brianw430

I just looked at a 2001 S600 with 34,000 miles and it is the most pristine 2001 I've ever seen. After searching the board, could the reason be that it has spent ost of the past 6 years in the shop and not on the road? I'm torn between a 2001 S55 w/62,000 and the 2001 S600 w/34,000. The V12 scares from a maintenance point of view. Love the sport, love the luxurious 600. Both very clean models with good VMI reports...what to do?

bzliteyear

how much was it? i think i've been seeing 01's for about +/- $30k and 03's for as low as low-mid-$40k. for being lower miles, perhaps closer to $35k if from MB dealer?

for me, i looked at many S600's before making my decision, both NA and TT's, and i used to own a SL600. the interiors on these are amazing and imho, this is the way ALL MB E and S class should be, not just the S600. yet, my main hesitation WAS the maintenance. although the 03+ has warranty still, it's tough to get extended warranty. and on the 01-02, they're nice but most have no warranty. in addition, it's not just about the engine/drivetrains now, but all th electronics and even the fancier suspensions.

i'm not saying you shouldn't get as it's an amazing car, especially the interior build quality. however, just be sure to realize that there's a reason why both the BMW and MB V12's are both selling at/below lower equipped V8's - especially when the starting price was $30-40k+ more.

good luck!

brianw430

Very good points bzliteyear, and well taken. The resale value of all models I think have suffered due to all the recent face-lifts from MB. How long did the prior models last, 123, 126, 124? You did not see such quick changes to the line and I believe that was part of why they held their value better...and the build quality/reliability. So the "american" influence has crept in, as it seems we want something new/different every few years. Compound that by jamming in a V12 and the lack of reliability (or so it seems) and you get exactly what you describe.

The S600 is not at an MB dealer, but a "high line" auto place in Chicago...Lambo's, Ferrari's etc and it is not Bentley of Downers Grove! They are asking $32,000 with 34,000 miles, but I would not even considered it without an extended warranty. I think at this point I would not be happy with the maintenance cost, given my personality. It would inhibit my ability to truly enjoy the car. The S55 may be risky enough, but again, only with a warranty. I agree with the build quality of the S600, this thing looks like it has never been driven/used. But right down to the stitching of the interior leather is impressive. A very solid example. I do like the model, just leary of the maintenance and reliability.

Thank you for your insight!

bzliteyear

interesting on the shorter product cycle of below, but i think most people overlook the fact that MBs in the 1980's and early 90's had MASSIVE price increases (partly greed and part weak USD) that contributed to increasing MSRP each yr. MB pushed it hard new prices hard while still lower volume in units - and that helped the resale value (on a % basis). it reminds me of the stock market rise for most of the 1990's - mostly P/E expansion - not based on the earning growth.

anyways, in order for MB to sell as many cars as they wanted, they had to broaden the product line. importantly, the had to put a cap on their msrp rise - especially w/ Lexus coming in w/ the reliable LS400 for $40k. this was at a time when MB was trying to get $60k for the V8 E class and $75k for the w124 S. bottomline is that i've pretty much given up on solid resale values - is they exist, it's only temporary.

p.s. i think my old 1989 porsche carrera cab seems to be the only one that would have kept up its value...if i had kept it.

brianw430

bzliteyear, how was the reliability on your 600? I realize it came from a different ear, but do the 01's share any similarities with your SL? I have a good feel for the general impression of the board as far as reliability goes, but this is alsoa board where you are getting mostly the "complaints" on any given model. Hardly do you see a thread singing the praises of any MB. The intrinsic value here is gathering knowledge and what to avoid in any given model, saving you money and headaches. What are your overall impressions of the 01 S600?

poormario

I have known several people in Europe that have had the V12, both BMW & MB and although there were more maintainence cost, reliability was never an issue. Could part of the difference be that these cars were not designed to be constantly run at 55 or 65 MPH? I know that it was not uncommon for them to be driving at 130+ MPH on a daily basis. The joys of the autobahn! I would be curious to know if with all the S600 sold does everyone globably have reliability issues or just those of us with unreasonable speed restrictions?

kenstudios

Reliability is not the factor. MB engines and tranny will last you longer than anything else in the market provided the fluids are changed regularly. It's the little things like electrical problems, ABC hose, head gaskets and other minor stuff but cost a ton of $$$$$$$ on the 600 to fix. There's someone here just posted $13000 for oil sender unit on a 600. If you buy a 600 be sure you can afford the maintenance and repairs. They are super inflated. I have had a lot of problems with my S500 but that doesn't mean I dont like it. I know they are just minor problems and I can deal with them. As long as the tranny and engine don't give, I can deal with any other problems.

brianw430

I have always had very good "luck" with the MB's I've had the pleasure to own, even the CLK430 that other people seemed to have their share of trouble with. But in my point of view I do consider all those little things that cost a ton of $$$$$ to repair, reliability issues. My perception of reliability means everything about the car. The S600 is so magnificant and grand, but I have not found anyone who will offer an extended warranty on it. The dealer selling it said they offer EZ Care that "mirrors" the MB warranty, but I did not read it myself and it was costly. Won't consider it without a warranty.

poormario

Brianw430,

I agree with you completely. Although my post may have eluded to mechanical problems, I chalk reliability up to how often I have to take my car in for service, regardless of the reason and regardless if it's covered under warranty. It's all about convenience. No one likes to have to take their car in for service for minor or major repairs. Is replacing a headgasket now considered a "minor" repair?

bzliteyear

all things being equal, i would love to drive the V12 as well. however, i think that i'd be 99% happy if MB and BMW would build the interiors of their V8 S-class and 7-series w/ the quality and workmanship of the V12's. i saw a S55 w/ designo once that had much of the S600 interior - that was a nice...and would probably be a nice close 2nd.

Ag E55

BrianW430, just thought I would share my experience with my current 2001 S600 which I had it for about 9 mos. I also own 2002 E55 and I am very glad to say that two are totally different in every way. I love the silky smooth ride of my S600 but at times, I find it too boring. I love the sheer sensation of speed of my E55.
Since my purchase, I had some trouble with the "pneumatic" suspensions, mine came with the ABC suspension option.....the cost to cure was about $1000, I have not had any other problems, it really is a sheer joy to drive and be seen. The only upgrade so far has beeen the 20" wheels and dark window tint. I think anyone who is fortunate enough to experience the ride quality will no doubt be impressed, and as long as you choose your car carefully and get it inspected by a reputable MB mechanic, I think you should be fine. I really do enjoy my S600 and I get countless complements all the time. Something about that V12....oh, make sure that you get a gas card if you don't have one...you will need it for sure. Good luck with your choice and dont read "too" much into all the complaints ......I have so far enjoyed my ride and I have not experienced all the trouble that everyone else has experienced. I think you should go for it.

Wimbush

I've put 81,000 miles on my '01 CL600. I love the interior and the sound and ride of the car, especially on long trips. Other than replacing the coil packs and a few electronics, I haven't had major problems. However, I plan to replace it before the 100,000 mile warranty expires. Although I want another V12, I'm considering other options.