a faulty blower motor. Updated 06/09/08

Compare the 2005 Mercedes Benz S500

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Questions about the 2005 Mercedes Benz S500

Is the 2005 Mercedes Benz S500 reliable?

Owners have filed 11 complaints about the 2005 Mercedes Benz S500, close to a typical S500 model year.

What is the 2005 Mercedes Benz S500 year score?

The 2005 Mercedes Benz S500 scores 77 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Mercedes Benz S500: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2005 Mercedes Benz S500?

Electrical system, with 7 complaints, typically around 99,000 miles. Next is lights (3).

How many recalls does the 2005 Mercedes Benz S500 have?

No recalls on record.

What year does the Mercedes Benz S500 have the most electrical problems?

The Mercedes Benz S500 model years with the most electrical complaints are 2000 (31 complaints), 2001 (21 complaints) and 2002 (14 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2005 Mercedes Benz S500 get?

Official estimates for the 2005 Mercedes Benz S500 range from 17 mpg combined. The most efficient version (5.0L 8-cyl, RWD) gets 14 city and 22 highway.

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