1997 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Review
1997 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Review
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Used S-Class for sale
Appraise This CarMercedes-Benz S-Class model years
Mercedes-Benz S-Class types
- Coupe
- Sedan
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Not much to like about the S-Class. That is, of course, if you're insane. Big engines, rigid construction, fantastic name recognition, and unparalleled luxury.
Cons
- All of this perfection feels soulless at times.
What’s new
Side-impact airbags debut in all S-Class cars this year. S-Class coupes get new front bumpers. All cars get new alloy wheels. A Parktronic system is available for those who aren't comfortable parking their $100,000 car in a smaller space. Mercedes' outstanding Automatic Slip Reduction (ASR) traction control system is finally available on the S320s. Lastly, a rain sensor system is now standard on all models. (It adjusts the speed of the wipers to the intensity of the rain.)
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1997 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S500 4dr Sedan and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.64 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$280/mo for S-Class S500
S-Class S500
vs
$224/mo
Avg. Large Car
Vehicle overview
Big Mercedes sedans have always been the ultimate automobiles. They scream success, are engineered to be driven hard, and keep the general public at bay. The S-Class projects confidence, prestige, and a certain amount of cold indifference.
Starting at just under $70,000 for the surprisingly speedy S320 six-cylinder sedan, and topping out at double that price for a S600 12-cylinder behemoth, the S-Class doesn't seem much like a mega-buck automobile on the inside. The switchgear feels relatively chintzy, the flimsy dash panel above the central vents is totally unacceptable in a car of this caliber, and the cheesy terry cloth fabric covering the lower dash feels and looks low rent.
Ergonomics are slightly marred by a plethora of confusing pictographs. Otherwise, the dash layout is perfect, as is the seating position. Step out and close the door; the thunk as it shuts exudes quality craftsmanship. The exterior styling is slab-sided and massive, making the car look fat. Aside from the traditional grille, the S-Class is devoid of exterior character, more so than the pedestrian Lexus LS400, and in startling contrast to the BMW 7-Series.
For 1997, Mercedes has introduced a host of luxury upgrades to help protect occupants, and to make their job of driving easier.
The S-Class costs more than just about anything printed in this book, and although the car is nice, we don't think it is quite that nice. If you've got this much money to spend, take a look at the new Jaguars or the BMW 7-Series; they might just make you happier.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1997 Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
5 star(84%)
4 star(16%)
3 star(0%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
32 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
The German tank
THE VIKING, 05/01/2010
1997 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S500 4dr Sedan
The most overengineered MBZ ever built. Love the Black leather, don't get the beige or gray. Even has a parking assist in 1997 ! I love this car. Best driving car I have ever driven. Parts are very $$$ if you buy this used. You can get one for 7K, but make sure it has been taken care of. Mileage is meaningless on this car. Maintenance is most important, and a good mechanic. These … cars can go to 1,000,000 miles actually. I think it's in the world record book. The car drives like a sports car. The car is very heavy, so get the S500, not the weaker S430 or S300, there too weak to pull this much weight. And get black interior.
5 out of 5 stars
1997 S500 - The Last Great Benz
Viking99, 04/26/2010
1997 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S500 4dr Sedan
I have owned a few MBZ in my life. I had admired the W140 chasis on the road for many years. The square bold looks, & rock-solid build looked indestructable. New price: $ 100,000 A few points: Steering Wheel: If you can get a wood steering wheel. Hard to find. Interior: Black is the only way to go. Grey / beige don't age as well. Engine: This is a super heavy car. Don't waste your … time with a V6. It's like using a wheel barrel to pull the Queen mary. Stick with 97-99. This cars can be had for 7K-8k used, but buyer be aware. Most of the lower priced ones need work of easily 10K - 15K. Get one with service records & an anal owner, that had the work done for you. 10K-15K
4.5 out of 5 stars
battlecruiser
hovocop, 04/18/2011
1997 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S320 SWB 4dr Sedan
I purchased this car a month ago used with 162000 miles on it. The price was right, and I thought it to be a "disposable" car. NOT SO!!!! I have driven much newer mercedes, and this 14 yr old car has not lost a step in performance or comfort. Beware of a "weeping" oil drip of this car. I was stunned and horrified when I discovered it. A little research on the internet told me that the … oil should not be at the "max" of the dipstick. it should be in the middle. The key
comes down to maintainance records. If you had an anal previous owner, you are in luck. If you had an owner who saved his pennies to get it (and did not want to spend his pennies to maintain it) you will have a bad experience.
4.88 out of 5 stars
Amazing Benz!
John Henry AIA, 03/31/2006
1997 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S600 2dr Coupe
A great car for a big person. Seating is the best in its class. Performance is there when you want it. Whisper quiet, soaks the road up. Best on the highway but slow cruises catch attention. Can be a bit wallowy but shock adjustment allows tighter handling. A very heavy car, so not typically thrown around corners, but can be. Large trunk, thirsty engine, but supremely satisfying. … Very rare to see on the road. 'Slab' look does not feel outdated, especially in the coupe. Reliability is very good, but parts are pricey when required. Midrange acceleration is amazing. This is not a dragster. Great looks, super feel, quiet and extremely comfortable mean a 9.5 out of 10 for me.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 1997 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, so we've included reviews for other years of the S-Class since its last redesign.
1997 S-Class Highlights
Coupe
S500
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 16 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $272/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 14.2 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Safety
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original0
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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