Used 2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Consumer Reviews
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Beware of Dealers
jgbecker, 02/09/2011
2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S500 4dr Sedan (5.0L 8cyl 5A)
36 of 36 people found this review helpful
I bought my 2001 S500 with 8,000 miles back in 2004, and it presently has 110,000 miles on it. I have been generally happy with the vehicle. My worst experience in owning this vehicle is having to deal with Mercedes Benz Dealers/Dealerships/Service Departments. Once your Mercedes warranty runs out, the service departments at Mercedes dealers are forever trying to recommend unnecessary repairs to the vehicle. The dealers are constantly looking to fabricate repairs to bill to the extended warranty company. Most, if not all of these repairs are unnecessary. The Mercedes dealers make the ownership experience miserable. Stay away from them and you'll do fine.
Super automobile
billyq, 09/07/2012
2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S500 4dr Sedan (5.0L 8cyl 5A)
56 of 57 people found this review helpful
I have owned my car since 2003, it currently has 212,000 mile runs as new, everything works. Maintenance is a must- after warranty never never take to a MB dealer - find an independant shop that work on MB's. The car drives better than the new S550, just missing the technology of the newer car, but rides and handles much better. take care of the car and it will take care of you in comfort.
2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class for sale near you
Showing 3 of 19 listings
- S430 SedanMSRP: $8,500231 mi away
- S500 SedanMSRP: $11,998760 mi away
- S55 AMG SedanMSRP: $11,995791 mi away
See all 19 listings
No other car compares....
adrockj, 08/08/2011
2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S500 4dr Sedan (5.0L 8cyl 5A)
53 of 55 people found this review helpful
i purchased my 2001 s500 with 86K miles on it for $12K. i now have 188K miles and it still drives like new. i am still amazed that people still bring their cars to the dealership for repairs??!! ANY vw mechanic can work on your benz. it is not rocket science. i needed to have my water pump replaced and it cost me $500.00 out the door including parts and labor. other than that, i just bring it to jiffy lube for the fluids and oil changes. this car has cost less in repairs than any other car i have owned and gets about 20 mpg.
2001 S500
SWilliams, 02/09/2009
2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S500 4dr Sedan (5.0L 8cyl 5A)
16 of 16 people found this review helpful
I purchased this vehicle used in October of 08. So far, it has been expensive to maintain but it has been well worth it. This is truly an outstanding car. I've owned Porsche, Lexus, Audi, Infiniti and this is by far the best. The ride quality is superb and it doesn't compromise handling. The car is eerily quiet even at 90+ mph. The navigation system works well, but it only has major roads mapped in smaller towns or suburbs. I also really wish the CD player was in the dash. This car's size and countless safety features make you feel very secure. The command system takes some getting used to but isn't overly complicated. The interior is huge and very comfortable.
S 500 not a lexus but a great car
srosa, 02/01/2011
2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S500 4dr Sedan (5.0L 8cyl 5A)
22 of 23 people found this review helpful
I bought my car with 50k on it. It now has 75k so I fell I know the car pretty good. I had to replace the air suspension($350) if you do it yourself. Also the radiator fan motor(bought fan onling) and a fuse for the left side of the car electronics(not happy about that). Also some rust at seams of the body. If you are unable to do some work yourself and dont like car repair bills by a lexus or bmw. This car is nice to ride in, very comfortable. A bmw is a nice car to drive. Great pick up for a big car. Timeless look.
Wha-hawpen?
Paul Jacob, 03/31/2015
updated 10/12/2021
2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
27 of 30 people found this review helpful
I currently own a 1983 380SL and a 2001 S430. I have owned a 280SE and a 380SEL. My S430 radio will not receive AM anymore; a $1200 estimate by Mercedes to fix. The fob does not unlock, nor will it lock the doors; a $2400 estimate from Mercedes dealer to fix. The trunk will not open, only by the key in the fob; $1200 estimate to fix. This S430 is fragile in many places, like the seat frames and center console ash trays (doors) plastic grill, and over 100 switches between the front door buttons. The AC controls are fickle, and the "check engine" light comes on for no good reason. This S430 will be my last Mercedes Benz. I feel as though I have been snookered. Quality is fleeting. Given the multitude of buttons and the lack intuition with most of them, it is nearly impossible to make a selection without taking your eyes from road. In times of heavy traffic, it's dangerous - so you end -up tolerating the auto selections set by the "technologies designed in", until you get to your own driveway where you can spend the rest of the evening in the vain attempt to reset every damn button. Simplicity and safety are synonymous. I look forward to the self driving cars, so you just say the name of your psychiatrist and bingo, if you're lucky you'll get there before he takes his own life - found dead, sitting in HIS Mercedes Benz with the owners manual in his lap; handwritten notes all around, engine still running, and a flashing light saying "start again"!
