The Good
The 2002 S-Class offers exceptional ride comfort, a supremely quiet cabin, and powerful engine options, appealing to those seeking a luxurious and refined driving experience. Its timeless design and high-quality interior materials provide emotional satisfaction, while its advanced safety features and surprising used market value make it a practical choice for discerning buyers.
The Bad
Potential buyers should watch out for complex electronics issues, especially with the COMAND system and various sensors. The AirMatic air suspension system is notorious for costly failures, and transmission problems are not uncommon. Rust can also be an issue, particularly in areas prone to road salt.
2002 Mercedes-Benz S-Class: Quick Overview
Here's a summary of key specifications for the 2002 Mercedes-Benz S-Class:
- Engine Options:
- S430: 4.3L V8 (M113 engine)
- S500: 5.0L V8 (M113 engine)
- S55 AMG: 5.4L V8 (M113 engine, naturally aspirated for 2002)
- S600: 5.8L V12 (M137 engine)
- Horsepower:
- S430: ~275 hp
- S500: ~302 hp
- S55 AMG: ~355 hp
- S600: ~362 hp
- Fuel Economy (approximate, EPA estimates vary):
- S430: 15-16 city / 22-23 highway MPG
- S500: 14-15 city / 21-22 highway MPG
- S55 AMG: 13-14 city / 19-20 highway MPG
- S600: 12-13 city / 18-19 highway MPG
- 0-60 MPH Times (approximate):
- S430: 6.9-7.2 seconds
- S500: 6.1-6.3 seconds
- S55 AMG: 5.7-5.9 seconds
- S600: 5.4-5.6 seconds
- Towing Capacity: Not officially rated for significant towing in the U.S. market as a primary function; typically limited to small utility trailers with specific hitches, generally not recommended for heavy loads.
- Trim-Level Features (common across trims, with higher trims adding more):
- Standard: Leather upholstery, power front seats with memory, automatic climate control, COMAND infotainment system, Bose sound system, navigation, bi-xenon headlights, Active Body Control (ABC) or Airmatic air suspension.
- S500 adds: More extensive leather, larger wheels, more standard power features.
- S600 adds: V12 engine, ABC standard, Exclusive Nappa leather, ventilated and massaging front seats, Parktronic parking sensors, power rear sunshade.
- S55 AMG adds: Performance-tuned engine, AMG styling, AMG wheels, sport-tuned ABC (if equipped), upgraded brakes.
2002 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Specifications
Vehicle Information
| Year | 2002 |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | S-Class |
| Trim | - |
| Style | 4-Door Sedan LWB 4.3-Liter |
| Type | Sedan |
| Category | Compact Car |
Manufacturing Details
| Made In | Germany |
| Manufacturing City | SINDELFINGEN |
Dimensions
| Doors | 4-Door |
| Curb Weight | - |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating | - |
| Overall Height | - |
| Overall Length | - |
| Overall Width | - |
| Wheelbase Length | lwb |
| Standard Seating | - |
Engine & Performance
| Engine | 4.3L V8 |
| Engine Size | 4.3L |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 |
| Transmission | - |
| Transmission Type | - |
| Transmission Speeds | - |
| Drivetrain | Rear-Wheel Drive |
Additional Features
| Anti-Brake System | - |
| Steering Type | - |
Pricing
| Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) | - |
| Invoice Price | - |
| Delivery Charges | - |
Vehicle History Report
Specifications
History
Events
History Check
Check
Check
Check
Check
Listings
Recalls
Check
Analysis
What Problems Does the 2002 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Have?
Electronic gremlins are also pervasive. The COMAND infotainment system can fail, becoming unresponsive or displaying garbled graphics. Window regulators, door lock actuators, power seat modules, and various sensors (e.g., crank position sensor, ESP sensor) are prone to failure. The Active Body Control (ABC) system, found on the S600 and some S55 AMG models, provides superior handling but is incredibly complex and costly to maintain, with pump failures, leaky lines, and strut issues being common. Owners often report rust developing on wheel arches, door bottoms, and other body panels, especially in regions with harsh winters and road salt. Pre-2003 models, including the 2002, are more susceptible to these issues before Mercedes-Benz implemented some revisions. Recalls for this generation have included issues related to the braking system (SBC unit, though more prevalent on later W211 E-Class), fuel pump, and airbags. Long-term reliability is heavily dependent on meticulous maintenance and addressing issues proactively.
How long will the 2002 Mercedes-Benz S-Class last?
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
Driver-assistance features were quite advanced. The S-Class offered DISTRONIC adaptive cruise control (optional), which could maintain a set distance from the vehicle ahead. It also featured Active Body Control (ABC), an optional active suspension system (standard on S600 and some S55s) that drastically reduced body roll and pitch, offering a superior ride and handling balance. Safety was paramount, with standard features including ESP (Electronic Stability Program), ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), Brake Assist, front, side, and window curtain airbags. The vehicle also featured Mercedes' PRE-SAFE system, which could prepare for an impending collision by tightening seatbelts and adjusting seats. While specific modern crash-test ratings for the 2002 model by agencies like NHTSA or IIHS are scarce or not directly comparable to current standards, the W220 S-Class was engineered to meet stringent global safety benchmarks, offering robust passive safety structures and a comprehensive array of active safety technologies.
What Colors Options are Available?
2002 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Prices and Market Value
2002 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cost of Ownership
2002 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Fuel Efficiency
2002 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Safety Rating
NHTSA
2002 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Insurance
reasonable repair costs.
How Does the 2002 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Compare to Other Sedan?
Regarding features, the S-Class was arguably the technology leader, pioneering features like COMAND, DISTRONIC, and ABC suspension, often setting the benchmark for the class. The 7 Series and A8 were also richly equipped, while the LS 430 focused on robust, proven luxury rather than cutting-edge, complex tech. When it comes to reliability, this is where the S-Class often struggles against its Japanese counterpart. The Lexus LS 430 is legendary for its bulletproof reliability and lower ownership costs, making it a significantly more dependable choice long-term. The BMW 7 Series and Audi A8 also had their share of electronic and suspension issues, but the W220 S-Class arguably had a higher propensity for costly failures, especially with its AirMatic/ABC system.
In terms of price, new, they were all in a similar luxury bracket. Used, the S-Class and 7 Series have depreciated heavily. While the LS 430 also depreciated, its higher reliability often means it holds a slightly stronger used value relative to its European rivals. For someone prioritizing long-term dependability and lower running costs, the Lexus LS 430 is a better alternative. If modern design and AWD are crucial, a slightly newer Audi A8 (D3) might be considered. However, for sheer luxury presence and a high-performance bargain, a well-inspected S-Class can be unique.