Hey guys,
My name is Tony and I am looking into buying a 2005 S500 (non 4matic) with 19K miles including AMG sport package for around $32K. Is that a good buy if the car is in excellent condition?
I have heard that the earlier years (2000-2003) had lots of problems...thus I was wondering if you can share with me your experiences with your S500?
What should I be looking for or expect from the 2005 S500 model??
Thanks.

 

You know you posted this in the E Class (W210) forum?

 

I can help, as I've had both a 210 and a 2005 S500 (although mine is a 4matic).

The best thing I can do is give a comparison.

You awake, get dressed, get your morning cup of coffee. Then its out to the driveway. Instead of that slightly boxy and upright vehicle you're used to, you see the sleek, long, and aerodynamic look of the W220. As you approach, you smartly click the unlock button on the electronic keyfob. The mirrors unfold and the lights turn on, as if to say hello. As you get closer, you notice the massive headlights, the aggressive look of the AMG sport package (I think they look super boring without it), and the nice touches mercedes thought of to both make the car more attractive, and also more aerodynamic.

You reach the door handle and feel the weight of those massive doors. Now your 210 had some nice doors, but these just have such substantial weight and feel, and you feel like you're stepping into a bank vault.

As you slide into some of the most comfortable seats ever placed into a production automobile and shut the door, you'll note that the doors suck shut. No more slamming necessary. Now to survey the scene. A nicely designed dash and center console. Tons of legroom, and more seat adjustments than you know what to do with. A little chilly? turn on those standard heated seats? A Bit warm? Optional ventilated seats combined with an effective climate control will solve that problem quickly.

Now you turn the key. Is the engine running? Its so quiet that you almost aren't sure. You glance at the tach and are reassured that no, your battery is not dead and that the big 5.0 V8 is in fact settling into a nice steady idle. Into reverse and out of the driveway. Hmm, that bump between the driveway and road seemed noticeable absent compared to the 210. Clearly, the airmatic suspension is doing its job to keep you supremely comfortable over even the worst roads. Now into drive. You barely touch the gas, expecting the same surge that the 210 gave you. But no, the S500 seems a bit less willing to move. You prod the throttle a little more and realize that this car simply has a bit less touchy and "heavier" gas pedal. No worries as the power is certainly enough to get you into traffic with ease with only a slightly more firm footwork.

Ah, traffic on the 101. Damn. Had you been in any other car, this might bother you. But in your S500, you simply turn up the radio, set the climate control to your perfect temperature, and put up the rear sunshade and fire up the massaging seats, and you may as well be in your favorite resort. It is no wonder that studies found that S-class drivers have lower heart rates while driving than any other luxury sedan. Traffic starts moving and its time to get to work. You jump on it. The 722.6 makes its slightly lethargic downshifts and you are off. Hmm, a 302hp car should pull harder you say. But then you realize you are lugging around 4300lbs of teutonic marvel, and then, when the intake runners make their shift, you realize that the engine is starting to come alive and you're gaining speed quickly. Its hard to tell though, because you don't hear any extra engine, tire, or wind noise.

You take your exit and your on an open freeway at last. You decide to set airmatic to sports 1 since you are a bit late (damn traffic). 70! 80! 90! Ok andretti, take it easy. Its just so difficult when the car is so quiet, smooth, and rock solid on the highway. Even if you hadn't selected sports 1, the car would have imperceptibly lowered to give it a planted feel (not to mention better mpg). Bumps? Expansion joints? Merely a memory as you glide over them. The steering is light and easy, yet incredibly precise at all speeds. As you click on the distronic cruise control to a more sane level, you have some time to take in your surroundings. Finely polished wood? Check! Buttery soft leather on the seats and door panels? Check! Soft plastics? Check. Large Screen navigation? Check!

You approach your office. Although the trip had some annoyances with traffic, you arrive at work feeling fresh and ready to start the day. No fatigue whatsoever. You open the door, and then gently nudge it shut, letting the soft-close doors finish the job. As you walk away, you hit the lock button and the lights flash, the mirrors fold in, and the car lets off a bit of air from the air struts signaling that the car is going to take a nap while waiting for you to return for the glide home. The S-Class. Simply the finest regular production luxury sedan on the planet. Period.






That said, the 220 is significantly more complicated than the 210. Mechanically, the engine, transmission, and rearend are rock solid in typical MB fashion. Most of the electronics are pretty good in 2005, but occasionally you can get an errant warning that seems to make no sense. Usually, just shutting off and restarting fixes that. I had some issues with abs wheel sensors and TPMS sensors, but thats it as far as electronics. You will also want to make sure the battery is good as a weak battery can wreck havoc and make the car act weird.

