PHXATC

Help a brother out...

Here we are stuck at flight idle and wondering what to do. Our parameters are 2002 to 2003 (money and CPO) and S430 to a S500. I can get them at what the dealer is "into" them for, so I'm getting a fair shake no matter how you cut it and the moolah is secondary for now.

What are the pros/cons of each vehicle? Year?

What should I watch out for?

Likes/dislikes?

Thanks in advance.

Toby

Vader55

You have to go with a 2003 bro ! Numerous changes occured. Most notable the headlights(projector) and different nicer tail lights and much better side mirror lights.(I have updated my 2000 to the 03) And the Navi is much better and has a wide screen ! The 2000-2002 S are the same car. Go find an 02 and 03 side by side and there is no comparison. I would get the S500 for the xtra horsies for sure The S430 is a little doggy for this big car. Best of luck

dtxmob

Yep 2003 is the best way to go!

sprink49

2003 for sure...some of the late 2003 cars have the DVD Nav/Command system. If there is any way for a 2004...go for it. In '04 you pick up the 7 speed tranny and it's the last year for 50000 mile free maintenance.

newton22

'03 S5.

kenstudios

04 and up. You'll appreciate the slightly stronger air condition system in the warm summer days. 00-02 the air just doesnt cut it in those 100 degree days. It takes longer to cool and you have to set it really low. 03 gets better and 04 has great improvements. I know it's not just me. Over the summer during a test drive 03 500, we drove 10 miles, 98 outside and the air was straining all the way. I have the same issues with mine especially if I park in the sun for over an hour.

Vader55

Hey Ken,

I live in Sunny Very Hot Southern California. I could not disagree more with your statement not to say that I do not believe this happened to you. But I will tell you That the A/C in my 2000 S500 is freezing cold. Kicks *** a$$ !
In fact one of the best A/C units I have ever had in my many high end cars. Please do not take this wrong but I have to say there has to be some error in how you have the settings/vents setup. I say this because you have had it happen in 2 different S Cars from your statement which would rule out a needed A/C charge. I guarantee some of my other S Class friends would share my opinon of the A/C unit aswell. Your situation with out a doubt would be the minorty not the majority. I say this with all due respect.

Jayhawk

I have agree w/ benzondubz. I can recall a number of times driving back from KC w/ the temp @ 103 and thinking how nice it is to have such a good AC. I have had the car for five hot Kansas summers and have never had a problem w/ it or any question about it. It is THE BEST!

kenstudios

Dont get me wrong. The AC is good but it takes well over 15-20 minutes of driving to have the car at a comfortable feel. I even took the thing for a checkup thinking I needed a recharge but the guy said its working fine and full and it's just been too hot. I have the thing set at 54 and all the vents are set at auto after all the manual says set it at 72. If I leave it at 72 my rear seat passengers say it kinda warm back there. I love everything about the benz but my ac in my suburban is kikin' ***. 2 minutes and you'll be looking for a jacket. Unfortunately thats the only thing to love about that truck. During the test drive we drove the entire time with the sales guy trying to get it cool enough in there but didnt happen quick enough for me and he started explaining that it was hot 102 and the car with black leather was sitting in the sun all day. Then again it might just be me.

Jayhawk

Is your S black too? I guess it is possible that "it just might be you," but a black car in the hot sun could just take a while to cool off. I don't think it gets that hot here, but my car cools down quickly. Maybe you should have them check out your vent system.

BTW: I almost always kept mine set at 70 degrees.

kenstudios

https://mbworld.org/forums/sh...ht=w220+quality

PHXATC

So, the 03 has better lights (front, mirros, rear), better NAV screen, and maybe better AC. Anything else?


What is the difference, other than hp/tqe betwixt the S430 and S500?

Jayhawk

Remember: "Better" is a relative term...

The 500 comes w/ higher quality leather, wood, and several other things that are options on the 430.

Vader55

Between 70-73 always... Hey Ken I think I might have figured it out.. When you leave the car in the sun it gets real heated up. When you get in and turn her on the A/C Motor should c'mon full blast..Some times I think I have maually pushed up on the temp adjuster under the degree display to where it reads MAX and it cools much quicker and then when it gets cooled down I put back to AUTO.. Have you tried that ? If not then I think you will be pleasantly suprised.

Vader55

Gotta go 2003 or up S500. The price is a little higher but not enough for you to settle for less.

ps. I would love a 03 S55

Jayhawk

There is another "trick" that really helps on hot days, and that is to hold down the Unlock button on your key to lower all windows and open sunroof. That usually brings inside temps down 50-100 degrees. Then follow benzondubz' advice. If all of this doesn't help, get a new car. : )

kenstudios

I really appreciate your help with this. I bought my car June 2001 and she had 11K miles on it (67k now). Owning the car this long, you tend to know everything there is to know about it and you tend to compensate for the difference. Tinted windows (35%), bought the sunblocker windshield sun shade from walmart $5 and use the electric rear window shade, and finnaly in those 95 plus days (keep in mind the heat index is in the 115 range), drive my suv or my 05 Maxima. 2 different MB techs told me these earlier W220 have a slightly smaller AC unit than the 03 and up (I haven't proved that so I just go by what they say). Thanks all for your advise. I'm kinda waiting for the W221's to hit the market and I'll make the switch probably a S600

kenstudios

Here she is.