2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Consumer Reviews

2003 S430 4matic - Lorinser Package

Written by: Palm Desert on 02/11/2008

Vehicle

2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S430 4MATIC AWD 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A)

Review

This was my dream car since 2000. At the price starting at $80K, I thought it would just remain a dream. I was blessed to have this used 2003 S430 this 12/2007. Its everything I expect it to be and more. Real quality & luxury.

Favorite Features

Very roomy, GPS, ESP, door & trunk assist. Airmatic car lift, 3-level suspension gadgets, gadgets and more

Suggested Improvements

Make Parktronic standard

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1st time

Written by: WE-R-1 on 07/17/2007

Vehicle

2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A)

Review

An outstanding auto on the open road. Eye catching vehicle with a smooth and quiet ride, handles well, plenty of cabin room. Been in shop 4 times for power assist problems with trunk (on last trip, power assist doors went on blink as well). Scheduling another appointment- this time trunk will only open with valet key. Noisy front seats remedied after 3rd try with replacement of plastic seat guides. Cup holder design poor. Navigation system- too many key strokes and street info on CD is paltry. Still love the vehicle, but frustrated by the mutiple vists to repair items that I would not expect on a vehicle with less than 32000 miles- let alone a MB.

Favorite Features

Ride, handling, cabin room. Eye catching body lines.

Suggested Improvements

Cup holders, navigation system.

12 out 12 people found this review helpful

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Luxury no verve, but kudos in the snow

Written by: Daniel W. on 06/25/2007

Vehicle

2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S430 4MATIC AWD 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A)

Review

The car is heavy, very heavy and the drive lags with the 4.3 liter V8. The interior luxury appointments are what you would expect from an S-Class, top notch, especially the optional Bose entertainment system. Particularly impressive is the car's handling and poise in the snow. Three inches of fresh powder could do nothing the upset or throw off the ride, and the car tracks as well in the snow as it does on dry pavement. The optional airmatic suspension does well to firm up the ride and limit body roll on the first of the two settings, but the sport setting provides a rude ride not fit for even the liveliest drivers. I would recommend the S500 4m, or for more sport and fun a 7 series BMW.

Favorite Features

Airmatic suspension is wonderful on 1st of two firm settings for driving, and the normal setting provides legendary mercedes benz comfort. however, it still cant capture the uncanny balance of my previous 740IL. The 4 matic is beyond expectation in the snow/ice.

Suggested Improvements

Lacks power for the weight of the vehicle. Much needed power increase in 2004. Opt for the s500, or dont expect to dominate on ramps or the left lane. Fuel economy suffers as a result of the engine having to work so hard. Reliability is a huge problem. 3 visits minimum per year to the dealer.

9 out 10 people found this review helpful

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Still needs improvement

Written by: docstevew on 03/06/2007

Vehicle

2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S500 4dr Sedan (5.0L 8cyl 5A)

Review

I believe Mercedes still has a lot of room to improve on their "high end" car. It was always my dream to own a "Big Mercedes" for the style, luxury, and comfort. I find it to be satisfying with the car, but disappointed with the lack of attention to the details. This car always had some minor electrical problems (turning lights,ets) that the dealer can never seem to figure it out. Navigation system needs major improvement (with touch screen). Nevertheless, I like the style and smooth acceleration of its fine motor. It's like a dream come true, but not quite perfect.

Favorite Features

Folding mirrors, airomatic doors and trunk locking system, rear shade.

Suggested Improvements

For the price we paid, it definitely needs a better Nav system (touch screen system with a bigger screen)

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Best Car I Have Ever Owned

Written by: john on 02/21/2007

Vehicle

2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A)

Review

I bought this car 6 months ago and have not had any major complaints so far. The interior is very comfortable and the fact that it comes standard with navigation, leather, and heated front seats was a huge bonus. It handles very well, and even though it is rear wheel drive, it has shown to be pretty reliable in the snow. Definitly a "looker". The only thing that I dont like is the occasional knocks and bump that I hear in the doors and ceiling. That happens on all cars but I didn't expect it from this one. And the brakes create excessive brake dust and cause a high pitched sceech when applying the brakes. It's always fixed but still a nuisance.

Favorite Features

Glove soft leather, navigation, all the wood in the car, looks inside and out, the huge size and amount of space for the driver and the passengers.

Suggested Improvements

Improve the brakes! I hate having the clean the rims once a week because they turn black!

