Aivis Popesku

Hello Guys

After having 2 BMW's before with terible experience
BMW 525TDS 1996 e39 (Had spend 2k+ In repairs in 3 months, engine dead, transmission all this and that) I dont want to get any other BMW again

So im Looking at Mercedes, and particulary S Class, newer year 2000-2005
S500 of course, there is only 1 S600 and 2000 year 6.5k EUR

So i wanted to ask.

How reliable they are? And how big are the costs if something breaks down?

Couldnt find any buyers guide, but as i know i think i should avoid airmatic, that can cost quite a lot, especially on not that good roads.

Thanks guys, i would appreciate any input

ibeforreal

Go for the 2003 or higher S500. What you should avoid is ABC suspension and not airmatic. If you are a DIYer then that will save lots of money.

Aivis Popesku

Thanks man, ill keep that in mind

But as i did read in forum, wouldnt airmatic break down faster on quite bad roads ?

Benzman33

Yes it will, Go for an 03 or better. I have an Airmatic and it acts up sometimes but the ride is like your floating.

Aivis Popesku

This seems like perfect match : https://www.ss.lv/msg/lv/transport/c...500/ffipe.html

185k KM on clock
Lorinser body kit

Just as its S class , got to look for full package, would like to get massage seats, that seems nice

lganski

Keep in mind that all of these cars have their issues. I can't speak for the other brands except for what I hear and read in the forums. I have an 06 S430 4Matic and it has been very good to me and it now has 272K miles on it. The car had 96k when I purchased it. My average yearly repairs over the last 6 years has been under $2k per year. I do almost all of my own work. Except for the airmatic compressor I have not yet had to deal with the suspension although I know I am due. Additionally this forum is a wealth of information on troubleshooting, often better than the dealers. Good luck.

Aivis Popesku

Thats 170-180 a month just to drive luxury car, not that bad actually.

But i doubt that ill keep it more than a year. So got to get good deal at very first moment.

joemomma

Why get a older car with high mileage?

Benzman33

Why are you in the W220 section?

lganski

I always let someone else take the depreciation hit then I keep my cars for 8 or 10 years. This car was a $98K car and I got it for under 20k and I have been driving it for over 6 years now. As long as it has a good drive train and no rust it is a good car.