2000 Mercedes Benz S500
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Mercedes Benz › S500 › 2000
These records cover every 2000 Mercedes Benz S500. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
55 complaints3 involved a crash1 involved a fire4 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system · Unknown or other · Vehicle speed control
Please help me My 2000 s500L Mercedes’ Benz dashboard have been blinking for 4 months now it has finally completely went out I am complaining on my behalf in my daughter in wife please NHTSA we cannot see anything on our car dashboard our vehicle have been inspected at two independent service…
Please help me My 2000 s500L Mercedes’ Benz dashboard have been blinking for 4 months now it has finally completely went out I am complaining on my behalf in my daughter in wife please NHTSA we cannot see anything on our car dashboard our vehicle have been inspected at two independent service dealer theses symptoms appear to have been happening 1 year after purchasing from dealer please NHSTA we need a recall on our dashboard cluster. I cannot attend work until the cluster gets fix it’s so dangerous driving with a broken cause this recall will be a blessing to our family.
- Electrical system · Service brakes · Vehicle speed control
Last night we had tropical storm eta in florida. We had about 10 inches of rain. The temperature was between 70F and 80F. The car was parked on high ground but in the rain. The inside of the car flooded with water under the carpet. I have not determined the source of the leak or the source of the…
Last night we had tropical storm eta in florida. We had about 10 inches of rain. The temperature was between 70F and 80F. The car was parked on high ground but in the rain. The inside of the car flooded with water under the carpet. I have not determined the source of the leak or the source of the short yet but the car IS in my shop. I drilled holes in the floor to drain the water for now. The entire electrical system went crazy. The ABS was malfunctioning, the wipers were turning on and off, the brake lights and other lights were turning on and off on there own, the car stayed running with the key out of the ignition, the lights would turn on and off with the key out of ignition, the sos light was turning on and off, the airbag light was turning on and off, the speakers were popping, the throttle controls were acting odd and not corresponding with the throttle control, they would not respond or stay on longer than normal, the transmission was getting stuck in gears, the air suspension was acting weird, I pressed the trunk release and the tail lights started flashing, the gas gauge read empty and I had a full tank, the speed and rpm were working normal, outside temp was going on and off as well as the clock, the ac blower speed was changing and turning off, the windows would work then not work, the interior lights were turning on and off, basically the car would start and run but almost every system in the vehicle was malfunctioning. This IS the second mercedes I have owned that did this. I took videos but they were too big to share.
- Electrical system
The instrument cluster only works when it IS really hot.
- Electrical system
I was getting stuff from the trunk. When I went back to the car it was full of smoke. When I inspected the sorce of the fire it waa the blower resistor. The wiring to the blower was burnt at the connector. The plastic around the evaporator box was damaged.
- Electrical system
I just bought my mercedes S500 two weeks ago. It only had one owner, 98,000 miles and good car fax. I was pulling out of my driveway and noticed the dashboard lights were completely dark and all of the gauges were not working!! I cant tell how much gas I have nor how fast I am driving! I research…
I just bought my mercedes S500 two weeks ago. It only had one owner, 98,000 miles and good car fax. I was pulling out of my driveway and noticed the dashboard lights were completely dark and all of the gauges were not working!! I cant tell how much gas I have nor how fast I am driving! I research today and find that there was a recall on this issue that IS now expired. How and why does a recall expire??!! This IS a major safety issue. I wont be able to drive at night, I have children to transport and I don't want to get into a accident or receive a ticket for driving too fast! Its so unfair that I just purchased this car and was not aware of a recall. How IS this fair to a buyer who would have no knowledge of this!!! So I guess if me and my children got into an accident and died, mercedes would say "oh well, the recall expired". Bullshit!!! I am so angry. And they don't care!!!!
