Used 1998 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Consumer Reviews
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We have a limited number of reviews for the 1998 S-Class, so we've included reviews for other years of the S-Class since its last redesign.
The German tank
THE VIKING, 05/01/2010
1997 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S500 4dr Sedan
36 of 36 people found this review helpful
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.
1997 S500 - The Last Great Benz
Viking99, 04/26/2010
1997 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S500 4dr Sedan
30 of 30 people found this review helpful
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
1998 Mercedes-Benz S-Class for sale near you
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- S320 LWB SedanMSRP: $9,000547 mi away
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battlecruiser
hovocop, 04/18/2011
1997 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S320 SWB 4dr Sedan
39 of 40 people found this review helpful
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.
S Class Quality
98 S420 and S500, 03/28/2010
1998 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S500 4dr Sedan
23 of 23 people found this review helpful
The 98 and 99 S420 and S500 in my opinion where the best years for the S Class. The new shape in 2000 is very nice but not the same presidence of luxury. Every vehicle has issues no matter what, however this one gave me a few since 2002 I paid exactly $6500 to do repairs. Other than that these are and where the best on Gas, Performance, Style, Luxury, Strength, and just about everything else. This is a driver not a day to day traffic car for bumper grid lock so don't use it for that, get the C Class or a Honda. You need to drive this 70% of the time on the Freeway or Hwy and you can appreciate the S Class for what it is. Mercedes Benz S Class 420 and 500 are the best hands down all the way...
Amazing Benz!
John Henry AIA, 03/31/2006
1997 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S600 2dr Coupe
21 of 21 people found this review helpful
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.
Black Beauty
Josh, 10/09/2015
1997 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S500 4dr Sedan
29 of 30 people found this review helpful
So long as you use full synthetic every 5000 miles and premium fuel, the 1997 s500 will be a loyal trusty steed. I love the black on black color combo, 11 Bose speakers and HID headlamps. Also the auto sensing wipers are great. 1997+ have these features stock.. The car is a tank.
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Last of the good Benzes
Doug Hall, 03/12/2005
1997 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S320 SWB 4dr Sedan
16 of 16 people found this review helpful
I have owned about 10 mercedes, this 1992-1999 S Class is among the last of the truly good ones. Bought my 1997 used in 2000, pure joy. Love driving it, 23 mpg in mixed driving, gets lots of compliments at 8 years and 105000 miles. Strangers ask if I want to sell it. Black/black leather, Looks positively new, very reliable overall. These are very complex cars, buy one from a dealer with all records and the "Starmark" extended warranty, buy extra coverage to 36 months/100000 total miles. 1997-1999 are the best years, 5 speed auto, updated wheels/climate control/stereo, 1992- 1996 wiring harness and head gasket problems corrected.
Special experience
carfemme, 08/02/2014
updated 08/04/2017
1997 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S600 4dr Sedan
15 of 15 people found this review helpful
I have owned this car for 11 years. Bought it used with 90K mileage - had been in love with the look of the vehicle since I first saw it at the Frankfurt Auto Show in 1997. When I found a nice used one, I bought it. Needed some work to restore it and I did that. It is a very fun and comfortable car to drive. Costs more than the norm to repair it, but it is an experience you just cannot find in a normal car. I use it for highway driving and know that I will have the performance and safety that I need. This car is vastly undervalued in the marketplace. It would be very difficult to find a similar car with the same features and comfort. Hard to find a good used one (like mine) but if you do, it is well worth the investment ... provided you are committed to paying more than normal maintenance costs. It is an elegant looking vehicle that attracts attention and most people cannot possibly guess its age because the design is so timeless. Someday I will sell it, but it will be hard to part with. Only one drawback. It can be difficult to find a qualified mechanic to work on the car since it is not a "regular" Mercedes. It was the most expense car that Mercedes produced in 1997 and is, therefore, not commonly found. Very unusual.
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Best car I've ever had.
Joe cash, 09/16/2008
1997 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S420 4dr Sedan
27 of 29 people found this review helpful
I bought this car in Nov. 1996. After 80,000 miles I had to replace the transmission. That was the blast and only unreasonable repair I've made. I now have 200,750 miles on it. At 200,000. the evaporator in the A/C was leaking and had to be replaced. It was costly, $3400. but it is a great car and I paid the price. My family suggested`I buy a new car, but even an E class was going to cost me close to $60,000. and since I love this car it was`a no brainer. The trunk is large, and as they say, I could raise a family of five in the back seat. When I buy a new car it will probably be a diesel, not because of gas mileage, but because of less maintenance. I get 17.5 mpg city.