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Pay to Play
S500, 07/27/2010
2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S500 4dr Sedan (5.0L 8cyl 5A)
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
The car has been amazing to drive over the past two years, I purchased it with 50,000 miles thinking I was getting a steal, but in the past year the radiator has cracked and my front right air suspension went out. Both were close to 2 grand in repairs. When it's running good its fantastic, but be careful past the 8 year mark
Going back to Infinity Lexus or Acura
James Stropoli, 03/27/2007
2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S500 4dr Sedan (5.0L 8cyl 5A)
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
The S500 is an absolutly beautiful car from the exterior. The interior is not completely comfortable. The car has been a maintenance disaster! I'll not own another Mercedes.
falling apart S430
Tim, 04/09/2009
2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
13 of 14 people found this review helpful
I purchased this car used and have put 70,000 miles on it in 3 years. I have replaced every moving part in the interior, the Airmatic suspension was great until it had to be replaced at 92,000 miles, the stereo went out at 101,000 miles, the front end suspension has been replaced once and due again. Beautiful at the curb, powerful drivetrain, poor reliability. Last time I buy a MB. Going back to Lexus. Drove an 1989, put zero into major repairs on it.
Money Pit
Kim, 10/01/2015
updated 10/03/2016
2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S500 4dr Sedan (5.0L 8cyl 5A)
18 of 21 people found this review helpful
I bought it in 2013, thinking I was getting a good deal, but it is old and now the car is starting to deteriorate quickly. I spent over $4,000 this past year on the AC, Motor Mounts, Transmission mounts, oil valve cover, O2 sensors, hoses. It hit 100,000 miles and the tune up is due. Even without labor and wholesale, the cost of 16 spark plugs and wires is $500! Now my suspension is going and its in the shop. Waiting for a revised estimate since they keep adding more parts. I would not buy a old Mercedes again. I spent another $3000 on the car in 2016. I loved the car, but it is a money pit.
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Ultimate Driving Machine
Quarterbacking, 06/06/2010
2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S55 AMG 4dr Sedan (5.4L 8cyl 5A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I still own the S55 AMG I purchased in 2001. I use it as a pleasure vehicle (Driven 1 to 2 times per week), as a partially driven car over the last 10 years it has been a pretty decent vehicle w/ it's share of problems. Overall, it's great vehicle and a huge conversation piece.
Nice Car. A monster
Nas, 05/30/2010
2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S55 AMG 4dr Sedan (5.4L 8cyl 5A)
8 of 9 people found this review helpful
Great speed and handling! Love the outside sport look and the large room compared to my previous BMW cars. Will keep it for sure.
Don't buy Mercedes S500
Abi Vahdatinia, 07/07/2010
2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S500 4dr Sedan (5.0L 8cyl 5A)
22 of 28 people found this review helpful
I am sick and tired of having problems with my S500 all the times. I took my car to a Mercedes dealer for oil change and inspection, the estimated cost for repairs is over $11,000. $1,600 for a headlamp replacement, $1,600 for replacing spark plugs and wires, $2,400 for replacing a leaking ABS pump, and so on. The estimate does not include the broken moonroof and tire pressure system. I don't recommend this car to anyone.
Expensive to maintain
RAH, 01/06/2007
2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S55 AMG 4dr Sedan (5.4L 8cyl 5A)
7 of 8 people found this review helpful
I have owned this car for 6 months and have spent over $1,500 for repairs. It had 66,000 miles on it when I purchased it from a dealer and was in great shape cosmetically. For a car that cost over $100K when new and with only 70K miles on it I am very dissapointed with the quality and durability and cost to own. It is a powerful fun car to drive and I like the body style and the interior room but I am thinking strongly about trading it for a Lexus.
