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 11 through 20 of 69.00

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  Luxury no verve, but kudos in the snow - 2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  By Daniel W. - May 7 - 1:23 am

  The car is heavy, very heavy and the drive lags with the 4.3 liter V8. The interior luxury appointments are what you would expect from an S-Class, top notch, especially the optional Bose entertainment system. Particularly impressive is the cars handling and poise in the snow. Three inches of fresh powder could do nothing the upset or throw off the ride, and the car tracks as well in the snow as it does on dry pavement. The optional airmatic suspension does well to firm up the ride and limit body roll on the first of the two settings, but the sport setting provides a rude ride not fit for even the liveliest drivers. I would recommend the S500 4m, or for more sport and fun a 7 series BMW.

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  I miss my BMW 750iL - 2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  By motts71 - March 19 - 9:06 am

  I miss the quick warm ups, the handling, and the performance of my BMW. The Mercedes rear window defroster works very slowly, the car takes a long time to warm up. It is strictly a luxury car. I do like the fact that it has had fewer trips to the dealer than the BMW, but it is not as enjoyable to drive. Oh yes, the windshield washer tank keeps leaking so I always have a malfunction showing on the dash, and when that shows, you cannot access the other features of the cars computer.

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  Best Car I Have Ever Owned - 2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  By john - January 13 - 3:36 pm

  I bought this car 6 months ago and have not had any major complaints so far. The interior is very comfortable and the fact that it comes standard with navigation, leather, and heated front seats was a huge bonus. It handles very well, and even though it is rear wheel drive, it has shown to be pretty reliable in the snow. Definitly a "looker". The only thing that I dont like is the occasional knocks and bump that I hear in the doors and ceiling. That happens on all cars but I didnt expect it from this one. And the brakes create excessive brake dust and cause a high pitched sceech when applying the brakes. Its always fixed but still a nuisance.

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  STAY AWAY - 2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  By gr-1 - September 11 - 10:00 am

  many problems with power steering front end navigation and oil leakes

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  good - 2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  By charlespig - October 10 - 2:00 am

  fun to drive but the lexus LS is better. Plan to trade it in for the LS

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  Straight Line Speed and Comfort - 2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  By S600 Owner - May 16 - 2:53 am

  Have owned the car for about a month now and I am no sure I still love it. The straight line speed is second to none, I have driven ferraris that wont throw you back in your seat like this does. Being able to spin the rear-wheel at any speed under 50mph is incredible. Burnouts are as simple as turning off traction control and giving half throttle. However, the handling does not compare to the BMW 760Li I own. The understeer is so overwhelming it is almost dangerous, you are stunned the first time you take an off ramp at 50 and the tires begin to squeal yet the car keeps traveling in the same direction-scary. Also, driving in the rain is asking for trouble, traction control MUST stay on.

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  Lack of pride in workmenship - 2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  By Debi - February 28 - 10:00 am

  I find the workmenship to be shoddy. There is always a knock in the drivers seat, the windshield wipers always need adjustment and as of late the telestar system is on the blink. Very discouraging.