amit1947

I'm looking at a 2004 S500 with 62K miles on it. I can get it for 22,500, what do you guys think?

amit1947

Heres a little more info on the car.

I found the car at a smaller used car lot local to my home. I drove it paying attention to the steering feel, and any unusual noises. It steered perfectly and it was quiet but it seemed to kick down (gears) quite easily when I pushed the pedal but this might just be because I'm not used to the s500.

The carfax shows all the servicing on it and indicates that the transmission was replaced at around 52000 miles. Is this a common problem? Whats the cost of a transmission replacement?

Also I've been reading these forums for a while so I'm familiar with the airmatic problems. The car wasn't too low when I first looked at it and it was able to raise and lower without a problem. One thing I noticed under the hood was that the windshield cleaner fluid tank was missing its cap.

Thanks,

-Amit

newton22

Sounds shady. Transmissions don't go out at 52k miles. Could be a lemon. I'd look further into it or just avoid the car.

Dino I

newton22, you're absolutely right on the transmission... They normally last forever. They are the last things to surrender service.

Regarding the downshifting, is it the RWD with 7GTronic or a 4Matic with the older 5 speed automatic? The 7GTronic will (because of the 7 gears) downshift more often and even do 2 gears at once, if deemed necessary. Additionally, if in both are driven in sports mode, it would shift a little bit more 'nervously'. That would be normal behaviour.

My tip is: Have the car checked by a MB dealer. At a price that low, you may just factor this in and still get a bargain (or, in the end, save a lot of money in exchange for a few bucks).

bmurphywa

Just to make sure we're talking apples and apples here. I agree that the transmission being replaced at 52K is not a good sign. OTOH, if the car is a 4Matic, there was a campaign to replace 4Matics free of charge. That would show on your service record as a "Transfer Case" replacement. That is a good thing.

my06clk

I disagree.. YOu never know what it was replaced for.. I had a brand new 2006 CLK 350 that had a new transmssion at 3150 miles... I was heartbroken.. MB Germany decided it was better to replace the entire thing instead of servicing my shifting issue.. so that said, No.. nothing lasts forever...

My 7 speed in my 04 seems rock solid so far though..

amit1947..

I think that would be and awesome deal for a 2004.. 62K is good miles about 30 less than my 04/430 and i was thinking aruond 26 to 27 as a good street number for mine.. 22 is what dealers are trading for in Texas.. I'd go for it.

amit1947

Thanks for the replies. The car is not a 4-matic by the way. I think the exhaust system might be aftermarket, not sure. It has two chrome exhaust tips coming straight out the back (not very far out). They might just be aftermarket exhaust tips.

The car dealer seemed to have no problem with me getting an inspection done. He also let me know that he bought it from an auction (confirmed on carfax).

I know an independent MB mechanic that can check it for me, or do you think an MB dealer would be better?

Dino I

If the indie is able to fully service the car, it should be fine.