Electrical nightmare
Muskmelon, 12/28/2009
2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
6 of 7 people found this review helpful
I have mothballed this car after a little over a month of driving. Cooling fan motor bearings bad ($830 for the part!), bad starter solenoid, entire center row of buttons on the dash do not function, small rust spots on fender seams, flickering headlights, intermittent trouble light telling me I have a bad bulb in the rear that is not bad. Can't get parts except from dealer and then they need to be programmed to the vehicle. I want my 1996 Ford Taurus back but until spring I will drive my 175,000 mile Suburban which is reliable and can be repaired with parts that are cheap and readily available. Car ran great for 2 weeks!
Great car !
Jack Taylor, 03/03/2017
2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
6 of 7 people found this review helpful
The only disclaimer I would say is the air ride can be finicky sometimes but usually does not affect ride quality. It is a heavy car but moves very fast and corners quite well.
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Unreliable Electronics, but Saved my life!
DogLover1118, 07/21/2019
2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
6 of 7 people found this review helpful
Bought this S Class CPO in December of 2004. I ended up putting 110,000 miles on it and thank goodness it had a warranty. Something new broke every other week. Often times the ABC System went flat, and the electronics would just break in every imaginable way. Other than sub-par reliability, car was incredible. The comfort of the car was truly unmatchable. The Nappa Leather was soft and accompanied by plush, well-supported seats. The combination of this, the smooth M113 V8 (Which never had any issues), and smooth suspension (if it wasn't broken) was incredible. The performance of the car is surprising, as it doesn't corner as bad as most large luxury cars and the V8 has plenty of power. Eventually, the car was rear ended by a box truck at 50mph. The car suffered from frame damage and was totaled out. After saving my life, I cannot thank the car enough.
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Love this Car
bmarlin475, 10/13/2009
2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S500 4dr Sedan (5.0L 8cyl 5A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Have owned several BMW's, Jaguars and E class Mercedes and not one comes close to matching quality and the ride of this S500. Quick acceleration. Super quiet at highway speeds and comfortable on long trips. COMAND system is a bit of a pain...
Mercedes Benz S500 year 2001
peter Ulrich, 03/03/2010
2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S500 4dr Sedan (5.0L 8cyl 5A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
This car in the new generation of electronics, after almost 10 years of driving still excellent.
S500 review
Ugisan, 12/23/2003
2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S500 4dr Sedan (5.0L 8cyl 5A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
With the exception of the items mentioned below the overall quality and ownership experience of this vehicle has been excellent.
Too Many Glitches for $100k car
JS, 02/24/2006
2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S500 4dr Sedan (5.0L 8cyl 5A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
This has been a love-hate relationship. The dealership has been great about fixing things, but now that I'm out of warranty with 57k miles, it seems like too much is going wrong. Tire pressure sensors, AC failures, oil leaks... despite all that, it's the most comfortable ride I've ever owned. Great balance between smooth handling/feel and keeping in touch with the road.
The World Best Car
DMI+RY, 06/15/2004
2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S500 4dr Sedan (5.0L 8cyl 5A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
There too many thing that can be discussed about this truly remarkable piece of art. Great Job MB!
S500 disspointment
J-Castro, 01/06/2009
2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S500 4dr Sedan (5.0L 8cyl 5A)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
I owned the last generation S class and it was a lot better than this one. The interior looks cheap for a flagship model, the maintence fees are very high after the warranty is over and the value is down the toliet. I only put 8000 miles on it in a year and it has dropped so much in value. I should of bought a BMW instead
Interiors disgusting !
Paul, 10/11/2009
2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S500 4dr Sedan (5.0L 8cyl 5A)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
Driving this car is a dream. It is so smooth and powerful. This cars styling will humble the best looking chicks. I have the AMG package which gives it that "look". At first I hated it coming from a Lexus LS430,but with time I understood. I've heard horror stories about this cars reliability however I haven't had a problem yet. I bought this car last July with 26000 miles. I hope God continues to bless it.Fuel is not bad for a 5.0 L. Navi should be higher and interior design looks pretty good except for the cheap materials.
Worth it - new or used
Happy !, 12/28/2009
2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S55 AMG 4dr Sedan (5.4L 8cyl 5A)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
The 2001 S55 AMG is worth it, new or used. Currently own two while this is my third Mercedes. This one has an excellent balance of performance and comfort which is very hard to beat in this model. Take it for a long drive, pulsed massage, air conditioned or heated seats pamper you along the way. This car is complicated to maintain, it requires a genuine understanding of what's under the hood. Find a solid mechanic and you are set, it is a very reliable car. It is a given you need to bite the bullet on gas mileage. Stick to cruise control to save, makes a difference. Ironic advice given tempting performance at your fingertips. Scratch that, pay a little extra, enjoy the ride!
