Vehicle price comparison
Mercedes S Class vs Kia Optima Throttle Body 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 throttle body cost more?
A used Mercedes S Class throttle body carries a median asking price of $120, which is 64% higher than the Kia Optima at $73. Supply also plays a role: Mercedes S Class has 2,707 priced listings versus 757 for Kia Optima, and more listings generally mean more choices and more competitive pricing.
The Mercedes S Class average ($147) runs 23% above its median ($120), indicating a tail of high-priced listings — likely low-mileage or remanufactured units pulling the average up.
Our guide covers 8 model years for the Mercedes S Class (2015–2022) but only 6 for the Kia Optima (2015–2020), so the Mercedes S Class data reflects a broader range of generations.
Only 63% of Kia Optima throttle body listings include a posted price (757 of 1,206 observed) — the rest are "call for price," which usually signals negotiable or higher-than-average pricing.
The Mercedes S Class throttle body is interchangeable across 22 model years versus just 14 for the Kia Optima — that wider compatibility window means more donor vehicles in salvage yards and tends to push prices lower.
At Grade A (excellent) condition, the Kia Optima is 44% cheaper ($75 vs $135) — the gap widens compared to the overall median difference.
Buyer's checklist
What to check before buying a used throttle body
- Distinguish between electronic drive-by-wire throttle bodies and traditional cable-actuated units with Idle Air Control (IAC) valves.
- Check bore diameter and butterfly valve throat for heavy carbon build-up, shaft play, or scoring along the aluminum bore wall.
- Inspect electronic sensor housing cover and connector pins for moisture entry, cracks, or burnt circuit traces.
- Verify coolant heating bypass nipple locations and vacuum port configurations, which vary by vehicle region and emission spec.
Full price guide
Mercedes S Class Throttle Body
$39 – $493 · 2,707 listings
Full price guide
Kia Optima Throttle Body
$25 – $193 · 757 listings
Common questions
Mercedes S Class vs Kia Optima throttle body FAQ
Is a used Mercedes S Class throttle body cheaper than a Kia Optima?
Kia Optima has the lower median by $47 (64%). The Kia Optima throttle body ranges from $25 to $193 across 757 listings, while the Mercedes S Class ranges from $39 to $493 across 2,707 listings.
Can I use a Mercedes S Class throttle body in a Kia Optima?
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 2,707 priced Mercedes S Class listings and 757 priced Kia Optima listings — 3,464 in total.
How does condition grade affect the price?
Part condition significantly impacts price. Grade A (Excellent): Mercedes S Class $135 vs Kia Optima $75. Grade B (Good): Mercedes S Class $175 vs Kia Optima $75. Grade C (Fair): Mercedes S Class $50 vs Kia Optima $59. 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 throttle body has 5 trim variants and the Kia Optima has 4. Variants differ by engine size, drivetrain, or part number — matching the right variant is critical for proper fitment.
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