cwy E55

So I'm a potential newbie to the MB world.

I currently own 4 BMWs, all 5 series, and was debating over 7 series vs. the S class, and chose to try out the other side of German Engineering.

I am hoping there are just as much DIY info available for the MBs as they are for the BMWs.

In any case, I was originally looking for a 2004 S430, but saw a 2003 S500 that seems pretty attractive. I know of these differences below, but are there more that I should be aware of? both functionality as well as reliability?

- 2004 S430 has 7 speed vs. 5 speed
- 2004 has DVD Nav, vs. the CD Nav on the 2003
- S500 also has higher HP but worse fuel economy, and I believe 2003 doesn't have 4matic available yet.

Anything else I should know or avoid a 2003, or higher prefer a 2004?

BTW, it has a "service B overdue 122 days" - anyone know how much this will run at a dealer or a shop? Any DIY info for the Service intervals?

I know BMW has inspection I and II, spaced 15k miles apart... are these similar?

Thanks in advance folks!!

CWY

Corsa9000

Service B is an oil/filter change plus cabin filter, other items are just checking fluid level, brake pad wear and various other checks. Dealers typically charge $450 but an independent shop charges about half that.

I agree with your 04 to 03 comparison but not sure if the 04 cars have a 7 speed transmission, I think it has a 5 speed auto tranny and the 7 speed showed up in 2006, but I could be wrong.

I would go with a 2004 S500, if you could the 5 liter engine is much better than the smaller V8.

Good luck.

68882

The S500 might have more internal features (like differences in the front seats), and perhaps more things for the passenger seats in the back (like heating). These are outside of tranny/engine choices, yet important.