S430 or S500
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 93
Likes: 0
From: Parker, Colorado
06 Audi A8L/ F350 Truck
S430 or S500
Gentlemen I defer to you!
Can anyone explain the differences between the two? 2000 and up only please. The base price is only 7-8 g's difference, Tell me if I am wrong here but if you switched the motors there would be no difference. Care to partake
Can anyone explain the differences between the two? 2000 and up only please. The base price is only 7-8 g's difference, Tell me if I am wrong here but if you switched the motors there would be no difference. Care to partake
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 292
Likes: 0
From: Long Island, NY
01, Blk/Blk S500
I had a 1999 S420 (W140) and everytime I drove it around and saw a S500 (W140) I would feel (in my own mind), that I had a lesser car.
So when I stepped into the W220 in 2001 I went with the S500. Now I do not feel like that anymore. The S600 to me is too out there. Too much power, etc.
Other than the motors as you put it -- you can option both the S430 & S500 cars similarly.
Nick--
So when I stepped into the W220 in 2001 I went with the S500. Now I do not feel like that anymore. The S600 to me is too out there. Too much power, etc.
Other than the motors as you put it -- you can option both the S430 & S500 cars similarly.
Nick--
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 443
Likes: 0
The real major difference between the two is resale value. The S430 is regarded as the "I barely made it" S class(on the W140 it was the S320). And it shows this as it's value tumbles year after year compared to the 500's modest depreciation. The bottom line is that the 430 is cheaper, but it costs more to own it in terms of depreciation. This explains why there are so many 500's on the road. The $7k increase for the 500 can be viewed as an upfront fee for retaining a better value.
As far as power, the the 430 does 60 in 6.9sec while the 500 does it in 6.1. Is this really noticible during normal driving conditions? I think that one could only appreciate the difference if the two models were being raced side-by-side on a track.
To the person who felt less when next to a 500, it's only psychological. THe two cars are equal length, made from 99% of the same materials, and both have ample power. However, when spectators look at the rears of the two, they automatically pride the 500. My suggestion to anyone who has a 430 is to rebadge it as a 500. Most people are not educated enough about Mercedes cars to actually notice the subtle differences between the 430 and 500.
As far as power, the the 430 does 60 in 6.9sec while the 500 does it in 6.1. Is this really noticible during normal driving conditions? I think that one could only appreciate the difference if the two models were being raced side-by-side on a track.
To the person who felt less when next to a 500, it's only psychological. THe two cars are equal length, made from 99% of the same materials, and both have ample power. However, when spectators look at the rears of the two, they automatically pride the 500. My suggestion to anyone who has a 430 is to rebadge it as a 500. Most people are not educated enough about Mercedes cars to actually notice the subtle differences between the 430 and 500.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 292
Likes: 0
From: Long Island, NY
01, Blk/Blk S500
Internet Mafia,
I know it is only psychological and I admit it myself. I also know that the two cars are the same length... When I said lesser I was mirroring your opinion "The S430 is regarded as the "I barely made it" S class" and "However, when spectators look at the rears of the two, they automatically pride the 500." That is why I now drive a S500.
I think it is disgraceful for someone to re-badge a car with another number. If I were to do something I would de-badge instead.
Nick--
I know it is only psychological and I admit it myself. I also know that the two cars are the same length... When I said lesser I was mirroring your opinion "The S430 is regarded as the "I barely made it" S class" and "However, when spectators look at the rears of the two, they automatically pride the 500." That is why I now drive a S500.
I think it is disgraceful for someone to re-badge a car with another number. If I were to do something I would de-badge instead.
Nick--
Last edited by Nick; Feb 26, 2003 at 01:58 PM.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 93
Likes: 0
From: Parker, Colorado
06 Audi A8L/ F350 Truck
Interesting information and I appreciate it.
I am sold on the S500 always have been, I just wanted to
find some differences other than the motor but it does not appear that there are. I too share the same view that the $7,000 is worth the ownership pre-paid expense to reduce depreciation.
I have been looking on Cars.com, autotrader.com, and ebay and the differences in the same year are dramatic! 7gs now or 15gs later. I beleive the New S-Class will be model year 06' released in fall 05'. I should have close to 3 years before it's time to upgrade.
I also agree debadging is much better than rebadging.
Thank You for the advice
Hoss79
I am sold on the S500 always have been, I just wanted to
find some differences other than the motor but it does not appear that there are. I too share the same view that the $7,000 is worth the ownership pre-paid expense to reduce depreciation.
