Jack_88

Next time you hear the noise, open the oil filler cap. If the noise goes away, it's the PCV valve, if not, your problem is elsewhere. If you want to have a look at your belt and make sure it's free of cracking, that's not a bad thing to check. I could see that being the belt on it's way out, it would be more likely to do that when it's cold. If it's a pulley, the only thing for it is to wait for it to get bad enough to make more noise.

phillip04S430

Thanks Jack. I will open the oil cap... It's very good to know that. So far, it's all quiet. Knock-on-wood. About the belt, It's brand new when the water pump replaced. Let's see if the noise comes back after the trip. TIA

tusabes

If the belt is brand new and the noise is also brand new , there's the problem. Something occurred during the belt and water pump change to cause the squeak .

Jack_88

I, too, am always suspicious of new parts when a new problem appears. We'll see if the problem stays gone.

phillip04S430

Update:

During & After 1500mi road trip, no noises... keep my fingers crossed!!! 41.5k miles
Let's close this post. I will start a new one if any more hiccups in the near future.

Thanks for all your inputs

phillip04S430

Still going good, so far,... 140K miles... knock on wood. I will update some more pics and repairs history.

tusabes

Glad to see the update and that she’s still going strong

phillip04S430

Update: Almost 20 years old and 140k. Still looks good... Amazing no rust spot yet and the whole life has been in MN.
Driving like a dream. Couple of things has been acting up like Audio Gateway sound or no sound on the different days. Don't mind driving with no radio. Funny, A/C only blow cold air with LOW setting, out of low setting even 56 or 60 it's blowing heat. Anyway, SA said it will cost a lot money to HVAC system; so far, cold air on the hottest day in MN, I am happy with this setting till the wheels falling off. Still none of these would impair the drivability.

Repairs history just top of my head: Recently, A/C recharged & 1 front air strut replaced; SA said just one strut leaked. Siren kept goes off and flashing lights, Alarm siren replaced. Of course, A & B schedule has been on time like a clock.
8 Years history: The famous stuck in park shifter happened, Dealer put it on the flat-bed and replaced the shifter. "ESP malfunction, visit workshop" limp mode, Transmission fluid leaked into the wires and control module, fixed it and replaced module. NO cold air, replaced A/C drier. Trunk wire harness shorted, replaced wire harness in the trunk. Minor oil sipped on the side of the engine, Valve gaskets replaced. Water pump replaced. air blower replaced. Spark plugs replaced. 2 flex disks replaced. Of course, other wear and tear likes brakes, tires, wipers, light bulbs., etc... No major issues, knock-on-wood. That's all on top of my head.


Still look good for 20 years old.

phillip04S430

I am in the process of downsizing, therefore, most of my toys must be gone soon.
Just tested CL, I listed my S430 on local CL for $, and the Scammers try to scam me and sending me a check with lot more $$$$$$, go figure.. I texted the scammer that I torn the check and the deal OFF.
I took the listing off... Should I go the local PD to report the scam artist? Can the scam artist go after me for not going through withthe deal? TIA
I may have to cut the lost and sell it to the dealer who offered me around 2k. It's still in good shape, dealer has done most mentainances, still driving like an S-class. Advise? TIA

tusabes

There is no use going to the police, they don’t investigate these online crimes especially when you didn’t take a loss. The only way to sell on craigslist is in person, no one mailing you any checks. You can try to sell on eBay and demand wire transfer Only. No checks. But really you’re not gonna get much more than $2000 for 150,000 mile car with issues.

phillip04S430

Thanks Tusabes for your enlighten advise. I called UPS and got the name of the UPS shipper, but UPS refused to tell me the location it's sent. Well, I hope that this is the end of to this. FWIW, I will let the dealer wholesale it or continue to drive it this winter yet. Thanks

phillip04S430

It's the end of my 2004 S430 traded in for 2010 S550 with 39K miles. I am very sad... It's serving me well for the last 14 years and it's still looking good and still driving like a dream... But very happy with this new addition 2010 S550 with low 39k miles, one owner, dealer service from day one... Bye bye W220 and see you all at W221 forum. Thanks for all the advices and helps from all my fellows of W220.

Benzman33

Wild that I followed this thread from new. Congrats on the w221 huge upgrade.

tusabes

I’m sure you’ll love the w221!!