Overview & Reviews

For 2003, there is more power for the S55 and S600 models, both of which now put out nearly 500 horsepower. Also Pre-Safe, a system that detects an imminent impact and quickly adjusts seating positions as well as seatbelt tension to better safeguard the occupants, debuts. Mercedes' 4Matic all-wheel-drive system becomes available on the S430 and S500 and a minor freshening inside and out are meant to keep these big Benzes near the top of luxury car buyer's shopping lists.

• World-class performance, state-of-the-art safety features, spacious and comfortable cabin.

• Complicated COMAND system, standard V8 models not as much fun to drive as BMW 7 Series.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 69.00

• 

  Good but could be better - 2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  By John1000 - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Very poor transmission is in this car. The car makes a high pitch noise when you shifting from 1st to 2nd. For a car over 100k that should not be the case!

• 

  When only the best will do - 2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  By Barry D - February 6 - 7:16 am

  These cars are expensive to buy and maintain, but it really is the best car on the road. I traded my 2000 S500 in on the 03 with 4matic. The 4matic tends to drag or hold back compared to my rear drive, but it is great in the rain and snow. The 03 update really changes the look of the car inside and out. Fuel economy is not much better than a Range Rover. Im averaging about 15 mpg, and I do a lot of highway driving. My rear drive got much better fuel economy. My car also has the sport package which also changes the look of the car quite a bit. It was next to impossible finding a 4matic with the sport package in a good color, but they are out there. A great car to buy used, save a ton!

• 

  an excellent sport/ luxury car - 2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  By cookie monster - March 3 - 10:00 am

  If you have the money and the time I suggest getting it right away. YOU WILL LOVE IT

• 

  Too many problems for 80k car - 2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  By Doug Long - March 3 - 10:00 am

  Our car has been in the shop way too much for a car of this price. We are at 60000 now and have real problems. Will trade out in the near future...maybe a lexus

• 

  Never Again - 2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  By Neveragain!!!! - December 8 - 10:00 am

  Ive had the car for a 1 1/2 years and have had nothing but problems and only 8,500 miles. Malfunction in the air bags repeatidly and a broken window when they returned it to me. Every time it was serviced for a problem, it came back with another one!!! Quality Control is laughable as I just got it back AGAIN and the airbag light once again is on!!!! BEWARE!!! Most disappointing car Ive ever had!

• 

  Still needs improvement - 2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  By docstevew - November 1 - 8:46 pm

  I believe Mercedes still has a lot of room to improve on their "high end" car. It was always my dream to own a "Big Mercedes" for the style, luxury, and comfort. I find it to be satisfying with the car, but disappointed with the lack of attention to the details. This car always had some minor electrical problems (turning lights,ets) that the dealer can never seem to figure it out. Navigation system needs major improvement (with touch screen). Nevertheless, I like the style and smooth acceleration of its fine motor. Its like a dream come true, but not quite perfect.

• 

  A best buy - 2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  By The Young Looker - June 15 - 8:33 pm

  Definetely a real good deal when buying used ( low mileage ). Besides the cars still a real good looker, the 2003 430 can provide exceptional comfort, nothing a car of its age can. Performance is not significant, however is not underpowered. Those who desires performance might go with the 500 or the twin turbocharged 600. Watch for drivers side electronic seat, it might be disfunctional due to aging. Others, are exceptional

• 

  Good But Not Great - 2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  By Reasonable Man - May 7 - 2:00 am

  S500 Sport. Forearms will grow because it takes real strength to guide car thru turns at low end. Best enjoyed at over 60 mph. Awesome acceleration at high end. Beautiful but uninspiring driver around town. Needs to be quicker. Plush interior, cavernous backseat. Nav system is not intuitive. Average sound system.

• 

  Farewell to all that - 2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  By Jersey guy - January 6 - 12:46 pm

  Owned the car for 3 yrs, bought used at 38,500 mi. Beautifully styled exterior and luxurious, comfy interior -- wonderful to look at and to ride in. However, I have never owned a more problematic Benz (this is my fifth). Most of the issues were electronic defects, most notably gear shift that jammed in "P" because of defective sensor, which took dealer months to figure out; A/C sensor needed replacement after a few yrs; the V-belt broke apart on the highway, causing loss of power; front-end vibration required new engine mount; air suspens. struts replaced; CD remote multi-changer stopped working -- and more. I bid farewell to the car today, more in sorrow than in anger.

• 

  1st time - 2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  By WE-R-1 - June 27 - 8:03 am

  An outstanding auto on the open road. Eye catching vehicle with a smooth and quiet ride, handles well, plenty of cabin room. Been in shop 4 times for power assist problems with trunk (on last trip, power assist doors went on blink as well). Scheduling another appointment- this time trunk will only open with valet key. Noisy front seats remedied after 3rd try with replacement of plastic seat guides. Cup holder design poor. Navigation system- too many key strokes and street info on CD is paltry. Still love the vehicle, but frustrated by the mutiple vists to repair items that I would not expect on a vehicle with less than 32000 miles- let alone a MB.