500 S coupe
chet snavely, 05/31/2007
1997 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S500 2dr Coupe
11 of 11 people found this review helpful
This is the most amazing car I have ever owned. I love the size of the interior and firm comfort of the seats. The acceleration and performance is excellent. It is even good in the snow. Mechanically it has been no problem whatsoever. Tire wear has even been minimal. I still have the car because I can not find another that tempts me more than what I have. I don't think Mercedes has been able to improve on this overall car. They've tried and failed in my opinion. This is a great one.
a trusted friend
peter, 11/12/2009
1998 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S320 LWB 4dr Sedan
11 of 11 people found this review helpful
I bought this car new in 1997 and had a few repairs over the years including transmission and a few other costly repairs took out insurance a few years ago and helped w repair costs. In short Mercedes can make a more durable car but w all that this I hesitate to trade in the car. It is so reliable and comfortable and fast. I have brought up 4 kids in the car and it still looks like a new car when waxed. It also is an innately beautiful car in terms of styling. Rec form me get one and hold on you will work out repairs and then it will be cost efficient for the years held. There is no other 6 cyl with 14 mpg that gets this performance going to an 8 is something I would never do
The very best Mercedes ever built
Philippe sommet, 03/28/2016
updated 10/03/2016
1997 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S500 2dr Coupe
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
This is a cruiser,not a sport car! It loves highways It is as comfortable as a RR It has the best acoustic and stereo ever developed in any car It is smooth and powerful,extremely silent. Very roomy The most impressive Mercedes I have ever owned,my daily driver. To keep this beauty on the road comes with a price,do not expect a lot of back up from Mercedes since most of the parts are no longer available. When available,a single inside door panel was fractured 6100$,and on and on... In my opinion,a good car for older enthusiastic Mercedes's lovers with low miles range,a pure pleasure built to last!
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1998 S320 LWB (6) Year Owner
Mark S, 10/10/2009
1998 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S320 LWB 4dr Sedan
15 of 16 people found this review helpful
The LWB S320 is my second Mercedes (replacing a 300E) and I hate to even consider trading it off. It is smooth, quiet although not a rocket off the line, it will hit highway speeds of 125 plus without issue. I hit and totaled a U-Haul truck that ran a red light several years ago and the Mercedes kept me safe and sound. The car was repaired and continues to be a great daily driver. I highly recommend buying and keeping a well maintained Big Body Benz. My wife enjoys driving the S320 as much as her Lexus especially on longer trips. I'm nearly 6'6" and I can tell you this is a great choice for a tall person wanting something besides an SUV or truck.
Best car in the world.
Igor Titar, 08/29/2002
1998 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S500 4dr Sedan
15 of 16 people found this review helpful
The S-Class is the most beautiful car I've seen & drove. It feels like your driving a ship because its so smooth on the road, it is the creamiest & most comfortable ride & when you need to get somewhere quick it feels like driving a private jet. When I turn on the music it feels like Im at a consert. & when the ESP(traction control) system is on, it is almost impossible to lose control of the car, even if you try (I've tried, I took it out on the snow & tried all kinds of maneuvers to see if it looses traction) it almost feel like a train in its tracks.
1998 S420
Wes Benton, 07/28/2009
1998 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S420 4dr Sedan
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
Great vehicle all around some small minor issues however in long drives superb!! great take off, great traction, sounf system is real cool, and speed 138mhp through Mojave Desert, CA. Stop on a dime!!! This is a First Class Car especially when its detailed Black and Black everyone looks at like a with a stare of (Who is in there?) great feeling. Must keep up service not that expensive about $800-$900 per year on the low end. Solid ride very safe.
Great Wheels
MRDC, 02/14/2004
1997 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S320 SWB 4dr Sedan
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
Putting the costs aside, this vehicle has been an excellent ride. The solid feel on the road with its good performance is everything one should expect from a car of this reputation. The simplicity and understated elegancy makes this a real winner. All problems were handled under the warranty and the extended warranty (a definite buy given the costs of repairs).
THE BEST CAR EVER!!!!! MERCEDES FOR SURE
karpathos77, 03/12/2004
1997 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S320 LWB 4dr Sedan
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
I bought it with 110000 miles. I still have not done anything to the car but change the oil every 5000 miles and change the spark plugs. It is smooth over bumps. This car gets great gas milage. On a full tank with normal driving you can get anywhere from 450- 540miles on a full tank. The interior looks like brand new. Like the car has never been sat in. Lots of leg room. Engine always runs smooth with no wineee noise. it can go 155 miles an hour no problem. The car is the most stable car in the world. It should have been a race car. If you are in to looks and big wheels this is your car.
