Looking at 2003-2006 S430
12-23-2013, 11:45 PM
#1
Newbie
Thread Starter
Looking at 2003-2006 S430
Hello,
I am new to these forums and have a few questions.
I am looking at purchasing a 2003-2006 S430 (I like the look of the 2003 COMMAND system more then the previous years). I currently own a 1996 W140 S320 and am looking to upgrade. I have a few questions before I dive into the W220 class. I read the buying guide on this forum but still have a few questions.
1. Are these reliable cars?
2. How much more of an up keep is the W220 compared to the W140. (I know more options = more possible issues) but as in breaks, oil changes etc are they any dramatic changes?
3. Are there any known issues besides the airmatic system known for the 2003-2006 S430? Special things to look for when looking to buy one?
4. I found a local 2004 S430 with Keyless go and pretty much every feature, but the only thing wrong with it is the self closing trunk does not work and the car does not lock automatically with the key, they have to be locked manually. I know it could either be the fuse for the central locking pump, or the pump itself, but my questions are: Does the self closing trunk and locking system on the same pump? And if it is indeed a bad pump and needs replacing, does the car then need to be re-programmed for the keyless entry to work again?
Thanks in advance,
Mike
I am new to these forums and have a few questions.
I am looking at purchasing a 2003-2006 S430 (I like the look of the 2003 COMMAND system more then the previous years). I currently own a 1996 W140 S320 and am looking to upgrade. I have a few questions before I dive into the W220 class. I read the buying guide on this forum but still have a few questions.
1. Are these reliable cars?
2. How much more of an up keep is the W220 compared to the W140. (I know more options = more possible issues) but as in breaks, oil changes etc are they any dramatic changes?
3. Are there any known issues besides the airmatic system known for the 2003-2006 S430? Special things to look for when looking to buy one?
4. I found a local 2004 S430 with Keyless go and pretty much every feature, but the only thing wrong with it is the self closing trunk does not work and the car does not lock automatically with the key, they have to be locked manually. I know it could either be the fuse for the central locking pump, or the pump itself, but my questions are: Does the self closing trunk and locking system on the same pump? And if it is indeed a bad pump and needs replacing, does the car then need to be re-programmed for the keyless entry to work again?
Thanks in advance,
Mike
12-24-2013, 01:37 PM
#2
1. would say so, yes.
2. Not familiar with W140's but if you were doing regular fluid changes on it, then same attention would be fine on W220. The service interval on the W220's may infact be somewhat longer.
3. Possibly transmission wiring plug. Possible internal leak that would wick ATF up thru the cable to the controller module and cause major probs. Easy and comparatively cheap preventive measure to just replace it "just in case "
4. If the car starts okay with the keyless go, then key fob, antenna are working. The KeylessGo module is talking to EIS and EIS is furnishing Drive Authorization. Going with that assumption, Your Pneumatic Control Unit ( A37 ) takes input from EIS and controls all 4 door locks, Fuel filler door, and lastly.. remote trunk opening actuator.
Fuse to check. Right fuse box, #38 ( 5 amp ) Voltage to A37 ( PSE control Unit )
If the fuse is good then I would suspect pump. A session with STAR diagnosis may be in order for a definitive answer.
2. Not familiar with W140's but if you were doing regular fluid changes on it, then same attention would be fine on W220. The service interval on the W220's may infact be somewhat longer.
3. Possibly transmission wiring plug. Possible internal leak that would wick ATF up thru the cable to the controller module and cause major probs. Easy and comparatively cheap preventive measure to just replace it "just in case "
4. If the car starts okay with the keyless go, then key fob, antenna are working. The KeylessGo module is talking to EIS and EIS is furnishing Drive Authorization. Going with that assumption, Your Pneumatic Control Unit ( A37 ) takes input from EIS and controls all 4 door locks, Fuel filler door, and lastly.. remote trunk opening actuator.
Fuse to check. Right fuse box, #38 ( 5 amp ) Voltage to A37 ( PSE control Unit )
If the fuse is good then I would suspect pump. A session with STAR diagnosis may be in order for a definitive answer.
Last edited by fxdeebee; 12-24-2013 at 01:40 PM.
12-24-2013, 03:07 PM
#3
Crank position sensor , electronic accelerator pedal , transmission conductor plate are all common issues besides the airmatic . Also shifter that gets stuck in park
Aside from those they are very reliable cars and don't require more or different maintenance than a 140
Aside from those they are very reliable cars and don't require more or different maintenance than a 140