- Exterior lighting
In reference to campaign 06v028000 what IS the basis for exclusion of some cars of the same year vs others? Just because the 7 cars that were part of the orginal complaint fall in the narrowly defined vin range does not mean other cars of the same model and year do not have the same problem. The…
In reference to campaign 06v028000 what IS the basis for exclusion of some cars of the same year vs others? Just because the 7 cars that were part of the orginal complaint fall in the narrowly defined vin range does not mean other cars of the same model and year do not have the same problem. The defective clusters are the same. I have a 2000 S500 with a failed cluster. I have the same problem with the same part for the same model and year that other cars are being repaired for free, but my car IS excluded because its vin range IS statistically not in the same narrow vin range corresponding to the original complaint? This seems very exclusionary given my car IS the same model and year and the part IS the same and there IS no basis to exclude it. I am requesting nhtsa to widen the recall range to be fair to all owners of the same model and year where some are being recalled and some not. If the failed clusters were from different manufaturers that would be one thing, but to exclude cars due to vin range corresponding to the original 7 cars as part of the complaint IS very lop sided. I request you to please widen the recall. My vin ending range IS ya060424
- Suspension
TL* the contact owns a 2000 mercedes-benz s500l. While driving, the contact heard a knocking noise underneath the passenger side of the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle independently knocked while parked. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the…
TL* the contact owns a 2000 mercedes-benz s500l. While driving, the contact heard a knocking noise underneath the passenger side of the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle independently knocked while parked. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the air suspension was faulty. The contact was advised to take the vehicle somewhere else. The vehicle was taken to an auto center where it was diagnosed that the entire suspension needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The abc active body control indicator illuminated and a message indicating to "stop the vehicle was too low". The vehicle was not diagnosed again or repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 97,000. *Tt the consumer stated he sold the vehicle as he didn't want to put anymore money into the vehicle. *Tr
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting
One night while I was driving, suddenly the dashboard light slowly dim, flicked, and 95% lights were shut off included speedometer, the rest were very dim hardly see anything. Inside my car was totally dark at that point, I almost got into an accident. Immediately, I had to stop on the side of the…
One night while I was driving, suddenly the dashboard light slowly dim, flicked, and 95% lights were shut off included speedometer, the rest were very dim hardly see anything. Inside my car was totally dark at that point, I almost got into an accident. Immediately, I had to stop on the side of the road. that was very scary!! due to this kind of defective, the car IS no longer in driving condition at night. this car IS only 90K mile. after this incident, I searched on the internet and I had found few forums discussed about the similar problem with S500. but I could not find any recall for my car which related to this safety issue in nhtsa. this IS a safety concern. This was almost caused myself getting into an accident. would you please review this safety matter. Greatly appreciated.
- Engine · Suspension
My car was in the driveway, and now the front end IS dam near on the ground
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2000 mercedes benz S500. The contact stated that the instrument cluster failed to function. The contact mentioned that the light failed to illuminate and the gauges failed to indicate any reading levels. The vehicle was not included in nhtsa action number: pe05062 (interior…
TL* the contact owns a 2000 mercedes benz S500. The contact stated that the instrument cluster failed to function. The contact mentioned that the light failed to illuminate and the gauges failed to indicate any reading levels. The vehicle was not included in nhtsa action number: pe05062 (interior lighting). The vehicle was taken to a dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 188,000.
- Electrical system
All four doors and trunk of car will not lock or engage using the car key remotely but the lights will blink when key IS depressed. I have to manually push down on all four locks to lock the car. Also, I have to manually use/insert the car key to open the trunk of the car. Front passenger car seat…
All four doors and trunk of car will not lock or engage using the car key remotely but the lights will blink when key IS depressed. I have to manually push down on all four locks to lock the car. Also, I have to manually use/insert the car key to open the trunk of the car. Front passenger car seat will not move or recline when door panel buttons are pushed. Engine light stays on all the time and no fault can be found. Sun visor stays down and can not stay up. I believe these are all electrical problems.
- Suspension
This vehicle was parked and front side of suspension when down to tires can't drive nor will it pump up. *tr
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2000 mercedes benz S500. The contact stated that while driving at 20 mph, all of the warning indicators illuminated. The failure recurred on multiple occasions. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 151,000.
