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2004 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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$74,250
$77,150
$82,700
$85,600
$110,250
$122,900
dest. charge: $720
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Notes
Mercedes continued its yearly incremental improvements to the S-Class, now in its
fifth season on the American market. The rear-drive S430 and S500 trims were given
a new transmission for 2004. With BMW and Jaguar leading the way with ZF 6-speed
autoboxes, Mercedes-Benz chose to leapfrog the competition with the 7G-Tronic 7-speed
manumatic, developed in-house. It was the first 7-speed transmission of any sort in
a passenger car, although its gear spread was not quite as wide as the ZF unit. Under
hard acceleration, the unit could skip-shift (for example, going straight from first
to third gear), which was also unusual at the time. The most intriguing feature, though,
was the selectable second reverse gear, which could be used on slippery surfaces to
provide better traction. The 5-speed transmission continued in the all-wheel-drive and
S55/S600 models, due its greater sturdiness. In other changes, the sound system was
upgraded with two extra speakers, and could now play MP3-encoded CDs; simultaneously,
the navigation system switched from CD- to DVD-based. The formerly optional
tire-pressure monitor was standardized, and new wheels debuted on the S430 & S500.
Satellite radio was also made available, but only as a dealer-installed option: only
the pre-wiring came from the factory. S430 and S500 models could now have rear heated, cooled,
and massaging rear seats bundled with rear power reclining seatbacks and rear dual-zone
climate control. 4Matic models, incidentally, could be identified by
their 7-spoke wheels.
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: 7-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): 18/26, 17/22mpg [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: 7-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): 16/24mpg, 16/22mpg [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. S430/500, 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,
12 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-spoke alloy wheels,
dual 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:
tire-pressure monitor,
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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S500 4Matic
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Equipped as per S500. Additionally:
Exterior:
7-spoke alloy wheels.
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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),
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 = $11,400, S500/S55 = $10,900, S600 = $9100. 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 Graphite paint.
(S430 = $11,400, S500/S55 = $10,900, S600 = $9100. 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 = $11,400, S500 = $10,900, S600 = $9100. 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 = $1210)
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 = $2090, S500 = $1560)
S5 AMG Sport Pkg.:
Exterior:
lower bodyside moldings (side skirts),
18-inch 5-spoke twin-vane alloy wheels,
front lip spoiler. (S430/S500/S600 = $5210)
Four Place Seating Pkg.:
Seating:
rear 4-way power bucket seats w/ power lumbar, divider.
Cabin features:
wood rear console. (S500/S55 = $6010, S600 = $4120. S55 REQUIRES HEATED REAR SEATS.)
Rear Seating Pkg.:
Seating: rear heated/cooled/massaging seats w/ 2-way power seatbacks.
Climate control: 4-zone automatic climate control. (S430/S500 = $2800)
Rear Active Ventilated Seats Pkg.:
Seating:
rear heated/cooled/massaging seats. (S55 = $1640, S600 = $970. REQUIRES 2-WAY POWER SEATBACKS OR FOUR PLACE SEATING PKG.)
Heating Pkg.:
Seating: heated front bucket seats.
Equipment: heated steering wheel. (S430 = $900)
Keyless Go:
Equipment:
automatic remote keyless entry/start.
Cabin features:
shifter-mounted starter button. (all = $1040)
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Seating:
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Nappa leather (S430 = $840)
heated front bucket seats (S430 = $670)
automatic front seat side bolsters (S430/S500 = $500, S600 = $1180. S430/S500 REQUIRES S3 COMFORT PKG.)
heated rear bench [or bucket] seat (S430/S500/S55 = $670. S430 REQUIRES HEATED FRONT SEATS. S55 REQUIRES 4-SEATER PKG.)
power 2-way rear seatbacks (S55 = $1885)
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Equipment:
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power tilt/telescoping wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel with cabin controls (S430/S500 = $860)
heated steering wheel (S430/S500/S600 = $410. NOT AVAIL. W/ DESIGNO EDITIONS.)
radar-guided Distronic cruise control (all = $3010)
rear side sunshades (all = $330)
power trunk closer (all = $480)
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Climate control:
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4-zone automatic climate control (S55 = $1960)
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Entertainment:
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6-disc trunk-mounted CD changer (S430/S500 = $410)
voice-activated cellular telephone (S430/S500/S55 = $1995)
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Exterior:
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245/45R18 tires w/ 5-spoke light alloy wheels (S430/S500 = $1500, S600 = $0)
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Technical:
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active suspension w/ anti-roll system (S430/S500 = $3090)
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Safety:
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front/rear obstacle-detection system (S430/S500/S55 = $1060)
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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
Mercedes-Benz S-Class sedan [photo by Scott Jacobs, courtesy Edmunds.com].
Mercedes-Benz S-Class sedan.
Mercedes-Benz S55 AMG sedan.
Mercedes-Benz S55 AMG sedan.
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