I have been looking on Cars.com, autotrader.com, and ebay and the differences in the same year are dramatic! 7gs now or 15gs later. I beleive the New S-Class will be model year 06' released in fall 05'. I should have close to 3 years before it's time to upgrade.
I also agree debadging is much better than rebadging.
Thank You for the advice
Hoss79
Trending Topics
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
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
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 138
Likes: 0
Originally posted by AMG4life
if u wanna get the s 430 get the short wheel base version. it's slightly lighter. i dont feel much power difference when i test drive the demon s 500 and the 430 but more power def wouldnt hurt
if u wanna get the s 430 get the short wheel base version. it's slightly lighter. i dont feel much power difference when i test drive the demon s 500 and the 430 but more power def wouldnt hurt
Last edited by wmak8; Feb 26, 2003 at 04:20 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 443
Likes: 0
Originally posted by Nick
I think it is disgraceful for someone to re-badge a car with another number. If I were to do something I would de-badge instead.
Nick--
I think it is disgraceful for someone to re-badge a car with another number. If I were to do something I would de-badge instead.
Nick--
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 292
Likes: 0
From: Long Island, NY
01, Blk/Blk S500
Yes Disgraceful is too strong a word 
. However, taking a re-badged S430 to your service manager at the dealer and the crew is not a fun prospect. I would not do it. I was proud driving my S420 it is still big bucks. I am happier with the S500 though.
Nick--
. However, taking a re-badged S430 to your service manager at the dealer and the crew is not a fun prospect. I would not do it. I was proud driving my S420 it is still big bucks. I am happier with the S500 though.Nick--
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 505
Likes: 0
Damn... were talking about the S430 like its a peice of crap, only poor people get it and beggars right? Rationize that its a low-crappy S430 when its debadged? This is a car 99% of the population in USA will never have but dream about. I do suppose that true MB lovers and fanatics and the dealership guys will not like you for "upgrading" the chrome lettering, i thought about changing my S430 to S63 --- ///AMG after putting 5000$ worth of exteriror styling into it.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 28,933
Likes: 12
Originally posted by apricotscrub
Damn... were talking about the S430 like its a peice of crap, only poor people get it and beggars right? Rationize that its a low-crappy S430 when its debadged? This is a car 99% of the population in USA will never have but dream about. I do suppose that true MB lovers and fanatics and the dealership guys will not like you for "upgrading" the chrome lettering, i thought about changing my S430 to S63 --- ///AMG after putting 5000$ worth of exteriror styling into it.
Damn... were talking about the S430 like its a peice of crap, only poor people get it and beggars right? Rationize that its a low-crappy S430 when its debadged? This is a car 99% of the population in USA will never have but dream about. I do suppose that true MB lovers and fanatics and the dealership guys will not like you for "upgrading" the chrome lettering, i thought about changing my S430 to S63 --- ///AMG after putting 5000$ worth of exteriror styling into it.
btw: there is a S500 next door to me.. it has Lorensir rims.. i think the LM5's.. and the front Lorensir grill.. i think.. it has the small star in the center.. its debadged.. but you can tell its a S500.. for some reason.. maybe it takes a mb nut to feel a presence from a car
:p 
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 756
Likes: 0
I have an S430 and I would never rebadge it cause i think its stupid to lie about what kind of car you have (I bought a 80k car and im gonna make people think its a 90k car!)... Ive seen an S430 rebadged to S55 AMG, it was especailly stupid because it had calyptus wood on the interior, its just stupid... and if you do plan to rebadge at least get burl or chestnut wood
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 93
Likes: 0
From: Parker, Colorado
06 Audi A8L/ F350 Truck
Well I am glad I have sparked some interest in this forum.
Let me introduce myself my name is Jason and I live in Beautifull Littleton, Colorado. I have descided to get the S500 and throw some nice wheels and tint the windows. I Love the S Class I like the 300 horse motor so the extra 7g's doesnt bother me. Depreciation is somewhat sickening for the S430 and that had alot to do with my decision. As far as the badging goes even the guy driving the S600 would look over at the S430 and know the guy driving is no joke. Spending 80K on a car is not something joe blow can do. I would love to have the S55 but I have to draw the limit somewhere. Call me nuts but the S Class means Class so 80K good buy and hello reality.
