Potential Purchase on 2003 S600 - Need Advise

[Alpha_Bravo]

Hey fellas, nice to finally join. Would like your thoughts on a S600 I'm looking into. I'm looking at a: 2003 S600 60,000 miles Silver on Black Very clean looking* Accident in 2007 showing bumper replacement. Insurance cost shows $10,000 for damage cost (I think insurance always pays way way mor than warranted?). Asking price is $19,000 Is this a good buy? What are the differences between S550 and S600 besides engine size? I'm coming from a BMW 745Li. I love the 7but absolutely despise the i-drive and dash layout. Love the drive, handling, and room. Please share your thoughts, thanks.

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[malahhaor]

This topic has been covered many many times. Do a search or scroll through 220 section. Bottom line unless it has a perfect and complete set of maintenance records, turn arround and walk away.
Done.

[Alpha_Bravo]

Do a search? "Done" because you've answered it so clearly? Am I on the Benz forum?


Anyone with a sensible answer? With such a car at that mileage, with an accident as described, good purchase at the asking price?

[Quadcammer]

Originally Posted by Alpha_Bravo

Hey fellas, nice to finally join.

Would like your thoughts on a S600 I'm looking into.

I'm looking at a:

2003
S600
60,000 miles
Silver on Black
Very clean looking*

Accident in 2007 showing bumper replacement. Insurance cost shows $10,000 for damage cost (I think insurance always pays way way mor than warranted?).

Asking price is $19,000

Is this a good buy?
What are the differences between S550 and S600 besides engine size?

I'm coming from a BMW 745Li. I love the 7but absolutely despise the i-drive and dash layout. Love the drive, handling, and room.

Please share your thoughts, thanks.

Without looking at the car theres not much we can say, but I'll take on a few points.

1. $10k is more than bumper replacement. Bumper covers are about $2k, parts behind it another $1k or so. Even with paint and labor, you don't get to $10k. I'd wager the lights got banged up and perhaps some mechanicals behind the bumper like the heat exchanger, radiator, etc.

Insurance companies hardly ever pay more than warranted...thats the antithesis of their business model.

That said, if the car was hit in 2007 and its been fine since, I'd be ok with. Despite my car's carfax being clean, I think it was in a minor front end collision. however, it drives fine, looks fine, and has been problem free so I'm not worrying about it anymore. Keep in mind though that a dirty carfax will affect resale to some degree.

2. Differences between s500 and s600. Um, the largest by far is the leather in the interior. S500=plastic/vinyl on everything that isn't wood, the seats, or the headliner/pillars. S600-leather on everything, including alcantara on the headliner. I just put leather conditioner on my s600-level interior, and youd be inclined to think you'd need a whole bottle of leather conditioner. Its literally everywhere and its BLOODY FANTASTIC.

Also, the s600 comes with ABC suspension, not airmatic. ABC is optional on the s500. Do a search for the differences there, they've been covered ad nauseum.

S600s generally come more loaded as well, but you can load up an s500 to be above and beyond a low option 600.

3. the s600 will drive nicer than the 7 and will have similar room, but handling is not quite there on the benzes. Oh, and some MB parts specific to the suspension and V12 will make you wish you kept the bimmer. There is a reason extended warranties are highly recommended on these cars.

$19k isn't bad, but I'd recommend paying more for an 05 or later.

[haoz129]

Welcome to the forum.

It's true a search will help you get enough information.

But since I just bought a 2003 S600 last month let me give your some specific information.

1st, I want to know where do you live cause I don't suggest you to buy the silver 2003 S600 in Mississauga which had a $10,000 damage in 2007. Strange enough that accident was not covered by insurance.

2nd, in 2003 there is only S500 which belong to W220, S550 only came with W221.

3rd, it may cost you a lot to maintain a 2003 S600. Other than tech details I learned two important things from valuable advices from this forum members:
- Be patient: if you really want a W220 S600, do home work and find the best one;
- Be causious: even you test drive a W220 S600 and feel wonderful, it may still need thousands to fix. So a Star Certified inspection is a must.