Speed, smooth, solid nickle & dimer
Mr. T, 09/27/2006
1997 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S420 4dr Sedan
12 of 13 people found this review helpful
She's a highway machine. Silky smooth accelleration. She holds the road like an autobahn purebread. The engine rules, except for those pesky oil journals (nice job designer guys). When the miles start to rack up, the strangest things start to go out on it. Air coditioner wierdness, transmission gremlins (limp home mode?!) leave you and the dealership scratching your head as to what's wrong (computer diagnostics?!). The heaviness of the car eats suspension and brake parts. On a positive note, if you can find a mechanic who can identify and fix the little strange things that will happen to this car, it will last forever!
Excellent preowned luxury car.
Heskett, 05/25/2006
1997 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S500 4dr Sedan
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
Haven't had the car long but have made some extended trips. MPG was a little over 20 on these trips. Performance and comfort are excellent. Still a classic for MBZ styling. With good care should remain a symbol of classic style and quality engineering.
hot
dannydyno, 07/27/2002
1997 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S500 4dr Sedan
13 of 15 people found this review helpful
the mercedes s 500 is the best car in the world
The Black beauty
JRW, 05/09/2003
1997 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S420 4dr Sedan
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
The S 420 is an excellent example of German made excellence in motorvehicles. The comfort level is impecable and is one of the smoothest rides i have ever ridden in. The car is perfection at its best.
Style and Class-The S class
betty from Florida, 03/06/2004
1997 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S320 SWB 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Finest S class I have owned, and it's been a great car, EXCEPT for the transmission problem. Had it rebuilt once, and acting up again, so now I'll trade it in. Too bad, otherwise I'd be driving it another 5 years. Had my other s class Mercedes 10 years for one and 11 years for another. Great car otherwise.
Saved my Life
Saved my life, 03/24/2010
1998 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S420 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Absolutely loved this car from day 1. Rear-ended in January,2010 by a speeding vehicle. 87 yr old mom and I should have been totaled. I drove my car to the side of the road. I am looking for a replacement and want exactly the same car. I drive my Mercedes for 20 years and want another 10 in this model. If I could I would buy every single one on the road and drive a different color every day. This was Mercedes BEST...to date.
Perfection!
S-Klasser, 10/08/2023
updated 10/11/2024
1998 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S420 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I have a s420 1998 and I need to share. I've had it since October 2020 and bought it with 297,000 km on it. I figured maintenance was more important than mileage. The car had been used to chauffeur people and I figured the commercial use meant maintenance. I got it for $15k AUD (about $10k USD) and it is a blue/green with light blue leather. It is absolutely the greatest car I have ever owned. I wanted a car with safety but not too many beeps. The brakes are amazing. It is the easiest car to drive ever. I have done many 12 hour drives in it which wouldn't happen in other cars. It is so sleek and powerful. Once it is warm it just glides along. I drove Gold Coast - Sydney in one tank. It loves the highway. Just east miles. The stereo is an 11 channel affair (11 different channels for 11 different speakers). It is mind blowing. Repairs are expensive. But what you get is great reliability, comfort, safety and a certain X factor. Pressing the accelerator fast when you are cruising along with give you a burst of acceleration better than most things on the road. I had a Golf R and it takes longer to gather up its skirt and get going. The Merc always ready. Similarly with getting out into traffic. Golf R would choke on its lunch before getting going and it was a heart attack maker. Merc "shoots" off the line. I look forward to driving it. I go outside just to look at it. I wash it lovingly. I love its character, I love its manner. Whether I am outside or inside it, it brings me joy. 3 years on and all up maintenance has been around 7k including Michelin (don't put anything but Michelin on and have them filled with nitrogen. it is like driving on liquid silk). I have only put like 15k on it in the three years but then we did have a global pandemic. Excessive petrol consumption does concern me but on the other hand if I drive this for the rest and don't buy something new (and also continue doing around 5,000 km per year) I feel like I'm somewhere neutral (I've installed solar and that also helps me feel like it is OK). I will drive this 7 hours one way for work rather than fly. I enjoy it that much. UPDATE OCTOBER 11th 2024 Got serviced. Even better now! I desperately want to buy another car but can't find one that competes with what I have.
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My Last Mercedes
VWRattletrap, 10/10/2003
1997 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S420 4dr Sedan
6 of 9 people found this review helpful
This was the car that turned a certified car nut like myself into someone who just wants cheap transportation. I bought this car new and in the first year had over $10K of warranty work . . . I finally sold it after 12 months and bought a Volkswagen! A partial list: engine torn down to replace timing chains due to constant whine, transmission slip shifting, rattles, radio not connected at the factory, temperature sensor intermittent, damaged paint, and finally, the total arrogance of the factory zone reps!
Road King!
