What's New for 2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Knowing how much a vehicle has changed from previous model years can help provide additional context when reviewing reliability ratings. Our Editors give you the bottom-line on what's new, the pros, the cons and more.
What's New for 2003
For 2003, there is more power for the S55 and S600 models, both of which now put out nearly 500 horsepower. Also Pre-Safe, a system that detects an imminent impact and quickly adjusts seating positions as well as seatbelt tension to better safeguard the occupants, debuts. Mercedes' 4Matic all-wheel-drive system becomes available on the S430 and S500 and a minor freshening inside and out are meant to keep these big Benzes near the top of luxury car buyer's shopping lists. Read More
Long-Term Reliability Ratings by Identifix
Portions © 2008 by Identifix, Inc. All rights reserved
Ratings Key
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Minimal Problems |
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Moderate Problems |
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Significant Problems |
2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Reliability Rating
| Category |
Rating |
Comments |
| Engine |
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An occasional problem on this vehicle is failure of the Mass Air Flow Sensor, 8-cylinder engine only. The cost to repair the Mass Air Flow Sensor is estimated at $224.00 for parts and $26.00 for labor. All prices are estimates based on $65.00 per flat-rate hour and do not include diagnostic time or any applicable sales tax. |
| Transmission & Driveline |
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| Steering & Suspension |
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| Brake |
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| Heating & Air Conditioning |
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| Starting & Charging |
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| Accessories |
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| Overall |
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5 out of 5 |
Reliability ratings displayed above reflect style specific standard features and may vary from aggregated values displayed for the same year in the historical model overview below.
Reliability History for Mercedes-Benz S-Class
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2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
| Engine |
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| Transmission & Driveline |
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| Steering & Suspension |
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| Brake |
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| Heating & Air Conditioning |
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| Starting & Charging |
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| Accessories |
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| Overall |
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Reliability History for Mercedes-Benz
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2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
| Engine |
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| Transmission & Driveline |
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| Steering & Suspension |
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| Brake |
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| Heating & Air Conditioning |
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| Starting & Charging |
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| Accessories |
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| Overall |
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