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2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Body style(s): 4-door sedan
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MSRP: |
S430
S430 4Matic
S500
S500 4Matic
S55 AMG
S600
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$72,600
$75,500
$81,000
$83,900
$106,500
$120,540
dest. charge: $720
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Notes
Mercedes substantially revised the S-Class for 2003, changing every model in some form
or another. The sedans were facelifted with a new, bolder look that incorporated larger
clear-lens headlights, and all models except the S55 AMG gained new tires.
The interior was also refreshed, and the cassette deck was
removed from the stereo system. To improve sales in the Snowbelt states, where rear-drive cars
were still considered somewhat suspect, Mercedes unveiled all-wheel-drive variants of
the S-Class: the S430 and S500 4Matic models. The AWD system used an open center
differential with a 40/60 front/rear torque split. The S500 Guard edition was purged from
the lineup. The real change for 2003, though, was the unexpected power boost for the
top-of-the-line models. The tuners at AMG fitted a supercharger to the handbuilt 5.4L
eight-cylinder, increasing power by 138 bhp. And, saving the best for last, Mercedes dropped
the Maybach engine, with slightly reduced turbo pressure, into the S600 to produce one of the
most powerful sedans ever produced. Like the S55, it produced 493 horsepower, but at lower
revs, and it belted out nearly 600 pound-feet of torque. More than a second was cut from its
0-60 time, but in exchange, fuel economy got even worse. A reinforced 5-speed automatic
gearbox kept the two juggernaughts from shredding their drivetrains. A new option for 2003
was the PreSafe system, which used sensors to detect an impending collision (based on
yaw momentum and other factors) to trigger automatic safety responses. The seatbelts were
cinched tightly, the sunroof was closed, and the seats would reconfigure themselves to the
optimal angles for airbag deployment. It was a remarkable system, and the first of its kind,
although not for long. And, finally, Mercedes made a heated steering wheel available on
the S-Class, one of the few luxury touches that its flagship sedan had lacked.
Series: 2000-2006
design
Drivetrain:
Construction:
Seats:
Engine(s):
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longitudinal front-engine, rear-wheel drive
longitudinal front-engine, all-wheel drive [4Matic models]
steel unibody
5, opt. 4 (S500/S55/S600)
4.3L multiport-injected V-8 [S430]
Valvetrain: single-overhead-cam, 3 valves/cylinder
Bore x stroke: 89.9x84.0mm
Compression ratio: 10.0 to 1 (91-octane unleaded)
Horsepower (SAE net): 275 bhp@5750rpm
Torque (SAE net): 295 lb-ft@3000-4400rpm
Transmission: 5-speed manumatic (final drive ratio 2.82:1)
Transmission: 5-speed manumatic (final drive ratio 3.07:1) [S430 4Matic]
EPA fuel economy (city/hwy, 1985 test): 17/24mpg, 16/22mpg [S430 4Matic]
5.0L multiport-injected V-8 [S500]
Valvetrain: single-overhead-cam, 3 valves/cylinder
Bore x stroke: 97.0x84.0mm
Compression ratio: 10.0 to 1 (91-octane unleaded)
Horsepower (SAE net): 302 bhp@5600rpm
Torque (SAE net): 339 lb-ft@2700rpm
Transmission: 5-speed manumatic (final drive ratio 2.82:1)
Transmission: 5-speed manumatic (final drive ratio 3.07:1) [S500 4Matic]
EPA fuel economy (city/hwy, 1985 test): 16/22mpg, 16/21mpg [S500 4Matic]
5.4L multiport-injected supercharged & intercooled V-8 [S55]
Valvetrain: single-overhead-cam, 3 valves/cylinder
Bore x stroke: 97.0x92.0mm
Compression ratio: 9.0 to 1 (91-octane unleaded)
Boost pressure: 11.6 psi
Horsepower (SAE net): 493 bhp@6100rpm
Torque (SAE net): 516 lb-ft@2750rpm
Transmission: 5-speed manumatic (final drive ratio 2.65:1)
EPA fuel economy (city/hwy, 1985 test): 14/22mpg
5.5L multiport-injected twin-turbocharged & intercooled V-12 [S600]
Valvetrain: single-overhead-cam, 3 valves/cylinder
Bore x stroke: 82.0x87.0mm
Compression ratio: 9.0 to 1 (91-octane unleaded)
Boost pressure: 14.5 psi
Horsepower (SAE net): 493 bhp@5000rpm
Torque (SAE net): 590 lb-ft@1800-3500rpm
Transmission: 5-speed manumatic (final drive ratio 2.65:1)
EPA fuel economy (city/hwy, 1985 test): 13/19mpg
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DIMENSIONS
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EPA Class:
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LARGE CAR
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Wheelbase:
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121.5"
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Length:
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203.1"
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Width:
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73.1"
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Height:
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56.9"
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Track, F:
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62.0"
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Track, R:
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62.0"
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Clearance:
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6.8" (std.)
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Curb weight:
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4160 lbs.