- Electrical system · Interior lighting
I was having an instrument cluster problem and I looked it up to see if there was a recall. I found out there was and I wrote down the nhtsa recall number (06v028000) and went to the dealership in my area to have it fixed. The dealership stated that my vin was in the recall but the recall had…
I was having an instrument cluster problem and I looked it up to see if there was a recall. I found out there was and I wrote down the nhtsa recall number (06v028000) and went to the dealership in my area to have it fixed. The dealership stated that my vin was in the recall but the recall had expired. This was july 2014. I also called mercedes (1-800-367-6372) and they stated the same thing. How do I go about getting this recall fixed? In addition to this I would like to know if my vin expired or do I have time to get it fixed. *tr
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting
The back lights on the instrument cluster have failed to illuminate. *tr
- Structure › Body
The bottom of all the 4 doors are rusting out. There are other places on the body that the paint IS bubbling and starting to rust also. This car has been garage kept every year that I have had it. I bought it in 2000 and have had it ever since. I have had several mercedes previously and never had the paint fail. *tr
- Electrical system
While returning from taking my husband to have a surgical procedure on I-75. I noticed that the instrument cluster component instantly went black. I came close to being involved in a car accident. I was unable to see any important information such as speed and gasoline level on vehicle. I called my…
While returning from taking my husband to have a surgical procedure on I-75. I noticed that the instrument cluster component instantly went black. I came close to being involved in a car accident. I was unable to see any important information such as speed and gasoline level on vehicle. I called my mechanic who IS mercedes certified and he informed me of the recall on the instrument cluster component. I asked if he could repair the cluster. He explained that it was nothing he could do, it would have to be towed to the mercedes benz dealership cause of the risk of driving. I called the nearest dealership in macon, ga and was quoted a price of $1,312.00 for the repair. when I inquired about the recall I was told that it expired four years ago. I took it upon my self to look into the recall and discovered that the recall came out in november 2005 and then expired february 2006. Which in other words was not good for the owners. If the recall was a safety issue, then why was there a expiration date? It shouldn't matter the time frame when the owner comes in to have it replaced. The point IS that you issued a recall and for the integrity and utmost safety of your consumer and their family which consist of small children. We chose your vehicle for that reason" safety". When I wanted to purchase a vehicle for "my family" I chose mercedes benz. But now you tell me you have a recall on this vehicle and refuse to repair it at no cost to the consumer. The point IS that you new of the recall that's why it was issued and only allowed four months for repairs. what if there was accidents or people being killed. You would have to write a huge check for law suites. So to me why go through that when you can replace a part for a little to nothing than lives that are irreplacable.the company stands to profit millions if we pay for"their recall!" all I'm asking IS to keep my family safe! *tr
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting
Instrument cluster failure... As like the numerous other complaints of the very same device-failure; I've come to now know that this' a widely known mbusa vehicle recall issue that was quickly & extremely discriminatory & non-exhaustive recall (half)effort... At best! I took it upon myself to…
Instrument cluster failure... As like the numerous other complaints of the very same device-failure; I've come to now know that this' a widely known mbusa vehicle recall issue that was quickly & extremely discriminatory & non-exhaustive recall (half)effort... At best! I took it upon myself to attempt contacting the previous owner(s) and inquired as to their knowledge of this recall &/or whether or not they were notified by mbusa of this recall... All of which the answer(s) were no. This vehicle has excellent maintenance records and has been kept pristine... To date! As like the many other complaints; mbusa's well aware of this yet the recall has been closed knowing that there are potentially thousands of vehicles that have these faulty devices and know that they have not exhaustively attempted to notify vehicle owners; hence knowing that there's millions to be made at owners' expense once we start rolling in after the recall closure date ($$$$)!!! Never was there adequate, exhaustive nor extensive efforts put forth with this recall; as well as a small window to totally & effectively recall the vast number of vehicles associated with it... Please note the numerous & identical complaints you've received regarding this issue! At least force/mandate mbusa to cover parts/device to this ridiculously expensive repair... Owners should not be made to cover this well documented recall! I've owned many vehicles in my life and have gone through several major recalls; this' a first of such conditions & limitations put forth onto the owner... Please remember this' something mbusa knew was defective/faulty and half-heartedly attempted a joke-of-a-recall; if deaths become an issue what would you do knowing that owners have sought assistance to no avail of mbusa nor this agency's decisions? Please help!!! I was on my way home from a minor surgical procedure when it went out! *tr
- Electrical system · Engine
Was driving and instrument cluster went blank. *tr
- Electrical system · Engine and engine cooling · Fuel system, gasoline
Please re-open investigation #pe05-062 as my instrument cluster has completely failed at 45K miles on the car and you and mbusa decided to discriminate which cars were included in the major recall - why not all vehicles. My car IS in pristine shape, always been garaged, not to mention a very…
Please re-open investigation #pe05-062 as my instrument cluster has completely failed at 45K miles on the car and you and mbusa decided to discriminate which cars were included in the major recall - why not all vehicles. My car IS in pristine shape, always been garaged, not to mention a very expensive vehicle. I have many photos if you need me to email them to you. This should not happen and the dealer insists on $1500 to repair. this IS highway robbery not to mention life threatening and dangerous. Please help. thank you.
