Possibly Buying an S Class
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Newbie
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CLK 320
Possibly Buying an S Class
Hey everyone so basically there are 2 S-class Mercedes for sale near me, they are both 2002, one is an S430 with 85,000 miles and the other is an S500 with 65,000 miles. So any pros and cons of each model and what possibly could go wrong would be nice to know, thanks.
MBWorld Fanatic!
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Mercedes
they both have the same problem areas. Unless the s500 has the ABC suspension option, both have airmatic. If it has ABC i would avoid it.
Problem areas common to both are adressed the the START HERE sticky thread at the top
Problem areas common to both are adressed the the START HERE sticky thread at the top
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Mercedes
there is no "permanent" fix unless you convert to coil springs. and a conversion isnt yet available for the ABC cars, though Arnott is working on it.
These cars are all 80-180k miles old and their adjustable suspension components need to be replaced.
Most people will only repair one strut , valve block , or the compressor as each part fails, not the entire system all at once due to price.
These cars are all 80-180k miles old and their adjustable suspension components need to be replaced.
Most people will only repair one strut , valve block , or the compressor as each part fails, not the entire system all at once due to price.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Earth
Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
With the prices of these cars so dirt cheap now, I'd try and concentrate on finding an '04+, which has most of the true fixes/refinements on the car ('03+ is fine, but in '04 I understand they further fixed some issues, i.e galvanizing the body to prevent from famous W220 rust issues, DVD COMAND, etc.).
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MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Bay Area, CA
2007 SL55 AMG
if cost is an issue, then you should be looking at a lesser car unless you can perform all services and repairs on the car yourself. despite the low market value of these cars nowadays, you're still fixing a $100k car. Labor and part prices will be relative to a $100k car.
Also, trading in two cars is not the greatest idea either. You'll be taking a loss to the dealership on both cars.
Also, trading in two cars is not the greatest idea either. You'll be taking a loss to the dealership on both cars.
Last edited by desired_speeds; Jul 19, 2012 at 11:33 PM.
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Super Member
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: california high desert
2003 S500, 03 C240, 03 E320, 03 tahoe
amazing challenges
it amazes me how challenged the youth today are. the fact that he can somehow manage to get one in the driveway and have visions of "cool cruises" with his girlfriend could be squashed by a $8k trans or a $1k troubleshooting and sam replacement. IMO go buy a 67 volkswagen bug and trick it out!. you will have more fun and absolutely love the car. 
Super Member
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From: The Jersey Shore
Garage Temporarily Empty
My first repair bil on my S class was $7k. The car had 33k miles and was babied.
No matter how much you want that car, you will be hurting when repair time comes grabbing your pocket or bank account.
But then it's too late....
No matter how much you want that car, you will be hurting when repair time comes grabbing your pocket or bank account.
But then it's too late....
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Clifton, NJ
96 and 08 911 turbos
it amazes me how challenged the youth today are. the fact that he can somehow manage to get one in the driveway and have visions of "cool cruises" with his girlfriend could be squashed by a $8k trans or a $1k troubleshooting and sam replacement. IMO go buy a 67 volkswagen bug and trick it out!. you will have more fun and absolutely love the car.
I don't understand all these guys in their teens who want an older S class as a car for hs or college. Maybe its an image thing.
At that age, a used 3 series or v8 mustang would be way more fun I think.
Newbie
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s320
w220 not the best buy in my experience
I have had my w220 (s320 petrol) for nine years (a 2001 model, 90K miles). Here are just some of the problems it has given me. The car has had rust problems since 2005. Mercedes found 17 rust areas but refused liability. By now it's a major problem. I have had a stuck gearbox (£800), a collapsed airmatic suspension (£400 at a non merc garage), corroded brake calipers - the steel pins react with the aluminium body - (£350 at a non merc garage). I am currently trying to find out whey the key won't work. I have never had so much trouble from a car - their flagship model! Good looking car (was). This car is my first and probably my last merc. I'll stick to BMW, Volvo, Land Rover. I also have a Smart car. No problems yet (apart from worn wheel bearings, water filled doors, ... I'd better sign off now).
Senior Member
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From: Massachusetts, USA
Car
If I had the means, I would totally have an S-Class over any muscle car or sports car as my first car.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Clifton, NJ
96 and 08 911 turbos
Its just odd. Look, i'm not that old either (28), but for an 18 year old hs student to purchase a land yacht doesn't quite make sense to me either.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2010
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From: Central NJ
335i
I'd like to call myself a competent driver.. but for a beginner it was a bit of a burden to drive because of its vast size.. relatively slow steering ratio, rolly polly body, it wasn't until just recently that i decided to run the car in a stiffer shock setting out of fear the airmatic would blow up in my face
and it's slow, and the pre-facelift versions aren't particularly pretty in the eyes of my peers, if I had it my way I would have definitely opted for a E-Class instead.. in fact i'll be dropping my W220 for an E55 sooner or later.. but if your budget is tight, an MB of this caliber and kind is the last car you want to take to college
