irvz

hey guys/girls,

i'm new here and was referred here by my bmw forum. i currently drive a bmw but my dad wants to get either a S430 or S500 (2000-2003 range) and was hoping this forum could help me out.

i was wondering what the difference is between the two other than the price. i'm hoping to visit the benz dealer nearby to inform me on the different options that might have been available with the two but maybe you guys can provide some more insight.

also, are there any common problems to look out for when purchasing a 2000-2003 S430 or S500? i've googled it and found that the trunk springs tend to give fairly easily, power windows start to slow down and a more serious problem involving leaking hydraulic fluid issued a recall. i would mainly like to know what the seller's might not want to tell me about.

any buying advice or tips would be greatly appreciated. and i know that 'honest mechanics' are hard to come by (i was lucky enought to find one for my bmw) but if you can also post some contacts that specialize in mercedes (GTA/mississauga area) that do honest work with decent prices it that would also help because i would probably want them to inspect the car before we commit to buy.

well thanks in advance!

kenstudios

Do a search on this board and you will find plenty of info on this topic. The main difference between the two is the engine. 4.3(S430) vs 5.0(S500) and 6.0(S600) and 275 ponnies vs 302 vs 492. Soft Nappa hide on the 500 is standard but optional on 430. You really want to stay away from the 00 models (unless you can find a good one). They tend to have a few more problems than later years. Even though you can get them cheaper now, the repair bill will blow the roof off you bank account. If it was my choice, I would look for 03-05 model years. Not to say anything bad about the previuos but you get a wide screen command, updated head and tail lights, updated hood and bumper among many more. Search this board and you will find more info.

irvz

thanks bud! that comparison was exactly what i was looking for. i did do a search and i'm getting scared into buying one because of the fact i read about 'airmatic' problems that seem to be very common and VERY EXPENSIVE to fix on the older models. the one i'm currently looking at is between a 01 and 02 S430. are those prone to alot of problems like the 00 model?

sprink49

To be safe...go for '03 or later with a warranty.

koreanpers

if you get a used one like everyone else said, make sure it has the starmark warranty. I have a 2000 and have relatively no probs, but there were a couple of things that would have cost over 2k to get fixed, but the starmark covered it all w/ 0 deductible.