Vehicle price comparison
Mercedes S Class vs Audi A4 Ignition Switch prices
Saurabh Kumar
Co-Founder & CTO, Part Price Guide
Built the pricing pipeline that collects and normalizes used OEM part listings from salvage yards and online marketplaces across the US.
Ambika Sharma
Co-Founder & COO, Part Price Guide
12 years of project management and technical operations experience. Reviews price guides for sample size, fitment accuracy, and data freshness.
Price face-off
Median price comparison
Condition comparison
How does the price differ by part grade?
Market analysis
Why does the Mercedes S Class ignition switch cost more?
A used Mercedes S Class ignition switch carries a median asking price of $100, which is 28% higher than the Audi A4 at $78. Supply also plays a role: Mercedes S Class has 2,031 priced listings versus 340 for Audi A4, and more listings generally mean more choices and more competitive pricing.
The Mercedes S Class average ($130) runs 30% above its median ($100), indicating a tail of high-priced listings — likely low-mileage or remanufactured units pulling the average up.
Only 64% of Audi A4 ignition switch listings include a posted price (340 of 532 observed) — the rest are "call for price," which usually signals negotiable or higher-than-average pricing.
The Audi A4 ignition switch is interchangeable across 17 model years versus just 10 for the Mercedes S Class — that wider compatibility window means more donor vehicles in salvage yards and tends to push prices lower.
At Grade A (excellent) condition, the Audi A4 is 22% cheaper ($78 vs $100) — the gap narrows compared to the overall median difference.
Buyer's checklist
What to check before buying a used ignition switch
- Determine if the unit includes the mechanical lock cylinder with matching keys, or if it is purely the electrical ignition switch contact block.
- Match key transponder chip frequency (Passlock, PATS, or RFID) and verify if anti-theft relearn or key programming tools will be required.
- Inspect wire harness pigtail connectors for burnt plastic or loose female spade terminals caused by ignition circuit overload.
- Verify key cylinder positions (Accessory, Off, Run, Start) turn smoothly without sticking, binding, or requiring key jiggling.
Full price guide
Mercedes S Class Ignition Switch
$35 – $384 · 2,031 listings
Full price guide
Audi A4 Ignition Switch
$60 – $124 · 340 listings
Common questions
Mercedes S Class vs Audi A4 ignition switch FAQ
Is a used Mercedes S Class ignition switch cheaper than a Audi A4?
Audi A4 has the lower median by $22 (28%). The Audi A4 ignition switch ranges from $60 to $124 across 340 listings, while the Mercedes S Class ranges from $35 to $384 across 2,031 listings.
Can I use a Mercedes S Class ignition switch in a Audi A4?
This comparison describes pricing, not interchangeability. Even when two parts share similar prices, they may require different engines, trims, electronics, or mounting points. Always match the seller's part number against your VIN before purchasing.
How many listings does this comparison cover?
This comparison draws from 2,031 priced Mercedes S Class listings and 340 priced Audi A4 listings — 2,371 in total.
How does condition grade affect the price?
Part condition significantly impacts price. Grade A (Excellent): Mercedes S Class $100 vs Audi A4 $78. Grade B (Good): Mercedes S Class $119 vs Audi A4 $78. Grade A parts are in excellent condition, B is good, and C is fair — always confirm grading criteria with the seller.
Are there different trim variants to choose from?
Yes. The Mercedes S Class ignition switch has 1 trim variant and the Audi A4 has 2. Variants differ by engine size, drivetrain, or part number — matching the right variant is critical for proper fitment.
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