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting · Interior lighting · Vehicle speed control
Please re-open investigation #pe05-062. My 2000 mercedes benz s500's instrument cluster started flashing on and off in may 2013. Then, january 2014, the cluster went dark forever. Yes, you read that correctly; the car IS 14 years old, in perfect shape, always garaged, w/ only 45,000 miles, and the…
Please re-open investigation #pe05-062. My 2000 mercedes benz s500's instrument cluster started flashing on and off in may 2013. Then, january 2014, the cluster went dark forever. Yes, you read that correctly; the car IS 14 years old, in perfect shape, always garaged, w/ only 45,000 miles, and the cluster completely failed! Quite shocking that such an important data center would fail at such low mileage on this pricey $90K car. The instrument cluster controls the interior door and floor lights, steering column controls, locks, trunk; there IS too much to list that now doesn't work. Note: the trunk will not open unless you use the stick key and it IS very difficult and awkward. Beware: if you're in a dark parking lot at night and want to put something in your trunk, forget it, as you have no lights and it takes so long to open the trunk that you'll probably get mugged in the meantime, plus, there's probably a mugger in your car too as you can't lock the car and the alarm doesn't work; only the trunk locks, permanently. Also, since the instrument cluster IS completely dark, you have no idea how much gas you have, how fast you're going, engine light trouble, overheating, brake problems, maintenance issues, etc. My vin number IS excluded from being corrected by mbusa. My car was in the early dates of manufacture for the 2000 S500. This IS very exclusionary given my car IS the same model and year plus the part IS the same as those s500's included in the recall; why? I am imploring nhtsa widen the recall range to be fair to all owners of the same model and year where some are being recalled and some are not. This mercedes benz USA "vin discrimination" IS unfair & unethical, I respectfully request and implore you to please re-open investigation #pe05-062 and widen the recall immediately. Thank you very much for your consideration. *tr
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting · Interior lighting · Vehicle speed control
My 2000 mercedes benz s500's instrument cluster started flashing on and off in may 2013. Then, january 2014, the cluster went dark forever. Yes, you read that correctly; the car IS 14 years old, in perfect shape, always garaged, w/ only 45,000 miles, and the cluster completely failed! Quite…
My 2000 mercedes benz s500's instrument cluster started flashing on and off in may 2013. Then, january 2014, the cluster went dark forever. Yes, you read that correctly; the car IS 14 years old, in perfect shape, always garaged, w/ only 45,000 miles, and the cluster completely failed! Quite shocking that such an important data center would fail at such low mileage on this pricey $90K car. The instrument cluster controls the interior door and floor lights, steering column controls, locks, trunk; there IS too much to list that now doesn't work. Note: the trunk will not open unless you use the stick key and it IS very difficult and awkward. Beware: if you're in a dark parking lot at night and want to put something in your trunk, forget it, as you have no lights and it takes so long to open the trunk that you'll probably get mugged in the meantime, plus, there's probably a mugger in your car too as you can't lock the car and the alarm doesn't work; only the trunk locks, permanently. Also, since the instrument cluster IS completely dark, you have no idea how much gas you have, how fast you're going, engine light trouble, overheating, brake problems, maintenance issues, etc. My vin number IS excluded from being corrected by mbusa. My car was in the early dates of manufacture for the 2000 S500. This IS very exclusionary given my car IS the same model and year plus the part IS the same as those s500's included in the recall; why? I am imploring nhtsa widen the recall range to be fair to all owners of the same model and year where some are being recalled and some are not. This mercedes benz USA "vin discrimination" IS unfair & unethical, I respectfully request and implore you to please re-open investigation #pe05-062 and widen the recall immediately. Thank you very much for your consideration. *tr
