2005 Mercedes Benz S500

Owner complaints

What owners report most

1. Electrical system7
2. Exterior lighting3
3. Power train2
4. Service brakes, hydraulic2
5. Structure1
6. Unknown or other1
7. Engine and engine cooling1
8. Interior lighting1
9. Latches/locks/linkages1

Latest complaints

• Mar 6, 2019TX85,000 mi
  Unknown or other

  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.

• Jan 28, 2019CA99,000 mi
  Electrical system
  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…

  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.

• Dec 4, 2016IL182,000 mi
  Electrical system
  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…

  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. *tr

• Sep 22, 2015IL135,000 mi
  Electrical system
  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…

  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.

• Jun 17, 2015TN52,000 mi
  Electrical system

  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.

• Jun 16, 2015NC139,995 mi
  Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel

  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.

• Jan 27, 2015PA98,000 mi
  Structure › Body

  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.

• Apr 12, 2012FL55,000 mi
  Electrical system · Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch · Power train
  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"…

  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

• Nov 10, 2011NY98,307 mi
  Exterior lighting

  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. *tr

• May 23, 2008NY3,592 mi
  Electrical system · Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system · Exterior lighting · Power train › Automatic transmission · Service brakes, hydraulic · Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Abs warning light
  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…

  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

• Oct 9, 2007OK140,000 mi
  Exterior lighting › Turn signal · Interior lighting
  Tl*the contact owns a 2005 mercedes benz S500. while driving 65 mph, the instrument panel lights went out. in addition, the turn signals would not illuminate. she took the vehicle to the dealer and they replaced the fuse. the instrument panel light would illuminate intermittently. the dealer…

  Tl*the contact owns a 2005 mercedes benz S500. while driving 65 mph, the instrument panel lights went out. in addition, the turn signals would not illuminate. she took the vehicle to the dealer and they replaced the fuse. the instrument panel light would illuminate intermittently. the dealer stated that there IS a recall for the interior lighting (nhtsa campaign ID # 06v028000) however, her vin was not included. the current and failure mileages were 140,000.

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
• 10167545During disengagement from D to N and/or from R to N some slight jolting could be experienced.
• 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"
• 10166975This Customer 1 Action has been initiated because certain mbrace subscribers were recently contacted by mbrace informing them that they need to have an i-button call performed to ensure their mbrace device has registered with the Verizon Telematics systems. If the i-button call failed or if the customer was unable to perform the i-button call, the mbrace agent instructed the customer to make an appointment with their dealer to have the issue corrected and/or i-button call performed. The vehicles impacted range from model year 2002 to 2014.
• 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
• 10037986Mercedes benz- when doing a software update the update fails and the tuner goes to boot mode.
• 10037917Mercedes-benze: there IS a leakage at the press-fit sleeve of a pulsation damper. This IS caused by high heat entering the system or tension in the line.
• 10036768Mercedes: re-route wiring harness for the electric air conditioner compressor. It has been determined that the wiring harness for the electric air conditioner compressor may be routed incorrectly.
• 10036737Mercedes: knocking or thumping noise from rear of the vehicle during acceleration. This document has been discontinued.
• 10034605Mercedes: seat belts, emergency tensioning retractors. Model series 204 (with codes 299 and 800), 207, 212. Seat belt can only be pulled out with great effort. At the same time a noise can be heard from the reversible reel tensioner gearing. Customer continuously pulled on seat belt strap while adjusting the fit of the belt after buckling up (to reduce the slack). This caused the drive of the reversible reel tensioner to remain engaged. Updated 4/26/12. Updated 5/22/2012.
• 10030929Mercedes: corrosion protection coatings for brake components and hardware may be damaged and or stripped away if highly concentrated acid based cleaners are used. Once the corrosion protection IS damaged or removed the brake components and or hardware can begin to corrode. Include all models and model years.
• 10029504Mercedes: replace transfer case on affected vehicles optimized transfer cases will reduce vibrations when cornering or when parking. Models 203, 211, 220.
• 10028685Mercedes: vehicle does not lower and/or airmatic visit workshop display in instrument cluster. Model 220. Model years unknown. Updated 7/13/11.
• 10028684Mercedes: esp service required displayed in instrument cluster. Also includes 4matics, bi turbos and kompressors. Models 215 and 220. Model years unknown.
• 10028665Mercedes: warning message right low beam- check bulb; or left low beam-check bulb in instrument cluster. Due to the fact that the xenon burner may not be ignited on first attempt due to tolerances in ignition voltage. Model years unknown.
• 10028627Mercedes: display in instrument cluster "air suspension" or "abc service required" IS displayed in the instrument cluster, the engine wiring harness may have been damaged by the wiper linkage. Models 215.3 and 220. Model years unknown.
• 10028626Mercedes: the vehicle's suspension level randomly lowering while driving and/or rapid sporadic level changes shortly after stopping the vehicle, replace the body acceleration sensors. Models 215.3, 220, and 230. Model years unknown.
• 10028587Mercedes: leaks at steering gear control head connection to high or low pressure lines or leaks at internal steering lines of control head connection to steering gear housing. Models 171, 203, 204, 209, 211, 215, 216, 219, 220, 221, and 230. Model years unknown.
• 10025845Mercedes benz: water in tail lamp housing on either right side or left side.
• 10023776Models E320, E500, E55, E350, E550, E63 and S430 4matic, S500 4matic. My 2005-2006 -- replace transfer case. Updated 5/13/09. Models C280, C350, C320 and C240. My 2005-2007.
• 10021246Install software for navigation system. Updated 3/5/09.
• 10018931Learning in selection range sensor not possible after ehs replacement.

Every Mercedes Benz S500 model year

Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.