livedd0

Lovely lyric mockery of the wonderful Clash, but I'm in a hard-rock place right now.

#1: I used to own an E320 but sold it a while back, and am trying to get into an S-Class. Been searching and searching, taking my time based on exp. I learned from here and owning the E. With that said, I'm 50-50 on whether I should move forward with the purchase of a 2000 / S500 / Designo / 55K miles / asking 20K

I've read alot about the air-susp. being troubled on the 2K models, and have checked out this car as best as I can, without being a mechanic. The car is in extremely well kept shape, no dings, no minor scuffs, everything works. Full Designo pckg.

#2. This is being sold from a priv. dealer whom tends to always sell wonderful cars for attactive prices. From what I've seen, they've always had sucess in selling their merch. Thing is, I doubt this dealer has svc. records but assume I can verify via MBUSA?

Based on this year, are there "don't foget to check / verify" notes that I need to remember?

I feel this could be a kick-*** purchase, but am torn because I don't want to buy it and then have issues anytime soon. Thus, me approaching all you experts with more knowledge of the S, than me.

AmaSeller

Take a mechanic with you to check it out.

rccmerc

Get a VMI - Vehicle Master Inquiry. You'll need the VIN, go to an MB Dealer and sweet talk someone, it only takes a couple of minutes to run.

Check the top of the front struts if you see hairline cracks, Airmatic problems for sure.

I would get a good Indie mechanic to check out it before you buy, negotiate with the private dealer/seller.

Low mileage does not count for much on these cars, as a boatload of things go wrong with them - As mentioned AirMatic, but also Shifter Solenoids, Lower Control Arms, Ball Joints, Door Glass delamination, If the car was driven repeated short distances and had cheap gas, carbon problems, PSE Pump failures, cracked plastic seat bottom covers, not to scare you but the list goes on.

If you do not have any warranty, its expensive to fix/maintain.

livedd0

Thx for the responses thus far. I did check the susp. area as best as I could, and it did seem fine, however when driving it, it almost felt like there mightbe some potential strut or ball-joint vibration. Correct me if I'm wrong, but it nothing was wrong, you should feel or slightly hear anything susp-wise right?

I tend to really analyze stuff when I'm looking to buy, and this was the only thing I came across. Interior-wise, it's nearly flawless without stains or wear / cracks or wear lines on the leather.

Engine wise, it was so solid with no pinging or knocking whatsoever and the idle was stable. If anything, perhaps I shuold get a mech. to look at it independently, as well as check to see if I can get a servc. hist. from an MB dealer based on VIN, which I have.

Here's a link to the dealer's album, which the S can be found on pages 1-3

http://s208.photobucket.com/albums/bb68/shorty12698

srknutson

Remember this is an 8 year old car! These cars are less expensive for a reason, take 5k that you are not going to spend on a newer model W220 and put in your account for repairs.

sledge1100

I would definitely try and get the svc records. You can tell alot about how the car was cared for. I know when I bought my 01 S500 it came with all the service records so I could tell what had happened (or hadn't) to the vehicle.

westcoast5

I was just looking at that one on CL it seems like a good deal. Im not fond of the light interior color cause its just a little harder to keep clean. Few mods and that thing will look even better.

AmaSeller

Bad Color, No Sport Package.

Best Colors are Silver and Black !

DRTYLNDY

I have been contemplating a simalar issue as you. I currently have a 2000 S500 Sport but would love a 2003 S55. Even though these cars(W220) are like beautiful woman and need lots of special love, attention and cost a lot to maintain I can't help myself. I know its not the best financial descion by any means but I WILL get the car I want. I have worked hard to get to where I am in life today and I am going to enjoy it. So in my opinion if you really want the car and you can afford it why not? Yup it most likely will break down mine has and will again but I still love them. Life is way to short to worry about everything just enjoy it and have fun while your here.
Just my 2 cents.
Johan

AmaSeller

My Advice take 2001 or 2002.

