Thanks for the pics Howard. Yes, she sure is a beauty. That car is lucky to have found a gentleman who is now a car enthusiast and V12TT nut. You will be very happy that you made this purchase. If you are like most of us, your wife has probably been rolling her eyes a lot lately and giving you the business about wanting this car so bad. She will grow to understand your enthusiasm for the car soon enough, although she will probably never comprehend the extra thousands of $$ you spent to acquire the 600.

Take care of you new baby.

Keith

 

Hi all,

Just have more time since kids are in bed now.
Here is more details about this purchase and hope it helps people who will be going through similar route.

Lexus, BMW or Mercedes:
BMW is sporty and much perferred by young people. For me comfortable and safety are still top priorities especially thinking about family. Sporty is not that much favored by me although I'm still young. Lexus vs Mercedes: they are all top of the line. Both are amazingly engineered and built. Can't tell much, one thing is true: I feel much more excited when sitting in a Benz, Let alone thinking about owning one, which is always a dream. I still remember the very first car ever build is a Mercedes-Benz.

New or used:
Scared of the heavy depreciation from the first few years of new cars. Seems buying a good used one would be better financially.
FYI: 2012 S600 is listed in Canada at $196,000.00, no options.

Current or the six Generation:
The current generation (MY 2007 after) S-Class is bigger and very well re-fined. While the six generation (MY 2000-2006) are more classic and conservative. Take price and reliability into consideration I prefer MY 2003-2006.

S500 4Matic, S55 or S600:
4Matic would be a must have for Canadian if I don't have my XC70 AWD. But as I already have this Volvo to handle all weather condition and utility, I am not afraid to have a luxury RWD. Performance wise, S600 is still outstanding. Plus the TTV12 is always attracting me. Ultra high maintenance and repair cost is a downside of S600 which could be offset as I can handle the car by myself. To be honest, work on the car is one of my hooby, really enjoy doing so, especially on one of the best car in the world.

Candidates in the market:
As mentioned before, for few months, there are only 3 S600 (2003-2006) listed across whole Canada, (now there are 2, ).
Cheapest one had a $10k worth accident back to 2007. Strange enough, not covered by insurance. In the history there are whole lot of Insurance Cancelation which I've never seen before. I won't touch it.
I test drove the rest two. A black one is beautiful in and out. But during the test drive it threw ABC warnings and suspension height can't be adjusted. Also the acceleration and shifting is sluggish which I couldn't understand. Without any option also make it less favored.
For this silver S600 sports, the first test drive is flawless, strong and responsive. All the great feeling commented by others came to alive when I sit behind the wheel. I believe the first impression and it means a lot for choosing a road machine. Plus it has sports package, keyless go, heated steering wheel and power trunck close.

How bad was the accident:
$8k worth accident happened in 2004 when car is one and half years old. This is the biggest problem and would be a deal-breaker if I don't have any detail.
Fortunately, base on the CarFax & CarProof history I narrowed down the dealerships who could be doing the repair. I went to the dealerships by myself and asked about the history. Authorized MB dealer wouldn't disclose any detail information to a third party. But they are so nice that mentioned all the body repair within a certain area will be sent to only one MB authorized bodyshop.
The bodyshop is also very professional and refused to provide any history about previous records. I tried to explain how important the information is to support my purchase decision and for my future maintenance/repair. Luckly the SA finally told me it was an impact on right rear. And he said $8k claim is nothing for an almost new S600 which need body works plus other. This gave me a peace of mind as I believe MB bodyshop were able to restore the car back to the manufacture specification for this kind of accident.
Finally this pat of history turned to be a price advantage and also scared away any other buyer.