Here is the thread about my purchase advanture, you could use it as a ref:
My first S-Class: Deposit paid to secure a 2003 S600.

Thanks.

Howard

[Alpha_Bravo]

'preciate the thorough and elaborative responses. And yes, Hoaz, I'm in Etobicoke and the car is in mississauga HAHA how the hell do you know 'bout it.

I asked the difference between the s500 vs s600 because the snakesman(salesman) told me over the phone the s600 are larger than the s500 all the time.... my eye brow raised because I've never heard nor read anything like that.

If I can't locate a decent s600 then I'll wait a few more months and get the '07 S550. Can the 550 be also upgraded to the status of the s600?

[haoz129]

Originally Posted by Alpha_Bravo

'preciate the thorough and elaborative responses. And yes, Hoaz, I'm in Etobicoke and the car is in mississauga HAHA how the hell do you know 'bout it.
...

Nice to see you man.

I used to live in Toronto and now I'm in London.
I knew every 2003 S600 on sale in Canada. I did my home work and picked up a Silver one with sport pkg.
I may be wrong but you can get it much lower than $19k for sure.

Anyway, don't touch it unless you know this car deep inside plus all details about the accident.

Most important fact support me to buy a 2003 S600 is I know cars and handle maintenance/repair by myself as I am not rich.

If you really fall in love with the TTV12 wait for a 05 or later as Oliverk mentioned. But seems not too much to choose in Canada. Otherwise S500 or S550 maybe a more practical choice.
Although S500 and S600 are same size, S500 or S550 can't touch S600 in power or finishing, but as mentioned they are more practical to own.

Just a ref, you may interest about my maintenance and repair list:
Ongoing Maintenance and Repair for a 2003 S600.

Good luck.

Howard

[Sgt. Schultz]

Originally Posted by Oliverk

2. Differences between s500 and s600. Um, the largest by far is the leather in the interior.

bwhahahahaaaaa, awesome

four cylinders / two turbos... who notices 'em?

A quadjillion more lbs/tq... minor.

Too funny dewd, sometimes you reallllly crack me up.

AB, you need to decide what you want out of a car to compare a biturbo V12 to a N/A V8. Drive the 600 and the 550 (W221, you know - 220's a 500).

Even w/ a fully kitted out 500 - they are enTIRELY different cars... the motor defines not only a different character of 220... but a different character of car altogether. Name another biturbo12 sedan? 8-)

If you think a 600 is what you want, follow Howard's advise (heh, yeah - given from all of us)... it's sound.

Said it before / say it again... just have Bruce get you one (put out the Batsignal, or say his name thrice like Beetlejuice?), that's your best bet honestly.

The 745 is a bit more of a driver's car - handling wise. I wouldn't let that deter you tho, once you learn the nuance of a 600 it's a fine driver's car (if such aspects are important to you).

an '03 600 w/ 60k @ $19k is fair, if it's a fully sorted no stories car - if 8-)

Definitely best of luck, hopefully you find a good one.

[Becks Imports]

The S600 is a Gulfstream Executive Jet for the road. It's as fast as one, it's finished inside like one, it's roomy like one, and it's as smooth as one. It's a nearly unbeatable combination.

The only giveaway is that it's more luxury limo, and less sports sedan, than some others like 745Li or S8 Audi. So if that's more your taste, you should know that.

Me, I'd throw the sports personality out the window for a post-tuning 600HP V12 bi-turbo. And the super super super leather hand-stitched interior.

The only real downside is that you should get a really good warranty, because they can be very expensive to own and operate long-term. Any car you consider should go through a full Benz dealer PPI.

I can get you whatever car you like, and here in the USA the selection is much better, and I can easily ship to a border crossing near you.

Let me know if you need any help.

Bruce
Becks Imports LLC
856-912-2600
brucem105@comcast.net

[Sgt. Schultz]

...



...

