Used 2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Sedan Consumer Reviews
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best ever riden in
robert500s, 01/20/2010
2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S500 4MATIC 4dr Sedan AWD (5.0L 8cyl 5A)
22 of 22 people found this review helpful
I have owned many luxury vehicles. I would never buy another American luxury car, especially Cadillac. The MB surpasses the Cadillac 1000% in comfort, stability, design, and value in the long run. Find a good MB mechanic vs. the dealer to do the maintenance because the dealers rip you off - like $300 for a oil change!
A little DIY makes this a fantastic deal
kcattorney, 08/29/2016
updated 09/10/2018
2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S430 4MATIC 4dr Sedan AWD (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
47 of 53 people found this review helpful
I bought my '06 S430 4matic in 2011 with 130,000 miles on it. It had a very subtle but nice lower body kit and new 20" aftermarket wheels with fresh tires. I paid $13,000 for the car. Despite the high mileage, it was in great shape. Having owned several German luxury cars in the past, I knew going in there'd be maintenance costs. I came up with a strategy for dealing with that inevitability. First, although it was to be my daily driver, I had backup vehicles to use when (not if) something broke on this car. That's important because it took away the urgency whenever something broke on the car - I would just drive my old BMW 3 series convertible for a few days or a week while waiting for a part to arrive and for me to have the time to install it. Second, although I'm not a mechanic, I can do research on the internet to diagnose a problem and hopefully find easy to follow instructions to complete common repairs. There are an unbelievable number of detailed, step-by-step instructions with pics and videos on the internet Mercedes forums and Youtube. Third, I have a 4-post hobbyist lift in my garage. That makes doing many, many diagnostics and repairs so much easier. 4 post lifts cost about $2,000 and can be delivered directly to your garage. You can put it together yourself in a day or hire someone to set it up for you for about $500. Fourth, I have a mechanic that lets me provide my own parts and he just charges me labor. This saves me ALOT in repair costs. You will probably need to develop a relationship with the mechanic before he allows this, but referring friends and family to him is a shortcut to developing such a relationship. It also means staying away from the Mercedes dealership and using an independent repair shop. There are some repairs that I just don't have the time, talent or tools to take on, and having good mechanic for the tough stuff is a must. Fifth, gathering up a decent set of tools and an OBDII scanner is a must. But, with Harbor Freight and Northern Tools and other discount tool sources, it's not that expensive to do that. Be sure to get a decent toolbox or chest to keep your tools organized. Sixth, don't be afraid to buy used parts when appropriate from salvage yards as well as use quality non-OEM parts. This can save you 50% to 80% easily on parts over what a dealership costs. My S430 now has over 200,000 miles on it and it is going strong. I have gotten to know the car and am not afraid to do some easy repairs - for example the Airmatic suspension system. It's relatively easy to fix the air suspension, and with aftermarket suppliers, I would even say it is cheap to repair. For example, the first Airmatic problem I had was a big one requiring replacement of the air pump and problems with both front struts. Had I taken it to the dealer, it would have been nearly $7,000 to repair. After researching on the internet, I was able to buy a rebuilt air pump and replace the top strut seals all by myself. About 6 hours of total labor and $900 in parts, including the cost of a special strut tool. If your mindset in buying a used Mercedes that's out of warranty is to take it to the dealership every time it breaks, pretty much any model Mercedes (or other luxury vehicle of any brand) will eat you alive in repair costs. But, with a DIY mindset, you can keep them running great on a reasonable repair budget. The W220 series cars are fantastic automobiles. Update: September 7, 2018 - I sold the car about 10 months ago. Replaced it with an '08 Audi A8L. The Audi is a newer generation with technology than my old S430, but it has been in constant need of repair, literally from the moment I bought it. I expect things to go wrong with an older German luxury sedan, but the Audi makes my S430 seem like a Honda Accord in terms of reliability. I will probably sell the Audi soon and go back to another S-Class Mercedes, around a 2010 model. Every Mercedes I've had has been a relatively reliable vehicle, and I've had 3 with well over 200,000 miles.
