2002 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Review
2002 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Review





+53
Mercedes-Benz S-Class model years
Mercedes-Benz S-Class types
- Sedan
- S55 AMG
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Stylish exterior design, spacious interior, nimble demeanor, powerful engine offerings, high-tech features.
Cons
- Complicated COMAND system, some cheap-feeling interior bits, BMW 7 Series is more fun to drive.
What’s new
The TeleAid system is enhanced. Now reservations for travel as well as tickets for sporting and theater events can all be acquired from the considerable comfort of the S-Class' cabin.
Edmunds says
Fast, luxurious and technically advanced, the S-Class should continue to be a favorite of movers and shakers.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2002 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A) 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 $3.92 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$270/mo for S-Class S430
S-Class S430
vs
$205/mo
Avg. Large Car
Vehicle overview
Large Mercedes sedans have always been sought-after by the elite. They scream success, are engineered to be driven hard and make a powerful statement about the owner's financial security. The current S-Class projects confidence, prestige and good taste. Last year, Mercedes bumped performance and amenities by offering the 12-cylinder-equipped S600 and sporty S55.
Sporting a coupe-like profile and a traditional oval-headlight face, the 2002 S-Class looks lean and sleek while weighing nearly 500 pounds less than the previous-generation model. Careful attention to interior packaging gives the current version a roomy cabin and a large 15.4 cubic foot trunk.
Four models are available: the 275-horsepower S430, which comes with a 4.3-liter V8 engine; the 302-horsepower S500, which boasts a 5.0-liter V8 under the hood; the S55 with a 5.5-liter V8 and 354 horsepower; and the top-gun S600, sporting a 362-horsepower V12.
All models are suited up with a fully independent four-link front and five-link rear suspension, ABS and brake assist (which reduces braking distance in panic stops), Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and BabySmart child-seat protection. Eight airbags are standard, including two head-protection curtain airbags and a passenger airbag that deploys with partial or full force, depending on the car's speed at impact. Active Body Control (ABC), which debuted on the 2000 CL500, is standard on the S600 and S55 (S430 and S500 buyers can get it as an option).
Also standard on the S-Class is the controversial COMAND (Cockpit Management And Data) system, which can be directed by voice commands, steering-wheel controls or buttons near the display screen. The system controls the navigation program, hands-free cellular phone and stereo/CD controls. Another advanced feature is Mercedes' TeleAid function, which puts a driver in touch with a Protection One representative for help in emergencies, roadside assistance or general information. And this year, TeleAid's abilities have been expanded to allow travel reservations or ticket purchases to be made via this telematics system.
A smart cruise control system, called Distronic, utilizes radar sensors to keep the car at a specified distance from the car in front of it. When the car you are following slows down, the S-Class automatically cuts power and can even apply up to 20 percent maximum braking to maintain the specific distances you have set. Distronic is standard on the S600 and is optional on V8 models.
Serious performance buffs will want to check out the S55 from Mercedes-Benz tuner AMG. Non-S55 buyers can still add some sport to their S-Class by ordering the S-Class Sport package, which includes an aggressive body kit with an AMG-designed front spoiler, sculpted rocker panels and a new rear apron. AMG Monoblock 18-inch alloy wheels are also part of the package.
Other S-Class features include a Bose Beta sound system, five-speed automatic transmission, optional ventilated seats that circulate air through the cushion, and, new this year, Internet access for e-mail junkies on the go.
Feature- and luxury-laden, the S-Class makes for an attractive executive conveyance.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2002 Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
5 star(62%)
4 star(18%)
3 star(7%)
2 star(4%)
1 star(9%)
71 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
3.5 out of 5 stars
Balanced perspective
mcantwell, 03/05/2013
2002 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
I bought a used 2002 S430 in November of 2012. It was $11,000. I immediately had an issue with the air suspension which leaked and I had Peter, a local mechanic (SilverStar Motors) who specialized in Mercedes fix it. He is much more reasonable than the dealership but the repair was $1400.
He warned me the car has a history of expensive issues. I replaced the tires with ContiPro fro $600. … I did not have any additional issues until recently it was side-swiped on the street and the driver mirror was tore off. The parts alone are over $1000 and I'm looking at 1300-$1,500 with labor and paint. To pile on my check engine light came on and the car has a bit of a shake and rough idle. We will see.
3.5 out of 5 stars
My sad experience with my S600!
VML, 06/08/2004
2002 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S600 4dr Sedan (5.8L 12cyl 5A)
The air conditioning had to be
replaced 5 months after I bought it.
The entire dashboard went out (i.e. no
speedometer, no dash lights, no signal
indicator lights).
The engine kept running AFTER the car
was turned off and the key taken out
of the ignition.
The hydraulic system failed leaving
the car sitting 6" from the ground.
Replaced battery twice in 30 months.
GPS … is archaic - not user friendly and
half the addresses are not in the
system. Have to buy add'l CD-ROMs to
go all over the U.S.