Other issues discovered:
Lucky enough: I have the access of Star. During the second test drove I pulled out all codes and test/scan every modules. With those information I start this thread and dug into more details about this car.
All in all, the major outstanding issues till now:
- Transmission Electric Plug leaking: Will be fixed very soon.
- Electricseat adjustment front left control unit voltage low: no idea. Only thing may be related is: When waiting for red light, I can feel under the driver seat something try to move. Not any kind of vibration. But as soon as the car start to move the road vibration takes over and I can no longer feel it. Hope it is not a snake, .
- Rust and bubbles on fenders: This I can't handle and will take to MB bodyshop to see whether they can cover;
- Potential misfire which could lead to Coil issue: never come back since last reset which is 320kms(200 miles) ago;
Above are all things I'm currently stay cautious plus need winter tires.

Great forums always help a lot:
I learned about how to maintain and fix my XC70 from one Volvo forum.
I thought I will get valuable information from this forum too. Within few months I read many post which help me to choose the right direction. After I post this thread asking idea about this S600 I got so many good ideas and every post is valuable for me. Other than technical stuff, here are two more things I learned:
- Be cautious;
- Be patient;
They make me back to a better position looking into this deal. Guided me discovered more details about this car. Also support me moving toward a fair price.

I will post experience about maintain and repair this S600 in the future. But may start new thread and keep this one solely for it's initial purpose.

BTW, am I really owning a S600 ? Tomorrow I will double check.

Thanks a lot.

Howard

 

Hooray, nice bonuses !

Thanks for sharing.

Howard

 

Yes, RedC320S.

I will install Pilot Alpin very soon.
With all seasons I'm afraid there is no much stopping power which is scary.

It is true this car will handle much better if properly equipped.

Thanks again.

Howard

 

Thanks, Keith.

Actually it was the wife approved the funding. And she also said: Send it to the dealer if it need maintenance or fix as you need stay home taking care of kids. She may not really understand how big the bill will be but anyway thanks for her kindness.

Best regards.

Howard

 

I been looking for that wood trim for my 430 can't find it looks great

 

my apollogies on the early post and flogging, simply my method of conveying concerne. you have done your best to correct the mechanical issues and bought your dream car!. you are truly a determined individual. when you get a chance order/purchase the "star service dvd". if you plan on doing the majority of the maintanance yourself you dont want to be without it. you cant "Guess" your way through MB tasks, knowing how panels release, component locations, and detailed instructions on how to perform the tasks will make you love your car even more. german engineering is so cool!. so are you still sitting in the car out in the garage reading the owners manual and admiring the beauty of that car? remember kiss the wife first, than daughter you are now cleared to go play with the benz!. enjoy!

 

, Never mind, buddy. No any downside at all.

What ever the words you were using they conveyed your concern and feeling about this car and deal. That really helped me stay cautious and be patient which are the most valuable attitudes I gained from you guys. Your efforts became part of my success.

Like you mentioned, I did read the user manual twice before really purchase this car. And I'm now keep reading WIS and EPC from the Star.
Yes, German engineering is nice stuff. There are whole lot of knowledge behind these cars which are really the core value of the industry.

Thanks again and really appreciate !

Howard

 

lol

Be Quiet Please!
Howard is studying the owners Manual.
Thank you and enjoy your Mercedes.

 

This is actually how they come from the factory there are only 2 colors for the wood trim for the steering wheel and the rear ash trays and the rear mirrors. The wood color he has is the same as mine and as crazy as this sounds Mercedes puts the burl wood steering wheel,rear ash trays,and rear mirrors on even though they don't match I seen this in all the s600's

 

By the way forgot to say Congratulations man the car looks beautiful all she needs is some lowering links and you are set. Timeless look of the w220 will never go away hope she brings you allot of joy every time you look at her or drive her. I think the silver on black combo is the best way to go

 

Mine are all dead even, everywhere

Maybach tidbit... all the wood in each car comes from the same tree to ensure color / grain match

my car appears to share similar fortune 8-)

 

, Thanks man for the clarify on radio trim. Other S600 I saw did the same thing.

Yes, Brilliant Silver is great for a family car and looks big. I can't help smiling every time I see her or even just think about.

Best regards.

Howard

 

Actually the trim is different.. The uper trim on the dash will be different from the trim on the radio, door buttons, and shifter, but the trim on the radio bezel and the ashtray are the same.. it's the trim on the dash that is different on W220's..

