DecodedCars2005 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2005 models.
- Class
- Large Cars
- Engines
- 4.3L 8-cyl, 5.0L 8-cyl, 5.4L 8-cyl, 5.5L 12-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 19 combined · 16 city / 24 hwy
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2005 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a large car offered with 4 engines (4.3L 8-cyl, 5.0L 8-cyl, 5.4L 8-cyl and 5.5L 12-cyl turbo) and rear-wheel drive and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 19 MPG combined (16 city / 24 highway), 5% better than the 2005 large car average of 18.1 MPG, for an estimated $4,350 a year in fuel.
There are no recalls or owner complaints on file with NHTSA for this model year.
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S430 | 4.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 7-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 24 / 19 | +5% | $4,350 | 468 |
| S430 4matic | 4.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 / 21 / 17 | -6% | $4,850 | 523 |
| S500 | 5.0L 8-cyl | Automatic 7-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 22 / 17 | -6% | $4,850 | 523 |
| S500 4matic | 5.0L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 / 20 / 16 | -12% | $5,150 | 555 |
| S55 AMG | 5.4L 8-cyl | Automatic (S5) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 / 20 / 15 | -17% | $5,500 | 592 |
| S600 | 5.5L 12-cyl turbo | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 11 / 17 / 13 | -28% | $6,300 | 684 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2005 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2005 Mercedes-Benz S-Class under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2005 large cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 Mercedes-Benz S-Class (this car) | 19 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 BMW 7 Series | 19 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2005 Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2005 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2005 Mercedes-Benz S-Class in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Used 2005 Mercedes-Benz S-Class buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2005 Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other S-Class years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 S-Class | 23 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 S-Class | 23 | 208.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 S-Class | 24 | 208.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 S-Class | 24 | 208.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 S-Class | 23 | 209.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 S-Class | 24 | 205.1 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 S-Class | 24 | 205.1 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 S-Class | 23 | 201.6 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 S-Class | 23 | 201.6 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 S-Class | 22 | 201.6 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 S-Class | 26 | 201.6 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 S-Class | 26 | 201.6 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mercedes-Benz. How we calculate this →