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2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class for sale near you
Showing 3 of 38 listings
- S350 SedanMSRP: $3,950136 mi away
- S430 SedanMSRP: $6,479136 mi away
- S500 4MATIC SedanMSRP: $8,950139 mi away
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My Mercedes s500 Experience
Samantha, 02/11/2017
2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S500 4dr Sedan (5.0L 8cyl 7A)
21 of 23 people found this review helpful
HI everyone, I bought my 06 Mercedes s500 with only 40k on it about a year ago and put about 60k on it. The car has 100k now, but here is where the horror story begins. At 100k the Service needed to be done (Spark Plugs, Oil change, all lubes) $560 and $2000 at the dealer. After two months the SAM went out, my TPMS sensors went out, Brakes went out, AIRMATIC PUMP went out and the car sat to the floor, The Secondary Air Injection went out. This car is very beautiful and comfortable and I used it a lot. If I went to the dealership I would have paid over $9000 for all of those services i mentioned above, I am not that type to go to the dealer but $4000 is still not a cheap price to pay. This car has many pumps and gadgets that can go out, be prepared to replace them at 100k! After that hopefully it will go for another 100k with normal maintaining.
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Greatest Value in Luxury
finance1, 09/22/2008
2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S350 4dr Sedan (3.7L 6cyl 5A)
9 of 10 people found this review helpful
Lease on my E-class expired. This car is the deal of the year. Engine more than adquate for highway ramps and passing. Interior features are what you expect in a MB- nice stereo, easy to use navigation. Class styling and at a fraction of new (as this more than adequate engine doesn't seem to get respect in the resale market).
How can they build at this level?
grdow, 11/03/2014
updated 05/03/2017
2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S430 4MATIC 4dr Sedan AWD (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
22 of 27 people found this review helpful
I traded in my car this weekend. I had owned a 2006 430S 4matic for 4 years. In that time it was trouble free for 2 periods of 6 months. Traded it in with 80k which was limited due to the multiple issues that we encountered. First the tire pressure sensors went...3 times. Next the turn signal control stick disintegrated. Next the heated steering wheel control had the same issues. The washer fluid reservoir cracked ($450). I went through a 1/2 dozen bulbs and each time a bulb goes out it disables the electrical system. The ultimate issue was the continued shaking when the car went over 50 MPH. Apparently there is a known issue with the struts, but MB will not own up to it. I almost forgot to include the A/C unit working on and off, usually in the winter. Never again!!!
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S500 What a Great Car, an "A" grade
Donisland, 12/14/2005
2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S500 4dr Sedan (5.0L 8cyl 7A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
The ride is velvety smooth and luxurious. I have never driven a car so comfortable, quiet, smooth shifting and excellent. The front and back have a large amount of roominess with all this comfort. It smeels of luxury. It has plenty of power, so when you want to go fast, it'll do it easily. It has 3 driving settings: Comfort, Sport 1 (firm driving) and Sport 2 (more firm driving) which makes it so much more fun.
2005 Mercedes-Benz S500 4MATIC
Alex II, 05/21/2006
2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S500 4MATIC 4dr Sedan AWD (5.0L 8cyl 5A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
This vehicle has always been a truly remarkably beutiful and classy sedan, aboive all of its competitors. The only vehicle close to it is its older models. Competitors, like Lexus and Acura and such other Japanese companies cannot touch it. Its luxury is unsurpassed. Mercedes-Benz has been the very best in upscale luxury sedans, and always will be - with the S-Class sedan.
Not a happy owner
SocalJoe, 09/02/2010
2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S350 4dr Sedan (3.7L 6cyl 5A)
22 of 29 people found this review helpful
We had several costly items right after warranty period though the mileage was still only just over 30k, we had to replace valve gasket, airmatic air pump and relay, and recently (37k) replace air injection pump and relay. reliability is much worse than any other MB we owned or had owned.
Great vehicle
NKP, 08/16/2005
2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S430 4MATIC 4dr Sedan AWD (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Beautiful car, with a few minor items to be improved upon. When my car charger is in the lighter, there is no room to manipulate the gear box. The garage opener could be in a spot that doesn't require re-adjusting the mirror EVERY time you use it. COMAND feature too distracting-should be able to change radio/CD easier than having to start all over.
