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

Looking for a little direction

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old 02-03-2009, 07:00 PM
  #1  
Almost a Member!
Thread Starter
 
df666's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: West Covina,CA
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
2000 ML 320
Looking for a little direction

Hi guys,

I come from the lowly Chrysler ML320 forum and I am in the market for either an (W220) S500 or an E500. I've been following this forum for about a month now. Just a few things:

Are there certain years I should be concerned with?
Are there any consistent problems with the whole W220 run?
Do all S's have the door close feature? I'm not crazy about frilly bells and whistles as they just seem like another feature that could fail.

This seems to be a great forum, so thanks in advance for any advice.
Old 02-03-2009, 07:12 PM
  #2  
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Quadcammer's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Clifton, NJ
Posts: 4,949
Likes: 0
Received 37 Likes on 32 Posts
96 and 08 911 turbos
the search is a powerful tool in this forum, but I'll shoot some things your way.

Yes, just act like the 00-02 don't exist. The use the old style command, have generally lower reliability, and appear more dated due to the headlight and tailights.

You didn't mention a budget, so I would go for the 05-06 models. I feel that the quality was quite good in these years, you get the updated looks, DVD wide-screen navigation, and you have a hope of still being under warranty for at least a little while.

Sure, airmatic struts up front tend to leak. While this is generally more pronounced on early models, a late model can have issues. Strut top seal plates are the most common fix, and that runs about $650 at the dealer. Reman struts can be had for $400 and seem to be a good option.

The instrument cluster can go dark, but that is covered under a 10 year factory warranty.
ABS/ESP errors are fairly common, but are typically attributed to either a weak battery or an ABS wheel speed sensor. Fairly cheap to fix.

There are other issues that people have had, but overall, not bad.

Yes, they should. I love this feature, and its honestly not that complicated. Failures do happen, but worst case, you close the door a bit harder. A failure here does not prevent the doors from closing. Most people fix it though because its so cool.

that should get you started.
Old 02-04-2009, 06:34 PM
  #3  
Almost a Member!
Thread Starter
 
df666's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: West Covina,CA
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
2000 ML 320
Thanks Oliverk, I think you just about covered what I needed.
My biggest concern was being able to do some work on it myself and this forum seems to have some great tips. I have been successful with working on my ML. Like many have said on this forum "It's still just a car..."
Thanks again...
Old 02-04-2009, 07:05 PM
  #4  
Senior Member
 
4matic's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: CT
Posts: 378
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
04 S430 4Matic/03 Ml 320/ 98' E320 4matic/ 73' slc 450/ 05 cherokee
Post

from what I have read...and from experience...04's are decent too if money is a little tighter...but wit hthe market the way it is you can get the 05=06 for what someone would have normally paid for that 04

these are great cars...you'll fall in love wit hbot hof them...especially the S.

goodluck
Old 02-04-2009, 09:15 PM
  #5  
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Oxygen's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Long Island, NY
Posts: 3,455
Likes: 0
Received 10 Likes on 9 Posts
W220 S65 AMG
Originally Posted by df666
"It's still just a car..."
Yes... exactly that. It's just a car.
Old 02-09-2009, 06:07 PM
  #6  
Almost a Member!
Thread Starter
 
df666's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: West Covina,CA
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
2000 ML 320
Thanks guys, I guys I just have to start searching, but I also have too see what will fit in my garage!
Old 02-09-2009, 06:57 PM
  #7  
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
whoover's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: San Jose area
Posts: 4,153
Received 316 Likes on 233 Posts
'19 E63S sedan
Originally Posted by df666
Thanks guys, I guys I just have to start searching, but I also have too see what will fit in my garage!
What kind of garage do you have? A W220 is only 2 1/2" longer than a Chevy Impala. Are they building Honda-only garages now?
Old 02-09-2009, 08:20 PM
  #8  
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
newton22's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Sugar Land, TX
Posts: 4,574
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
BMW E39
Don't buy the wrong W220. My W220 was passed down from my father and I hate this car.
Old 02-10-2009, 12:33 AM
  #9  
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
my06clk's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,578
Likes: 0
Received 7 Likes on 6 Posts
04 S430 (sold),05 X5 4.4i, 02 325i, 87 560SL, 85 Alfa Romeo
Originally Posted by newton22
Don't buy the wrong W220. My W220 was passed down from my father and I hate this car.
But you hve to admit. It looks really Good!!
Old 02-10-2009, 04:59 AM
  #10  
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Oxygen's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Long Island, NY
Posts: 3,455
Likes: 0
Received 10 Likes on 9 Posts
W220 S65 AMG
Originally Posted by my06clk
But you hve to admit. It looks really Good!!
+1 very unique looks awesome
Old 02-11-2009, 10:56 PM
  #11  
Almost a Member!
Thread Starter
 
df666's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: West Covina,CA
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
2000 ML 320
Some kitchen re-modeling took about a foot and a half of garage space...

Last edited by df666; 02-11-2009 at 10:59 PM.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.

Quick Reply: Looking for a little direction



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 07:44 AM.