crocoss

Hey Folks,,

As the title says,, I am buying a 2001 S500 tomorrow and I would like to know what I am getting into. I have ZERO experience with this generation the W220s so please help me out with whatever info you can provide me. I had a bad experience buying the first year production of the F10 550 BMW and don't want that same scenario happening again. So thanks in advance.

The car I am looking at is a 2001 S500 Silver/black. has 161000 miles on the clock. The dealer (not an MB dealer) says everything is working as it should and judging by the way the car sits it seems that the suspension (i don't know if it is air suspension or not) is in a very good condtion. all 4 corners are leveled. The vehicle has new brakes/ tires on all 4 corners. AC works, heater works, interior exterior all look excellent for a 15 year old car.

Now to the big things, what are those S500s (from the W220 generation) known for in terms of issues, reliability...etc I would like to know, with your help folks, if this is going to be a vehicle that won't cost me an arm and a leg when things go bad since it is an S class. What should I look/ keep an eye for when inspecting the car tomorrow? any advice?

I have tried looking up old threads but my browser wouldn't open the pages for some reason. I know this is a last minute thread but anything you can help with will be much appreciated.

Again thanks guys
Sam

Rainers

SLOW DOWN!!!

Ask if you can have Mercedes do a service check for you before you buy. If a simple thing is wrong or out of wack like air suspension or soft crankshaft assembly, your not talking a thousand dollar repair, you in the 6k to 9k neighborhood. Be smart, the selling dealer should not be afraid if they feel confident about selling you a nice car

tusabes

Agreed , you already know the answer is to get a professional inspection by a mb specialist

suspension is the costliest issue - besides the airmatic at this age these cars often need ball joints and control arms . This is $3-5k to have a shop do it . Airmatic is another $3-5k to have a shop do it .

Unless you can dIY or have a buddy who charges little labor /beer money , these cars can bankrupt you. That's why the selling price is so cheap on them - it's because repairs are still as costly as any other $100,000 luxury car .

Less expensive, but common , issues include a bad accelerator pedal , shifter that sticks in park, a transmission electrical plug that leaks and let's fluid into the computer , crank position sensor , etc.. Virtually all older w220 will need these repairs

vmystikilv

If the radiator or upper coolant hose hasn't been changed, be prepared at that mileage. every 500 engine I have ever owned, it fails between 160-165k . Other than that, normal Manitence is needed and I consider the air suspension Manitence. I just ordered a rear shock for $155 and I can change it myself in ten minutes.....

vmystikilv

If it has ABC Suspension, RUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Or get rid of it and convert it.

crocoss

Thanks for the response sir,,,

What is ABC suspension? and how can I get rid of it/convert it?


Best

cmpcpro

So far I like my ABC. It just cost me under a grand to have the pump replaced and the fluid and filter flushed and changed. The seller had just replaced the right rear shock and the rear dampener too.

crocoss

Thanks for the input but what's ABC? I've been trying to figure it out lol

crocoss

Thanks for the input sir,,

How much did it cost (roughly) to fix the radiator/upper coolant hose ??

crocoss

The purchase of the car has been postponed until tomorrow (Sat 14/1/2017) so any further info you guys have would be awesome

cmpcpro

If you make it to that 14th month let me know how you got there! Sorry ABC is MB's active hydraulic suspension system. Its very nice when working right but any other time it's pretty much married to your wallet!

vmystikilv

I had my radiator and hose changed for $600 last month

crocoss

How do I know if the car is equipped with airmatic or not?

cmpcpro

You can check the buttons on the dash as the easiest part. You will see a button that says ABC if it's an ABC setup otherwise it will be Airmatic.

tusabes

Yes it's either airmatic air suspension or abc hydraulic suspension . One of The buttons on the top center of dash will say abc if it had abc , otherwise it's airmatic

either type of suspension can costs thousands to fix if you need a shop to do the work

vmystikilv

Airmatic is a lot cheaper and easier to fix than ABC. Esepcially if you have a good shop or you can do it yourself.