2003 Mercedes Benz S55

Owner complaints

What owners report most

1. Electrical system2
2. Power train2
3. Suspension2
4. Electronic stability control (esc)1
5. Seat belts1
6. Structure1

Latest complaints

• Apr 28, 2016WAFire
  Electrical system

  TL* the contact owns a 2003 mercedes-benz S55. While the vehicle was idling, the contact was informed of flames underneath the vehicle. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire. There were no injuries. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

• Nov 25, 2014NC100,000 mi
  Electronic stability control (esc) · Power train · Suspension
  I have been experiencing problems with my vehicle getting stuck in "park" after multiple tries (sometimes in excess of 30 minutes) it will release allowing me to shift into reverse or drive. I have not been able to drive my car for the last few weeks because of this issue, once after getting it to…

  I have been experiencing problems with my vehicle getting stuck in "park" after multiple tries (sometimes in excess of 30 minutes) it will release allowing me to shift into reverse or drive. I have not been able to drive my car for the last few weeks because of this issue, once after getting it to shift gears I drove around the corner from my home and put it in park at the stop sign (prior to taking a trip far away from home) it became stuck again (obstructing traffic) and it took me over 30 minutes (again) to get it to shift again, I drove back home! The pse pump that operates the trunk failed and the trunk auto releases and because it works by hydraulics it IS difficult to open (and hold up) while attempting to load something in the trunk. The supercharger bearing was faulty and caused it to smell like something was burning and I have spent in excess of $14,000 having repairs done on this vehicle and I've only owned it for nearly three years. This IS making my "dream car" dream a total nightmare!!!!!! *tr

• May 11, 2014CA69,400 mi
  Electrical system · Power train
  When I start S55 AMG after the car had been sitting over night, I find difficult to move the gear lever from p to r; after a few tries only it moves from park position to reverse. This problem does not appear after driving, until the next day. now I am scared to drive my car thinking I'll get…

  When I start S55 AMG after the car had been sitting over night, I find difficult to move the gear lever from p to r; after a few tries only it moves from park position to reverse. This problem does not appear after driving, until the next day. now I am scared to drive my car thinking I'll get stuck with this gear lever moving problem, or some unforeseen accident may occur as a result gear getting stuck. on google search, I read several mercedes owners complaining on this matter, stuck-park-problem. federal safety standard requires you to press on the brake to shift the car out of park. It IS probably left over from the audi "unintended acceleration" days, but it IS here in my mercedes benz. Adding to the complication IS the fact that the shifter IS supposed to remain locked in park unless the proper key IS in the ignition. I am having a hard time getting my car out of park from time. according to google search this happens due to a cheap plastic bracket installed by mercedes to lock the gear in park position, either broken or deterioration. though this has been happening since about 2001 & owners have been complaining, mercedes has not voluntarily fixed the problem. dealer may charge close to $1,200 to fix this manufacturing defect; I have already spent $238.05 about a week ago for dealer to replaced and fix transmission electrical bushing leaks, thinking it would fix my gear shift problem. unfortunately, it had not fixed my problem. I appreciate very much if your agency take appropriate action to get mercedes to recall their vehicles and fix free. I think this problem IS very similar to the gm's ignition switch problem, and IS unsafe to drive a car with this kind of problem. *tr

• Apr 25, 2013TX50,000 mi
  Seat belts · Structure › Body · Suspension
  TL* the contact owns a 2003 mercedes benz S55. The contact stated that the trunk automatic push button failed, causing the trunk to close on independently. in addition, the front and rear suspension would drop numerous times, causing the tires to wear prematurely and the seat belt retractor to…

  TL* the contact owns a 2003 mercedes benz S55. The contact stated that the trunk automatic push button failed, causing the trunk to close on independently. in addition, the front and rear suspension would drop numerous times, causing the tires to wear prematurely and the seat belt retractor to fail. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for the suspension failure several times; however, the contact did not know what part the dealer replaced for the suspension failure. The failure was not corrected. The manufacture was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 50,000 and the current mileage was 100,000.

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!
• 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
• 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.
• 10135628iPhone mobile phone: Various complaints after software update to iOS8
• 10135604Vehicle cannot be opened via Keyless-Go and radio remote control

Every Mercedes Benz S55 model year

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