S-Class (W220) 1999-2006: S 320 CDI, S 320, S430, S 500, S 600

2006 S430

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Old Dec 7, 2012 | 03:28 PM
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2006 S430

im thinking to buy a 2006 S430 with 140k on it. Not sure if I should do it. The mileage is pretty high, if some one has any advice if its worth buying a benz with that kinda mileage. is maintenance gonna kill me ?? thanx for any help
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Old Dec 7, 2012 | 05:22 PM
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2004 S500 4Matic, 2006 E350 4Matic Wagon
Originally Posted by sayapin
im thinking to buy a 2006 S430 with 140k on it. Not sure if I should do it. The mileage is pretty high, if some one has any advice if its worth buying a benz with that kinda mileage. is maintenance gonna kill me ?? thanx for any help
How much for the car? That will determine if it is worth buying.
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Old Dec 7, 2012 | 05:39 PM
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its $11k
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Old Dec 7, 2012 | 05:51 PM
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2004 S500 4Matic, 2006 E350 4Matic Wagon
Originally Posted by sayapin
its $11k
How many owners? Dealer Serviced? Has all the expensive stuff been done. At 140k I am sure a few things have been done. Before you dive in I suggest you get the VIN of the car and do some research first. Get a Carfax and backtrack to the dealer who last service the car for period of time. They can help you discover any issues and any work that was done without needing to reveal the previous owners identity.

Where the car spent its life is also important. Warmer climate is better. Avoid cars from the snow belt or New York unless you are willing to do some of the work yourself.

I bought my car for $11k in August with 115k, but I knew what I was getting into from the beginning and was prepared to reserve some cash on the side. It was the car I wanted due to the rare high option list including keyless go and many S600 options & 4matic which I think is an absolute must if you live where it snows. These cars really suck in bad weather unless you have snow tires on a RWD car. I have invested another $5 grand since I bought the car to bring it to my high standards and to makes sure the car is dead nuts reliable. All rubber was replaced including bushings, suspension and driveshaft. I was resourceful to use an Indy who works out his house and Amazon, Ebay, Autohauz, Parts Geek, Mail Order Benz Dealer for parts sources It should be good for another 50-80k miles. If you are smart and resourceful these cars are not really expensive to own. Found an all new non rebuilt aftermarket alternator for $136.00! Good luck!

Last edited by nice4matic; Dec 7, 2012 at 05:53 PM.
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Old Dec 7, 2012 | 06:31 PM
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airmatic is your biggest issue
also transmissions have been known to go at 150-200k miles
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Old Dec 7, 2012 | 09:32 PM
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I've checked it never been wrecked, has always been in the south and I live in NC so 4MATIC is not really necessary for me, we only see snow once or twice a year here. It had 4 owners. Not sure of the repairs that have been done on it. Will need to find out. Do you know a website where I could get parts cheaper than dealer. And Im not planning to use dealerships much, unless its something really complicated or some electrical stuff. Other things like oil change, spark plugs, brakes, filters I can do my self.
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Old Dec 7, 2012 | 11:06 PM
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Originally Posted by sayapin
I've checked it never been wrecked, has always been in the south and I live in NC so 4MATIC is not really necessary for me, we only see snow once or twice a year here. It had 4 owners. Not sure of the repairs that have been done on it. Will need to find out. Do you know a website where I could get parts cheaper than dealer. And Im not planning to use dealerships much, unless its something really complicated or some electrical stuff. Other things like oil change, spark plugs, brakes, filters I can do my self.
I have my s600 for sale in the fs section, tons of stuff replaced under warranty, which just expired last month. They are expensive to keep up with if you have to go to the dealer for every little thing.
I'd spend some more money and buy a lower mileage car.
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Old Dec 8, 2012 | 02:11 PM
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2003 S500 - Toyota Corolla (in the rain)
SAYAPIN - where in NC do you live?
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Old Dec 8, 2012 | 05:20 PM
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Charlotte
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Old Dec 9, 2012 | 11:31 PM
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There are a boat load of places where you can generally get parts cheaper than the dealer. Some of them are sponsors on this website. I am generally very cautious about buying parts from ebay. Some items may be good but others may not be up to OEM or OE standards.

It all depends on what parts you need. Are you looking for anything in particular?
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Old Dec 10, 2012 | 05:19 AM
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Parts.com is cheaper than most local dealers but the parts are authentic mb parts sourced wholesale from a mb dealer

For non mb parts autohausaz.com
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Old Dec 10, 2012 | 03:13 PM
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Nothing particular yet , just in case something gets broken/worn out. Do you know what parts usually need replacement with hi mileage ? I can afford to spend a couple extra gs on it but don't really want to do that , I'm used to not spending money on a car other than maintenance. Hopefully it won't suck too much out of me
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Old Dec 10, 2012 | 03:53 PM
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Hard to tell with these cars. Biggest expenses are airmatic or ABC and tranny. Hopefully you won't have any of these problems.

Make sure when you have a problem that you check this forum first. The folks on here are very knowledgeable and quite helpful. Can save you a lot of money, misery, and time. Best of luck.
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Old Dec 10, 2012 | 11:27 PM
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I sure will ask. appreciate the advice
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Old Dec 11, 2012 | 02:43 AM
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check the tranny for leaks and spray the airmatic strut tops for leaks. those are the only preventive measures besides normal fluid service. otherwise you just fix stuff when it breaks, two parts i keep in my console are
1. a airmatic relay (when those fail the airmatic compressor keeps running after the car is shut off, burning out the pump) $20 part. Get a HELLA relay.

2. crank position sensor - when these fail your car wont restart when its warm. $15 PART on ebay, $50 for Bosch. One of the most common problems on these cars.

I keep them in the console so any nearby garage can quickly change them if stranded
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Old Dec 14, 2012 | 10:00 PM
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Got it , thank you very much for help , I will check those things . Best advice , thanx , I think ill be able to keep my Benz running good. So $10-11k shouldn't be a bad price
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