Looking to purchase a w220
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 40
Likes: 1
From: Denver, CO and Palm Beach, FL
2005 S600, 2017 Gran Turismo, 2016 LR4
Looking to purchase a w220
Hello everyone! I have been looking for quite some time and have been in love with the w220 series. I am currently looking for a car under 28k as it will be my dd and I will get a 911 for fun. (I was going to get a w205 c class, but I got bored with it)
here are my options:
2006 S430- 21k miles- Perfect condition
http://www.ebay.com/itm/131167152105...AQ:MOTORS:1123
2006 S65 AMG- 73K miles- very good condition
I am not looking to spend an odd amount of money in maintinence every year.
I am a little hesitent because I have been reading about the tcm oil problems with the w220. What do you guys suggest?
Should I try and find a 500? There is a 600 avalible as well.
here are my options:
2006 S430- 21k miles- Perfect condition
http://www.ebay.com/itm/131167152105...AQ:MOTORS:1123
2006 S65 AMG- 73K miles- very good condition
I am not looking to spend an odd amount of money in maintinence every year.
I am a little hesitent because I have been reading about the tcm oil problems with the w220. What do you guys suggest?
Should I try and find a 500? There is a 600 avalible as well.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 6,151
Likes: 533
Mercedes
A 430 and a s65 are completely different cars. One had airmatic and a v8, relatively less expensive to maintain
one has expensive repairs to the abc hydraulic suspension, expensive brakes and tires that last one year or less, and a twin turbo v12 with coil issues .
Figure $1000-2000 a year to maintain the s430, $5000-15000 a year for the s65 depending on what fails.
A warranty on the s65 is essential . I think usaa and a few other companies will still offer it with that mileage .
one has expensive repairs to the abc hydraulic suspension, expensive brakes and tires that last one year or less, and a twin turbo v12 with coil issues .
Figure $1000-2000 a year to maintain the s430, $5000-15000 a year for the s65 depending on what fails.
A warranty on the s65 is essential . I think usaa and a few other companies will still offer it with that mileage .
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 780
Likes: 11
From: Dallas, TX
Range Rover
Stay away from v12's and anything with ABC suspension and you'll be fine. Find a s500 with airmatic and sport option and you'll be extremely happy with your purchase for a long time. I had a 430 but it's almost an indistinguishable price difference now and the performance is quite noticeable
By the way , I'm not knocking the v12 or ABC. They are both super great. But, they put the car in another league in both performance and Manitence and repair cost . No one should buy one unless they already know what there getting into when either one fails. Which they both will. It's inevitable. I can live with repairs but on those two systems? Not spending multiple thousands of dollars just when a piece of a car fails. On 430 and 500's Airmatic is cheap to fix, engine is solid except for a 40 pulley & and the gear shift, that d4$)m gearshift. All easy fixes and cheap if you know or trust a good mechanic.
Anyone that is riding around in a 600 or amg model with abc, I see you guys like ferrari and lambo. They truly are another league of s class, and so's there Manitence and repair cost. I had one under warranty years ago. Fear into my little heart having one without.
By the way , I'm not knocking the v12 or ABC. They are both super great. But, they put the car in another league in both performance and Manitence and repair cost . No one should buy one unless they already know what there getting into when either one fails. Which they both will. It's inevitable. I can live with repairs but on those two systems? Not spending multiple thousands of dollars just when a piece of a car fails. On 430 and 500's Airmatic is cheap to fix, engine is solid except for a 40 pulley & and the gear shift, that d4$)m gearshift. All easy fixes and cheap if you know or trust a good mechanic.
Anyone that is riding around in a 600 or amg model with abc, I see you guys like ferrari and lambo. They truly are another league of s class, and so's there Manitence and repair cost. I had one under warranty years ago. Fear into my little heart having one without.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 2,474
Likes: 439
From: Ball Ground, GA (N of Atlanta)
2003 S500 2007 GL450
"I am a little hesitent because I have been reading about the tcm oil problems with the w220. What do you guys suggest? "
I think that this perhaps sums up the W220 experience. Assume that you buy a W220 S430 or S500, then discover that the transmission starts shifting very oddly.
Answer 1: You take the car to the dealership, and they fix it. New transmission control module, new adapter plug, new wire harness, transmission service, and whatever else they feel is necessary. A week at the dealership, and several thousand dollars?
Answer 2: You pull the TCM from the SAM, clean it with brake cleaner, put it back in. The transmission works fine for months, perhaps a year. Time, an hour. Cost, $4. Repeat as required.
Answer 3: You do Answer 2. In addition, at your convenience, you go to the Chrysler dealership and buy a new adapter plug, and to the Shell distributor and buy fifteen quarts of MB-approved fluid. You go online and buy a dipstick, pan gasket and filter. You install the new adapter, do a complete fluid flush, and install the new filter and gasket. Time, an hour for Answer 2, a few days of picking up stuff around town, an hour online, and a few hours under the car. Cost, perhaps $150.
The obvious difference is the willingness and ability to do relatively minor DIY repairs. Equally obviously, not everyone wants to DIY - but some of us enjoy it as part of the experience.