- Electrical system
My 2000 mercedes benz s500's instrument cluster started flashing on and off in may 2013 at around 44K. Then, january 2014, the cluster went dark forever. Yes, you read that correctly; the car IS 14 years old, in perfect shape, 44K (now 45K) miles, and the cluster completely failed! the car has…
My 2000 mercedes benz s500's instrument cluster started flashing on and off in may 2013 at around 44K. Then, january 2014, the cluster went dark forever. Yes, you read that correctly; the car IS 14 years old, in perfect shape, 44K (now 45K) miles, and the cluster completely failed! the car has always been garaged so this was quite shocking that such an important data center would fail at such low mileage on my beautiful $90K car. the instrument cluster controls the interior door and floor lights, steering column controls, locks, trunk; there IS too much to list that now doesn't work. Note: the trunk will not open unless you use the stick key and it IS very difficult and awkward. Beware: if you're in a dark parking lot at night and want to put something in your trunk, forget it, as you have no lights and it takes so long to open the trunk that you'll probably get mugged in the meantime, plus, there's probably a mugger in your car too as you can't lock the car and the alarm doesn't work; only the trunk locks, permanently. Also, since the instrument cluster IS completely dark, you have no idea how much gas you have, how fast you're going, engine light trouble, overheating, etc. My vin number seems to be excluded from being corrected by mbusa. This IS very exclusionary given my car IS the same model and year plus the part IS the same as those s500's included in the recall; why? I am requesting nhtsa widen the recall range to be fair to all owners of the same model and year where some are being recalled and some are not. This mercedes benz USA "vin discrimination" IS unfair & unethical, I respectfully request and implore you to please reconsider and widen the recall immediately. Thank you very much for your consideration. *tr
- Structure › Body
My 2000 S500 IS rusting uncontrollably around the bottom of all doors and trunk lid and fenders. I thought buying a $90,000 vehicle would evade these issues. I have tried to contact mercedes benz about the issue and have gotten the run around. They suggest spending 5K+ on a new paint-job! They only…
My 2000 S500 IS rusting uncontrollably around the bottom of all doors and trunk lid and fenders. I thought buying a $90,000 vehicle would evade these issues. I have tried to contact mercedes benz about the issue and have gotten the run around. They suggest spending 5K+ on a new paint-job! They only tell me that they serviced the recall on the rubber stripping on the bottom of all doors. This IS embarrassing and I don't know how mb IS doing business in this fashion. I've read several threads about this same issue all around the world. Canada fixes these rust problems for free with no questions asked. Mbusa on the other hand will not responsibly fix the error. This IS totally absurd and for a company that IS supposed to be all about quality it shows their true colors. *tr
- Electrical system
My 2000 mercedes benz s500's instrument cluster went out on a family trip on 3/10/13. I changed the 5A fuse that controls the trunk and instrument cluster, just to have it blow out again. The trunk will not open, the parktronics will not function, and the instrument cluster IS completely out. I…
