Best Mercedes-Benz S500 Year to Buy
There is no single best Mercedes-Benz S500 year: the right one depends on your budget and what you want from the car. Across 145 verified sales, the 2000 is the most affordable at $11,429. The 2006 trades most often (22 verified sales). The 1997 has held its value best, now worth 35% of its original MSRP.
Data: DriveIndex. 8 model years with at least 10 verified sales each, latest sale Sep 23, 2026. Methodology
Ranked across the 8 years with at least 10 verified sales. Years with fewer are in the table below but too thin to rank.
Mercedes-Benz S500 Value by Model Year
| Year | Value | Vs. original MSRP | Verified sales | For sale |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 S500 | $13,933 | 16% | 22 | 3 |
| 2004 S500 | $12,949No comparable sale since Dec 2025 | 15% | 14 | — |
| 2003 S500 | $15,553 | 18% | 18 | 3 |
| 2002 S500 | $13,597 | 17% | 10 | — |
| 2001 S500 | $16,307 | 20% | 9 · too few to rank | — |
| 2000 S500 | $11,429 | 14% | 16 | 1 |
| 1999 S500 | $17,253 | 19% | 17 | — |
| 1998 S500 | $15,611 | 17% | 3 · too few to rank | 1 |
| 1997 S500 | $31,898 | 35% | 14 | — |
| 1995 S500 | $19,509 | 21% | 15 | 3 |
| 1994 S500 | $23,621 | 25% | 7 · too few to rank | — |
Value is DriveIndex's market value for each year, from verified sales. “Vs. original MSRP” compares it with the sticker price when new, not adjusted for inflation: 100% means it is worth exactly what it cost. Years with fewer than 10 verified sales are listed but not ranked.
Which S500 year is appreciating?
The table shows what each year is worth. Pro adds the direction: the live Value Signal for every year, how confident it is, a 1–5 year projection, and every sold price behind it. Collector adds the best months to buy and an estimated market-bottom date.
Or see the best months to buy with Collector ($39.99/month), or start with a free account.
Best Mercedes-Benz S500 Year: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Mercedes-Benz S500 year to buy?
There is no single best Mercedes-Benz S500 year: the right one depends on your budget and what you want from the car. Across 145 verified sales, the 2000 is the most affordable at $11,429. The 2006 trades most often (22 verified sales). The 1997 has held its value best, now worth 35% of its original MSRP. The table on this page lists every model year with its market value, its value against its original MSRP and how many have sold.
Which Mercedes-Benz S500 year is the cheapest?
The 2000 Mercedes-Benz S500 is the most affordable year with enough verified sales to compare, currently valued at $11,429. The most valuable is the 1997, at $31,898.
Which Mercedes-Benz S500 year holds its value best?
The 1997 Mercedes-Benz S500 is now worth 35% of its original MSRP of $91,500, the best of the years with enough verified sales to compare. That compares today's value with the sticker price when new, not adjusted for inflation.
How much is a Mercedes-Benz S500 worth?
Depending on the model year, a Mercedes-Benz S500 is worth from $11,429 to $31,898 today, based on verified sales. Mileage, condition and options move any single car's price; each year's page shows its recent sales.
Which Mercedes-Benz S500 year is appreciating?
This page shows what each year is worth and how that compares with its original price. Whether each year is appreciating, stable or depreciating is DriveIndex's Value Signal, which Pro members see for every year along with a 1–5 year projection.