I think that this perhaps sums up the W220 experience. Assume that you buy a W220 S430 or S500, then discover that the transmission starts shifting very oddly.
Answer 1: You take the car to the dealership, and they fix it. New transmission control module, new adapter plug, new wire harness, transmission service, and whatever else they feel is necessary. A week at the dealership, and several thousand dollars?
Answer 2: You pull the TCM from the SAM, clean it with brake cleaner, put it back in. The transmission works fine for months, perhaps a year. Time, an hour. Cost, $4. Repeat as required.
Answer 3: You do Answer 2. In addition, at your convenience, you go to the Chrysler dealership and buy a new adapter plug, and to the Shell distributor and buy fifteen quarts of MB-approved fluid. You go online and buy a dipstick, pan gasket and filter. You install the new adapter, do a complete fluid flush, and install the new filter and gasket. Time, an hour for Answer 2, a few days of picking up stuff around town, an hour online, and a few hours under the car. Cost, perhaps $150.
The obvious difference is the willingness and ability to do relatively minor DIY repairs. Equally obviously, not everyone wants to DIY - but some of us enjoy it as part of the experience.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 401
Likes: 46
From: Ontario, Canada
MB 2003 S600. Volvo 2003 XC70.
DO NOT buy S600 or S65 if you don't have patient to read through both threads in my signature, 
.
Kidding aside, all above comments are so true and I feel you will be better off having a V8.
Good luck.
.Kidding aside, all above comments are so true and I feel you will be better off having a V8.
Good luck.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 40
Likes: 1
From: Denver, CO and Palm Beach, FL
2005 S600, 2017 Gran Turismo, 2016 LR4
Thank you guys for your fast responses! You have made this process much easier. I am actually having some trouble finding a 2005-6 S500? However, I have an s430 that is in perfect condition that I will buy if I cannot find a 500
I know that you guys said do not buy a 600 unless you can afford to... but is it really that expensive? There is a great deal on one and I am considering it.. Is it as much as the 65?
I know that you guys said do not buy a 600 unless you can afford to... but is it really that expensive? There is a great deal on one and I am considering it.. Is it as much as the 65?
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Super Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 780
Likes: 11
From: Dallas, TX
Range Rover
No, its not really that expensive. Its 3x times that expensive. 
I don't know if we are allowed to list other places on the place, but there is a really nice 05-06 s500 model with airmatic and sport kit available right now on------ whats that place that starts with a E and rhymes with okay
I don't know if we are allowed to list other places on the place, but there is a really nice 05-06 s500 model with airmatic and sport kit available right now on------ whats that place that starts with a E and rhymes with okay
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Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 358
Likes: 14
From: Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
Mercedes SL63 AMG; Mercedes E63 AMG S 4matic; Mercedes C43 AMG; Mercedes S Class, Mercedes GLK
Re read the responses provided in this thread
Good luck, I've had an S430 for almost 10 years now and it has been very reliable, although if you're not careful even regular maintenance check ups can run into thousands. I've taken on my own maintenance with support of this forum and my maintenance costs have become negligible since. As mentioned, although I like the 430 it isn't comparable to a 600 or 65, they really are different beasts.
James
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 40
Likes: 1
From: Denver, CO and Palm Beach, FL
2005 S600, 2017 Gran Turismo, 2016 LR4
I think I will just use the 911 as my fun car and keep the W220 as my comfort car. I know that you have all expressed that the 500 is worth waiting and looking for, but I have found a 430 with 21k miles on it that I really like. It is loaded and I am about to buy it, I just have to think it over. If I buy it, I will post pictures once it is delivered and contribute my fair share to this forum.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 780
Likes: 11
From: Dallas, TX
Range Rover
I think I will just use the 911 as my fun car and keep the W220 as my comfort car. I know that you have all expressed that the 500 is worth waiting and looking for, but I have found a 430 with 21k miles on it that I really like. It is loaded and I am about to buy it, I just have to think it over. If I buy it, I will post pictures once it is delivered and contribute my fair share to this forum.
I know which one your getting. Its looks great, def post pics.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 40
Likes: 1
From: Denver, CO and Palm Beach, FL
2005 S600, 2017 Gran Turismo, 2016 LR4
I just bought a W220... I will post pictures when it is shipped! Wish me luck! PS. Does anyone know where I can buy accessories for my car?
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
From: Lake Forest, IL
1999 ML430, 2007 SL55 (fully optioned including P30 package), 2006 S65, 2010 S65, 2016 S550
2004 S600 for sale
Can agree with some of your S600 comments but I have a very nice 04 Obsidian blacK/black interior, sport package car for sale with only 67K miles. Distronic/Parktronic, H/V rear seats, new tires, perfect rims, etc. Full service history available. Compared to my wife's 05 S500 - well there is no comparison ! ! ! Have just purchased an 06 S65 with only 10K miles which tells you I'm not afraid of V12's or their repair/service bills since these cars are heavily discounted for what you get. But the S600 is less expensive to maintain than an S65. My S600 as been maintained and is fully sorted.
