2003 S430
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2003 E500 Sport
2003 S430
I am looking to purchase a 2003 S430 (47,000 mi) as a daily commuter (approximately 30 miles round trip). What are some issues/concerns/questions I should be asking before purchasing the vehicle?
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From: Tampa, FL
2005 S500 4-Matic, 1978 450SL
Take a look at post #5 at http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w220...questions.html and read up in the information in the links.
If you get your car as Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) you're likely fairly safe with the dealer; but my preference is always to go with an independent who knows the kind of car. And if a dealer won't allow such an inspection, run, do not walk, away from the deal.
If you get your car as Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) you're likely fairly safe with the dealer; but my preference is always to go with an independent who knows the kind of car. And if a dealer won't allow such an inspection, run, do not walk, away from the deal.
Last edited by Skylaw; Oct 15, 2007 at 06:10 AM.
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From: SoCal OC
S, GL, Escalade ESV, my shoes
The car is a blast to drive. Build quality and look is superb. Gas mileage is quite good (avg 19-20 for me so far). I realize that once it breaks, it might cost some pretty penny to repair, but I can't see any car out there, new or used, that offers a better combination of look, safety, build quality, and luxuries than the 2003-later W220 at that price. Tried out the Lexus LS and the BMW 7 series, same price range: one is a boat on wheel & boring looking, the other is a blast to drive, but the control (seat, a/c, radio, the i-stupid..) is so weird.
So far, it has cost me $2000: $95 for oil change, $200 for new set of brake (can't stand the OEM brake dust), $700 for protective film, $250 for tint, and $750 for new set of tire.
All of these cost are preventive & protective. Can't comment on repair, since have not have any problem w/ the car yet. But I will not take it to dealer to be robbed, look for independent indy shop
Try to get one w/ AMG package, they're gorgegous !!! And make sure you get a prepurchase inspection, those are the best $100-200 you will ever spend on the W220.
Last edited by zam2000; Oct 15, 2007 at 04:01 PM.
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From: Carolinas
2003 S500 4MATIC
2003 S430
I too am tired of the brake dust. What type of brakes did you end up buying? Were the brakes installed at MB shop or elsewhere? Also what type of tires did you end up buying for those long drives? I just bought Michelins MXV4s and they were not cheap ($224 per tire installed). Cheers.
Last edited by comforta; Oct 15, 2007 at 09:24 PM.
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2003 E500 Sport
Much thanks for all the info. I am finding that independent dealers have better deals than the MB dealers. I don't know if this is a good thing or bad since most of the W220's I have looked at are an average of $5000 below NADA versus MB dealers being almost spot on to full retail. The biggest concern I have is the warranties as these vehicles are fairly costly to maintain. Is $95.00 normal for an oil change as my S320 never costs that much? The S430 I was inquiring about was sold this morning before I had the opportunity to have it inspected. Luckily, a dealer who specializes in Mercedes' is working on locating a low milage late model (03 and up) W220. I went to him to test drive a 2005 CLK500. After driving the CLK500 and the S430 I don't think I could ever drive a coupe again. Forgive my rambling, and again thanks for all the help and assistance.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,464
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From: SoCal OC
S, GL, Escalade ESV, my shoes
I too am tired of the brake dust. What type of brakes did you end up buying? Were the brakes installed at MB shop or elsewhere? Also what type of tires did you end up buying for those long drives? I just bought Michelins MXV4s and they were not cheap ($224 per tire installed). Cheers.
Btw, the 2003 is unique in a way that there're two styles of brake pad. Car made before Sep/2002 (model year 2003 came early) use same pad as the 2000-2002, while ones built after 09/02 use same pad as the 04, so check the maf date before order.
New pad stop car as good as OEM (the crappy Pagis), and ZERO dust, ZERO noise !!!!. Used to be that my rims turn black after a day or two.
I got the Falken 452 from discount tire direct, look nice, quiet ride and 300 treat rate. Used to have Michelin Pilot sport, they're stick okey, but too noisy after 5K mile, and didn't last that long.
Last edited by zam2000; Oct 16, 2007 at 12:04 AM.
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From: Friendswood, TX
2007 Mercedes Benz S550
My father just got his Black on black S430 with the chrome amg wheels for $26,000 with 55k miles drives great he also got it as a commuter. no problems yet but then again only had it for a week but it drives amazing..