My 2000 mercedes benz s500's instrument cluster went out on a family trip on 3/10/13. I changed the 5A fuse that controls the trunk and instrument cluster, just to have it blow out again. The trunk will not open, the parktronics will not function, and the instrument cluster IS completely out. I have read on the benzworld.org site that this IS a known issue to mbusa though only a select number of vin's are included in the recall of the instrument cluster. Of course, my vin looks to not be included in the original recall. We would like our vehicle to be included in the recall. I have the same problem with the same part for the same model and year that other cars are being repaired for free, but my car IS excluded because its vin range IS statistically not in the same narrow vin range corresponding to the original complaint? This seems very exclusionary given my car IS the same model and year and the part IS the same and there IS no basis to exclude it. I am requesting nhtsa to widen the recall range to be fair to all owners of the same model and year where some are being recalled and some not. If the failed clusters were from different manufacturers that would be one thing, but to exclude cars due to vin range corresponding to the original 7 cars as part of the complaint IS very lop sided. I request you to please widen the recall. *tr
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Instrument cluster failure
The office of defects investigation (odi) opened this investigation based on seven reports indicating that the instrument clusters in model year (my) 2000-2001 mercedes-benz s class vehicles failed in that consumers were unable to read any of the gauges while operating their vehicles at any speed during the day or…
The office of defects investigation (odi) opened this investigation based on seven reports indicating that the instrument clusters in model year (my) 2000-2001 mercedes-benz s class vehicles failed in that consumers were unable to read any of the gauges while operating their vehicles at any speed during the day or night.in its 573 report to nhtsa dated february 1, 2006, mercedes-benz USA, llc (mercedes-benz)states that there are three instrument cluster failure modes that would result in undesirable operation.these three failure modes are specific to certain dates of production (see below) for the subject vehicle, and mercedes-benz IS recalling those vehicles within those dates.specific information regarding the failure modes IS described in mercedes-benz's report (see nhtsa recall 06v028).three of the odi complaints submitted to mercedes-benz involve vehicles that were produced before the dates of production of vehicles affected by the three failure modes.based on review of those three complaints, mercedes-benz was unable to identify a relation of those three to the defects identified in the recalled vehicles.all of the mercedes-benz complaints with vins identified were within the recall population (only 2 vehicle vins were not available to positively identify vehicle build date).the recall population will include 36,911 s class and cl class mercedes-benz vehicles built in the production dates ranging from june 2000 through november 2000, january 2002 through april 2002, and may 2004 through september 2004.these dates of production cover vehicles from the 2000-2002 my and the 2004-2005 my.to correct the condition, mercedes-benz will replace all affected instrument clusters with improved ones that are not subject to the failure modes.mercedes-benz will begin owner notification during the 1ST quarter of 2006.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11009122Complaint Washer fluid system leaks Cause Various possible causes: 1. Washer fluid reservoir itself. 2. Seal on washer fluid pump/washer fluid reservoir. 3. Washer fluid pump. 3.1. Distributor housing leaks. 3.2. Pump fitting leaks. 3.3. Washer fluid hose cannot be snapped into place on pump fitting. 3.4. Washer fluid hose will not stay on pump fitting, although connector OK. 4. Washer fluid line. 4.1 Connector will not stay on pump fitting because it is broken. 4.2 Sealing ring in connector missing. 4.3 Sealing ring in connector fitted, but deformed and therefore leaks. 4.4 Damage to washer line by animal. 5. Seal on heating washer fluid reservoir/washer fluid reservoir. Remedy Replace defective component parts only. Do not replace any adjacent component parts that are intact. Note: Repair kits for washer line hoses do exist to allow patches for line damage.
