One problem related to body has been reported for the 2002 Mercedes Benz S430. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
The gear shifter had locked initially out of the blue, I couldn't get the car out of drive. I turned it off to stop it and then it wouldn't go into park. After the mercedes tech came out it wouldn't start at all. The tech said it was most likely a safety feature which had kicked in. Then the whole right side went down. I am told the airmatic suspension went out. Why? the car said stop airmatic to low. I have never had any problems which may have lead up to these issues. Unfortunately I can not afford the $2,000 to repair this issue with the airmatic. Is there any kind of recall on this vehicle or warranty with mercedes that is responsible. The electrical problem is the radio going out for 2-3 months and then coming back on out of the blue. The door open signal not going off in the alerts. The trunk switch not working to open the trunk, it can only be opened manually. Lastly the headlights continually going out after replacing the bulb for 1 month. Rust and deterioration on the roof by the sunroof.