Le Burpor

My dad is thinking of selling his S430 as he hardly uses it anymore. It's an '01 with approx. 44,000 kms on it. I think if I try hard he will accept a price equivalent to what I think I can sell my '03 E320 for. The S430 is in top condition.

What do you guys think? Should I swap it????

adam3

Its a good deal either way....you both can change your mind...I mean he is you r Dad. Bear in mind the new S will affect resale if you keep it more than 1-2 yrs.
Or just change insurance as main driver and both keep cars in their own name.

MBE55AMG

Well if he doesn't use it, nudge to you dad the S430.

Brav

I like the E more than the S as far as style and interior. However, I like the room inside of the S since imalmost 6'4. Really comes down to what will fit suit your needs better and what styling preferences you have. If it had AMG package etc, maybe.. otherwise, the S looks kinda dated and like a barge.

I dont think you have pano but another big consideration for the E. is your car loaded and his car stripped? just depends. you will get the old style COMAND in that S as well.

johna1

The other point is that the new S will be out later this year, which means the S430 will be the old model, whereas your E will be current for a while yet.

Messerchmidt

I have had bad experiences with S and SL models.

the only S I want is an L..... LS430, 01' S430s are nice but I would not want to pay the repair bills.

Keep your E320, less stuff to go wrong with that one.

rickyfanmdr

If you don't love his S enough to already know if you want it or not, I vote "no." Sounds like someone is going to get a great car!

vraa

Keep the E320. You'll love yourself later.

reaxion

Sorry this is off topic...

Le Burpor, do you have good radio reception in Adelaide?
I live in Melbourne, my radio is hissy. The bulk of the sound is perfect, no distortion in the music at all, but in the background i can hear a pulsating hiss.

It doesn't correlate with AC, or any switches, or speed, or power lines. Pretty much random.

glojo

Go with what you are both happy with.

I would be interested to read the response if you posted the exact same question on the S-class forum.

Take care and good luck with your decision,
John

moa4r

when I had my W211 e320 I thought about trading it for an 01 S430 and test drove one and quickly changed my mind. That car is way too big and heavy IMO. Also the interior seems old and dated compared to the w211

Brian_I.

I had this exact dilemma before I opted to go with the E. It all boiled down to this for me:

1. The E is newer and will stay "new" for at least 3 more years.
2. The E is better on gas.
3. The E just looks better, especially when compared to the pre-facelift w220
4. The earlier model w220's are more prone to problems and are generally coming off of their warranties.
5. The E is more fun to drive and is easier to get around in.

I know most of these are just my opinions but maybe they'll help you in your decision.

Le Burpor

G'day mate!

The radio is fine in our MB's (x4 between me and dad). Only had 2 of em in Melb and they worked fine there as well. Never had the E320 in Melb though.

Sounds like you have a buggy antenna.

Brav

The only reason i would go with the S is if you needed more room. At 6'4, im really not that impressed with how much room there is for such a large car. if you compare it to the S (ive seen the side by side) the difference is pretty small. Yet rear seat room really suffers, and with my seat all the way back, my long legs are still unable to stretch out. 90% of the time its not a big deal, but sometimes I wish I had the room. Even then tho, I'd stick with the E, personally.

lorinserbenz

I thought about getting a S430 when I bought my E. The new S coming out in 06 convinced me to get the E. The values on the current S body will drop big time when the new one is released.
With the E you will look current till 2009...

Le Burpor

Thanks for all of you opinions! I've decided to keep my E320. Reasons as follows:

- S is too big for my wife to drive.
- Concerned about the cost for repairs and service now that the car is out of its warranty period.
- Concerned about the accelerated rate of depreciation once the new S-class comes out in around 2 yrs time. I think my E would hold its value better.
- My wife said she wants my E if I get the S !!! ... i think she was kidding...

Le Burpor

I'm 6'3 and I felt the S was just the right size. The long wheelbase would be better though. Like you, I don't have a real need for more rear passenger leg room. My kids are still very young and when I do have adult passengers it's been for short distances.

I'll wait till my kids grow up before I get a bigger car.

rusnakmb

make ie easy to yourselk. own both!!