S430 questions
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 14
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From: Lake Norman, NC
Mercedes Benz S430
My 2001 S430 is fine
I purchased a 2001 S430 with 62,000 miles on it. I have added 10,000 miles since then. The car runs and looks like it is a one year old MBZ. The only problem area I have heard of is the front suspension. I put about $500 into replacing front lower control arm and another part that my MBZ mechanic says has been a problem on the 220 model. But that took care of the vibration I noticed when I bought it. I had a new 1999 S class and a new 2001 S class previously and I think buying a used S class is a prudent purchase so long as you can check out the cars history, no major accidents no lemon etc. Other than that the ride, looks, luxury, & comfort are unbeatable by any other make in my opinion. The 2003 and newer did not have any major mechanical improvements, its more important on how the MBZ was cared for and serviced.
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Joined: Aug 2005
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Super Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 872
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From: Saint Louis
CLS 63 S AMG , s500,clk550
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 4,574
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From: Sugar Land, TX
BMW E39
The 2000 S-class is the very attractive blonde chick at the corner, free and available. She will give you the ride of your life for 4 years/50,000 miles, which ever comes first. After that, she will ask you for a $20,000 diamond and run off with it. A decade later, she will come back to you and show you a baby tested to be biologically related to you.
Go for the more subtle brunette, the 2003+ S-class.
Go for the more subtle brunette, the 2003+ S-class.
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Super Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 872
Likes: 2
From: Saint Louis
CLS 63 S AMG , s500,clk550
The 2000 S-class is the very attractive blonde chick at the corner, free and available. She will give you the ride of your life for 4 years/50,000 miles, which ever comes first. After that, she will ask you for a $20,000 diamond and run off with it. A decade later, she will come back to you and show you a baby tested to be biologically related to you.
Go for the more subtle brunette, the 2003+ S-class.
Go for the more subtle brunette, the 2003+ S-class.
Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 131
Likes: 0
I have a 2001 S430, no issues; vehicle runs like a champ. BLUF you need to check the vehicle out from top to bottom, inside and outside. Then drive it at least four times, up and down a few steep hills, and during busy traffic; this should give you a good indicator of the condition of the vehicle. If I had to buy another S430, I will pick a 2005-2006 model.
Big H
Big H
Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 102
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From: So. Cal
S430
On the otherhand, you are buying a GERMAN MERCEDES (!). These aren't cheap cars to maintain.
I used to be weird about putting miles on my car, but I did buy it for when I travel and now I can care less. I will be getting rid of it in a year or so and am going to drive the **** out of it until I do.
Hell, I put around 800 miles on it just in the past 7 days..
Last edited by tgood; Mar 14, 2007 at 02:56 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2006
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From: San Jose area
'19 E63S sedan
'04 is basically the first year of the final generation of W220.
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2007
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2000 S430
I have a 2000 S430 which I bought in August 2006 with 89,000 miles on it. So far... I have replaced the crankshaft position sensor ($90) and took 30 minutes, spark plugs x 16 ($90), air filters Accel kool Blue ($70). Up to date, I have 113,000 miles on it already!
The rear airmatic does leak only during weather that's under -10 degree F, but once the car is started, it pumps up right.
Other than that... awesome car! If you are worried, change the crankshaft position sensor right away so you won't encounter start problems.
The rear airmatic does leak only during weather that's under -10 degree F, but once the car is started, it pumps up right.
Other than that... awesome car! If you are worried, change the crankshaft position sensor right away so you won't encounter start problems.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 689
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From: So Cal
07 GL450, 91 NSX, 12 Prius
I have read 2000 w220 may have issues with A/C that is not cold enough. a couple of updated a/c parts would take care of that but it isnt cheap if you have to pay for it. check with service history to see if the update was done.
Super Member
Joined: May 2006
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From: Saint Louis
CLS 63 S AMG , s500,clk550
thats exactly how mine is and mine is a 2000 s500 what parts are needed exactly?
Member
Joined: Apr 2006
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2000 S430
I bought a 2000 S430 on ebay with 89,000. It now has 124,000 on it. I have to put a quart of oil in it atleast once a month. Dealer can't find the leak. Say I am buring oil internally and want to do a dsludge on it for $6000. Not... I just keep checking the oil and it seems to be ok. I get the airmatics and suspension checked everytime I get an oil change. I wonder how much the dealer would give me to move up to a 04?