Best Car for the Money
SJG, 07/14/2005
2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 7A)
6 of 7 people found this review helpful
Sleek lines, a real head turner on the streets. It has every ammenity in an entry level S class you will ever need. I recommend getting the sport package for that extra curb appeal ( and resale value ). Just a sweet car, inside and out!!
Never Again
gadaria, 10/13/2013
2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S350 4dr Sedan (3.7L 6cyl 5A)
25 of 35 people found this review helpful
The S Class is the supposed flag ship of the Mercedes lineup. She is a beautiful car on the outside and on the inside. With great styling and decent performance for its weight. But the car is always needing repair. If it's not one thing then it's another. -Transmission leak first week of leasing -Airmatic suspension went out FOUR times; car was so low to the ground it had to be towed.($2500 fix) -ESP went out a couple of times ($1000 fix) List goes on but i'll stop. Overall I'm disappointed with the amount of money thrown at this car after what I paid for it. At the time of this post that car had lost 92% of its value. I expected more from their S class.
Love it
Jab, 11/24/2009
2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S500 4dr Sedan (5.0L 8cyl 7A)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
First time owning a benz. I love driving it with the options of comfort or sporty.
S350 2006 Best Car the Money
cg "man", 04/23/2006
2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S350 4dr Sedan (3.7L 6cyl 5A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I have never driven a car so comfortable, quiet, shifting and excellent. This car has the smoothest ride of any vehicle I've ever owned. The front and back have a large amount of roominess with all this comfort. It has plenty of power, so when you want to go fast, it'll do it easily. Sleek lines, a real head turner on the streets. Just a sweet car, inside and out!
Trust me!
jim, 04/22/2006
2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S430 4MATIC 4dr Sedan AWD (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
The sexy body style, generous interior size, luxury and comfort, along with the 5 spoke chrome wheel option selected make for a stylish and timeless high end automobile. The 4matic option allows us to take advantage of this confident and luxurious ride year round in upstate New York.
Best sedan in the class
Raymond Wong, 05/18/2006
2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S600 4dr Sedan (5.5L 12cyl Turbo 5A)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
I owned almost every luxury sedans in the last 10 years. It is the best sedan so far. I traded a 2002 S-500 for S-600. The only negative thing is poor gas mileage because this is a 12 cylinder car.
Maxima was better!
T. Boyd, 05/28/2008
2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S350 4dr Sedan (3.7L 6cyl 5A)
5 of 7 people found this review helpful
The car is not what I expected. It is very bad on gas. It is also not dependable. But it is very comfortable and I wish I had kept my 2004 Maxima. The cost was more than we had wished on paying. So if I had to do it again I would have to say I would not!
Got what I paid for
Bill B, 10/04/2005
2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 7A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I wanted a business car to let clients and potential key employees know that our business is "for real", and this car fits the bill perfectly. The Lexus LS 430 has more electronics for less money, but just doesn't make the same statement. The command system is easy to use - but this is my second MB, so maybe I'm "trained" already. My wife has a new Lexus with navigation, and the 2006 Mercedes navigation is easier to use and much more intuitive - not at all what I expected, based on earlier year reviews. I thought I'd like the Lexus touch screen better - but the MB buttons are just so easy... I've had zero problems or defects, and I'm extreemly picky about my cars.
2006 Most Reliable Year for this model
Benz freak, 11/19/2022
2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 7A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I needed a good second driver as my cars are being given away to my kids. I have 4 Mercedes. So I did my research and found that 2006 was best year for this model. I found a super clean California, ultra low mileage 2006 S430, that had good local California service records and only one local owner before the dealer bought it from a local larger dealer who took the car in on a trade. It is silver on black, AMG sport package. Wheels almost flawless and wheels alone are valued around 2000.00 if sold separately. I got the car out the door at a small dealer for 10,000.00. Very happy with the purchase, it drives and shifts rock solid, AC blows wonderfully, everything works but I need to replace a broken cup holder and get the headlights resurfaced as they are a tiny little bit yellow, but clear. I simply cannot believe these cars in a more sleek body style are actually looking closer to the current S class models being sold today.