Originally Posted by Becks Imports

Me, I'd throw the sports personality out the window for a post-tuning 600HP V12 bi-turbo. And the super super super leather hand-stitched interior

right?

^exactlythis^

I was all but set on a Quattroporte or V10 //S8... until Brucifer spoketh of the Seventh Circle of Hell. The bastid.

these levels of tq is hard to describe, honestly

guy I work w/ has a GenII GTO (6.0 400/400, I entirely dig those btw)... we're always ribbin e/o for yukks. I'm like, so, you've got what - 400 #'s tq? I've got double that.

that

that is like

me

having 400 #'s

and you

having ZERO

>insert Dr. Evil soundtrack<



just sayin

think about it 8-)

[Quadcammer]

Originally Posted by Alpha_Bravo

What are the differences between S550 and S600 besides engine size?

.

Originally Posted by Sgt. Schultz

bwhahahahaaaaa, awesome

four cylinders / two turbos... who notices 'em?

A quadjillion more lbs/tq... minor.

Too funny dewd, sometimes you reallllly crack me up.

.

thought it was pretty clear that he understood the engine difference.

[Sgt. Schultz]

ha!

d'oh

soooosorry my bad - partyfoul

(i suk @ teh intarnet - can I get a Mulligan?)

carry on

[Alpha_Bravo]

Bumping this thread again

Located an S600 with 74K miles on it for $17K (take additional $500 if ad is shown)

Car fax shows no history of accident. Black on black. If I go for it it would have to be shipped to Toronto as the car is located in the states.

Here's the ad http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...13145351&Log=0

Anyone know what shipping costs will be around? Can I get MB dealer to check it out before buying it from here?

Thoughts? thanks

[classyS]

welcome to the forum!

[classyS]

Alpha Bravo - if you dont buy warranty, make sure to get a extra set of coils..

also, u might as well buy the tune with the car, its around 1k more and its worth it.

thats what im doing!! (but im def. gettin warranty)

why s600? - u shouldnt be asking yourself this.

[Alpha_Bravo]

Originally Posted by classyS

Alpha Bravo - if you dont buy warranty, make sure to get a extra set of coils..

also, u might as well buy the tune with the car, its around 1k more and its worth it.

thats what im doing!! (but im def. gettin warranty)

why s600? - u shouldnt be asking yourself this.

Are you refering to regular coils and tune-up? The dealer does that for a cost? I can probably get that done here.

Why S600? In a nut shell, Because I love those shapes, the quality of high end material used inside, the fact interior was hand stiched, and the monster size engine. It' has the best of all worlds.

Coming from a 745Li I was looking into a760Li but the interior is not as good as the S600. I also abhored the idrive. Also, a lot of kids getting them these days.

[classyS]

niiice yeah im in the same situation.. the s430 is nice but now its time for something better, same class, nothing new to learn except the engine!! and still 4 door - wife cant complain! right?

also too.. if your girlfriend/fiance says no, just say the 4 doors is good for kids in the future. lol

[PMKC]

I've owned my '03 S600 Sport blk/blk for exactly a year now, hauls 3 kids in the back seat. Absolutely love it. I got it with an aftermarket warranty (4yr/50k), though, totaled $22500 with 83k miles a year ago (have 88k now) in excellent shape. So I'd say you could have a pretty good deal there--depends how much warranty is.
The interior is amazing. I do like the 760Li interior too, but these cars don't cost as much (well, at least to start--who knows about maintenance over time, probably more, depends on a lot) and are more fun to drive in my opinion.
Did the plugs, fluid changes, and so far so good. Had a couple of things fixed under warranty (weren't emergencies) and then a few "while we're at it/this part is out" type stuff that added up to $4k extra but for an entire year to start with a good car I've been nothing but happy. Nervous? yes as I'm not a millionaire. But, I absolutely love driving it--it is so stinkin quick, lol.
Had the SRS bag light turn on last weekend but not too worried about it, I'm sure it's a little connector that fouled out or something (I hope).