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

S430 VS S320 VS S500

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Old Sep 23, 2008 | 12:07 AM
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2005 s430
S430 VS S320 VS S500

Guys - can someone gime me more information on s430 w220 reliability?
How would you compare to s320 or s500?

Cheers
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Old Sep 23, 2008 | 12:53 AM
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'19 E63S sedan
W220 engines are usually the most reliable part of the car. Even the late V12s tend to be bullet proof. The gremlins live in the suspension and electrics. Both Airmatic and ABC have failure points (struts, pumps, valves and plumbing) and front-end joints tend to be short-lived. Depending on the year, various controller modules, SAMs, accelerator pedal sender, fuel senders, fluid level senders, transmission connector, park lockout assembly and the infamous instrument cluster are among the usual subjects. Both suspension and electrics can be difficult for anyone but the dealer to diagnose, and they will be costly.

Obviously the smaller engines will cost a bit less to maintain and feed, but I wouldn't expect choice of engine to effect repair costs much.
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Old Sep 23, 2008 | 12:12 PM
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2005 S500 4Matic
The S430 and the S500 use the same engine construction (differing mainly in size), so it should not result in a big difference.
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Old Sep 23, 2008 | 12:20 PM
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I always had the idea that the 4.3L and 5.0L are the exact same engines with the exception that the 5.0 is just a bored over version of the 4.3L motor.
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Old Sep 23, 2008 | 02:52 PM
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2005 S500 4-Matic, 1978 450SL
See http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w220...-look-out.html for some fair opinions.

The S320 is obviously uses a smaller engine, and its body is a short wheelbase version. Some like its styling better than the LWB, which is the more common in the U.S.

Welcome to the forum. You might find this helpful as well: https://mbworld.org/forums/suggestions-feedback/260977-some-new-guy-help.html
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