The mobile phone with the car is not
digital and the dealer said it will
cost $1,100 to upgrade to a digital
phone.
2 out of 5 stars
2002 Mercedes S430 Sport
Jim Mc, 08/08/2018
2002 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
I purchased the car new and picked it up at the factory in Germany in 2001, so I had the car probably way too long. I loved the style with the Sport (AMG) body kit and wheels in Alabaster white with tinted windows. It still looks better in my opinion than most of the later designs Mercedes foisted on us which is why I kept so long. However, not without great cost. I kept all … receipts and spent approximately $14,000 on repairs during my tenure with it including a transmission rebuild and complete air suspension replacement. Oh, and it only had 105,000 miles on it when I sold it today for $3,100. It had many issues when sold: 3 of four soft door closers inoperable @$400 ea; one inoperable door lock @$800; leaking valve cover gaskets @ $600; inoperable remote trunk opener @ $600. The exterior and interior were perfect, the car had never even been through a car wash, having been owned by one obsessive owner who is also a car nut with six other equally cared for vehicles. In comparison, my wife got a 2002 Lexus SC 430 a retractable hardtop convertible also in late 2001and we have put only $1,300 in repairs into that car. The comparison tells me a lot. She still loves the car and plans on keeping a lot longer. This was my fourth Mercedes over the past thirty years and the maintenance history on all was pretty much the same story as this last car. Needless to say there are no more Mercedes in my future however long that may be. Makes a Genesis G80 Sport look pretty good!
3.38 out of 5 stars
Straight talk on heavy repair costs
reality_chek, 07/23/2013
2002 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
The bargain price of today hides expensive repairs. It has design flaws: cup holders, knee hits seat warmer, ugly center console. It has known leak issues and electrical issues. It has air suspension issues. Auto door locks and trunk flaws. Don't forget the untreated metal that rusts from the inside. Watch for rust around tire wells all up and down sides. Rust quote was $2700. The … gorgeous slick design holds water. The car is now 11 so expect collapsed engine mounts, catalytic converter rattles, drive shaft flex disk...So you can plan on buying it for $6-7K and putting 6-8K into it and you will get a beautiful smooth powerful ride that originally cost $80K+ and the engine will go to 200K mi.
2002 S-Class Highlights
Sedan
S430
Base MSRP | $71,850 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 18 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $270/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 15.4 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
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 – OriginalNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
People who viewed this also viewed
4.4 average Rating out of 5 reviews. |
Starting at $56,750 |
3.0 average Rating out of 1 reviews. |
Starting at $92,400 |
2.8 average Rating out of 6 reviews. |
Starting at $44,850 |
Related Used 2002 Mercedes-Benz S-Class info
Vehicle reviews of used models
- Mercedes Benz Maybach GLS 2021 Review
- Mercedes Benz Metris 2020 Review
- Mercedes Benz Maybach 2020 Review
- Mercedes Benz Maybach 2021 Review
- Mercedes Benz GLS Class 2021 Review
Shop similar models
- BMW M5 2023
- Mercedes-benz C-class 2023
- BMW 7-Series 2023
- BMW Alpina-b8-gran-coupe 2023
- Mercedes-benz Maybach 2023
Shop used vehicles in your area
- Used Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class 2016
- Used Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class 2010
- Used Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class 2015
- Used Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class 2013
- Used Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class 2011
- Used Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class 2019
- Used Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class 2012
- Used Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class 2014 For Sale
- Used Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class 2018 For Sale
- Used Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class 2017
Popular new car reviews and ratings
- Audi A6 allroad 2024
- Mercedes-Benz AMG GT 2024
- 2022 S6
- 2024 BMW i4
- 2022 BMW 4 Series
- Jaguar F-TYPE 2023
- 2023 Audi TT
- Mercedes Cle
- 2022 Lamborghini Aventador
- Metcedes Eqe SUV
Research recent models from same make
- Mercedes Eqs
- 2022 C-Class
- 2023 E-Class
- Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2023
- 2023 S-Class
- 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class
- Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class 2022
- Mercedes Benz GLB Class
- 2023 GLE-Class
- 2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
Research similar vehicles
- Kia Rio
- BMW M3 CS
- Civic Si Type R
- Tesla Model 3 Sedan
- Honda Accord
- Scat Pack Charger
- Toyota Camry
- Tesla S SUV
- 2024 911
- Toyota Toyota Corolla
Other models
- Used GMC Sierra-2500Hd-Classic in Jefferson City, MO
- Used Hyundai Ioniq-Hybrid in Canton, MI
- Used Toyota Gr-Corolla in Hampton, GA
- Used Pontiac Grand-Am in North Las Vegas, NV
- New Mazda 3 for Sale in Camp Hill, PA
- Used Jeep Cherokee in Miami, FL
- Used Acura TLX in Honolulu, HI
- New Land-Rover Defender for Sale in Boerne, TX
- Used Chrysler Pacifica in Clearfield, UT
- Used Nissan Z in Avon, CT