- 11008091Complaint During a phone call, the called party has difficulty understanding/cannot understand the driver, or interference/background noises are audible to the called party during a call. It becomes increasingly difficult to understand as the speed rises. Cause A. Seating of the microphones in the headliner. Side edges are covered by the textile cover (see picture "1") B. Assembly of microphones (B25/20 or B25/21) in the headliner. C. Dirt inside the microphone housing Remedy 1. Press finger on rear of microphone (on adhesive tape) 2. Remove microphone cap from the front 3. Eliminate protruding material residues of the microphone cutout at the headliner, e.g. with a soldering iron. The microphone must be seated in the headliner as shown in picture "2". 4. Push microphone from behind until it is firmly pressed into the headliner 5. Maintain pressure and press/clip cap into microphone from the front. Note: The cover cap must be clearly heard and felt to engage. 6. This procedure must be carried out on both microphones (B25/20 and B25/21) Note: It is recommended to replace the cover caps. The non-woven cloth in the cover cap protects the microphone from soiling and must not be removed. NOTE: The information contained in this document is intended for use by trained, professional technicians with the knowledge to properly and safely perform diagnosis and repairs on Mercedes-Benz vehicles, using Mercedes-Benz approved tools and equipment. It informs service technicians about conditions that could occur in certain vehicles and provides information that could assist in proper vehicle diagnosis, service, or repair. It does not indicate that a defect is present in any vehicle referenced in this document nor does it imply warranty coverage. DO NOT assume that a symptom or condition, or a described cause of a symptom or condition, affects any particular vehicle or groups of vehicles, or that a described repair applies to any particular vehicle or groups of vehicles. There can be multiple causes resulting in the same or similar symptoms or conditions described in this document, and trained professional service technicians must use their diagnostic skills to make evaluations on a case-by-case basis. The information contained in this document does not guarantee warranty coverage nor does it extend the vehicles warranty in any way.
- 11007974Complaint Headlamps leaking or fogged Cause The fogging of the headlamp is a natural phenomenon which can occur under certain climatic conditions. In contrast to a leaky headlamp, physical fogging does not result in a technical impairment of the headlamp. A leak test must be performed to determine if physical fogging exists or if the headlamp is leaky. Remedy In advance, observe LI82.10-P-078301 "Headlamps or Front Fog Lamps Leaking or Fogged". 1. Prepare headlamp/check for external damage: For headlamps with a closed system 1. Check the headlamps for any external damage and check also for correct seating of the Gore-diaphragm/correct latching of the cover caps. 2. If the headlamp exhibits any external damage, replace the headlamp. For headlamps with an open system 1. Check the headlamps for any external damage and seal off the vent then make sure the cover caps are latched correctly into place. 2. If the headlamp exhibits any external damage, replace the headlamp. Note: A headlamp with external damage is not a warranty or goodwill case. 2. Leak test of headlamp with overpressure: Connect test adapter to pressure tester. (Figure 1) Check test adapter for leak tightness. To do so, connect plug and coupling (picture 2) and apply a maximum overpressure of 30 mbar. The pressure must remain constant. If the pressure does not remain constant, use a new adapter. Seal all the outlet openings using sealing compound and the given diaphragm with the plunger (picture 3). (Picture 4) Make allowance for the different headlamp variants here (there are different outlet openings). Check if the headlamp needs to be removed to gain access to the diagnostic socket on the headlamp housing. Plug the adapter onto the diagnostic socket on the headlamp housing. (Picture 5). Apply a maximum of 30 mbar overpressure to the headlamp housing. Note: If the maximum overpressure of 50 mbar is exceeded the headlamp seal will be damaged. If a pressure drop of less than 10 mbar is measured within 30 seconds, the headlamp is not leaky and the problem is down to natural physical fogging. If a pressure drop of more than 10 mbar is measured within 30 seconds, the headlamp is leaky. Note: The leaky position can be localized with the aid of soap suds. Replace any leaky headlamps. Note: Desiccant packs can be installed for headlamps that are not leaky. See: LI82.10-P-064766 Fogged headlamp, desiccant pack installed - open ventilation system LI82.10-P-078304 Fogged headlamp, desiccant pack installed - closed ventilation system