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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When only the best will do

Written by: Barry D on 09/23/2006

Vehicle

2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S500 4MATIC AWD 4dr Sedan (5.0L 8cyl 5A)

Review

These cars are expensive to buy and maintain, but it really is the best car on the road. I traded my 2000 S500 in on the '03 with 4matic. The 4matic tends to drag or hold back compared to my rear drive, but it is great in the rain and snow. The '03 update really changes the look of the car inside and out. Fuel economy is not much better than a Range Rover. I'm averaging about 15 mpg, and I do a lot of highway driving. My rear drive got much better fuel economy. My car also has the sport package which also changes the look of the car quite a bit. It was next to impossible finding a 4matic with the sport package in a good color, but they are out there. A great car to buy used, save a ton!

Favorite Features

4matic all wheel drive. Sport package. The general look of the car. A big head turner.

Suggested Improvements

Make Navi DVD based (this happened in '04) try to improve fuel economy on 4matic cars. eEven the wealthy want to get good gas mileage!

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Maybe the Best Sedan in the World

Written by: enw on 09/06/2006

Vehicle

2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S55 AMG 4dr Sedan (5.5L 8cyl S/C 5A)

Review

This is an amazing automobile. With almost 500HP, a fast shifting transmission (with 3 ways to shift - full auto, tiptronic or steering wheel paddles) and excellent handling, the performance is truly outstanding. It's not as much fun to drive as my Porsche. It is, afterall, a sedan, but it's the best sedan I've ever driven. Despite the build quality problems that Mercedes has experienced in the recent past, none of it seems to pop up in the AMG cars. Perhaps the AMG cars get more TLC. The list of standard features is long and luxurious. One of the best is the drive dynamic seats. The side bolsters inflate/deflate in response to lateral G's. Great fun! Expensive, but worth it.

Favorite Features

Drive dynamic seats. 3-ways to shift the transmission. Navigation. Air conditioned seats, memory seats. Steering wheel and mirrors, electric folding mirrors. Command system. Xenon headlights. The great AMG brakes.

Suggested Improvements

Move CD changer from the trunk to the dash. Place line select keys on the navigation display. Larger gas tank.

7 out 7 people found this review helpful

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A truly great automobile

Written by: Rodney S. Cain on 06/14/2006

Vehicle

2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S500 4dr Sedan (5.0L 8cyl 5A)

Review

This is my 4th new Mercedes. I have had diesel and gas models, I have had the SL models, and S models. They are a pleasure to own and to drive. Very reliable, and with their weight and ample power they make all roads,hills,and curves seem like an expressway. Best money I have ever spent on cars. Regardless of age, mileage, or type, I have enjoyed the car. Never got out of one and felt that I was tired of the drive. I oft times take it for a drive, just for the pleasure of driving it.

Favorite Features

I now have the Mercedes map system in the car. Dont even own a map. Type in the address and it tells me every turn, and in ample time to respond to its directional command. I do appreciate the fact that Mercedes doesnt sell you this years car, then make next years model look so different.

Suggested Improvements

This guys are "way ahead of me". Keep buildin' em, and I'll keep buy'en them.

7 out 7 people found this review helpful

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Love My Car

Written by: S55AMG on 01/11/2006

Vehicle

2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S55 AMG 4dr Sedan (5.5L 8cyl S/C 5A)

Review

I have had the car for just over a month and I am absolutely in love. It has all the room and comfort of a large sedan, and drives like a rocket. It is perfect for me as I wanted a fast sports car, but have a 2 year old and a newborn. It makes the perfect family car with a dual identity as a tremendously powerful sports car. The best car I have ever owned. Every drive leaves me with the biggest smile. Hammer the throttle and the acceleration pins you to the seats and it is impossible not to smile.

Favorite Features

Amazingly powerful engine. Sound of the engine and exhaust note. Room for the family. Acceleration. Dynamic seats. I am lucky enough to have one loaded with all the options and they are worth the extra cost.

Suggested Improvements

Possibly a bit more interior storage room in the front seating area. Nothing else really.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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S600 SuperCar

Written by: San Jose MBZ on 11/29/2004

Vehicle

2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S600 4dr Sedan (5.5L 12cyl Turbo 5A)

Review

If you're looking for a large Sedan that is fun to drive, this is it! The torque is nothing less than incredible! This is not a sports car, it's a big sedan that goes 0-60 about as fast as a Ferrari. Seats are extremely comfortable. Much more so than my wife's CL500 upgraded seats. The "Keyless Go" has failed 4 times in 1.5 years. Everything else is superb. If possible, get this model over the S500. You won't be sorry. A great understated car!

Favorite Features

Auto trunk opener & closer. Voice activated phone system.

Suggested Improvements

The "Keyless Go" has been improved. It's now all in the key.

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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