Buying older W220
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
S280
Buying older W220
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.
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.
Super Member
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 516
Likes: 26
From: California
2018 C300
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.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 6,150
Likes: 533
Mercedes
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
They are great cars , eArly cars did have more rust and suspension problems though
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 2,473
Likes: 439
From: Ball Ground, GA (N of Atlanta)
2003 S500 2007 GL450
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...
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...
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2010
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From: Welwyn, Herts, UK
2006 S600
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
Nick
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2008
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Mercedes
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.
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.
Last edited by tusabes; Sep 1, 2016 at 07:12 PM.
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 4
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2002 mercedes s430
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..
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 2,473
Likes: 439
From: Ball Ground, GA (N of Atlanta)
2003 S500 2007 GL450
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
Spend some time reading this before you need it.
https://w220.ee/Airmatic
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 72
Likes: 11
From: Aurora, CO
06' W220 4MATIC (sold) 08'ml63 AMG
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.
