1994-1999 S500 or S600
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Member
Joined: Aug 2016
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From: NEW JERSEY (Union County)
1996 Mercedes-Benz S420
1994-1999 S500 or S600
Hello,im really thinking about purchasing a 94-99 S500 or S600 im trying to see which one is the most cost friendly as far as repairs,i know there both GREAT overall vehicles just concerned with the maintenance part of it,also which one do you feel is the most durable and reliable????.....Thanks in advance
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Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 24
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From: Palm Springs, CA
1997 CL600
Steelers, I just posted an answer on the first thread "Need help with my AC" Take a look.
I've owned both models and currently own a '97 CL600. The Mercedes V-8 (119) is a work of art. It is a powerful engine, about 22mpg on the open road and has few if any problems. There are oil tubes that will eventually need replacing but they are easily accessed and relatively cheap. If you drive a car and hear a ticking sound like the old hydraulic lifters, you need oil tubes.
The 120 engine is nothing but two 103 engines on a common crank. I would be careful here and look for a low mileage vehicle. I don't foresee any problems with mine but it only had 46K on it and was a garage queen for a wealthy guy. On the 120 engines, you have two of everything, MAFs. Throttle actuators, etc, And to complicate things the halves are controlled by separate computer systems. At 46K I had to replace one MAF, an accelerometer, the engine mounts (weak point with this massive engine) changed all fluids and did the recommended 50K service. $3500 later, I drove her home! Both cars have self leveling in the rear and the 600's have ADS. this means you don't go to Pep Boys and buy a shock for $69. They are called struts and they start at about $600 each. When you are looking at a car, get it up on a rack and check the rear struts for leakage. In fact I would find an expert Mercedes mechanic and have him do a Pre Purchase Inspection. It may cost a few hundred but it can save you a fortune. You don't tell us where you live so I can't make any recommendations. If you go to the Peach forum, they list good shops all over the USA. Good luck,
Anziani
I've owned both models and currently own a '97 CL600. The Mercedes V-8 (119) is a work of art. It is a powerful engine, about 22mpg on the open road and has few if any problems. There are oil tubes that will eventually need replacing but they are easily accessed and relatively cheap. If you drive a car and hear a ticking sound like the old hydraulic lifters, you need oil tubes.
The 120 engine is nothing but two 103 engines on a common crank. I would be careful here and look for a low mileage vehicle. I don't foresee any problems with mine but it only had 46K on it and was a garage queen for a wealthy guy. On the 120 engines, you have two of everything, MAFs. Throttle actuators, etc, And to complicate things the halves are controlled by separate computer systems. At 46K I had to replace one MAF, an accelerometer, the engine mounts (weak point with this massive engine) changed all fluids and did the recommended 50K service. $3500 later, I drove her home! Both cars have self leveling in the rear and the 600's have ADS. this means you don't go to Pep Boys and buy a shock for $69. They are called struts and they start at about $600 each. When you are looking at a car, get it up on a rack and check the rear struts for leakage. In fact I would find an expert Mercedes mechanic and have him do a Pre Purchase Inspection. It may cost a few hundred but it can save you a fortune. You don't tell us where you live so I can't make any recommendations. If you go to the Peach forum, they list good shops all over the USA. Good luck,
Anziani
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 89
Likes: 0
From: NEW JERSEY (Union County)
1996 Mercedes-Benz S420
Steelers, I just posted an answer on the first thread "Need help with my AC" Take a look.
I've owned both models and currently own a '97 CL600. The Mercedes V-8 (119) is a work of art. It is a powerful engine, about 22mpg on the open road and has few if any problems. There are oil tubes that will eventually need replacing but they are easily accessed and relatively cheap. If you drive a car and hear a ticking sound like the old hydraulic lifters, you need oil tubes.
The 120 engine is nothing but two 103 engines on a common crank. I would be careful here and look for a low mileage vehicle. I don't foresee any problems with mine but it only had 46K on it and was a garage queen for a wealthy guy. On the 120 engines, you have two of everything, MAFs. Throttle actuators, etc, And to complicate things the halves are controlled by separate computer systems. At 46K I had to replace one MAF, an accelerometer, the engine mounts (weak point with this massive engine) changed all fluids and did the recommended 50K service. $3500 later, I drove her home! Both cars have self leveling in the rear and the 600's have ADS. this means you don't go to Pep Boys and buy a shock for $69. They are called struts and they start at about $600 each. When you are looking at a car, get it up on a rack and check the rear struts for leakage. In fact I would find an expert Mercedes mechanic and have him do a Pre Purchase Inspection. It may cost a few hundred but it can save you a fortune. You don't tell us where you live so I can't make any recommendations. If you go to the Peach forum, they list good shops all over the USA. Good luck,
Anziani
I've owned both models and currently own a '97 CL600. The Mercedes V-8 (119) is a work of art. It is a powerful engine, about 22mpg on the open road and has few if any problems. There are oil tubes that will eventually need replacing but they are easily accessed and relatively cheap. If you drive a car and hear a ticking sound like the old hydraulic lifters, you need oil tubes.
The 120 engine is nothing but two 103 engines on a common crank. I would be careful here and look for a low mileage vehicle. I don't foresee any problems with mine but it only had 46K on it and was a garage queen for a wealthy guy. On the 120 engines, you have two of everything, MAFs. Throttle actuators, etc, And to complicate things the halves are controlled by separate computer systems. At 46K I had to replace one MAF, an accelerometer, the engine mounts (weak point with this massive engine) changed all fluids and did the recommended 50K service. $3500 later, I drove her home! Both cars have self leveling in the rear and the 600's have ADS. this means you don't go to Pep Boys and buy a shock for $69. They are called struts and they start at about $600 each. When you are looking at a car, get it up on a rack and check the rear struts for leakage. In fact I would find an expert Mercedes mechanic and have him do a Pre Purchase Inspection. It may cost a few hundred but it can save you a fortune. You don't tell us where you live so I can't make any recommendations. If you go to the Peach forum, they list good shops all over the USA. Good luck,
Anziani