Let me introduce myself my name is Jason and I live in Beautifull Littleton, Colorado. I have descided to get the S500 and throw some nice wheels and tint the windows. I Love the S Class I like the 300 horse motor so the extra 7g's doesnt bother me. Depreciation is somewhat sickening for the S430 and that had alot to do with my decision. As far as the badging goes even the guy driving the S600 would look over at the S430 and know the guy driving is no joke. Spending 80K on a car is not something joe blow can do. I would love to have the S55 but I have to draw the limit somewhere. Call me nuts but the S Class means Class so 80K good buy and hello reality.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 443
Likes: 0
Correction
Actually, the 430 IS a better value than the 500. Anyone care can replicate my findings?:
1) I acquried the MRSP figures from MBUSA for both the 430 and 500, $73,320 and $81,720, respectively.
2) Went to Kelley Blue Book (kbb.com) to calculate "my car's value" for a 2001 S430 and S500. I left the option fields to their defaults, used 30000 miles for the calculation, and considered both vehicles to be in "good" condition. I used the year 2001 because cars depreciate the most in the first 2 years. The trade in values for the S430 and S500 are $43,400 and $50,100, respectively.
3) S430: $73,320 - 43,400 = $29,920*
S500: $81,720 - 50,100 = $31,620
*Showing that the S430 loss less in value compared to the 500.
However, this only applies to "base" models. I am sure that depending on how someone options out a 500 or a 430, that will make some difference.
1) I acquried the MRSP figures from MBUSA for both the 430 and 500, $73,320 and $81,720, respectively.
2) Went to Kelley Blue Book (kbb.com) to calculate "my car's value" for a 2001 S430 and S500. I left the option fields to their defaults, used 30000 miles for the calculation, and considered both vehicles to be in "good" condition. I used the year 2001 because cars depreciate the most in the first 2 years. The trade in values for the S430 and S500 are $43,400 and $50,100, respectively.
3) S430: $73,320 - 43,400 = $29,920*
S500: $81,720 - 50,100 = $31,620
*Showing that the S430 loss less in value compared to the 500.
However, this only applies to "base" models. I am sure that depending on how someone options out a 500 or a 430, that will make some difference.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 93
Likes: 0
From: Parker, Colorado
06 Audi A8L/ F350 Truck
I do appreciate your findings and your numbers in a perfect world are pretty close between the two. But.... here is were the market data fails, Book value is about 5,000 soft across the line. Options and all that Dealers dont even look at until the retail customer comes along. They base the trade-in minus 5gs and that what one would get right now. If you want more realistic numbers check out the paper, ebay, cars.com, and autotrader. The people selling are mostly dealers and there prices are on the money. You have to figure they try to make 3-5gs per car so after absorbing clean-up costs you can see what they paid for the car.
I hope this helps good day.
I hope this helps good day.
Member
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 213
Likes: 0
G500,toyota supra, 67corvette,05 pathfinder
from what i read in the brochure, the S500 has everything standard. then it has the options like air conditioned rear seats and such where as the S430 does not come with everything standard....
the main reason i will not look at S430 is MB states there 0-60 time as 6.9 seconds for the S430 and 6.1 seconds for the S500. .8 of a second is not a lot unless your drag racer like i am. then the .8 turns into 8 cars. Not that i will be running the S500... well never mind im sure i will be.
If i had the cash i would go all the way and jump on a S600 but i dont
.....
Also with the money you saved on the 430 you can ad a blower if the power is what is bothering you.
the main reason i will not look at S430 is MB states there 0-60 time as 6.9 seconds for the S430 and 6.1 seconds for the S500. .8 of a second is not a lot unless your drag racer like i am. then the .8 turns into 8 cars. Not that i will be running the S500... well never mind im sure i will be.
If i had the cash i would go all the way and jump on a S600 but i dont
.....Also with the money you saved on the 430 you can ad a blower if the power is what is bothering you.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 264
Likes: 0
From: oak brook, il
Nice thread freunds!
I'm planning on debadging my S430 this weekend and badging the right side AMG since I paid a couple grand for the 19" wheels.
Hopefully, next year when the wife's purse strings untwine, I'll add the aero kit and exhaust.
Before I bought (last month) I looked at ebay and dealers and the S500 seemed to add $5-7k on 2001s. These days I'm taking that extra 1mpg to the bank.
I'm planning on debadging my S430 this weekend and badging the right side AMG since I paid a couple grand for the 19" wheels.
Hopefully, next year when the wife's purse strings untwine, I'll add the aero kit and exhaust.
Before I bought (last month) I looked at ebay and dealers and the S500 seemed to add $5-7k on 2001s. These days I'm taking that extra 1mpg to the bank.