 

My car is parked outside everyday so the wood pieces facing up (long dash trim) get bleached more by the sun

 

Hi all,

Got my S600 for 1 week and pretty happy about the car.

Really comfortable, luxury and VERY powerful.
With 5 people in the car it still pushes us like a plane taking off. Yes, do you still remember riding on a Boeing 747, same feeling when floor the gas.

Had chance opening the hood and go under the car to inspected this beast by myself.
- Front top of the Engine has oil due to a plastic valve broken which is part of a hose (Press. Reg. Valve to Charge Air Dist. Line). I bought a new hose and replaced the hose include the broken valve;
- Bottom of Transmission has oil leak due to the pan gasket is too old, not the Electric Plug (Transmission Pilot Bushing) leak MB mechanic mentioned. But anyway I'll change the Electric Plug, pan gasket and drian the Transmission very soon;
- Lots of oil and sand mixture around Steering Fluid Reservoir. Checked oil level seems fine. I think it was leaking before but now it's fine.
- Front bumper lower attached point is broken due to previous impact;
- Front right Parktronic sensor misaligned due to previous impact;
- Left exhaust pipe bent forward due to previous impact;

Conclusion: this car is still in a good condition without major problems. As a used car small issues here and there but can be cured one by one.

Over all impression: MB S600 is really an over-engineered road machine. Most of the parts are strong and built with good material. When I worked on my Volvo I realize good material and parts were used. But S600 is only better.
Like others said: it's the best car money can buy in the world. And I believe it is worth to be owned, especially pay part of the sticker price for a nice used one.

I've opened another thread for providing details about my future maintenance and repair about this S600. Hope it can help S600 and other S-Class owner.
Here is the link: https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...2003-s600.html

Thanks.

Howard

 

Congrats on the purchase! For better or for worse, I didn't have the stones to buy a 600, though I've long wanted one. Best of luck with yours!

 

Great Post!!...I think If someone is going to buy this car the work needs to be done BEFORE the purchase. However, it is quiet possibly the best thing that's happened to this board that Howard DID purchase this car...Every cloud has a silver lining...

 

Haven't been very active for a while. The car doesn't throw any work on me recently, so I was concentrating on my business.

Looking forward to the 150,000 kms maintenance which will be due soon. Just hope my garage could be a little bit warmer. Peeking through the garage door knowing my beauty&beast is right there, this always make me excited.

Most members know, from this thread, that I bought our S600 2 years ago. I'd like to put some words together and celebrate the anniversary.

Time goes by quickly and we have been travelling together for 30,000 kms. As my daily driver, she is dependable. I have the confidence taking her on any trip, short or long. Only downside is parking in front of grocery store looks like overkill, and she doesn't hold much. Other than CD changer stuck once and some preventative works, no issue at all. She is compliant and easy to drive, always give more than I could expected. She is capable and fast, any speed, just a finger snap, she is there. She refuses the snow though, with winter tires the tractions is good. For me which limits her is the clearance. I hate the salt attack her too, so during the winter I drive my Volvo for snow or icy days.

She is really a gift to us and cuddled us every day. We work over 10 hrs daily, at the end of the day I'm always looking forward to driving. Not only it is time going home, but also because I enjoy the driving so much. There were tired days, but this car makes the trip to home so relax and enjoyable. The cabin is quiet and comfortable which create an isolated world, which keeps us away from the noise, cold and any trouble.
Sometime, I saw my wife was strained and sank herself in the seat, I turned the massage on and saw smile climbed on her face knowing she's entertained. At that time I was happy and proud that I give her such a cozy and safe ride. She felt like she's already home.
For me, this car is a magic box, turns stress into relax, boring into exciting, miserable into happy, exhausting into refreshing.

