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
- £8,900
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 £2,210–£8,900 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
Exhaust / EmissionsMedium
NOx sensor failure triggering the engine management light and an AdBlue countdown.
Exhaust / emissions component£200–£950
Inspect · Cycle the ignition and check the instrument cluster for an illuminated EML or an 'AdBlue check engine in XXX miles' warning message.
Exterior / LightingHigh
Water ingress in LED Intelligent Light System units causing control module failure.
Electrical diagnosis & module repair£120–£900
Inspect · Check the lower inside edges of both headlight lenses for heavy condensation or pooling water, and cycle through all lighting modes.
BrakesMedium
Electronic parking brake actuator failures
Brakes (discs, pads, caliper)£200–£800
Inspect · Test the electronic parking brake engages and releases smoothly
TransmissionHigh
Rough or jerky downshifts in the 9G-Tronic gearbox due to electrohydraulic valve body wear.
Brakes (discs, pads, caliper)£200–£800
Inspect · Drive the vehicle up to 15 mph on the forecourt and brake gently to a halt, feeling for harsh clunks when shifting from 3rd to 2nd or 1st.
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.