Just bought a 2002 S430
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,063
Likes: 2
From: Charlotte, NC
2002 S430, 2004 Cobra, 2004 Tahoe
Just bought a 2002 S430
It was my grandfather's originally, but he passed away about a month ago, so I bought it from the estate. Only has 42,000 miles and is in overall good shape. Had some quirks I had worked out and got the windows tinted yesterday. I'll post pics soon.
Anyone care to add some insight in to owning a S-class? Im considering buying an aftermarket warranty when my E350 lease comes up in Dec. of this year. I think a full coverage (bascially new car) warranty will run me about $3k for a 3yr/36k mile warranty. Main reason Im considering this option is b/c Ive heard it can get pretty expensive if something breaks. Also thinking about upgrading the command, but havent fully decided on that one either.
Anyone care to add some insight in to owning a S-class? Im considering buying an aftermarket warranty when my E350 lease comes up in Dec. of this year. I think a full coverage (bascially new car) warranty will run me about $3k for a 3yr/36k mile warranty. Main reason Im considering this option is b/c Ive heard it can get pretty expensive if something breaks. Also thinking about upgrading the command, but havent fully decided on that one either.
Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 194
Likes: 0
From: West Palm Beach, FL
2003 S600
Congrats on your new car! I've never owned a 430, so I'm not sure about issues. I purchased a warranty with my car and am glad I did. I had the rear antenna for the remote system go out. That in itself made my warranty worth it.
Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 83
Likes: 0
From: San Diego
MB
Congrats on the purchase. I also have a 2002 S430 and love it. Do a search on the common problems that come across the 2002 model. That's what I did.
The only problems I've had so far are one of my windows (one won't roll down, possible regulator), my airmatic went out (had to replace the pump), and that's about it. There are a few other know common issues w/ these cars. I've heard that the dash cluster light will burn out at some point but I've haven't experienced that yet.
Keep up w/ the normal maintanance and you should be good. Again, congrats on the new purchase.
The only problems I've had so far are one of my windows (one won't roll down, possible regulator), my airmatic went out (had to replace the pump), and that's about it. There are a few other know common issues w/ these cars. I've heard that the dash cluster light will burn out at some point but I've haven't experienced that yet.
Keep up w/ the normal maintanance and you should be good. Again, congrats on the new purchase.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,063
Likes: 27
From: Tampa, FL
2005 S500 4-Matic, 1978 450SL
Congratulations. You might want to read http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w220...-look-out.html - you will also find useful search terms reading that.
Also, having tinted the windows, you could begin to have problems with door control units; they're touchy if they ever get wet. If you use metallic tint on the rear windshield, kiss your AM radio reception goodbye.
In case you have any window problems, this may help you - post #14 at http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w220...st2216730.html
The best thing you can do for yourself is to read the Owner's Manual and the COMAND manual cover-to-cover. It's a complex car with a lot of neat features, and most of them are covered there.
Be sure to comply with the MB-approved fluids when you have the car serviced. The list is in your owners manual packet. Oil, fleece filters, and the type of coolant are particularly important.
Also, having tinted the windows, you could begin to have problems with door control units; they're touchy if they ever get wet. If you use metallic tint on the rear windshield, kiss your AM radio reception goodbye.
In case you have any window problems, this may help you - post #14 at http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w220...st2216730.html
The best thing you can do for yourself is to read the Owner's Manual and the COMAND manual cover-to-cover. It's a complex car with a lot of neat features, and most of them are covered there.
Be sure to comply with the MB-approved fluids when you have the car serviced. The list is in your owners manual packet. Oil, fleece filters, and the type of coolant are particularly important.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,063
Likes: 2
From: Charlotte, NC
2002 S430, 2004 Cobra, 2004 Tahoe
Thanks for the tips guys. I am actually a MB Sales Consultant, so I think I know these cars pretty well, just still getting used to some of the older one's. So far the car has been great, but I cannot get over how bad of an idea it was to put the antenna on the back windshield. Im thinking about upgrading the wheels/tires once it needs new tires b/c the stock 16's just aren't doing it for me.
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
06 S500
I'm sorry for your loss. However, congrats, it's one hell of a car to own. We just went through the whole warranty deal. For us it was 4.4k for a 70k mile warranty (total). We turned it down. If we hit that much in repairs before that many miles it will probably be sold anyway. The 16's definitely need to be upgraded. Pick up a set of 18's with a solid set of tires. You won't regret it.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,063
Likes: 2
From: Charlotte, NC
2002 S430, 2004 Cobra, 2004 Tahoe
Tucker--I was thinking the same thing about the 18's. Also, the warranty I was looking in to was a Platinum from JM&A. It was a 3yr/36k mile, basically new car warranty. Would be quite a bit less for me than the 4.4k you were quoted, but I have not made my final decision on it yet.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)
Verdad Gallardo
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,063
Likes: 2
From: Charlotte, NC
2002 S430, 2004 Cobra, 2004 Tahoe
I do, however it's never run right since Ive started messing with it. Started out small, now have just gone too big. It's got a 324 big bore motor, twin 67mm's turbo's, built IRS, built T56, 6pt cage, and im sure some stuff im leaving out...hoping to have the car running in the next few weeks...put down a best of 780rwhp so far on only 8lbs-9lbs of boost...might shoot for higher boost next time, but we'll just see if the motor was built right this time.