Somehow she's not being able to change a conservative driver into an aggreesive one yet. I drive my Volvo faster. Everytime I switched from the XC70 to S600, I feel the ride more comfortable immediately and which calms me down. I feel more at ease in the S600 and I know my heart beats slower. Hence I have less intention to drive fast. Now I know a luxury car is not making your drive faster, a luxury car should make you ride slower. Yeah, she wants me to live longer.

She is an 11 years old girl, can you imagine, still looks and drives like new.
So far the engine runs immaulate after fixing the coil pack by soldering few coils, transmission shifts flawless after removing oil from TCM and fluid replace, ABC never sink after cleanup the rear valve body. All these works were done almost 2 years ago and she is going strong.
I also replaced front and rear brakes pads/rotors. Another thing worth mentioning is replacing hydraulic fluid and high pressure hoses for the ABC maintenance which make sure the ABC won't give me any suprise.
I keep documenting my DIY repair and maintenance, and I encourage member to read and save some money. The ABC maintenance suggestions are good too: https://mbworld.org/forums/5749055-post173.html

Anyway, 2 years, really enjoy the ownership, this is an elegant car, delicate automobile, an art of mechanics, a legend of Mercedes flagship.
Yes, wanted one, own one, love with proud, drive with honour. Hats off to MB.

Thanks for all the support from you guys.

Howard

 

Wonderful experience story. Even after all the heck mine has giving me both knowing and unknowing it's still one of the greatest cars that I have had the pleasure to own. BTW, if you haven't already, change your idler pulley , it's super cheap , available at simple parts places, and takes 15 min tops when your doing that 150k maintainence mark. Good luck and enjoy.

 

Thanks for reminding me about the pulley.

Yes, after reading your story, I have already bought 3 pullies, tensioner and belt as well. Definitely on my list for the coming maintenance.

Take care.

Howard

 

glad you're enjoying it howard. I'm coming up on 6 years with my 500 and I still struggle to think of a better luxury car under $100k. My car has tried my patience recently with some idle vibrations, but on a 150 mile highway trip I again remembered why its so fantastic.

 

That's a good 6 years!

With this kind of beatiful interior of your S500, you definitely have a hard time to find something better within budget.
I am kind of stuck too, has been seeing Continental GT an Ghost you mentioned, they are more, more expensive. Yes, the handcraft cabin is nicer, but doubt the overall balance is much ahead of our s-class.

Sure, you should bring her more on long trips, that private jet feeling is wonderful.

Good luck.

Howard

 

I can't begin to tell you how much I've learned from and enjoyed your posts. I completely understand how you feel. I just recently completed a 2,600 mile round trip from Toronto to Florida and return in my 10 year old S430 with 170,000 kms on it. I don't take it easy in this car, when driving to Florida I drive 18 to 19 hours straight averaging over 75mph, only stopping to fill up and this car never misses a beat. It is the comfortable ride that allows me to drive that long and at that speed in one duration.

I've owned this car since it was 18 months old and have been very fortunate with the maintenance that has been required. Over the past 12 months I've also been using your post to avoid bringing it to the dealer, which I would have previously. I replaced the CPS myself this past summer, for just the price of the part, which I never would have contemplated if it wasn't for the likes of contributors like you. I've also referred numbers of other members (particularly the SL amg forum) to your post as there are lots of similarities they experience with things like ABC.

Glad you are enjoying your vehicle as much as you do, I can't imagine anyone who is more deserving!

I've attached a picture of my freshly detailed ride after the first 1,300 mile drive to Florida - like me, it enjoys the warm weather, although with 4matic, it handles winters in Mississauga much better than I do!



James

 

Thanks James for your compliment, and I am happy that my contribution helps.

I like what you said, "this car never misses a beat", what a precision machine.

Driving to Florida is already on my plan, I might do mine this summer or next year. I will travel along the east coast and stop often, that will be a beautiful trip. I must visit Fort Lauderdale and Weston where I have lots of colleagues. Talked to them everyday but never meet.

Silver is a nice color for W220 and your car looks like new. I should detail mine often.
Yes, 4 matic is must in Canada and hope the salt doesn't give you too much trouble.

All the best.

Howard