4390 lbs. (S430 4Matic)
4300 lbs. (S55 AMG)
4610 lbs. (S600)
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Interior vol.:
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53/52 cu ft. (f/r)
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Cargo vol.:
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15.4 cu ft.
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Fuel tank:
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23.2 gal.
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Technical
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Tires:
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225/55R17;
245/45R18 (S600, opt. S430/S500 4Matic w/ S5 Pkg.);
245/45R18 f, 275/40R18 r (S55 AMG, opt. others w/ S5 Pkg.)
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Suspension:
(f/r)
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indep.: 4-link, elect. adj. pneumatic struts, self-leveling air springs, anti-roll bar
indep.: 5-link, elect. adj. pneumatic struts, self-leveling air springs, anti-roll bar
4Matic (f): indep.: short/long A-arms, elect. adj. pneumatic struts, self-leveling air springs, anti-roll bar
4Matic (r): indep.: 5-link, elect. adj. pneumatic struts, self-leveling air springs, anti-roll bar
S55/S600 (f): indep.: 4-link, active adj. hydraulic ram strut w/ int. tube shocks, coil springs
S55/S600 (r): indep.: 5-link, active adj. hydraulic ram strut w/ int. tube shocks, coil springs
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Brakes:
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disc/disc, power-assisted (13.0" vented/11.8" vented)
S55/S600: disc/disc, power-assisted (14.2" vented/13.0" vented)
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Steering:
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rack-and-pinion, variable power-assisted (ratio 17.8:1, 2.8 turns-to-lock)
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Active sys.:
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antilock brakes,
elect. brake distribution,
emrg. brake assist,
traction control,
stability control
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Airbags:
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dual front, dual f/r side, dual f/r curtain
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Standard Equipment
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S430
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Seating:
leather upholstery,
front bucket seats,
14-way power driver's seat,
14-way power front passenger's seat,
rear 3-place bench seat.
Equipment:
power windows,
power door locks,
heated power mirrors (electrochromatic driver, reversing tilt-down passenger),
power tilt/telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel w/ cabin controls,
memory system,
cruise control,
voice recognition,
navigation system,
LCD information display,
retained accessory power,
remote keyless entry,
power sunroof,
power rear sunshade,
universal garage opener,
rear window grid antenna,
trip computer,
tachometer,
exterior temperature gauge,
power door assist,
power trunk assist.
Climate control:
air conditioning,
dual-zone automatic climate control,
underseat ventilation,
interior air filter,
rear defogger.
Entertainment:
AM/FM/weatherband radio,
CD player,
10 speakers.
Cabin features:
center console w/ storage,
leather-wrapped floor shifter,
eucalyptus wood trim,
4 cupholders (2 in f console, 2 in rear center armrest),
3 ashtrays (1 in-dash, 2 in rear door compartments),
3 lighters (1 in-dash, 2 in rear door compartments),
integrated COMAND controller,
digital clock,
remote fuel-filler & trunk releases,
locking glove box,
f/r door bins,
front seatback map pockets,
f passenger footwell parcel net,
f underseat storage bins,
folding r center armrest w/ storage,
f/r dual map lights,
electrochromatic rearview mirror,
f/r dual illuminated visor mirrors,
carpeting,
floor mats.
Exterior:
5-twinned-spoke alloy wheels,
quad exhaust,
stand-up hood ornament.
Technical:
anti-scrape nose/tail suspension lift,
adaptive-damping ride-control suspension.
Lights:
daytime-running lights,
dual f/single r fog lights,
auto-on/off quad-lamp halogen headlights,
mirror-mounted turn signals,
puddle lamps,
LED brake lights,
LED CHMSL.
Safety:
theft-deterrent system,
pre-collision system,
telematics system,
full-size spare tire,
variable-intermittent rain-sensing wipers w/ heated washers,
emrg. trunk release.
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S430 4Matic
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Equipped as per S430. Additionally:
Exterior:
7-spoke alloy wheels.
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S500
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Equipped as per S430. Additionally:
Seating:
upgraded leather upholstery,
heated front seats.
Cabin features:
walnut wood interior trim.
Lights:
auto-on/off quad-lamp xenon headlights,
headlight washers.
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S55 AMG
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Equipped as per S500. Additionally:
Seating:
heated/cooled/massaging multi-contour front seats,
automatic front seat side bolsters.
Equipment:
wheel-mounted shift buttons.
Entertainment:
6-disc trunk-mounted CD changer.
Exterior:
lower bodyside moldings (side skirts),
5-spoke twin-vane alloy wheels,
quad exhaust,
front lip spoiler.
Technical:
active suspension w/ anti-roll system.
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S600
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Equipped as per S55. Additionally:
Seating:
heated rear seats, 2-way power rear seatbacks w/ lumbar adjust.
Equipment:
power tilt/telescoping wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel with cabin controls.
Climate control:
4-zone automatic climate control.
Entertainment:
integrated cellular telephone.
Cabin features:
additional leather trim,
alcantara suede headliner.
Exterior:
6-spoke alloy wheels,
dual exhaust.
Safety:
front/rear obstacle-detection system.
