Hows it goin' guys. Well, im 17 and im about to purchase my first Mercedes-Benz S-Class(2000-2002) and I need your guys advice and opinions. First of all, Iv'e heard alot of bad things about the early W220(2000-2002). I want to know what s up with all that and if its really a major deal. Another thing, Im going to upgrade the headlights and taillights and i want to know how difficult this is and if i can do it myself and if i need any special wires. Last but not least, I want to know how service and maintanence is. I want to know how much it costs. And all the tidbits I need to know. If you can give me some feedback, ill greatly appreciate it. Thank you guys. (Ill be sure to post pics when I get it.)

 

1) Early models were unreliable
2) Upgrading the tailights is a simple 15 minute job. It's much harder with the headlights I think.
3) Service and maintenance is very pricey. Get extended warranty.

 

For some aditional opinions, see https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w220/138366-03-w220.html -- especially toward the end of the thread.

 

00 The cars were probably the worst reliability. There were those few that were pristine...but airmatic was prone to failure, the instrument cluster, and navi systems were troublesome.

01 The S600 and S55 were added and the quality of the cars improved ever so slightly, you really do not hear much about airmatic after that..though there were occurences. The instrument cluster was the most likely to go.

02...I cant say that there werent problems...they improved some features and if you ask me the quality of the car had improved more over the 00. My moms best friend has an 02 S500 and the only problem she faced was the instrument cluster going out, and it was covered by warranty. Really though an 03 or up is the way to go. Just research this board there is tons of comparisons to it. The 00 and 01 are the ones to avoid the most.

 

Glad that I bought an 02 now lol.

WHat do you guys think.
2002 S500 with 60k miles for 32K Out the Door?