Stay away from v12's and anything with ABC suspension and you'll be fine. Find a s500 with airmatic and sport option and you'll be extremely happy with your purchase for a long time. I had a 430 but it's almost an indistinguishable price difference now and the performance is quite noticeable.
By the way , I'm not knocking the v12 or ABC. They are both super great. But, they put the car in another league in both performance and Manitence and repair cost . No one should buy one unless they already know what there getting into when either one fails. Which they both will. It's inevitable. I can live with repairs but on those two systems? Not spending multiple thousands of dollars just when a piece of a car fails. On 430 and 500's Airmatic is cheap to fix, engine is solid except for a 40 pulley & and the gear shift, that d4$)m gearshift. All easy fixes and cheap if you know or trust a good mechanic.
Anyone that is riding around in a 600 or amg model with abc, I see you guys like ferrari and lambo. They truly are another league of s class, and so's there Manitence and repair cost. I had one under warranty years ago. Fear into my little heart having one without.
By the way , I'm not knocking the v12 or ABC. They are both super great. But, they put the car in another league in both performance and Manitence and repair cost . No one should buy one unless they already know what there getting into when either one fails. Which they both will. It's inevitable. I can live with repairs but on those two systems? Not spending multiple thousands of dollars just when a piece of a car fails. On 430 and 500's Airmatic is cheap to fix, engine is solid except for a 40 pulley & and the gear shift, that d4$)m gearshift. All easy fixes and cheap if you know or trust a good mechanic.
Anyone that is riding around in a 600 or amg model with abc, I see you guys like ferrari and lambo. They truly are another league of s class, and so's there Manitence and repair cost. I had one under warranty years ago. Fear into my little heart having one without.
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
From: Lake Forest, IL
1999 ML430, 2007 SL55 (fully optioned including P30 package), 2006 S65, 2010 S65, 2016 S550
04 S600 For Sale
Can agree with some of the S600 comments posted but I have a very nice 04 Obsidian blacK/black interior, sport package car for sale with only 67K miles. Distronic/Parktronic, H/V rear seats, new tires, perfect rims, etc. Full service history available. Compared to my wife's 05 S500 - well there is no comparison ! ! ! Have just purchased an 06 S65 with only 10K miles which tells you I'm not afraid of V12's or their repair/service bills since these cars are heavily discounted for what you get. But the S600 is less expensive to maintain than an S65. My S600 as been maintained and is fully sorted.
Hello everyone! I have been looking for quite some time and have been in love with the w220 series. I am currently looking for a car under 28k as it will be my dd and I will get a 911 for fun. (I was going to get a w205 c class, but I got bored with it)
here are my options:
2006 S430- 21k miles- Perfect condition
http://www.ebay.com/itm/131167152105...AQ:MOTORS:1123
2006 S65 AMG- 73K miles- very good condition
I am not looking to spend an odd amount of money in maintinence every year.
I am a little hesitent because I have been reading about the tcm oil problems with the w220. What do you guys suggest?
Should I try and find a 500? There is a 600 avalible as well.
here are my options:
2006 S430- 21k miles- Perfect condition
http://www.ebay.com/itm/131167152105...AQ:MOTORS:1123
2006 S65 AMG- 73K miles- very good condition
I am not looking to spend an odd amount of money in maintinence every year.
I am a little hesitent because I have been reading about the tcm oil problems with the w220. What do you guys suggest?
Should I try and find a 500? There is a 600 avalible as well.
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
From: Lake Forest, IL
1999 ML430, 2007 SL55 (fully optioned including P30 package), 2006 S65, 2010 S65, 2016 S550
I bought my wife an 2005 S500 that was three years old with only 57 miles. (nice guy bought his wife two cars and she only drove the SUV) Today the car has 29K miles so if you find one with lower milage than hers that I think would be very unusual. Then again I just bought an 2006 S65 with only 10K miles so cars like this are out there if you look, know what you want and don't hesitate when you find what you are looking for. Maybe a nice low milage SL55/63 would work for you as those are relatively easy to find and you can take a pass on the 911.
Hello everyone! I have been looking for quite some time and have been in love with the w220 series. I am currently looking for a car under 28k as it will be my dd and I will get a 911 for fun. (I was going to get a w205 c class, but I got bored with it)
here are my options:
2006 S430- 21k miles- Perfect condition
http://www.ebay.com/itm/131167152105...AQ:MOTORS:1123
2006 S65 AMG- 73K miles- very good condition
I am not looking to spend an odd amount of money in maintinence every year.
I am a little hesitent because I have been reading about the tcm oil problems with the w220. What do you guys suggest?
Should I try and find a 500? There is a 600 avalible as well.
here are my options:
2006 S430- 21k miles- Perfect condition
http://www.ebay.com/itm/131167152105...AQ:MOTORS:1123
2006 S65 AMG- 73K miles- very good condition
I am not looking to spend an odd amount of money in maintinence every year.
I am a little hesitent because I have been reading about the tcm oil problems with the w220. What do you guys suggest?
Should I try and find a 500? There is a 600 avalible as well.
