EngineMedium
Balance shaft and timing chain wear on V6 diesel units
Timing chain, tensioner & guides£900–£2,400
Inspect · Cold start and listen carefully for rattling from the front of the engine
2013–2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class · common fault repair costs
What the known faults on this Mercedes-Benz S-Class typically cost to put right at a UK independent garage · use the figures to price risk before you bid, and to justify a reduction when something shows up on inspection.
Cost at a glance
- Most expensive fault
- £900–£2,400
- Top three risks, from
- £1,270
- Worst case, everything
- £6,250
The single priciest documented job on the 2013–2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is timing chain, tensioner & guides at £900–£2,400. Few cars need every repair listed here · treat £1,690–£6,250 as the full exposure if one arrived with all of them.
Cost per fault
ElectricalHigh
COMAND infotainment and control unit software faults
Infotainment repair or software fix£120–£1,200
Inspect · Test every electronic feature including massage seats, cameras and screens
SuspensionHigh
Airmatic air suspension compressor and strut leaks
Suspension refresh (per axle)£250–£1,100
Inspect · Check ride height overnight and listen for the compressor cycling frequently
BrakesMedium
Electronic parking brake actuator failures
Brakes (discs, pads, caliper)£200–£800
Inspect · Test the electronic parking brake engages and releases smoothly
CoolingMedium
Coolant leaks from plastic pipes and water pump seals
Cooling component replacement£220–£750
Inspect · Check coolant level and inspect for staining around pipe joints
Ranges are indicative parts-and-labour costs at a UK independent garage, inclusive of VAT. Franchised dealers typically sit 40–80% higher, and prestige or electrified variants sit at the top of each band. Always get a written quote before committing.
Inspecting a Mercedes-Benz S-Class this week?
Build a tickable checklist for the exact car in front of you, record faults with photos, and hand the buyer a report.