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Used 2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Sedan Consumer Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
66 reviews

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Pros
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3.5 out of 5 stars

Luxury no verve, but kudos in the snow

Daniel W., 06/26/2007
2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S430 4MATIC AWD 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful

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.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

When only the best will do

Barry D, 09/23/2006
2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S500 4MATIC AWD 4dr Sedan (5.0L 8cyl 5A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

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!

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4.38 out of 5 stars

A best buy

The Young Looker, 05/02/2008
2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Definetely a real good deal when buying used ( low mileage ). Besides the car's still a real good looker, the 2003 430 can provide exceptional comfort, nothing a car of it's age can. Performance is not significant, however is not underpowered. Those who desires performance might go with the 500 or the twin turbocharged 600. Watch for driver's side electronic seat, it might be disfunctional due to aging. Others, are exceptional

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5 out of 5 stars

2003 S430 4matic - Lorinser Package

Palm Desert, 02/11/2008
2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S430 4MATIC AWD 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful

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.

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3 out of 5 stars

why theres is no recall on 2003 mercedes

kishor baran, 07/08/2016
2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S500 4dr Sedan (5.0L 8cyl 5A)
9 of 15 people found this review helpful

I was driving on freeway and front body went to ground almost 90persent 2003 Mercedes s500 have same problem and dealer should fix this problem

Safety
2 out of 5 stars
Technology
2 out of 5 stars
Performance
2 out of 5 stars
Interior
2 out of 5 stars
Comfort
2 out of 5 stars
Reliability
2 out of 5 stars
Value
3 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Superb Luxury Car - Feel like a King!

Dr. Warren Bruhl, 02/17/2008
2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S430 4MATIC AWD 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

I recently purchased this 2003 Mercedes S430 with 4matic and I was pleasantly surprised how well it handles the harsh winter snows with ample reliability and confidence. The luxury interior is wonderful and it garners great respect even from my 14 year old daughter. I love the way it feels to drive this car and I have been pleasantly surprised by the gas mileage. Driving this car makes me feel secure and confident. It is a truly an executive car driving experience.

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3.88 out of 5 stars

Never Again

Neveragain!!!!, 08/25/2003
2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
4 of 6 people found this review helpful

I've had the car for a 1 1/2 years and have had nothing but problems and only 8,500 miles. Malfunction in the air bags repeatidly and a broken window when they returned it to me. Every time it was serviced for a problem, it came back with another one!!! Quality Control is laughable as I just got it back AGAIN and the airbag light once again is on!!!! BEWARE!!! Most disappointing car I've ever had!

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5 out of 5 stars

Best in Class

smherlin, 01/07/2003
2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful

I was a previous E320 and a short lived '03 E500 owner. After being disappointed with the size of the E500 I traded up to the S430. I am pleased with the restyle and love the interior.

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5 out of 5 stars

best vehical purchace of my life

rsb, 09/13/2003
2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S600 4dr Sedan (5.5L 12cyl Turbo 5A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful

amazing speed and power, almost as fast (0-100) as my ferrari 2000 360 spyder

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3.88 out of 5 stars

Lack of pride in workmenship

Debi, 07/17/2003
2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S500 4dr Sedan (5.0L 8cyl 5A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful

I find the workmenship to be shoddy. There is always a knock in the drivers seat, the windshield wipers always need adjustment and as of late the telestar system is on the blink. Very discouraging.

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