Power Train Problems of Mercedes Benz S430

Heater and air conditioner fan motor failed on my 2003 S430. Which is dangerous in seasonal climate conditions I've had to replace this part 2x at 700. 00 on both occurances at my own expense which I dont understand when there is a recall for this same issue for previous years 2000,2001. . Recall#2004 070010. I've also had to change my shifter gear box which jams in the park position and doesn't allow you to drive the vechicle this is caused by a plastic piece that is susceptible to break within the gear box this issue is also expensive for just 1 faulty trans shifter piece that can totally leave your car inoperable.

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The contact owns a 2005 Mercedes Benz S430. While in park, the contact attempted to shift the vehicle into the drive position, but the gear shifter seized and required excessive force. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic where it was diagnosed as a shift lock lever fracture. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 107,000.

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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.

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While changing gears from 1st to 2nd gear vehicle shifted harshly and entered into a limp mode. Once at a certified mechanic the problem was discovered to be a conductor plate and valve body which has been discovered to be defective on most vehicles with 6 speed transmission and needs to be replaced.

See all problems of the 2004 Mercedes Benz S430 🔎.

We had to have our car towed from inside the car wash bay because the car would not shift out of park. The neutral safety switch, which is plastic, broke prohibiting the car from shifting out of park. The tow truck driver Mercedes Benz roadside sent to us told us he sees this all of the time with this particular car. Also by the forums, you can see that this is a particular problem for certain years. From what I understand, the new shift box from mercedes has an aluminum safety switch or "billet". We attempted to buy the new "billet" but our Mercedes Benz dealer will not sell it to us. We were told he had to have them take the entire thing apart do the work themselves for close to $1000 for what should be a $00. 50 part. In order to get the "billet" it has to be bought aftermarket online for close to $200. 00. Obviously Mercedes Benz knew it was an issue, therefore changing it from plastic to aluminum, so they should be changing all plastic ones for free.

The contact owns a 2004 Mercedes Benz S430. The contact stated that the vehicle jerked while changing gears. The vehicle would also unexpectedly accelerate and decelerate. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer and the contact was informed that the failure was due to a software malfunction within the valve body of the transmission. The failure occurred at various speeds. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure continued to occur and the check engine light began to illuminate on the instrument panel. The vehicle was then taken to an independent repair shop and the software was repaired. The failure eventually recurred. The vehicle was not taken back for additional repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 28,000. The VIN was unavailable.

I leased a new Mercedes Benz S430 during December 2004 from walter's mb in riverside, CA. Problems with the electronic stability system (esp) began March 2005 and on March 16, 2005 reported problems to walters mb during service visit. On December 9, 2005 reported problem again to walter's mb during service visit. Both times I reported how vehicle instrument cluster board lighting would blink and black out but esp light in the instrument cluster would turn on causing vehicle braking system to shut down speed to 15 miles per hour on freeway. During December 2005 I sent complaint letter to NHTSA recall office in washington, DC. Regarding problems with instrument cluster lighting and esp collateral problem. I included copy of June 2004 Mercedes Benz recall in japan of 98,000 sclass vehicles with esp problems and suggested same problem existed here in united states. Later during February 2006 esp problem returned and reported problem to walters mb vehicle was serviced during February, March and may 2006 with same symptoms. Walter's mb made me feel like I did not know what I was talking about. I sent follow-up complaint letter to NHTSA recall mr. George person in washington, DC. Finally I received a recall notice letter dated November 2006 and a second recall notice #2006-080004 dated December 2006 both from mb. On February 6, 2007 walter's mb performed the repairs for recall #2006-080004. Esp problems came back during November 2007 and walter's serviced unit 1/16/2008. I have copies of letters from 10 other individuals that have experienced similar problems with the esp system and can provide copies for your review. I believe the esp problem is caused by "collateral damage" in connection with the "instrument cluster illumination" and should be included in the recall campaign #2006-080004. My recommendation is for the NHTSA to inspect all records for mb vehicles repaired by the recall.