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2006 S350
notvanilla1, 11/21/2012
2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S350 4dr Sedan (3.7L 6cyl 5A)
21 of 42 people found this review helpful
Purchased this one two months ago with 51,000 miles on it. Was looking at a S430 also, but now glad I purchased the S350. I didn't buy the car to race and the 3.5L engine is more than adequate to power this vehicle. It doesn't have all of the gadgets the S430 has, but then there are less gadgets to fail later on. Comfort and quality are all a Mercedes should be. This is by far the best driving Mercedes I have owned (my twelfth one). I thought my 1985 500SEC (Euro) was nice and my 1994 E420 was great, but this beats them hands down.
Great first benz
Newtobenz, 12/25/2016
2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S430 4MATIC 4dr Sedan AWD (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
4 of 7 people found this review helpful
It's used, but still amazing. Great feel, great ride. Wish bluetooth was included or a USB port. But other than that it is aaesome
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Former Lexus Owner
indybenz, 09/28/2005
2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S350 4dr Sedan (3.7L 6cyl 5A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
After owning 3 Lexus Sedans, ready for a change. S350 stood out with athletic performance and spacious interior. BMW and Lexus trying to get to sleek, losing functional space. Firm ride, great sound system. Command system is ok, not too hard to learn. Plenty of power in 350 model.
Great Car!!
none, 12/22/2005
2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S500 4MATIC 4dr Sedan AWD (5.0L 8cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Smooth Luxury Ride. Plenty of room. Not too many gadgets. The AWD is a big plus in our part of the world. Easy to use Navigation
Great Car
Doctor Mike, 01/22/2006
2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 7A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I wound up buying a second S-430 after my wife would not share and I fell in love with hers. Car is magnificent to drive, very safe, and beautiful to look at. Truly a great value for what you get. You only go around once, why not do it in style and drive something you love? We will keep both cars for at least 10 years. Go for it!
Classy S class
Mitch, 04/22/2006
2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 7A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is my third S class and continue to love the S class Mercedes. I looked at all the competition and end up returning to the S class for the same reasons why I purchased the previous two cars. The style, quality, service, safety and resale values continue to retain my loyality. Once you have owned an S class you will understand why you will keep buying the most classy car on the road today.
Best 6cyl car in America
Melvin Norman, 11/03/2005
2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S350 4dr Sedan (3.7L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is my 4th "S" class Mercedes. I have owned Jaguars, Lexus, Cadillacs in the past 20 years. I went back to Mercedes when the 6cyl S Class became available again. This car has plenty of power, no need for an 8cyl. The sound system is superb. Leather quality is lacking, would like to see a 10 disc CD changer rather than the 6. All around excellent car, fun to drive.
S350 Hidden Treasure
rrbenz, 04/04/2006
2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S350 4dr Sedan (3.7L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I test drove an Audi A8 and thought, "this is nice". I test drove a VW Phaeton and thought,"this is nice". I drove the S350 and thought, "Wow, this is great!" This truly is a driver's S-Class. It is ahead of the E-Class in style and space and the shocks can be adjusted for Sport or Comfort. The seats are the best and the car feels completely done right. I didn't want the 7 speed automatic. Except the radio and Nav system which haven't caught up to my wife's Toyota. But that's a small inconvenience for such a first class experience-from soft door closers to the best ride in the industry, this is a car for the driver (and passengers) to be pampered and rewarded for choosing the S350.
S350 is a bargain
LanceL99, 04/28/2006
2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S350 4dr Sedan (3.7L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I intended to purchase a new E350, but wound up with the S350. It's not as quick, but I preferred the 5-spd auto. My old E320 was a great car - this should be as well. $53,500 including Keyless Go & Trunk closer. What a deal!! Ride is awesome, bank vault quiet, frigid AC, huge cabin, all of the good features. Overall it is an exceptional buy!
