2004 S430 purchase
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Joined: May 2012
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From: Hickory NC
2001 E430, 1999 SLK230
2004 S430 purchase
I have an opportunity to purchase an '04 S430 4matic. Not knowing anything about a 4matic I am seeking opinions about the car. Is the 4matic worth getting? There will be no offroad driving but,car will be DD. I am retired and wont drive too many places except to beach and back . Car has 33000 miles on it. Its a bank Repo . Excellent condition looks and drives like new. I have an 01 E430 and love the car. Just need some ideas about the 4matic . Thanks ahead
You just have to get a 6" lift first and then you can go for it. 
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Joined: Nov 2011
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S600
Sorry, earld. Didn't mean to crap on your thread. Before this gets TOO far off topic let me steer it back. It appears that you may have stumbled on a gem. A 9 y/o car with only 33K on it would be the find of a lifetime. Probably a retiree who used it once a week for groceries and a couple times/month to make a run to the doctor's office?? Very low miles and more than likely was serviced regularly by the previous owner.
As tusbaes mentioned, the 4matic is a feature for better traction control. If you live in an area that is prone to lots of rain or snow it is a great option to have. It can keep the car on the road better when you are in slippery conditions. If this is to be your DD and you life in an area of heavy rain or snow this would be a great car for you.
Aside from addding another dimension of maintenance and repairs to the vehicle it should not be something that is concerning. I don't remember hearing about any inherent problems with the 4matic but like any system on the vehicle there is the opportunity for it to fail and cost you $$. Just something to keep in mind as you make a decision on whether or not to buy.
This appears to be a great find for you to use as a daily driver. If the price is right you should jump on it.
Keith
As tusbaes mentioned, the 4matic is a feature for better traction control. If you live in an area that is prone to lots of rain or snow it is a great option to have. It can keep the car on the road better when you are in slippery conditions. If this is to be your DD and you life in an area of heavy rain or snow this would be a great car for you.
Aside from addding another dimension of maintenance and repairs to the vehicle it should not be something that is concerning. I don't remember hearing about any inherent problems with the 4matic but like any system on the vehicle there is the opportunity for it to fail and cost you $$. Just something to keep in mind as you make a decision on whether or not to buy.
This appears to be a great find for you to use as a daily driver. If the price is right you should jump on it.
Keith
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Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 244
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From: Columbus, OH
2002 E55 AMG, 06 C55 AMG, 72 350SL
I love my E430, but the S classes are really nice too. 33k miles is ridiculously low. 4matics are very popular up here in Ohio where we get snow. I don't think you will need the 4matic too much in NC, but don't let that deter you from buying it, as many people have options in there car they do not use.
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Joined: May 2012
Posts: 84
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From: Hickory NC
2001 E430, 1999 SLK230
I bought the car . It was a loaner at local MB dealer then sold then became a REPO. Its my wifes DD . No offroading here. Just drive to beach and back. Only had it 2 days but so far shes tickled with it.