S430 2001 drivers car
norcalwtc, 08/13/2002
2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
After having owned a 240D, 300D, 300E 4 matic, E320 96, E320 95 Cabriolet, this car beats them all. The air shock system is truly remarkable. Interior parts are more plastic than should be for this price, but the engineering makes up for shortcomings. Bought used with 27K for $20,000 under orig new invoice. New price would have stopped me. Great gas mileage, who would have guessed. 24 mpg averge.
DON'T UNDER ESTIMATE THE S430
mike cain, 08/13/2009
2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
having had many large capacity german cars,the 2001 s430 i have owned for 6 months has to be the best,i usually travel from the top of the country to the west only stopping once,then walking from the car fresh. if i can recommend anything the s430 makes a little more sense as slightly better fuel and tax economy, do not give a lot away in 0-65 times and nothing in the limited top of 155 mph, economy wise i have personally had 32 mpg a steady average on my frequent m74,m6,m5 journeys. so to return that in this class of car should make you think twice as the price of a fmbsh car is cheaper than a second hand mondeao, any complaints about servicing,think about the car your driving!.
Beautiful car with rust and leaky Airmatic
Tom Jon Koby, 12/19/2018
updated 10/25/2022
2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
2001 Mercedes S-Class has excessive rust problem due to poor factory paint. CD-Changer- broke several times-I learned to live without it. Air-Matic -Air suspension is great when working but a money pit to fix. Mirror LED turn signals burned out, and you need to buy whole assembly at price of $300 per side vs few dollars per bulb in common cars. "Sealed-For-Life" transmission is marketing BS. Drain and refill ATF as you would do on any other car, otherwise transmission will break down at about 12 years /150k and end the life of your car. Try to buy garaged, well-maintained car with no rust from rich owner, hope to get few years out and maintain it yourself to avoid expensive repairs. The reliability is average, but repairs and parts are too expensive. Do not buy this car if you are anxious about cost of repairs.
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Nice ride
Manish Salwan, 04/05/2002
2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S55 AMG 4dr Sedan (5.4L 8cyl 5A)
10 of 18 people found this review helpful
Its a great car, no duoubt..but da $$$ can be a prob.
Torn
Torn, 11/01/2007
2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S500 4dr Sedan (5.0L 8cyl 5A)
3 of 5 people found this review helpful
I absolutely loved this car. It was fully loaded. From the voice command system, to the doors that automatically close themselves I loved it. This car was great. But in the 5 months I owned it I went into the dealership about once a month and each time cost me $500 and over. Until we had a torrential rain and water seeped into the car through the water box and destroyed all electronic components located under the seat. I'm torn because I don't know whether that the faulty water box was the source of all my service trips or shoddy reliability.
S430 Review
rvirk, 03/18/2003
2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
Great powerful engine with nice accleration. Easy to use controls. Looks stunning from outside.
Love It
Glorious, 11/12/2007
2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S55 AMG 4dr Sedan (5.4L 8cyl 5A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
As my first luxury car, I guess I jumped ahead. But I couldn't resist when I first drove it. In and out it has everything I could want. The seats look hand made with high quality leather, which gives it a great feel to it. The V8 AMG keeps up with M ustangs (not that I've raced one...lol). If you love attention this a the car for you.
Bob,s MB
thebobM, 09/02/2003
2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Minor mechanical problems at first (auto trunk opening, auto leveling device). Only major is brakes go out at 23,000 miles all covered under warranty. Good local service. Head room much less than older S class models.
Smooth & Reliable
James Rice, 04/08/2004
2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I traded A Rolls-Royce Silver Spur for this car, and it is better in every way with one exception: there are too many of them in Southern California! I am surprized to have an $82,000 anonymous car. That said, it's a fabulous car and totally smooth and reliable. It's a great long distance cruiser and eats up the freeway miles. I have been to the dealer once for an oil change. The customer service that comes from the dealer is as excellent as the car itself.
too much cheap plastic
harold, 02/14/2004
2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
1 of 3 people found this review helpful
the car looks cheap inside . i have owned 5 mercedes and this is the worse one for interior finish minimal wood and alot of cheap plastic, i will never buy another one if it looks like this one inside .also, a lot of annoying small problems. handling is great. harold pitts