Subtracted:
Seating:
automatic front seat side bolsters.
Equipment:
wheel-mounted shift buttons.
Exterior:
lower bodyside moldings (side skirts),
front lip spoiler.
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Notable Options
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Major Packages:
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Designo Espresso Edition:
Seating:
special light brown seat leather.
Cabin features:
elm wood interior trim,
two-tone leather trim on door panels,
unique floor mats.
Exterior:
special Designo Espresso paint.
(S430 = $11,200, S500/S55 = $10,700, S600 = $8900. REQUIRES HEATED OR CLIMATE COMFORT REAR SEATS.)
Designo Graphite Edition:
Seating:
special graphite-colored leather.
Cabin features:
poplar wood interior trim,
unique floor mats.
Exterior:
special Designo Silver paint.
(S430 = $11,200, S500/S55 = $10,700, S600 = $8900. REQUIRES HEATED OR CLIMATE COMFORT REAR SEATS, & POWER REAR SEATBACKS OR 4-SEATER PKG.)
Designo Silver Edition:
Seating:
special shell-colored leather.
Cabin features:
maple wood interior trim,
shell-colored leather trim,
unique floor mats.
Exterior:
special Designo Silver paint.
(S430 = $10,650, S500 = $9950, S600 = $8750). REQUIRES HEATED OR CLIMATE COMFORT REAR SEATS, & POWER REAR SEATBACKS OR 4-SEATER PKG.)
S2 Lighting Pkg.:
Lights:
auto-on/off quad-lamp xenon headlights,
headlight washers. (S430 = $1180)
S3 Comfort Pkg.:
Seating:
14-way power heated/cooled/massaging multi-contour driver's seat,
14-way power heated/cooled/massaging multi-contour front passenger's seat. (S430 = $2040, S500 = $1520)
S5 AMG Sport Pkg.:
Exterior:
lower bodyside moldings (side skirts),
18-inch 5-spoke twin-vane alloy wheels,
front lip spoiler. (S430/S500/S600 = $5100)
Four Place Seating Pkg.:
Seating:
rear 4-way power bucket seats w/ power lumbar, divider.
Cabin features:
wood rear console. (S500/S55 = $5885, S600 = $4030. S55 REQUIRES HEATED REAR SEATS.)
Rear Active Ventilated Seats Pkg.:
Seating:
rear heated/cooled/massaging seats. (S430/S500/S55 = $1600, S600 = $950. REQUIRES 2-WAY POWER SEATBACKS OR FOUR PLACE SEATING PKG.)
Keyless Go:
Equipment:
automatic remote keyless entry/start.
Cabin features:
shifter-mounted starter button. (all = $1015)
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Seating:
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Nappa leather (S430 = $840)
heated front bucket seats (S430 = $650)
automatic front seat side bolsters (S430/S500/S600 = $500. S430/S500 REQUIRES S3 COMFORT PKG.)
heated rear bench [or bucket] seat (S430/S500/S55 = $650. S430 REQUIRES HEATED FRONT SEATS. S55 REQUIRES 4-SEATER PKG.)
power 2-way rear seatbacks (S430/S500/S55 = $1865)
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Equipment:
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power tilt/telescoping wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel with cabin controls (S430/S500 = $840)
heated steering wheel (S430/S500/S600 = $400. NOT AVAIL. W/ DESIGNO EDITIONS.)
radar-guided Distronic cruise control (all = $2950)
rear side sunshades (all = $320)
power trunk closer (all = $470)
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Climate control:
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4-zone automatic climate control (S430/S500/S55 = $1920)
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Entertainment:
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6-disc trunk-mounted CD changer (S430/S500 = $400)
voice-activated cellular telephone (S430/S500/S55 = $1995)
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Technical:
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active suspension w/ anti-roll system (S430/S500 = $3020)
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Safety:
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tire-pressure monitor (all = $630)
front/rear obstacle-detection system (S430/S500/S55 = $1035)
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Performance
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Acceleration (0-60 mph):
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7.6 sec. (S430, C/D: 11/99),
6.1 sec. (S500, R/T: 05/99),
5.1 sec. (S55, MW: 2306),
4.3 sec. (S600, C/D: 07/03)
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Maximum speed:
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130 mph (governed)
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Braking (60-0 mph):
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138 ft.
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Roadholding (skidpad):
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0.76 g
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Slalom (100' spaced):
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58.1 mph
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Turning circle:
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38.4 ft.
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Other vehicles
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SHARED CHASSIS:
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Mercedes-Benz CL-Class
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COMPETITORS:
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Audi A8,
BMW 7-Series,
Cadillac DeVille,
Infiniti Q45,
Jaguar XJ,
Lexus LS 430
Specific to the S55 AMG:
Audi S8,
Jaguar XJR
Specific to the S600:
BMW 760Li,
Jaguar XJ Super V8
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Mercedes-Benz S-Class sedan.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class sedan [photo by Scott Jacobs, courtesy Edmunds.com].
Mercedes-Benz S55 AMG sedan.
Mercedes-Benz S55 AMG sedan.
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