mate

Hi guys, I am new to this forum and MB in general.

Looking to buy S class and thinking between newer S350d, older S500 or even older S600.

With my budget I can choose between 2017 S350d, 2014 S500 or up to 2009 S600. Hard to decide newer car vs better model.

Here are the models I am looking at and my thoughts so far:

2017 S350 Diesel W222, Odometer: around 2-5k kilometers (1200-3100 miles)
Example: https://www.carsales.com.au/demo/det...14785601/?Cr=8

Pros:
- Has 2 years warranty left
- Most recent model / looks
- Least milage / usage

Cons:
- Less power
- Less prestige


2014 S500 W222, Odometer: 9-45k kilometers (5600-28000 miles)
Example: https://www.carsales.com.au/dealer/d...14862329/?Cr=8

Pros:
- V8 engine seems like a good all-rounder choice
- Not too old for a used car
- Low milage

Cons:
- It's not S600


2009 S600L V221, Odometer: 48-134k kilometers (30000-83000 miles)
Example: https://www.carsales.com.au/private/...-4374236/?Cr=1

Pros:
- Most power
- Most prestige car hands down

Cons:
- Older model / looks
- More milage
- V12 engine can be more tricky for maintenance


Can you please give some feedback on the above? Any other pros / cons you can think of?
Which car would you buy and why?

Thanks

Streamliner

These cars are amazingly complicated and can be very expensive to repair. I would not want to own one without a warranty, so I would go with the latest model.

mate

Thanks Streamliner, this makes sense.

Wolfman

Streamliner is spot on.
I am surprised that the used cars in Australis must be holding the value incredibly well. A 2009 S600 is at least 50% less that a 2014 S500 which would be at least 30% less than a demo low-end MY18 (which should be the same as your 2017).
Don't bother with a 2009. Technically it is a very outdated car. Engine is good but with the miles and weight/torque of the engine, some very expensive service would be ahead of you.

The US is spoiled with longer warranties; if your is only 2 years, model year matters.

mate

Thanks Wolfman, I decided not to consider S600 as it's a previous generation, so it boils down to 2017 S350 vs 2014 (or maybe 2015) S500. Some cars come with extended MB warranty which gives extra 1-2 years.

Nuru

I would recommend the S350, great kmpg, probably a bit better on reliability than the 2014, and the warranty.

mate

Thank you Nuru. It's a diesel engine though, anyone driven those, how it feels? Any issues with the engine?

ChuckinTucson

I've owned several Mercedes diesels. I recommend driving both cars. Here in the US, diesel actually cost more than gas because of the federal tax structure, which doesn't make a lot of sense. The torque of a diesel engine is amazing and you won't feel like you're slow off the line. I've owned an ML350 diesel and now have a ML350 gas. Wish I had bought another diesel. The gas model is a slug. As far as prestige, only true snobs would care what the letters are on the back of the car. You'll notice that most Europeans de-badge their cars.

mate

Thanks ChuckinTucson, it's good to know their diesel engines do a great job.

mate

They actually announced pricing for the new face-lifted models here in Australia and now I am thinking to buy the newer model. Only few models will be available first:
S 350d - L6 210kW, 600Nm
S 400d L - L6 250kW, 700Nm
S 450 L - V6 270kW, 520Nm
S 560 - V8 345kW, 700Nm
S 560 L - V8 345kW, 700Nm
S 63 L - V12 463kW, 1000Nm

I am thinking between S 400d L and S 450 L, they have the same options included and very similar except for the engine. The petrol car (S 450 L) accelerates to 100km/h in 4.8 seconds while the diesel one (S 400d) in 5.4 seconds. Which one would you guys buy and why?

BenzV12

I don't like diesel cars so my answer must be salient

mate

Far enough, any reason you don't like them?

Mitch Alsup

Err, no. It is the Ultra-low sulphur requirement that is adding $0.30 per gallon.
How does one remove sulphur from oil pre-products?
Answer: you run pure hydrogen (H2) through the pre-product at elevated temperatures?
Where does the hydrogen (H2) come from?
Answer: They use natural gas to heat natural gas and use a molecular filter to separate the hydrogen from teh less desired natural gas byproducts.
So the cost comes from the natural gas used to remove the sulphur.

But, the tax structure does not make sense either.

BenzV12

I don't like their engine noise , maintenance issues , AdBlue necessity , some diesel related problems like Noix sensors or whatever it is . I don't like they emit a black cloud of smoke out of the exhaust pipes when they accelerate ,diesel pumps are greasy and you can step on puddle of waters from diesel when you drop the car to fuel it up
No exceptions ? There's a few . I would prefer a Range Rover TDV8 over a Spuercharged one due to excessive fuel consumption of the latter lol I would also prefer G350 Bluetec over G65 AMG but that's it . It's only valid for SUVs of European Brands

mate

Thanks BenzV12, that makes sense.

maz9

I have similar considerations new not used S500 V8 long old model no lifting vs S350d new model lifting . All cars new not used diference price 5000 usd cheaper S500. I have a special price, S500 version with no additives just basic things. I do not know what to buy, lifting models have more electronics, speed to 100 km 1 sec diference and fauel cost i I live in Europe . What do you think about it what tu buy ?

mate

I went with the face-lifted 2018 model, S560. Didn't want to buy a older model and inferior electronics for nearly same price as the new one.

Wolfman

Good move. Congratulations! Enjoy and post some pics!

mate

Thank you! It's a long wait for delivery to Australia now, will post pictures once I get my hands on it.