A new Stihl MS 500i chainsaw typically costs about $2,000-$2,200 before tax, with the final price shaped by bar length, dealer setup, location, and included accessories. Used saws can cost substantially less, but condition and service history matter because repairs to a high-performance professional saw can be expensive.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New saw, powerhead | $1,900 | $2,100 | $2,300 | Dealer price varies; bar and chain package may affect quote |
| New saw with bar and chain | $2,000 | $2,200 | $2,450 | Typical retail configuration |
| Used, working condition | $1,100 | $1,550 | $1,950 | Age, hours, and service records change value |
| Common replacement chain | $25 | $40 | $65 | Price depends on pitch, gauge, and length |
What a new MS 500i costs at a U.S. dealer
Most buyers should budget roughly $2,000-$2,300 for a new saw configured for ordinary professional use. A lower quote may be for a powerhead without a bar and chain, while a higher quote can reflect a longer cutting setup, dealer-installed accessories, or a higher-cost market. Prices may change by dealer and availability, and local sales tax is usually additional.
The MS 500i is a professional 79.2 cc fuel-injected saw. Quotes are not directly comparable unless they identify whether the bar, chain, scabbard, and initial setup are included. Assumptions: new equipment, standard 20-inch bar configuration, typical U.S. dealer pricing, before tax.
How the bar, chain, setup, and tax shape the quote
The largest quote difference is often whether the advertised price covers a complete cutting setup or just the powerhead. Ask the dealer to itemize the equipment and any labor or delivery charges rather than comparing headline prices alone.
| Quote component | Typical price | What changes the charge |
|---|---|---|
| Powerhead | $1,850-$2,150 | Dealer, stock, and regional pricing |
| Bar and chain package | $100-$250 | Bar length, chain type, and package contents |
| Setup and inspection | $0-$100 | May be included or billed separately |
| Protective gear or accessories | $50-$400 | Chaps, helmet, files, and spare chain |
| Sales tax and delivery | $0-$250 | Tax rate and delivery distance |
Compare the delivered, ready-to-cut total, not only the listed powerhead price. Dealer setup can include assembly and a basic inspection; confirm what is covered and whether the saw is being sold with the bar length requested.
Why 20-inch and 25-inch bars have different prices
Bar length affects the package price and the work the saw is suited to, but a longer bar is not automatically the better-value choice. A 20-inch bar is a common general-purpose setup; a 25-inch bar can add roughly $30-$100 to a package, depending on bar construction and chain included. Longer bars and specialized chains may cost more and can increase consumable expenses.
Chain pitch and gauge must match the bar and saw setup. Replacement chains commonly run about $25-$65 each, while a compatible replacement bar may be around $70-$160. Confirm compatibility with the dealer before pricing an alternate bar or chain.
Which MS 500i specifications change the final price?
Configuration, condition, and market availability are the main price drivers. The 79.2 cc engine and electronic fuel injection distinguish the MS 500i from lower-cost saws, but regional dealer pricing still creates variation. In higher-cost metro markets, a comparable new package may be roughly 5%-12% above a lower-cost rural-market quote; limited stock can also narrow discounts.
For used saws, hours and service condition can shift value by hundreds of dollars. A clean, tested saw with documented maintenance may sell around $1,500-$1,950; one with uncertain history or visible wear may be $1,100-$1,500, before likely service needs. Ask for a cold start and inspection rather than treating a low asking price as proof of savings.
How much do service labor and repairs add?
Routine sharpening and cleaning are often owner-performed, while dealer diagnostics or repairs add labor and parts. Shop rates commonly fall around $90-$150 per hour, and a basic inspection or diagnostic visit may cost about $50-$120. A tune-up or minor service can land near $100-$250, depending on what is needed.
For example, two hours of shop work at $90-$150 per hour means $180-$300 in labor before parts. Fuel-injection or major engine repairs can exceed that range, so an older used saw deserves a professional estimate before purchase. Service history can be more valuable than a small discount on the asking price.
Used MS 500i versus a lower-cost new saw
A used MS 500i may save about $300-$900 compared with a new dealer package, but that gap can disappear if the saw needs a bar, chain, clutch, fuel-system work, or other repairs. A lower-priced new professional saw from another model line may have a lower purchase price, though it may not match the 500i’s power or fuel-injection features.
For occasional property maintenance, a smaller saw may cost roughly $400-$900 new, depending on size and brand. That is not a direct substitute for demanding large-wood work, but it can avoid paying for professional capacity that is rarely used. Match engine class to the wood size and workload before comparing purchase prices.
Ways to lower the MS 500i purchase total
Request comparable written quotes from several authorized dealers, including bar, chain, setup, tax, and delivery. Ask whether a standard bar package is available instead of paying for a longer setup that the work does not require. Bundled protective equipment can be worthwhile only when the individual items and package prices are clear.
For a used saw, arrange an inspection and subtract expected repairs from the offer rather than relying on the seller’s claimed savings. Avoid unnecessary accessories at checkout, but budget for a spare chain and suitable protective gear if they are needed. The most reliable savings come from comparing identical configurations and controlling add-ons.