bamabenz'73

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?

Gondon

Can i get warranty with it?

S500 Man

what kind of warranty do i get?

is the carfax clean?

bamabenz'73

Thanks, I will add this to a growing number of questions I have. Will MB dealers do a pre-purchase inspection or is a private mechanic (MB Certified of course) the way to go?

Skylaw

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.

zam2000

I bought an 2003 S430 three months ago, paid $29.5K for it, with 54K mile. So far, I've put a bit more than 10K mile to it, due to couple out of town trips (and another one coming up at end of month), and my 150 miles daily commute.

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.

comforta

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.

bamabenz'73

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.

Bamabenz'73

zam2000

I bought the Axxis Deluxe from R1concepts (website with same name), $120 total for both front and rear. Spent another $80 to have them installed at my friend tire shop. Brake pad replacement is as simple as on a Toyota Corolla, of course, dealer won't tell you that.

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.

Benzzz

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..