What & When are the big problems known to the 2003 S Class?
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 13
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From: Seattle
2003 S430
What & When are the big problems known to the 2003 S Class?
Anyone know what kind of problems big or small I might have in the next 50k miles?
Considering getting the extended warranty on my S430 2003 45k and paying about $3200. It would be nice to read some good feedbacks about the experiences people have had about the warranty program.
I had a S420 1996 and didn't have any problems. However the 2003 has so many moving parts...steering wheel column, folding mirrors, automatic drivers seat, instrument cluster etc that I think it might be a really good idea to get the warrany.
Considering getting the extended warranty on my S430 2003 45k and paying about $3200. It would be nice to read some good feedbacks about the experiences people have had about the warranty program.
I had a S420 1996 and didn't have any problems. However the 2003 has so many moving parts...steering wheel column, folding mirrors, automatic drivers seat, instrument cluster etc that I think it might be a really good idea to get the warrany.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,063
Likes: 27
From: Tampa, FL
2005 S500 4-Matic, 1978 450SL
I have never had a 3rd party warranty; only Starmark. However, some folks report good results with Mercury - you might do a search for "Mercury warranty" (or warrantee) and see what comes up.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 987
Likes: 5
03 S class should run pretty solid for a while if it was maintained properly and not abused. Some pre 02 models have had plenty of issues (mine included) but they still run pretty good. The main issues would be airmatic and once in a while a few electrical problems otherwise they are some good cars.
On the otherr hand the aftermarket warranties depend on who you get it from. Make sure you check them out to ensure they pay claims. Some are known to decline claims over and over. Check the BBB website for some reference. Good luck with your purchase.
Suggestion - get the 04-06, you get DVD nav command, 7 speed tranny.
On the otherr hand the aftermarket warranties depend on who you get it from. Make sure you check them out to ensure they pay claims. Some are known to decline claims over and over. Check the BBB website for some reference. Good luck with your purchase.
Suggestion - get the 04-06, you get DVD nav command, 7 speed tranny.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 398
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If the MB warranty is not too much more then the third party warranty then get the MB warranty. Why I say this is because if you need anything that is not covered by the extended warranty they will look if you have bought the extended warranty from them and will be more willing to fix non warranty items by goodwill. I have had rust problem fixed over $15,000cdn also had bad seat heater and door hinges covered by goodwill. Manager basically said because I purchased the extended warranty Headoffice decided to cover the rust and he has his own budget for goodwill. It is easier for him to justify the goodwill because of the extended warranty if his seniors question him.
