Vehicle price comparison
Mercedes S Class vs Subaru Forester 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 1% higher than the Subaru Forester at $99. Supply also plays a role: Mercedes S Class has 2,031 priced listings versus 831 for Subaru Forester, 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.
Our guide covers 11 model years for the Subaru Forester (2015–2025) but only 9 for the Mercedes S Class (2015–2023), so the Subaru Forester data reflects a broader range of generations.
At Grade A (excellent) condition, the Subaru Forester 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
Subaru Forester Ignition Switch
$38 – $180 · 831 listings
Common questions
Mercedes S Class vs Subaru Forester ignition switch FAQ
Is a used Mercedes S Class ignition switch cheaper than a Subaru Forester?
Subaru Forester has the lower median by $1 (1%). The Subaru Forester ignition switch ranges from $38 to $180 across 831 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 Subaru Forester?
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 831 priced Subaru Forester listings — 2,862 in total.
How does condition grade affect the price?
Part condition significantly impacts price. Grade A (Excellent): Mercedes S Class $100 vs Subaru Forester $78. Grade B (Good): Mercedes S Class $119 vs Subaru Forester $99. 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 Subaru Forester has 2. Variants differ by engine size, drivetrain, or part number — matching the right variant is critical for proper fitment.
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