2000-02 S430/S500 Buying Tips
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Joined: Jul 2004
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From: GTA
2000-02 S430/S500 Buying Tips
Hi all, i am interested in upgrading the W220
Is there anything specificlly i should be pay attention to?
Does your car has lots of problems after the warrenty?
Thanks, appreciate any inputs.
Is there anything specificlly i should be pay attention to?
Does your car has lots of problems after the warrenty?
Thanks, appreciate any inputs.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,057
Likes: 341
From: NJ
2009 SL63 AMG
The S Class has been the car of choice in my family for almost 15 years now. Went through several W140s and are on our third W220 now. Before I proceed, I would like to say that it is a great choice for a car. The first advice I can give you is to stay away from the 2000 year model. MB heavily upgraded the 220 S with technology, and, as a result, the first year production models came with some problems. However, after that, 2001-2002, most of the glitches were corrected. The only issue I had with a 2002 model was the AirMatic suspention. The air compressor burned out and the car lowered itself to point at which it could not be driven safely. This was replaced under warranty and the car ran fine after that. Now, prices for the 2000-2002 Models have greatly come down. But if you can, I would advise you to opt for a 2003+ model. Currently have one and the car looks much fresher. Updated bumpers, lights, interior, NAV system, etc...basically the small details which count. However...for the price of an 03 430 you can possibly find an 01 600 
. Yes, I am serious. 
Anyway, any W220 2001+ is a solid reliable car (from my experience). The rest depends on whether you are looking for power (600) or practicality (430).
Best of Luck.
. Yes, I am serious. Anyway, any W220 2001+ is a solid reliable car (from my experience). The rest depends on whether you are looking for power (600) or practicality (430). Best of Luck.
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Joined: Aug 2005
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From: Sugar Land, TX
BMW E39
Originally Posted by derAMG
I'm trying to find a white W220, rare huh
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,057
Likes: 341
From: NJ
2009 SL63 AMG
I have a great appreciation for the W140 S Class and believe it truly is one of the most solid and well built cars ever. See link for details.
https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w140/129029-loving-my-96-s329.html (scroll down for my post.)
Personally, I believe the W140 is far greater than the new E Class. In regards to the E Class, I feel the W124 was the most solid. (In fact, the W124 E500 was built as a limited edition MB-Porsche joint project and proved to be an astonishing car of its day.) But here's a few more things to take into consideration. The W221 S Class is being released, which will bring down the value of the prior S Classes. True, the W220 is technologically superior to the W140, yet the W140 offers more solid contruction. If you wish for more features and technology, then go for the W220. Yet, if you are having trouble letting go of the W140 (I did), then just upgrade your W140. Some accurate upgrades (body, wheels, engine etc.) can freshen up your car. Needless to say, either one will be solid choice, just depends on what you want more. Hope this helped and good luck.
Happy New Year
See link for details.https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w140/129029-loving-my-96-s329.html (scroll down for my post.)
Personally, I believe the W140 is far greater than the new E Class. In regards to the E Class, I feel the W124 was the most solid. (In fact, the W124 E500 was built as a limited edition MB-Porsche joint project and proved to be an astonishing car of its day.) But here's a few more things to take into consideration. The W221 S Class is being released, which will bring down the value of the prior S Classes. True, the W220 is technologically superior to the W140, yet the W140 offers more solid contruction. If you wish for more features and technology, then go for the W220. Yet, if you are having trouble letting go of the W140 (I did), then just upgrade your W140. Some accurate upgrades (body, wheels, engine etc.) can freshen up your car. Needless to say, either one will be solid choice, just depends on what you want more. Hope this helped and good luck.
Happy New Year
Last edited by HLG600; Dec 31, 2005 at 07:56 PM.
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Thread Starter
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From: GTA
Happy New Year Ya'll!
I don't need these new mimics gadgets and technology... how often we have time to play with them while driving? Driving them are already a real pleasure.
One thing i dislike the W220, although you are right, the price will be have a big drop soon or near by since the debut of 221. But it lacks the refinement, heavy dutiness and highness of the W140, thats what being what a real German car is, finest example of German car i should say. You are right, the W124 is solid! The 96-02 is not bad too. So... except the very attractive price, i really see no reason to upgrade the W220...
oh yes, another big thing, the W220 will never be as reliable and durable as the mighty W140 :p
I don't need these new mimics gadgets and technology... how often we have time to play with them while driving? Driving them are already a real pleasure.
One thing i dislike the W220, although you are right, the price will be have a big drop soon or near by since the debut of 221. But it lacks the refinement, heavy dutiness and highness of the W140, thats what being what a real German car is, finest example of German car i should say. You are right, the W124 is solid! The 96-02 is not bad too. So... except the very attractive price, i really see no reason to upgrade the W220...
oh yes, another big thing, the W220 will never be as reliable and durable as the mighty W140 :p
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,319
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From: OC
AMG E55, Stage 1, Strait Pipe from Primary Cats
85 K ... plugs, oil,rotors,and an 1 MAF Boys. No electrical issues or any of this stuff I hear about. I usually read about these issues from non-owners of the model. 2000-2002 are the same in fact I have friends with 01 and 02 That have had problems? I guess I am lucky but I doubt it. That said I would buy an 2003 S500 if I were you, I did all the 03 updates on my car for 2K. Heed the advice from the W220 onwers so you get it 1st hand. I love all Benzos and I like the Princess Di-wagons >(140's) too 
Though they are a little boxie for me. just my 02
Though they are a little boxie for me. just my 02
Last edited by Vader55; Jan 1, 2006 at 02:45 PM.
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Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 46
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From: South Florida
2010 CL63 (was 2003 CL55)
I just bought a 2000 with 54k miles on it. I bought an extended warranty that adds 36 months/ 36000 miles. I am hoping the bugs have been exterminated in this car. So far, so good.
Bottom line: I'd buy a 2000 if the price was right and I could get a warranty...otherwise, I think the 2004 is "the car". I am looking forward to a 2004 S55 AMG when my extended warranty starts to run out in about 30 months.
Bottom line: I'd buy a 2000 if the price was right and I could get a warranty...otherwise, I think the 2004 is "the car". I am looking forward to a 2004 S55 AMG when my extended warranty starts to run out in about 30 months.
