S430 Common Problems
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,063
Likes: 26
From: Tampa, FL
2005 S500 4-Matic, 1978 450SL
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 72
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From: ???
2007 S550
Get an extended warranty if you're afraid to get your hands dirty. Airmatic is an issue that "all" W220's will have eventually. Other things are actually minor unless it has something to do with the electrical system. Also, be well informed and educated when you buy look on ebay the trader and craigslist to see values in your area as they vary state to state. One more thing see if you can get the service records from MB to see what has been fixed. Good luck 
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 378
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From: CT
04 S430 4Matic/03 Ml 320/ 98' E320 4matic/ 73' slc 450/ 05 cherokee
Solid year, solid car. If its well maintained you really shouldn;t have too many issues. Biggest problem for me has been my COMAND (stereo)...other than that my 04 s430 4matic has been great to me.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,464
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From: SoCal OC
S, GL, Escalade ESV, my shoes
So far, I have two major & one minor repairs:
- EIS: around $500 (cause key not turn and can't start car)
- Front air-matic top cap leak: around $500.
- Battery: $150.
Beside that, it's been oil change every 10K (done at home), I did one major service at 90K (air/fuel filter replacement), brake/tire change every 30K (done at my buddy shop, $40 labor + part), and ...that's all.
Car still look and drive quite good. When I have free time later this month, I'll put it into shop for transmission oil change, and perhaps spark-plug change.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,578
Likes: 7
04 S430 (sold),05 X5 4.4i, 02 325i, 87 560SL, 85 Alfa Romeo
You should be okay. Don't pay too much these cars are dirt cheap. SO cheap they have almost made the price of the extended warranty a waste. Right now the average is almost 25% of the market value of the car (2004). that's pretty sad. but good for you as a buyer.
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Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
From: Prov RI
S500 , 04R6 ,62 Impala
I bought an 03-S430 20 months ago, put around 80K miles into it (car now has 125K mile)
So far, I have two major & one minor repairs:
- EIS: around $500 (cause key not turn and can't start car)
- Front air-matic top cap leak: around $500.
- Battery: $150.
Beside that, it's been oil change every 10K (done at home), I did one major service at 90K (air/fuel filter replacement), brake/tire change every 30K (done at my buddy shop, $40 labor + part), and ...that's all.
Car still look and drive quite good. When I have free time later this month, I'll put it into shop for transmission oil change, and perhaps spark-plug change.
So far, I have two major & one minor repairs:
- EIS: around $500 (cause key not turn and can't start car)
- Front air-matic top cap leak: around $500.
- Battery: $150.
Beside that, it's been oil change every 10K (done at home), I did one major service at 90K (air/fuel filter replacement), brake/tire change every 30K (done at my buddy shop, $40 labor + part), and ...that's all.
Car still look and drive quite good. When I have free time later this month, I'll put it into shop for transmission oil change, and perhaps spark-plug change.
Junior Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
Problems
I have a 2003S430 with 53,000 miles. The problems I have had in addition to the normal brake and regular maintenence have been front air-matic leak and compressor as well as a stuck in park nightmare. Other than that that the car has been great. Good luck!
