2001 S430 Newbie Questions
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s430
2001 S430 Newbie Questions
Hi Folks,
I'm looking to buy a friends 2001 S430 with 86k miles for my son. Local dealer offered him $900 to buy it (no trade). Apparently the car is in good condition, and was only used to drive locally and very limited (he had a daily driver that he still uses). This is my sons first car, but since he won't be driving it far and the price SEEMS right, and it's probably going to provide a lot of protection in case he gets into an accident, I was hoping to get some informed opinions/comments, in case I'm not seeing something. I read some of the other threads, and it looks like air suspension could become an issue. If so, at what point does that become a concern? Is 86k miles close? Any other issues you I should expect? Btw, I live in NY if that makes a difference.
Many thanks in advance!
I'm looking to buy a friends 2001 S430 with 86k miles for my son. Local dealer offered him $900 to buy it (no trade). Apparently the car is in good condition, and was only used to drive locally and very limited (he had a daily driver that he still uses). This is my sons first car, but since he won't be driving it far and the price SEEMS right, and it's probably going to provide a lot of protection in case he gets into an accident, I was hoping to get some informed opinions/comments, in case I'm not seeing something. I read some of the other threads, and it looks like air suspension could become an issue. If so, at what point does that become a concern? Is 86k miles close? Any other issues you I should expect? Btw, I live in NY if that makes a difference.
Many thanks in advance!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2012
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From: Ball Ground, GA (N of Atlanta)
2003 S500 2007 GL450
IF you and your son are able and willing to learn enough about the car do do virtually all of the repairs and maintenance on the car, and have an available facility and tools, then this would be a great first car! You do need to fully realize that you are buying a $100,000 luxury car, with part and repair costs to match. If you must take it to the Mercedes dealer, walk away.
It's a used car. Anything might break on the way home from buying it - or, perhaps nothing major will fail for a year. But there will be required maintenance and repairs.
It's a used car. Anything might break on the way home from buying it - or, perhaps nothing major will fail for a year. But there will be required maintenance and repairs.
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s430
Thanks, Wally. I was more concerned with trying to figure out major issues that might come up like the suspension, timing belt, etc. I figure at that price, if it lasts a year without repairs I'm ahead, and he'll be going off to college (he probably won't be allowed to have a car there his freshman year). I can do the oil changes, etc., but I don't have access to a lift. I had a couple of MBs years ago and have a good local place that doesn't hit me hard and has been very honest about things. Just really worried about the suspension I think, more than anything. If anyone has an idea of when it starts to go, I would appreciate it.
Thanks again for your help!
Thanks again for your help!
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 690
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From: Montreal, Quebec
2009 E350 4M Avantgarde;mistress 2002 S600; wife 2014 C300 4M
the car sounds good - but - what do you expect?
Another 20 year warranty for a 19 year old car?
If you can't have an extra couple of 1K$ in your pocket, don't get a Mercedes (or even a19 year old Honda Accord)
Another 20 year warranty for a 19 year old car?
If you can't have an extra couple of 1K$ in your pocket, don't get a Mercedes (or even a19 year old Honda Accord)
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 2,473
Likes: 439
From: Ball Ground, GA (N of Atlanta)
2003 S500 2007 GL450
It is possible that your worries are overblown. Yes, Airmatic assemblies are at (or past) the expected lifespan - but so are tires, etc.
Struts fail - and if they do, it is less that $350 and four hours of work to replace one, no lift required. You just replace them as they fail. I bought a 2003 S500 cheaply because it had a failed rear strut. I drove it home and fixed it. A few weeks later, I was replacing the motor mounts when I noticed that a front strut was leaking oil - I replaced it. $700 and six or eight hours work was not fun, but also not a disaster. You just need to decide whether or not you and your son are willing to take the risks involved.
Struts fail - and if they do, it is less that $350 and four hours of work to replace one, no lift required. You just replace them as they fail. I bought a 2003 S500 cheaply because it had a failed rear strut. I drove it home and fixed it. A few weeks later, I was replacing the motor mounts when I noticed that a front strut was leaking oil - I replaced it. $700 and six or eight hours work was not fun, but also not a disaster. You just need to decide whether or not you and your son are willing to take the risks involved.
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s430
It is possible that your worries are overblown. Yes, Airmatic assemblies are at (or past) the expected lifespan - but so are tires, etc.
Struts fail - and if they do, it is less that $350 and four hours of work to replace one, no lift required. You just replace them as they fail. I bought a 2003 S500 cheaply because it had a failed rear strut. I drove it home and fixed it. A few weeks later, I was replacing the motor mounts when I noticed that a front strut was leaking oil - I replaced it. $700 and six or eight hours work was not fun, but also not a disaster. You just need to decide whether or not you and your son are willing to take the risks involved.
Struts fail - and if they do, it is less that $350 and four hours of work to replace one, no lift required. You just replace them as they fail. I bought a 2003 S500 cheaply because it had a failed rear strut. I drove it home and fixed it. A few weeks later, I was replacing the motor mounts when I noticed that a front strut was leaking oil - I replaced it. $700 and six or eight hours work was not fun, but also not a disaster. You just need to decide whether or not you and your son are willing to take the risks involved.
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Joined: Apr 2019
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From: Houston
001 s600, 94 sl600
Do yourself and friend a BIG favor. The price is unbeatable and CHEAP. But for your peace of mind, pay for a good 'prepurchase inspection' and learn what the car needs now and is gonna need soon. That will give you a much more solid position to start from. RUSH is a big concern up there where they salt the roads.
It will not be in new condition, but if everything necessary works great, Lots of electronic and 'bling' stuff may not work, but is it necessary? IS it SAFE to drive---tires, brakes, belts, cooling system, windows, heater/defrost,
It will not be in new condition, but if everything necessary works great, Lots of electronic and 'bling' stuff may not work, but is it necessary? IS it SAFE to drive---tires, brakes, belts, cooling system, windows, heater/defrost,
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Newbie
Joined: Dec 2021
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2006 S430, 2008 CLS63
2001 S430
Well, the quick answer to your question is maybe. I will say, it’s a great first car, very safe, and certainly enjoyable for a teenager. Also very practical. The S430 engine and transmission are close to bulletproof. Unfortunately the Air suspension will go out, even if your car is low mileage. I have noticed the suspension lasts 12-15 years, so in my opinion it is worth it. My 2006 still has one original strut. The system will cost anywhere from 2-5 grand to replace depending on how much breaks. If you have spare money set aside, I say go for it. If this car is the max budget you have, then you may want to look elsewhere. Also a honest independent Mercedes mechanic helps tremendously.
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 21
Likes: 2
From: Jacksonville, Alabama
2002 Mercedes Benz S500
I wonder if he bought it. Lots of great responses in this thread.
I probably wouldn't recommend it as a first car unless y'all were willing to risk sinking some significant money into it as things fail/wear out.
I probably wouldn't recommend it as a first car unless y'all were willing to risk sinking some significant money into it as things fail/wear out.
Newbie
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mercedes e350 convertible 2013
Hi.
I have a 2013 e350 cdi convertible. at the rear on the chrome strip the soft top sits on, there is a thin rubber seal, i cannot find a part number or even the correct name for it, i only want the rubber, not the whole chrome thing.
can anybody help please?
I have a 2013 e350 cdi convertible. at the rear on the chrome strip the soft top sits on, there is a thin rubber seal, i cannot find a part number or even the correct name for it, i only want the rubber, not the whole chrome thing.
can anybody help please?
