Vehicle price comparison
Mercedes S Class vs Kia Optima 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 Kia Optima at $110. Supply also plays a role: Mercedes S Class has 32,212 priced listings versus 5,610 for Kia Optima, and more listings generally mean more choices and more competitive pricing.
The Kia Optima average ($130) runs 18% above its median ($110), indicating a tail of high-priced listings — likely low-mileage or remanufactured units pulling the average up.
Our guide covers 10 model years for the Mercedes S Class (2015–2024) but only 6 for the Kia Optima (2015–2020), so the Mercedes S Class data reflects a broader range of generations.
Only 65% of Kia Optima transmission control module listings include a posted price (5,610 of 8,638 observed) — the rest are "call for price," which usually signals negotiable or higher-than-average pricing.
The Mercedes S Class transmission control module is interchangeable across 14 model years versus just 10 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 24% cheaper ($110 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
Kia Optima Transmission Control Module
$32 – $450 · 5,610 listings
Common questions
Mercedes S Class vs Kia Optima transmission control module FAQ
Is a used Mercedes S Class transmission control module cheaper than a Kia Optima?
Kia Optima has the lower median by $25 (23%). The Kia Optima transmission control module ranges from $32 to $450 across 5,610 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 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 32,212 priced Mercedes S Class listings and 5,610 priced Kia Optima listings — 37,822 in total.
How does condition grade affect the price?
Part condition significantly impacts price. Grade A (Excellent): Mercedes S Class $144 vs Kia Optima $110. Grade B (Good): Mercedes S Class $206 vs Kia Optima $120. Grade C (Fair): Mercedes S Class $59 vs Kia Optima $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 Kia Optima has 35. Variants differ by engine size, drivetrain, or part number — matching the right variant is critical for proper fitment.
More comparisons