DZJ

Hey everyone new to the forum here and new to the MB world. I just picked up an '04 s430 w/ 60k miles for 23k (I hope that was a good deal). Thing is i'm already having some buyers remorse.

100 miles after buying the car maintence B in 9k miles warning came up. What does maintenance B require to be done? (no owners manual or records)

Also the trunk is finicky sometimes and doesn't want to open(seems like it tries to open but nothing happens). Is this a sign of a lot of problems to occur.

However my biggest concern is that I live in new england and always had awd cars (evo, wrx). Will the benz be completely awful in the snow?

The reason I'm asking is that I have 5 days to return the car for all my money back. So if anyone has anything bad to say about the purchase let me know. Thanks for the feedback.

rondocap

Hey, those are not big problems at all. First, a 2004 S430 should be fairly good, as the W220 platform has already been around a good bit.

The maintenance works like this for the car's computer: Service A, and Service B. Do a search and you'll see what they entail. They are basically just an Oil Change, and the wipers, dust filters, etc. The service B also checks all of your fluids, brakes, stuff like that. You don't have to take it to Mercedes - a good independent shop will change your Oil and do the other checks for a fraction of the price. The car uses synthetic oil, Mercedes recommends every 10k miles for the change- but you can do it a bit sooner if you'd like to make sure it is always fresh oil.

Your trunk problem could be just some latch or something minor, I would not worry about that too much - just get it checked out when you can.

As for the snow, your S430 is not 4matic correct? If so, then as long as you get some good All-season or winter tires, you should be fine. It won't be as secure as a AWD car, but if you go carefully with good tires, you should not have too many problems even with just rear wheel drive. Nothing great, but it will go.

tusabes

if youve always had AWD cars why did you buy this one? I would return it since you are unfamiliar with RWD, which is VASTLY different in the inclement weather

Fraser

Service A and B:
http://pictures.dealer.com//mcgeorge...fc2793f6cd.pdf

I'm not sure why the Service thing would pop up on the MFD, unless you were scrolling through the functions...but 9,000 miles is nothing to worry about, just normal. Means someone just had it done.

Apart from the AWD issue I don't think you've got too much to worry about with your current situation.

Das Geld 2

23k for 04 S430 and 60k Miles is way overpay. You over payed by like 5-8k.

Go return the car.

http://www.autotrader.com/dealers/dd...er_id=56289056

You Can get into a 500 same year for like 17-18k

bzliteyear

+1

Fraser

Although I didn't address it specifically I'd certainly agree with this sentiment.

A year ago I bought my '04 S600 w/67,000 miles for, well, about what you paid! No accidents or anything, just a couple of slightly curb rashed AMG wheels. Fully inspected prior to purchase by local MB dealer (who'd done all the servicing) who gave it their stamp of approval.

Mine was private party as opposed to via a dealer but still....I'm sure you can do better.

malahhaor

This year i got 04 S500 80K with Keyless go for $16,500 at a dealer.. 1 owner w/ all maintenance records on file. Carfax verified.

Small things like yours are bound to happen on any car, specially used. I've been driving Mercedes since i was 21, had a lex once. To me there is very few cars that may be on par or better. So i would not have remorse in your situation, but that just me.

RWD is not a problem if you take it easy, spesially on turns. Just get a winter set and youre fine. I've been using Nokian WRs on all my RWDs and no complains, even toy with Audis and SUVs once in a while.

And as folks mentioned 9K till service is good.... just make sure that the oil is actually new and not just a reset on the computer (if you're keeping the car)