S-Class (W220) 1999-2006: S 320 CDI, S 320, S430, S 500, S 600

Advise on purchase of w220 - 2000-2001

Old Aug 4, 2008 | 09:24 AM
  #1  
NOLA911's Avatar
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From: Louisiana
g500, e500
Advise on purchase of w220 - 2000-2001

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Hey guys, just leaving the w210 forum and stepping out of a e320. My next victim is set to be a w220 s430 or s500. I am looking at 2000-2002 vehicles with 30-60k miles.

The car will obviously be out of warranty due to the make year... I understand what to look out for in this platform, but what should I be expecting. I don't notice any rediculous repairs listed in any of the service histories I have seen yet. The most unexpected- cluster replacement- was done on most cars I have looked at.

Is this car an "ok" choice if I live 40 miles from the dealer? Reliable enough to carry me around like the previous MB's have? Why are there so many horror stories about this model and the cl? Is is just the 600's maintenance that scares people like me away?

My father had the 220 when new in 2000.. the ride was perfect, the seats were comfy, the car was just great.. I think this is my best option, what about you guys?
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Old Aug 4, 2008 | 11:40 AM
  #2  
BryanW203's Avatar
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Get a my 2003+.
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Old Aug 4, 2008 | 02:36 PM
  #3  
Skylaw's Avatar
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From: Tampa, FL
2005 S500 4-Matic, 1978 450SL
The post at https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w220/254960-differences.html provides more "answer" than the question you asked, but may help you to come to a decision. Follow the imbedded links, too.
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Old Aug 5, 2008 | 02:06 AM
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Gondon's Avatar
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From: Brooklyn
02 S500 Sport
Avoid 2000.
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Old Aug 9, 2008 | 07:20 PM
  #5  
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2000 s430
Originally Posted by whalermax
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hey guys, just leaving the w210 forum and stepping out of a e320. My next victim is set to be a w220 s430 or s500. I am looking at 2000-2002 vehicles with 30-60k miles.

The car will obviously be out of warranty due to the make year... I understand what to look out for in this platform, but what should I be expecting. I don't notice any rediculous repairs listed in any of the service histories I have seen yet. The most unexpected- cluster replacement- was done on most cars I have looked at.

Is this car an "ok" choice if I live 40 miles from the dealer? Reliable enough to carry me around like the previous MB's have? Why are there so many horror stories about this model and the cl? Is is just the 600's maintenance that scares people like me away?

My father had the 220 when new in 2000.. the ride was perfect, the seats were comfy, the car was just great.. I think this is my best option, what about you guys?

I just purchased a 2000 but at 119k miles. had the front struts replaced, and apparently there is a know instrument cluster problem - it flickers on and off frequently on the 2000 model. but MB dealer repaired that for free
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