2004 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Review
Price Range: $3,995 - $11,900





+81
Mercedes-Benz S-Class model years
Mercedes-Benz S-Class types
- Sedan
- S55 AMG
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Elegantly appointed and spacious cabin, feels nimble for its size, state-of-the-art safety features, strong resale value.
Cons
- Complicated COMAND system, not as athletic as some of its competitors, a few low-grade interior materials.
What’s new
An industry-first seven-speed automatic transmission is now standard. The navigation system is now DVD-based, and the Keyless Go system is now built into the SmartKey. Newly styled 18-inch wheels are optional.
Edmunds says
After a minor refresh last year, the S-Class is once again a top choice when it comes to a no-compromise luxury sedan.
For sale near Chicago, IL
32 listings
- 163,520 miles
- No accidents, 6 owners, personal use
- 15 City / 21 Hwy MPG
- A Car Lot (20 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Power Driver Seat
Close
Located in Addison, IL
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
17 Combined MPG (15 City/21 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WDBNG83J04A417010
Stock: 417010
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 07-24-2025- 66,307 miles
- No accidents, 3 owners, personal use only
- 14 City / 20 Hwy MPG
- Windy City Autos (25 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Upgraded Headlights
Close
Located in Schaumburg, IL
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
16 Combined MPG (14 City/20 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WDBNG84J64A400727
Stock: 400727
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Illinois
$281/mo for S-Class S430
S-Class S430
vs
$212/mo
Avg. Large Car
Mercedes-Benz S-Class Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Rolled The Dice - Bought High Mileage
4.63 out of 5 starsjohn77084, 08/17/2012
2004 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S430 Rwd 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 7A)
After turning 40 recently, I decided to properly kick-off my mid-life crisis.
I was going to go with either a boat or a car.
A 2004 S430 won.
I found one with 114,000 miles on it on Autotrader.
I suppose I got the "base" model 430, but it is absolutely remarkable.
The suspension, coupled with the car's sheer size, makes for an airplane like ride (sport settings are also present).
I've … taken it on 2 long road trips and been in very good spirits after arriving.
Tips for Buying Used:
*Comparison shop!
These cars depreciate wildly.
I paid too much.
Find the KBB price and stick with it.
*Have a genuine STAR diagnostics ran.
*Beware the "stuck in park" potential
Everyone should own one
4.75 out of 5 starsLionel, 11/10/2010
2004 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S430 Rwd 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 7A)
Purchased this car used with 55kms, it is now 7 years old and has 130kms. It continues to drive as well as it did 3 years ago and have not had any issues with it. Besides being smooth, comfortable, solid, reliable, powerful and surprisingly economical; it is has a sense of dependability and agelessness about it. It is a serious vehicle, you know, not a gimmicky in your face car,
Appreciating Depreciation
5 out of 5 starsGary Brown, 04/08/2016
2004 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S500 Rwd 4dr Sedan (5.0L 8cyl 7A)
When I purchased this Southern California car it was a one owner eleven year old $95K S Class MB with 63K miles. I paid 13% of the original price. As far as I'm concerned it is just broken in good. The price that I paid (lol) wasn't much more than the tax paid on the original purchase so I am appreciating depreciation.
Sometimes its good to be second. This is a great automobile, solid, … quiet, powerful, looks great and has a long life ahead of it. When you buy a used car of this caliber you are getting a first class top tier motor car for less money than the cheapest new base vehicle that will be rattling in a year. You give up the latest in technology but who needs it; yesterdays technology, for the difference in money, is pretty good.
if you got it spend it
4.75 out of 5 starsdr. orlins, 07/29/2004
2004 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S430 Rwd 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 7A)
i have owned 2 lexus and a jaruar but
if you die without owning a mercedes
you've missed something. there are
faster cars, cheaper cars,and even more
reliable cars. however, this S model
does everything so nicely,with so much
snob appeal that if you can afford it,
i would tell you to go for it.
remember, when you die your kids will
go through your money like water …
through a goose. spend some on yourself
while you can. the 500S, amg, and 600S
are overkill,totally unnecessary but if
having a car that will hold 200mph
turns you on. they are available.
2004 S-Class Highlights
Sedan
S430
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $74,250 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 19 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $281/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
Key safety features on the S-Class include:
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
- Pre-collision safety system
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
4.5 average Rating out of 4 reviews. |
Starting at $62,450 |
3.6 average Rating out of 5 reviews. |
Starting at $48,450 |
2.9 average Rating out of 14 reviews. |
Starting at $61,850 |
Related Used 2004 Mercedes-Benz S-Class info
Vehicle reviews of used models
- Audi E Tron Sportback 2020 Review
- Subaru WRX 2021 Review
- GMC Terrain 2021 Review
- Lexus RC 350 2021 Review
- BMW 8 Series 2020 Review
Shop similar models
Shop used vehicles in your area
- Used Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class 2010
- Used Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class 2011
- Used Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class 2012 For Sale
- Used Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class 2013
- Used Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class 2014 For Sale
- Used Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class 2015
- Used Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class 2016 For Sale
- Used Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class 2017
- Used Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class 2018
- Used Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class 2019
Popular new car reviews and ratings
- 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Coupe
- New Polestar 2
- 2026 Rivian R1T News
- New Toyota Highlander
- 2025 Audi RS 3 News
- New BMW 4 Series
- Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD 2024
- 2025 Suburban
- 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer News
- 2026 Ford E-Transit Cargo Van News
Research other models of Mercedes-Benz
- New Mercedes-Benz M-Class
- 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA
- New Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class
- Mercedes-Benz GLB 2026
- 2025 Mercedes-Benz EQS
- 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class
- 2024 C-Class
- 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS
- Mercedes-Benz S-Class 2024
- New Mercedes-Benz GLA
Research similar vehicles
Other models
- Used BMW X3 in Defiance, OH 2025
- Used Infiniti G37-Coupe in Lake Mary, FL 2010
- Used Ram Cv-Cargo-Van in Circleville, OH 2012
- Used Pontiac Gto in Mcallen, TX 2006
- Used Scion XD in Albany, NY 2014
- Used Honda Clarity in Perth Amboy, NJ 2021
- Used Mercedes-Benz Slc-Class in Meridian, MS 2020
- New Mercedes-Benz Eqs for Sale in West Palm Beach, FL
- Used Scion Im in Auburn, CA 2016
- Used Cadillac XT5 in Fitchburg, MA 2025