- 11007753Complaint Headlamp or front fog lamp leaky or fogged Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical impairment of the headlamp. Headlamps comply with all applicable standards. If a pressure compensation diaphragm is fitted in the housing cover, then the lamp unit is a "closed system". Remedy Headlamp: Remedy 1 Clearing fogged/condensed LED headlamps and LED rear lamps: 1. Drive vehicle into workshop (temperature higher than +18 C/+64.4 F) and connect the exhaust extraction. Note: Do not perform an engine wash before the defogging test. 2. Switch off the engine and connect battery support via a charger. 3. Open the hood or trunk. 4. Switch on the lights. 5. Leave the vehicle in this state for 60 minutes. 6. Check for formation of condensation, a significant reduction in the formation of condensation must be clearly recognizable (thawing progress). Clearing fogged/condensed halogen/xenon headlamps: 1. Drive the vehicle into the workshop (temperature higher than +18 C/+64.4F). Note: Do not perform an engine wash before the defogging test. 2. Switch off the engine. 3. Open the hood. 4. Switch off the lights. 5. Leave the vehicle in this state for 60 minutes. 6. Check for formation of condensation, a significant reduction in the formation of condensation must be clearly recognizable (thawing progress). Note: If there is no visible reduction in the formation of condensation, check the headlamp for a defect. (See Remedy 2) It is not physically possible to defog the headlamps completely. Fogging does not impair the operation or the service life of the headlamp. Remedy 2 A Damaged headlamp can be identified as follows: 1. Check the headlamp for external damage and that the cover caps and the diaphragm are correctly seated. 2. Check the electrical connectors of the plugs and pins. 3. Check for leak tightness in accordance with LI82.10-P-078307. The test can only be conducted on headlamps. 4. If the headlamp or the rear lamp has any external damage, replace the component part in accordance with the WIS instructions. Note: External damage to the headlamp/rear lamp or faulty seating of the cover caps does not present a warranty or goodwill case. With headlamps, it is possible to install desiccant packs if the problem occurs repeatedly. Open ventilation system: LI82.10-P-064766. Closed ventilation system LI82.10-P-078304
- 11005294Complaint Rear lamps fogged up/not leaktight. Cause Fogging of the rear lamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. This does not lead to any technical impairment of the rear lamps. Remedy Rear lamp: Remedy 1: Clearing fogged/condensed rear lamps: 1. Drive the vehicle into the workshop (temperature higher than +18 C/+64.4 F) Note: Do not wash the vehicle or subject it to high-pressure cleaning before the defogging test. 2. Switch off the engine and connect battery support via a charger. 3. Open the trunk. 4. Switch on the exterior lighting. 5. Leave the vehicle in this state for 60 minutes. 6. Check for formation of condensation -> a significant reduction in the formation of condensation must be clearly recognizable (defogging progress).
- 10248162Crease formation on genuine leather seat covers in vehicles with low mileage Objects left on the seats for extended periods of time (pressure marks). Objects wedged between the seat backrest and seat cushion (e.g. seat belt buckle). Light initial creases due to vehicle handling. Light creases in the outer covers originating from the production process (missing finish). Heat treatment of the seat covers using heat gun and plastic wedge. Be very careful to not overheat the seat material!
- 10205293Tire Pressure Sensors.
- 10205233Mobile phone cotacts are not transferred completely.
- 10202531Touch pad: Search lighting does not dim or does not turn on.
- 10186141NTG5.5: Incorrect time shown on instrument cluster, COMAND display, and analog clock
- 10181124Harsh engagement when changing gear range from P to D or R
- 10181123Harsh engagement when changing gear range from P to D
- 101766615 to 4 coasting downshift - shift quality concern with cold trans- mission oil on MODEL 217 or 222 in combination with ENGI- NE 278 and TRANSMISSION 722.9 without code 835/498
- 10166982During disengagement from D to N and/or from R to N some slight jolting could be experienced.
- 10166976Message in instrument cluster "DISTRONIC PLUSCurrently Unavailable - See Owner's Manual"
- 10165844Possible minor leakage at described components or oil transfer from assembly plant.
- 10165839Shift quality complaints on TRANSMISSION 722.9 (7G-TRONIC and 7G-TRONIC PLUS)
- 10136035Complaints about poor wiping effect of winshield wiper
- 10136029SENTEX gate operator with Clik Card Remote not compatible with Homelink
- 10135628iPhone mobile phone: Various complaints after software update to iOS8
- 10135604Vehicle cannot be opened via Keyless-Go and radio remote control
Every Mercedes Benz S500 model year
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