In the last 3-4 months every post on this W220 thread involves the 2000 MODEL ONLY having issues .

Check the last 3- 4 pages every car that had an issue was 2000.

sledge1100

Wasn't 2000 the first year of the new body style?

AmaSeller

It was meaning it had the most problems

livedd0

Thnx for all the insight thus far. Still torn about getting this, but wanted to add a couple of opins. of my own:

Being that the car is 8 yrs. old, I would think that ANY car would deppreciate in value unless of course it's a custom, rare, or extremely high-end ride. This being an 8yr. old Benz but a Designo to say the least, I think 20K (esp. the low mileage) is very attractive. Personally, I actually like the color in / out, and think maintaining it's interior is all dependent on how you're living or who's in the car to begin with. I have kids, sure, but they're not about to have a milkshake in the car. Benz or Honda, it just doesnt happen in my cars. So the cosmetics are fine with me. The leather is not thin or cheap so it's held up thus far without issues, right?

I would sleep better with knowing more about it's history, so this should be taken care of. But to add to that, we all run risks purchasing used, even with records avail. No one ever knows for sure what lies ahead. This being a Benz, svc. is always going to be pricey, period. But of course, I'm not a lottery winner, so my funds can't be tossed into fires.

I'd say this car has been well taken care of, I'd like to think that the prev. owner took care of it as well (consdiering someone owned it before me, someone HAD to drive it and take care of it) but you never know. If anything, issues would be based on this being a 2000 and those have yet to arise (or might already have) based on this year's history. Hard to say really. But for the most part, to me, this car is very attractive based on mileage, condition, and packg. offered (Designo). Sure there's no Sport packg. but it's has alot to make up for it, all around int. / feature-wise for it's year.

I'd just hate to be sorry anytime soon. We'll see.

coach4sale

In my opinion you should steer away from this car. I've been in the car business most of my life and i have also owned a 2000 w220. You have to realize this car is 8 years old and only has 55k miles that means the car has been driven less than 7k miles per year. What that says to me is that the car either hasn't been driven much or the mileage has been rolled back(yes i've seen it done). These cars are meant to be driven and I see soo many late model cars that start having problems as soon as they start being drive. You would almost rather one with 100k i've seen so many times you purchase a low mileage highline and as soon as the customer starts driving it regularly the trans goes or the gaskets go.

AH1W-COBRA

MB's are beautiful luxury cars,they look great even when they are eight years old.the S class is problematic based upon the complexity of the options and the technology that is placed on the platform and we are the proving ground.the joy of ownership can be absolutely destroyed if you wind up with an S class that is a maintanance hog.The cost of repairing the "S" is staggering.id advise spending more money and getting your first S class as a CPO from a dealer with a factory extended warranty of 24 months/100,000 miles.it will cost you but believe me you will get more enjoyment from the car.look at 2004 and newer and get the sport package.if you find that the purchase cost is to much to handle than walk away from the S.

S500 Man

i paid 27k for an 02 no sport package a year and 8 months ago, man i feel ripped off....i wish i would have waited and not have been a dumb 19 year old, but you live and learn...i could have bought an 04 sport package for the same price

sledge1100

If you lived closer you could buy this one with the AMG package.

https://post.craigslist.org/stl/S/ca...AdGRG91R/e5qif

jfendis430

trying to make a few grand on your sale?

westcoast5

lol oh snap!!!

S500Miami

Ouch, that hurt.

tilolite

Don't feel so bad since an 02 from two years ago is equivalent to an 04 now. The 04 is the same age that you bought your 02 two years ago. Higher gas prices now is the only justification for the lower 04 prices.

sledge1100

It's the american way!!! I actually was putting it out there to see what would happen. I saw an 04 s500 that I'd like to have. I still love the 01 though!

jfendis430

Your car looks mint...Good luck with the sale. Are you looking at the 04 s500 on craigslist?