adrenaline12055

Hey guys im looking into buying a W220 this week. I wanted to ask you all what to look for when buying a used W220 (problem wise). I want to make sure that i dont end up buying something that will cost me tons of money to get fixed. I can do repairs just as long theres a DIY on it. Its gonna be my first euro/MB. So, im kind of scared. lol. Ive been looking around on here and im seeing a lot of airmatic problems, but im also seeing a lot repair guides for it so im not too worried. Anything else i should look out for?

Fraser

1) Get a pre-purchase inspection at an MB dealer or independent mechanic
2) Get a pre-purchase inspection at an MB dealer or independent mechanic
3) Get a pre-purchase inspection at an MB dealer or independent mechanic
4) https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...tart-here.html

If you're getting an S600 or one of the AMGs they have Active Body Control (ABC) in lieu of Airmatic. ABC was, I believe, an option on the 430s and 500s so it's possible you could end up with that.

Fraser's tips:
1) Avoid the '01 and '02 V12s at all costs
2) Avoid the '00-'02s
3) The newer the better, with these vehicles it doesn't cost much more to go from a 2000 clunker S430 to an excellent condition, newer, low mileage S600 and you'll have far fewer issues. Reliability sharpened up as production of the W220 continued and you'll obviously have a newer vehicle.

Becks Imports

Ditto on #1, #2, and #3.

If you'd like someone to do the locating, inspecting, prep, etc for you, shoot me an email. I buy a lot of these cars for clients so I know what to look for, and when I buy a car, if there is a problem I either get paid to do the repair, or return the car for a refund.

Bruce
brucem105@comcast.net

classyS

yeah seriously, do not get anything pre 2003 - as Fraser mentioned above, this is my 1st mercedes and its been a little over a year - im awaiting sale on my 01 clunker and getting a s600 spaceship when the time comes..

DO NOT GET A 00-02 V12.

adrenaline12055

thanks for the info guys!

tusabes

I'd stay away from anything with abc suspension unless it's under warranty

Beyond that check your tranny mounts and connectors for leaks , fix asap if leak is found

Keep a spare airmatic relay in your glovebox in case yours fails and the pump keeps running

Besides that enjoy!!

SFBIGBODY415

Depends how much you are planing on spending 00-02 are good cars as long as it was taken good care of. I would go for 03+ for sure but if a steal comes up on older years I would go for it. Sport Package is a MUST

Sgt. Schultz

random responses:

- agreed w/ ^all that^, including you 'can' get a good/sorted pre-facelift but it'd have to be a good price point to bother
- fave quote to remember: "the most $$$ thing you can buy is a cheap >insert< Mercedes S Class"
- just have Bruce get you one and be done w/ it - srsly (srlsy)

a note of concern tho on your mention of 'this' being yer 1st German car delve...

German cars aren't for the squeamish to begin with, couple 'this' with "W220" and couple "that" without "warranty" and be prepared for your hands to grow familiar w/ yer anklez 8-)

Def think this thru 8-). Not to scare you off but European cars are somewhat particular, owning one w/ any sense of sanity and/or financial preservation takes intentional deft and a zeal for gluttony.

good luck / report back

haoz129

Seems you can handle cars by yourself. Then you can take advantage from the steeper depreciation of these luxury beauties.

Don't worry about it's erou. If you know cars you will master it soon.
I started from scratch nearly 5 years ago bought a Volvo XC70. We are super happy. I do all the works and seldom see the dealer other than parts.
This year I dived into a 2003 S600 and we are in love with it. MB S-Class is well built. You can imagine how much knowledge MB put into their flagship with their 140 years experience as the car inventor. Sure, it's not perfect buy it's among the top tier in the market.
For me the only reason I can affort this beauty is I'm not afraid of getting dirty.

Yes, the parts are also more costly than non-erou cars. MB has some extremly expensive parts, near $1000 air strut, more than $1000 for ABC, $1250 coil pack for V12. Even a sun visor is $700 in Canada. But there are lots of other parts are similar price as my Volvo.

So, 03+, check history, inspection. Warranty is upto you, I don't.

But in case you can't work on the car then you can't buy cheap one. Maybe CPO is an option, with factory warranty for sure. Pay earlier or pay later.

If you are interest about my advanture please check my thread about buying my 2003 S600. For sure 1 week is no enough to get one.

Thanks.

Howard

adrenaline12055

whats different about the sport package?

adrenaline12055

thanks for the kind words of wisdom! yes, im not afraid to get my hands dirty and am pretty confident with my skills. Plus, my roomate as a w202 that we work on together. so, i think ill be ok. Ill definitely thread, and grab some tips.

SFBIGBODY415

Sport package comes with 18' amg wheels front amg bumper rear amg bumper and amg side skirts looks much better. here are some pics sport is my car and non sport is the other uglier looking one lol

trombone

I have been an MB owner for a little over one year now, could not resist a good deal, inspected well maintained 2002 S430.
Admittedly I had several issues, mostly minor and I DIY all except I had to buy a reman CD changer. The more serious repairs were an ext mirror, the soft close vacuum system and the shifter stuck in Park. The last one is a pest for all years.
Fraser gave excellent pieces of advice. + try to avoid the dealerships except for buying parts, some are quite reasonable, some others are ridiculously high priced, it always make sense to check. Stay on the forum! The greatest bonus for an MB owner. Good luck!