Vehicle price comparison
Mercedes S Class vs Ford Explorer Transmission Control Module 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 transmission control module cost more?
A used Mercedes S Class transmission control module carries a median asking price of $135, which is 23% higher than the Ford Explorer at $110. Supply also plays a role: Mercedes S Class has 32,212 priced listings versus 10,973 for Ford Explorer, and more listings generally mean more choices and more competitive pricing.
Grade A (excellent condition) parts make up 89% of Mercedes S Class listings compared to 67% for the Ford Explorer, so buyers looking for top-condition units will find more options on the Mercedes S Class side.
The Ford Explorer average ($141) runs 28% above its median ($110), indicating a tail of high-priced listings — likely low-mileage or remanufactured units pulling the average up.
The Ford Explorer transmission control module is interchangeable across 20 model years versus just 14 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 Ford Explorer is 26% cheaper ($106 vs $144) — the gap narrows compared to the overall median difference.
Buyer's checklist
What to check before buying a used transmission control module
- Match OEM hardware and software part numbers exactly, as shift schedules and solenoid driving algorithms differ between gear ratios and engine sizes.
- Determine if the module is standalone, integrated into the PCM/ECM, or mounted internally on the transmission valve body (mechatronic unit).
- Check if the module requires VIN programming, clutch adaptation relearns, or flash updating before normal gear engagement will occur.
- Inspect connector pins for fluid wicking; leaky transmission harness seals can force transmission fluid up into the TCM connector plug pins.
Full price guide
Mercedes S Class Transmission Control Module
$25 – $750 · 32,212 listings
Full price guide
Ford Explorer Transmission Control Module
$20 – $653 · 10,973 listings
Common questions
Mercedes S Class vs Ford Explorer transmission control module FAQ
Is a used Mercedes S Class transmission control module cheaper than a Ford Explorer?
Ford Explorer has the lower median by $25 (23%). The Ford Explorer transmission control module ranges from $20 to $653 across 10,973 listings, while the Mercedes S Class ranges from $25 to $750 across 32,212 listings.
Can I use a Mercedes S Class transmission control module in a Ford Explorer?
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 32,212 priced Mercedes S Class listings and 10,973 priced Ford Explorer listings — 43,185 in total.
How does condition grade affect the price?
Part condition significantly impacts price. Grade A (Excellent): Mercedes S Class $144 vs Ford Explorer $106. Grade B (Good): Mercedes S Class $206 vs Ford Explorer $125. Grade C (Fair): Mercedes S Class $59 vs Ford Explorer $75. 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 transmission control module has 1 trim variant and the Ford Explorer has 20. Variants differ by engine size, drivetrain, or part number — matching the right variant is critical for proper fitment.
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