ChuckinTucson

I've recently moved from AZ to SoCal and have been thinking about getting an S-Class. I came across a 2002 S600 with 53,000 miles on it. They're asking $18,500. The CarFax report shows two previous owners and the service being done faithfully at Beverly Hills M-B. It is Silver with Black interior (pretty common I would suspect). Not sure what options are on the car, but I've emailed the seller to find out.

One thing I found interesting in his listing was that there is 14 months remaining on a M-B factory warranty. Am presuming the second owner bought it as a CPO and that the warranty is transferable.

Any comments would be greatly appreciated.

Das Geld 2

Avoid it, get a 500 or opt for an 03 600.

The 00-02 600 is one big headache

bzliteyear

For 2002 or earlier, I'd avoid the V12.
If you still want power, I'd get the S55. Otherwise, get S500 Sport.
If you really want V12, I'd suggest 2004+...not a big fan of 2003 S55 or S600 - too many bugs w/ the first year of the new engines.
Since 2002-2004 will most likely be out of warranty already, be sure prior owners have already done the ABC pumps, valve blocks, hoses, and radiator. If not, you'll be spending big bucks $7-10k sooner rather than later.
Good luck.
PL

Oxygen

Stay away.

ChuckinTucson

Thank you all for your responses. Looks like I better stick to 2005 or newer.

SGTzAMG

dont rush bro! take these member's input they know their stuff by experience! they all have PhD's in the field of S-Classes :-P lol anywho. unless its a must to get a MBz, take your time!! it is true sometimes u get a badass deal on higher end MBz..but always take precaution DL bro!

tusabes

how long do you plan to keep it>? if its under 14 months of warranty you could drive it for a year and sell it before warranty expires....

do NOT keep this car past the warranty period, unless you manage to get everything replaced while its still under warranty

ChuckinTucson

Again, everyone, thanks for all your input. It doesn't look like I'm going to be getting this car in any case, as I had to leave on an unexpected biz trip to NY for two weeks, then FL for two weeks. I doubt if it will still be for sale when I return. Somebody who doesn't read these forums will be sure to have bought it. I think I'll just keep my eyes out for a 2005-2006 model year.

Trinsoca

You may be able to check on another MB S class in NY or FL while you are on business in these states.

Oxygen

I'll take you for a ride in a crazy one...

ChuckinTucson

I wish I had the time to car shop, especially Florida, but we're filming a commercial and it means 16 hour days, drag your butt to bed and do it again at 5:00 AM. I'm hoping the weather at least cooperates while I'm in Florida. Was there a month or so ago and it was 90 degrees, 90 percent and the mesquitos were the size of small cats. At least the New York part of the trip will be filmed in a studio.

rondocap

Just a question for everyone - what exactly have been the problems with the 2001/2002 S600? Is it the general shared components, like what the S55 or S500 of the same year would have, or are the problems specific to the V12 engine?

tusabes

leaks, misfires and coils are the common engine issues...these are all 4 figure repairs. they are specific to the early v12a.

and no matter what year s600 , most have ABC issues which can be high 4 figure repairs. Every s600 has ABC suspension. This problem is shared by all w220s with the ABC option rather than Airmatic (airmatic repairs are typically 3 figure/low 4 figure repairs)

So if you are going to get a 600, get one with a bumper to bumper warranty and sell it before the warranty expires, unless all these components are replaced during the warranty period

ssonss1

Being a former 01 S600 owner, I wouldn't touch it with a stick! As mentioned above, misfires, oil leaks, ABC issues etc. All very expensive fixes. Search some of my threads for more info, i'm sure i've posted some of my issues on here.

Oxygen

I've owned my S600 for almost 3 years now... the only real issue I've had was a busted ABC High Pressure Expansion Hose. Part was about $300 and if I did not do the work myself, it would have been about $1200 in labor or so.

C280 Sport

Sounds like a good car to me What year is your S600? At my shop now there is a 01 S600 that keeps comming in for the damn airmatic suspension issues. Thousands later hopefully he can get her fixed. My shop says if you want a 600 in W220 or W215 04-06 are the better years. I will actually be having dinner with one of my techs tonight and I can get more info on the issues if you would like.


As said before walk away. Maybe you can find a later model W220 S500 fully loaded.

bzliteyear

wow...airmatic.
For some reason, I thought S600's in 2001 had ABC suspension.
PL

C280 Sport

Errr ABC. Sorry. Your right my mistake. The ABC only comes on S & SL Mercedes. The W211 E55 has the airmatic

Airmatic is pneumatic
ABC is hydraulic

Oxygen

CL215/216 also has ABC.

Oxygen

Mine is a 2005.

C280 Sport

Looks great. Other then the ABC high pressure hose its been good you say? Thats good to hear since the W220 S600 has given many shop a bad taste

Oxygen

Yeah no problems besides a busted hose, which resulted in having to change the tandem pump.

rondocap

I had a busted ABC hose on my S55, too. It snapped and made a loud sound, out of no where! Did not damage, but ALL of the ABC fluids spilled out onto the street and I had to get the car flat bedded. All I needed was a new hose, was fairly cheap but definitely scared me! This happened at around 130,000 something miles. (Car has 148k now, no other problems)

tusabes

so it wasnt just a hose.

the bill for the avg consumer wouldnt have been just a hose, it would have been $300 for the hose $900-1500 for the tandem pump plus $1200-2000 for labor, fluid etc....that doesnt even include valve blocks, struts etc, and that is how ABC repair bills climb into the high 4 figures