As good as always
dono, 07/26/2005
2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 7A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
This is our third S class. We drove the S350, don't waste your time (under powered and too small)and why spend the extra $10K for the S500 as the 430 has good power and no luxury tax. These cars are limos with great handling and style.
Godlike
Ionut Dobra, 11/03/2005
2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S600 4dr Sedan (5.5L 12cyl Turbo 5A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
If you want to feel that you are made from gods flesh and bone, buy the new S Class from MB. It's like driving an alien's limousine. Words can't describe the feeling you have when you get in the car,not mentioning the feeling you have while driving it. I think the new S Class is a milestone in the international car market. It's a "MUST HAVE"
Cathy's Black Beauty
Jack Taylor, 03/03/2006
2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S500 4MATIC 4dr Sedan AWD (5.0L 8cyl 5A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
This is my wife's car and we use for road trips. We love it, it's very comfortable and fast on the open road.
Overall ownership
joe, 08/01/2006
2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S350 4dr Sedan (3.7L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
We enjoy driving this one very much as comparison with our '99 E320. It rides very well, very quite, good sound system. We compared it with Lexus and BMW before making decision on this one, one of the reasons is the price. I do have a complaint about the storage compartment between the front seats, the small one on passenger side is almost useless.
A dream machine on the autobahn
ken, 08/25/2005
2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S350 4dr Sedan (3.7L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I picked up my "baby benz" in Stuttgart, Germany on July 22, and drove it for the next week from Germany, through Switzerland and all of Italy, and up through Austria and then to Munich, Germany for shipping to San Diego (due to arrive in September). It was a dream! Handled very well, with fine acceleration, and very comfortable inside. On the autobahn, I cruised along at 130 mph (after the initial break-in period of 1000 miles), and it felt like we were going along at only 55! Contrary to popular opinion, the navigation system was very easy to use, and got us to the Vatican in Rome with ease. The sound system was beautiful as well.
Exceeds expectations
Dave Roberts, 09/15/2005
2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S430 4MATIC 4dr Sedan AWD (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have previously owned BMW IL's and decided to cross the street to Mercedes.The vehicle may not be as tight around the corners but it has a much better ride, the controls are easy to understand, and both the interior and exterior are flawless. I am looking forward to the winter months for a change with the AWD! It even has a compass!
Solid and safe car
NEWS, 12/17/2005
2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S430 4MATIC 4dr Sedan AWD (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Smooth ride, fun to drive. Firm and comfortable. This car is much better the the BMW 7 series that I turned in. In addition, the 4Matic makes BMW or Lexus look bad.
Sure beats a Cadillac!
Sky421, 12/07/2005
2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 7A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car has the smoothest ride of any vehicle I've ever owned. A wheel base that is 11 inches longer than a full size Caddy and air suspension account for a lot of that ride. However, there are some features that I don't think live up to the MB engineering reputation. The transmission shifts hard when first starting out before warm up and downshifting prior to a stop is sometimes jolting. The 7 speed transmission doesn't deliver the kind of mileage expected (28mpg) - more like 25mpg which I got with my Caddy and a 5 speed. The lack of power outlets (3 lighter outlets) for iPods and phones is also a nuisance.
Super Car Great Fun Car
Car Guy sf, 04/11/2008
2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S350 4dr Sedan (3.7L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Having owned many, many Mercedes and other performance cars, I find my S65 to be the finest. Simply incredible peformance-the engine and exhaust are excellent. Admittedly I am a real fan of Mercedes. I find them and particularly the S class to be an excellent all around value when scoring on the basis of safety, performance, comfort, resale value and maintenance costs-in this order. Maintenance issues have been extremely minor. Just done routine maintenance and very minor warranty work. I just wish I could drive it on our US highways at the speeds this car was intended to be driven. At first going from an S500 to S55 I was leery of moving upto the S65. Now no more!
annual
EJD, 05/05/2009
2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S350 4dr Sedan (3.7L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I enjoy the car very comfortable on trips with plenty of room. Electronics maybe too complicated for the MB Techs, because they don't always get the problems rerpaired the first trip. NAV system could be more user friendly, and more modern features. Overall great car