Used Mercedes-Benz S500

What to know before buying: Mercedes-Benz S500

From 2 forum threads and 2 press tests · updated 12/10/2026

What the reviews say

• A W221 buyer was advised that the 7G-Tronic improved somewhat after 2010, but its condition and service history still require careful checking.[1]one source
• A 1991 W140 owner reported simultaneous climate-control, seat-heater, power-window and steering-assistance faults, illustrating the need for a complete systems check.[2]one source
• Owner-review pages include S500s from different years with 5.0-, 5.5- and 4.7-litre engines, so the S500 badge alone does not identify the powertrain.[3][4]

Typical faults

• A 1991 W140 climate system blew only hot air. Suggested checks included leaks, refrigerant and electric valves; another W140 owner had also replaced the evaporator.[2]one source

  1991–1991 · M119.970

• A 1991 W140 had an inoperative right-rear power window. Possible causes included the switch, motor or limiter; another owner linked regulator-gear wear to the heavy double glazing.[2]one source

  1991–1991 · M119.970

• A 1991 W140 had failed seat heating. Suggested causes were fuses, relays or a burnt-out heating element in the seat.[2]one source

  1991–1991 · M119.970

• A 1991 W140 had steering-assistance whine and became hard to steer with the brake applied. A tired pump or insufficient belt tension were suggested causes.[2]one source

  1991–1991 · M119.970

• Fifth-generation owner reviews explicitly mention the ABC and AIR-Matic suspension systems among problems on 2007 S500 4MATIC cars.[4]one source

  2007–2007 · 5.5

Which engine and version to take

• The sources do not establish one universally best S500 engine. The 1991 W140 example specifically identifies a 4,973 cc, 240 kW M119.970; selection should be based on the exact car and its condition.[2]one source

What to check at the inspection

• For a W221, verify the 7G-Tronic oil-change history and assess its operation on a test drive; caution remains necessary even after 2010.[1]one source
• Before buying a W221, run diagnostics and check whether any electronic module has recorded faults.[1]one source
• Inspect the air springs carefully on a W221 4MATIC; the forum notes that they are costlier than those on the standard model.[1]one source
• Test every climate-control mode on a W140: it should switch between cold and hot air rather than blowing hot continuously.[2]one source
• Test every power window and seat heater on a W140, including switches, motors, relays, fuses and regulator operation.[2]one source
• At parking speed, turn the W140 steering with the brake applied; whining or markedly heavy steering warrants inspection of the pump and belt.[2]one source

Verdict

Sources

1. [1]forums.mbclub.bg — Поредното питане за S500 - Общи теми за S-класа · forum
2. [2]clubmercedes.ro — Probleme S500 w 140.Need help - Mercedes Benz Forum · forum
3. [3]drom.ru — Мерседес S-Класс 2013, от 2.0 л. отзывы владельцев · press
4. [4]drom.ru — Мерседес S-Класс 5 поколение отзывы владельцев · press

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