Airmatic seems to be the big "gotcha", but as time goes on that is less of an issue. The 05 has the upgraded strut tops, better relay, and seems to have far less issues in that regard. I have driven my car from 100 deg. to -2 degrees, and my airmatic has been great. That said, if you do have an issue, there are places that sell new OEM struts for about $800, and you can get high quality remanufactured pieces for $400.

If those numbers scare you, then maybe a 220 is not right for you. Repairs are expensive due to the complexity of the car. If you buy a good car that has been inspected and well maintained, the issues should be minimal. But if you do have issues, expect $1000 at least when you head to the dealer. Much stuff is DIY, and that helps if you have some skill.

I liked my 210, but I love my 220. Its just such a beautiful car (get the sport package) and it really does deliver in every way a luxury car should.

I got mine fully loaded, as I believe everyone should. These cars are known for their options and you should try to experience them.

So, I hope that this has helped, and im tired of typing, so if you have any specific questions, I can try and answer them.

 

Oliver, Yacht Master and I were looking into airmatic shocks for his car when he noticed that parts.com is listing them for $649 brand new. I don't think this deal will last, so if anyone needs 'em, go get 'em.

 

PM.Iv'e got the gloves on.
ohlord

 

Nice!

 

Proctology exam?

 

good to know. Might want to throw that up in the 220 forum as well. My car doesn't seem to have any airmatic issues, but parts.com has literally saved me many hundreds. I love that place

 

the gloves that O.J. could not fit on his hands

 

ohlord never disappoints...although an S500 Sport 2005 or '06 will soon be added to my garage, they have depreciated to the point where they are a tremendous bargain. I've been over and over the S500 vs. 745li debate a hundred times, but driving both reveals that the S500 is still more fun to drive hard. But I'm not selling the E420, either. I'm fully expecting the airmatic system to deliver some issues, but owning a Lincoln Navigator and Range Rover has sold me on the benefits of riding on air.

 

Haven't owned one, but used to work in MB sales and have driven PLENTY of them. As other have said, the later w220 is MUCH less problematic and is a fantastic vehicle to drive, especially on the highway. OliverK's response is spot on. I'd just like to add one thing...

If you like the w220 S500, try out a similar-year CL500. If you don't mind the missing doors, it is everything the w220 is and a little bit more.

 

Sounds like the 2005 S500 still has the chance of the airmatic system going south sooner or later. Maybe I will hang in there and perhaps look into the 2007-2008 model year...sounds like they are much improved overall in quality.
Also, I was considering a BMW 750li but sounds like alot of people here still prefer the S class over the Bimmer 7 series.

 

yes, the 05, and even the 07 and 08 have the possibility of losing an airmatic part.

That said, the struts are fairly cheap as remans ($400), and the pump is about $600.

The horror stories are generally overblown.

The S is simply a better luxury car than the 7 series.

 

I supposed any airmatic system provides a great ride...but the technology or at least the parts are not perfected yet.
Does it has anything with driving the car hard (taking corners for example) that causes premature failure?

 

$32K sounds good to me. I have been casually looking at some S350s and those are selling in the same price range here. Good luck as those W220 S500s are nice cars and, to my eye, much more visually appealing than the W221.

 

the 220. The 220 looks more for the mature audience versus the mature and sporty audience. However, I think the 221 interior looks better with the dash layout...more smooth.
I wonder what percentage of people like the 220 versus 221 body style??

 

sporty driving should not affect the system. Honestly, failures on the later (04+) airmatic cars are rare. If they do break, they are not hatefully expensive. That said, it is possible. Is it perfect? no! Is it extremely enjoyable when its working right (98% of the time)? absolutely.



As for the 220 vs 221, I have a couple of thoughts.

1. Both look way too sedate without the sport package. Almost dowdy with the small rims and standard fascia.
2. The 221 may look more aggressive, but the smoother lines of the 220 are more classic and beautiful to me. It seems to flow a bit better than the chunkier new model.
3. I think the 221 interior is my least favorite aspect. The huge dash hood over the gauges and nav screen looks awkward in my opinion, and the center stack resembles the 7 series too much for my liking. The column shifter is also a big mistake in my mind.

I would probably take a 221 if i could choose between mine and that, but It would either have to be a 600/65 or a designo model. The full leather really spoils you.

 

I'm 25 and prefer the W220 inside and out to the W221. My father had a W220 S500 which I got to drive quite a bit and I adored it...I don't feel the love for his A8 half as much.

In my mind you've got to get a W220 with at least AMG monoblocks, the regular wheels don't look right....my father's didn't have the AMG sport package (in the UK you bought the wheels and body styling separately) but did have the wheels.

 

Classy looking no matter what...220 or 221.
Wonder if the 7 speed makes a big difference over the 5-speed? Besides slightly better fuel mileage...can you feel the torque more much more? or is it just smoother?