Andy663

Hi,
Are there pitfalls to buying an older S Class, I've seen a few post advising that pre 2003 models should be avoided, why is this? I'm looking at a late 2001 S280. It's been on sale for a while and has been reduced to £999. It's done 71K, everything seems fine except for a few surface rust spots which I can easily fix.

thanks.

Jack_88

Less reliable electrics is the biggest thing. Older style nav system. That's all I know of significance. Nothing that would make me say avoid at all costs, but the newer ones are more desirable, but how often is that not the case? Look for signs of suspension issues, and check every switch and light and button the car has. Look at the undercarriage for any signs of fluid leakage as well. If everything seems fine, it's pretty cheap. You couldn't really get too backwards into it, financially speaking. Keep a few hundred pounds set aside for surprises, and assume it is due for some of the routine maintenance.

Andy663

It does't have sat nav or a cd player, just a radio cassette. That might explain why it's not sold! Will the sat nav wiring be in place if I wanted to add a command centre with a new facia?

tusabes

You would be better off going with a 2016 aftermarket nav system than trying to incorporate a 15 year old system

They are great cars , eArly cars did have more rust and suspension problems though

Andy663

Will the wiring be compatible with newer head units?

tusabes

Compatible as in can it be made to work? Yes
Compatible as in can you just plug in a new radio ? No , all aftermarket stereos will require rewiring. Any good car stereo shop can do it

wallyp

It is important to understand that if you managed to install a perfect 2001 Command system and a perfect 2001 CD player to go with it, you would not like them.

The 2001 nav system uses CDs. No idea about the UK, but it takes nine CDs to cover the entire USA, and you must buy at least the one CD that covers your area. The CDs aren't cheap - and they are not (at least in the USA) anywhere near up to date. The user interface is pretty bad. Having an old system that is fully integrated with the rest of the Command system is nice in a way, but it is, and will continue to be, obsolete.

The antenna and wiring may or may not be installed - apparently this varied by market. If not, adding it as original will require extensive disassembly.

The trunk-mounted CD player will be much the same. It will play only music CDs - no mp3 or DVD music. If the wiring is not there and complete, installation will be difficult.

It will sounds as if it will be a nice car - but I doubt that trying to make it a fully-equipped version would be worthwhile.

Sorry...

Andy663

How reliable is the airmatic suspension, from what I've gathered from the web this system failing seems to be the biggest fear from owners. Does the system have a typical lifespan?

Welwynnick

I think Airmatic suffers from more problems in the US than in the UK because of temperatures, though in reality ALL cars with air suspension suffer from some problems.

Nick

Jack_88

I wouldn't worry about it too much. Audi and BMW have the same worries, as does any air suspension. But they are just so very nice.

tusabes

All cars with air suspension have rubber air bladders and they are at the end of their life span -if they haven't been replaced already . They indeed may have already been done on the car you are looking at


Rebuilt struts are not that big of a cost anymore but if the car is only £999 yes they can cost more then the car itself if three or four need replacement

You are looking at a £999 car . All cars in such low price range may need costly repair in the future , it's a gamble you have to take when buying such an old car without warranty , the best thing you can do is see if the seller will let you take it to an independent mechanic for a prepurchase inspection . I realize you might not want to spend £150 on a car inspection but it's usually well worth it.

Drewskiii

In my honest opinion if you wrench on your own car you will save a lot of money, dont be scared with this cars, as for airmatic arnott is a bit cheaper and lifetime warranty once the suspension go out.. But makes sure its a solid engine snd transmission, everything is knicks and knacks after that.. Just my opinion..

jylee

Air suppression sounds intimidating. I change out the front airbags on a Ranch Rover, it is cheap and simple.

wallyp

It is surprising how easy the Airmatic system is to understand and to repair - after you have done it once!

Spend some time reading this before you need it.
https://w220.ee/Airmatic

eldos1

There are some videos on youtube about replacing the airmatic struts. It might seem less intimidating to own a car when you understand the basics of what would be need to be done for a repair even if you are not going to be the one to do it.