Mercedes-Benz S-Class 2002–2005 car dimensions: 5043 mm long, 1855 mm wide and 1444 mm high. Unladen weight is 1,925 kg. Braked towing is 2,100 kg.
The cabin offers automatic climate control as standard with multi-zone options available. Cruise control is standard, with optional Distronic radar adaptive cruise. COMAND system with colour display is standard from the 2002 facelift for audio, navigation and phone functions, operated by controller rather than touch. Parktronic parking sensors and reversing camera are optional extras. ESP stability control and PRE-SAFE preventive safety are fitted. The interior feels spacious and luxurious for long journeys with power seats and multi-function steering wheel.
Boot space measures 500 litres with the rear seats in place, suitable for luggage on longer trips. The sedan layout does not feature folding rear seats for expanded capacity.
Braked towing capacity reaches 2100 kg with unbraked at 750 kg. Payload is 525 kg based on kerb weight around 1925 kg and gross vehicle weight of 2450 kg. Airmatic air suspension with level control is standard, aiding ride comfort when loaded.
The cabin offers a quiet, spacious ride thanks to standard Airmatic air suspension that smooths out roads. Front seats are multi-way power adjustable as standard with optional multi-contour bolsters and massage for long trips. Optional ventilated and heated seats plus heated rear seats add comfort. Infrared-reflecting glass is available. The overall feel is refined luxury with leather options and dual-zone climate control.
Diesel combined fuel use 7.7 l/100 km
Airmatic air suspension standard
PRE-SAFE system standard on facelift
ESP, ABS and Brake Assist standard
Eight airbags including window and side bags standard
No Euro NCAP rating published
The S 320 CDI uses a 3.2-litre common-rail turbodiesel with 204 hp and 500 Nm. Combined consumption sits at 7.7 l/100 km with a range over 1000 km from the 88-litre tank. A particulate filter became available later in the run.
Airmatic suspension is standard and delivers the expected soft ride but needs regular checks for air leaks and compressor wear. Routine oil and filter changes keep the inline-six reliable over high mileages.
Safety kit includes PRE-SAFE that tensions belts and closes the sunroof before a crash, plus ESP and a full set of airbags. The structure uses high-strength steel and replaceable aluminium crash boxes.
Keep the car with full service history. Watch for body corrosion on earlier examples and electronic glitches in the SAM modules or COMAND system. Proper maintenance makes it a comfortable long-distance cruiser.
Length 5043 mm, Width 1855 mm, Height 1444 mm, Wheelbase 2965 mm (S-Class 2002–2005)
Sources: manufacturer data, Mercedes-Benz Classic public archive, German technical-data record, Facelift body details and brilliant silver metallic from the archive history and 2002–2005 picture captions.