Agron Gecaj, 06/24/2019
1997 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S500 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
W140 chassis or 1992 to 1999 S class is the most over engineered Benz to date with over a $1 Billion investment on design and safety and most comfortable ride, head turner road owner and especially S500 being the most trusted V8 5.0 engine in Benz history. The only car to rival this king is the short lived brother 1995 S350 turbo diesel inline 6( i know with the rod bender and all but by 1995 model that issue was fixed) and personally i own both models 1992 300sd (300.000 miles currently) and 1997 S500 ( 65.000 miles and a gift from my Brother ) and both are awesome on their way. Mr Benz, Mr Maybach and Mr Diesel should go down in history as Car Gods for inventing and giving us such a wonderful creations.
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Ageless
97dbenz, 04/01/2020
1997 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S420 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Well this is my third w140 s class, this one is a 1997 s420 with only 235k pampered miles and it still gives me a great feeling to get in and drive. My wife's car is an 05 s500 4matic, and I would much rather be in the 97! We've owned several other Mercedes styles,but the w140 is the best of the best! Half way do the maintenance and they'll run forever. Once you spend time in one you will not want anything else! ENJOY!
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S320 Mercedes
MARK OUTTEN, 11/23/2005
1998 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S320 SWB 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I am coming out of a 2002 E320. There is a remarkable difference in the two. The S drives smooth. Dollar for dollar good gas mileage for a big heavy sedan. This car corners very well, stops very. I do see the on board computer technology different in 2002 vs. 1999. Better still undecideded
Don't buy this car!
Pissed Off!, 06/10/2008
1997 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S420 4dr Sedan
6 of 12 people found this review helpful
My 1997 S420 is the worst car I have ever owned! I bought it with 80,000 miles on it and now have 160,000 on it. I have a lot of problems with it. The engine is good and everything but the trim on the doors was coming off, the rear passenger side window doesn't work, the soft-close door/trunk feature doesn't work anymore, the A/C isn't as cold as it use to be, and the brakes squeak very loudy although they were replaced. The black paint is starting to show its age and rust. The front springs are squeaking and need to be replaced too. Everyone else that owns this car doesn't have these problems so maybe I got the bad apple of the bunch. I do like how solid and fast this car is at high speeds.
Best Mercedes I have owned
Vince S, 03/20/2003
1998 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S320 SWB 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is my fifth, and best Mercedes, over the past 20 years. Purchased used with 30,000 miles on it. The quiet, smooth ride is great, and the power of the 320 engine is remarkable. Fuel economy is excellent, hitting 25 MPG on trips, and 21 MPG in town. Features are outstanding, especially the bose sound system. Nothing has gone wrong with the car in the 36,000 miles I have driven it. A truly fine automobile.
Black Opal Beauty
William G., 11/19/2022
1998 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S420 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
1998 S 420: 306,000 miles to date ( November 2022 ) on the odometer. A joy to drive. Comfortable, spacious, responsive, agile and solid. Distinctive styling. Many have said to me that they wish they did not part with theirs.
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STATELY BENZ
PWa2902216, 02/03/2004
1998 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S420 4dr Sedan
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought this car thinking this is a keeper, that has remained to be seen. I would only recommend buying this car used and with a really good extended waranty-with the technology option.
finest car made
bluegreg, 06/02/2003
1998 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S600 4dr Sedan
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
This is luxury. I have driven many cars and this is the finest car I have ever driven. only 750 sold in the US between 1995-1999. so if you get one it is one of an elite group.
Solid automobile.
joel1030, 03/17/2004
1998 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S320 LWB 4dr Sedan
1 of 3 people found this review helpful
I leased this vehicle with low mileage from my business partner who had it for 4 years. It has been reliable with few problems. (However, the problems are expensive to get fixed once they occur.) I would highly recommend this car if you want top quality and willing to pay for the maintainance. Will be getting my business partners 2002 Lexus LS 430 nest year and will miss Mercedes materials.
Must be Crazy
Nancy02, 03/05/2003
1998 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S420 4dr Sedan
2 of 9 people found this review helpful
My husband bought this car on a crazy impulse, He was so proud and happy about driving a benz around. He got a great deal and it only had 30k on it, but it has been nothing but trouble since he bought it. We have spend over $6000 on fixing this car since he bought it. It has been in the shop longer that it has been out of it. I know the person before me said that the vehicle is great, but I think he or she must me a benz dealer because everyone I talked to told me that they have had problems with their S420 as well. This was a mistake that we will never do again.
420S Mercedes/not driven much
Dee Stavola, 07/03/2004
1997 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S420 4dr Sedan
1 of 5 people found this review helpful
Garage kept.Black on black. Two other cars not driven.
When MB S420 was still a distinctive Car
Robert S., 02/19/2007
1998 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S420 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Nothing but praise! Had a '95 S420 with problems.Give it a second chance, I am so glad I did. Black on black = prestige and class!I Enjoy every trip (San Fran to L.A) Satisfaction? Don't skimp with the services, it pays in the long run! Comfort and style = 1998 S420 MB!