blitzed400

Hi guys, just a bit of information please. I am contemplating purchasing one of these two beasts the questions are:

I understand that the E55 would be a lot quicker with 354 bhp, more torque and a lot lighter compared to the S500 with 306 bhp i am basing this on figures but in the real world on the road is there a big gap in performance out of the two?

Which out of the two is more reliable and less expensive to run in terms of parts and servicing?? also i had look at the S320 CDI i know these can be chipped and can produce 414 pound foot of torque which would exceed both motors, with the increased amount of torque on the CDI model would that mean it would be quicker than both vehicles on a rolling start from say 40 mph??

advice or information would be most appreciated.

Gondon

Its 2 different bodies. The 2000 E55 is more relevant to the W140 s-classes than W220 S-class.

bzliteyear

i went from 2001 E55 to 2002 S55 and i'm very happy i made the switch. despite the same engine and only 350 lbs difference, the cars drive VERY different. E55 is small, nimble, and FAST...plus got close to 19mpg avg for me. the S55 is luxurious, smooth, and much more comfortable, especially for long trips. surprisingly, my gas mileage is much worse even though same engine and only slightly heavier - closer to 14-17mpg.
as for reliability, i think the S has lots more electronics and could be more costly. given the E55 is near last year of the W210 platform, i think many of the bugs were worked out. therefore, all things being equal, the E55 would be less expensive to maintain. p.s. i've seen S55's for mid-teens - and if it's well maintained, i think it's a great buy.
Patrick

jd986s

Stay away from 2000 S class (W220). It has more problemes than other W220. Get 2003 or newer. Ideally 2005/2006 W220. If your budget does not allow, I'd go with W210 E55 for lower maintenance.

ibeforreal

I agree up until 2003 there were lots of problems with the S class, instrument cluster, airmatic, and several other problems. If you can't get a 2003 or higher I would stay away.

m4xm1l10n

01 , 02 still a good solid car , the 2000 models had a few issues , i came from a 2002 S430 owned for about 2 years with no issue except the shifter , also i buy lots of them for sale and the 2000 are the ones in need of major repairs .

blitzed400

Thank you for the advice there guys, i think i may have to opt for the E55 instead then and look at the possibility of a newer S class in a couple of years or so.

m4xm1l10n

honestly i don't think E CLASS is more reliable than S .

jd986s

E class W210 has a good track record. I've owned both but my was 2002 E55. Solid car. Now I have 2005 S55. With E class you have less issues to worry about.

1) no airmatic leak (very common on W220 S class)
2) No instrument cluster issue, S class now has extended warranty (10 year in the US) which you'll have until 2009 (1999 production of 2000 S class).
3) Shifter stuck is not common in W210 E class
4) Seat frame cracking is common on 2000-2002 S class, not on E class.

E class has knows issues of its own but less expensive to fix.

1) squeeky stering wheel (do a search)
2) ball joint is a weak point

Also, keep in mind that 2000 E55 is 5th year of E class production. Many of earlier issues were resolved with newer design (face lift).

I really like W220 S class but I'd only buy later version. Lesson that I learn is to buy either the last year or year before last year of the body style (if you don't mind it's not the latest) and have a peace of mind on reliability. Good luck with the car. I missed my W210 E55.

m4xm1l10n

That was only my own opinion of ownership of both cars , I have had better luck with S class !!!!!!! you are right about those first year S class they can be a pain . 02 E55

MBZFAN55

The 2000 (production 3/99) S-Class was the most problematic Mercedes I have ever owned. As MB re-invented the S-Class after the W140, the W220 looked great but suffered multiple quality & engineering issues. It took a few years for Mercedes to correct the defects and is primarily responsible for the deterioration in the Mercedes-Benz quality reputation.

- Airmatic suspension failure - control arm & ball joint replacement - power steering pump failure - multiple plastic interior breakage - radio/antenna problems - instrument cluster failure - wiring harness replacement - numerous other problems that my mind has blocked out, all in less then 45,000 miles !

I almost bought a BMW in 2004, but instead got a S500 that was as problem free as the 2000 was problematic. Unless the 2000 S-Class has a bulletproof warranty, stay away !

tilolite

One quick correction: the instrument cluster on the W220 S class is covered under mfr recall. The replacement clustered is garanteed for 10 years from the replacement date, not the car's build date.

blitzed400

Hey jd986s, what kind of cars where you keeping up with, with the E55? im just hoping its not a massive step in the wrong direction in terms of speed to my standard Supra twin turbo, i understand they are both completely different cars but i still want Supra kind of power with 4 doors.