When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I am the happy and honestly nervous owner of a 2003 S600. I have owned all kinds of cars, from all kinds of brands but I had never owned a V12, I always liked the idea of owning an M275 powered car and well recently the stars aligned and I pulled the plug.
My car had been sitting outside for a bit, it could use a nice detail but in the grand scheme of things, it is very nice condition. No accidents, no tears, no electronic issues. ABC suspension is excellent. The only issues I have at the moment are a burned third brake light (ordered one already), and a leak on the trunk soft closing mechanism. Otherwise, the car is fantastic.
I happen to work at a Mercedes "place" and that was a big part of getting this, at least I have the access to the parts, tools, and necessary knowledge to keep this on the road. I plan to do some mods but for now is going to be all regular, preventative maintenance and cleaning up.
tis a wonderful automobile. There are a few Service Bulletins but I don't think there are any recalls. But check with Dealer, They can easily run a listing for you. Repairs and replacement parts are reasonable (save for ignition coil packs). There are many many 'features' that have computer modules and limited life expectations. To keep everything functioning 'as new' will not be low cost. Things like window regulators, soft close doors, retractable mirrors, remote trunk opening and closing, anti-theft provisions (3 separate systems prevent theft by immobilizing it car), massaging seats, and numerous other comfort features will fail and need very costly replacements..
With a car like this you usually accept the comfort features failing at this age as they were rarely used , of little real value and very costly to repair
buy the kleemann tune on eBay it’s the best tune at the best price direct from kleemann USA $600
I have used Kleemann in the past on my C55, I was very happy with their stuff. I happen to live quite close to Renntech and I know somebody there. I have been using them for a couple of years now. I'll be going there for performance mods. That's a great price and I appreciate you sharing the info! Thanks.
tis a wonderful automobile. There are a few Service Bulletins but I don't think there are any recalls. But check with Dealer, They can easily run a listing for you. Repairs and replacement parts are reasonable (save for ignition coil packs). There are many many 'features' that have computer modules and limited life expectations. To keep everything functioning 'as new' will not be low cost. Things like window regulators, soft close doors, retractable mirrors, remote trunk opening and closing, anti-theft provisions (3 separate systems prevent theft by immobilizing it car), massaging seats, and numerous other comfort features will fail and need very costly replacements..
Indeed it is. I have gone through the entire car at work, also checked all systems. I had only 2 errors, one of them the soft closing trunk (I found the leak and fixed it myself), 2nd one was the central gateway control unit. ABC, coils, and everything important are good. I already ordered the central gateway control unit. So far so good, I have been driving the car every day for the last week and a half, it's been great.
With a car like this you usually accept the comfort features failing at this age as they were rarely used , of little real value and very costly to repair
You are 100% right. I knew what I was getting myself into. Lucky for me I happen to have access to everything I need making the ownership of this car, easier and a bit more affordable. It is what it is.
Update. Last weekend I did an oil change, fixed the soft closing trunk, and changed the 3rd LED brake light. All of it was quite easy if I am honest and I spent about $110 on all I needed. I also ordered supplies to do a transmission fluid change, I ordered a central gateway control unit, I also got myself a pulsation dampener since it is humming a little bit, new filters, and new wipers. That is going to be it for maintenance.
Last Weekend I also cleaned the interior and brought it back to life, feels and looks so much better now. I used clay on the paint, removed some superficial scratches, and washed the car, sadly it rained right after and it has been raining every day since. I also polished the wheels and cleaned the engine bay.
I plan to do repaint the bumper and the hood, get some window tint. Eventually, I'll get into performance, I plan to get a Renntech tune, Renntech Intercooler Kit, Renntech lowering module, BMC Filters, some custom exhaust work, and well that should be it really for this car.
2004 S600, 1998 M3, 1974 2002 Touring, 2006 Cayman S
congrats! Welcome to the club!
If the trunk pneumatic unit is leaking, it's likely the other soft close door units are leaking too. Listen of faint hissing after the soft close function is used. If they are also leaking, it could cause the pump to burn out eventually. I replaced everything in the system. Now I have a leak in the front seat which uses the same pump so I have to track that down.
Well.... how does it run? You have some others (a nice fleet in your garage) for comparison.
It drives beautifully. As good a highway car is it gets. Loads of torque and smooth power. Quick. I have been daily driving it since I got it, it's nice. It is not perfect though but it will be.
If the trunk pneumatic unit is leaking, it's likely the other soft close door units are leaking too. Listen of faint hissing after the soft close function is used. If they are also leaking, it could cause the pump to burn out eventually. I replaced everything in the system. Now I have a leak in the front seat which uses the same pump so I have to track that down.
I was able to fix mine, one of the ball bearings created a crack on the plastic, some epoxy fixed it and it has been fine ever since. I do need hood and trunk struts though.
I guess I would give a little update. The car has been great so far. It is currently my daily driver. One issue has appeared, I really have not hammered the throttle since I got the car, but the other day I did and the car went into a misfire, it was cylinder 12. I shut off the car, turned it on. Fine, I proceeded to drive 150 miles home. I clear the code, does not come back, I launch the car from 0, no problem. I proceed to hammer it at speed when downshifting it happened again, turned the car off, then on the car was fine. This time cylinder 1. I have tried different scenarios and I only get the misfire when downshifting at speed, and it is always a different cylinder/ cylinder combo/different bank.
The previous owner mentioned something about cats getting clogged causing a problem, in all honestly, I could barely understand him, he had a really thick accent. The car came with records and the right coil pack and the central voltage unit were changed last year and otherwise the car has been perfect.
I am not sure if this is an O2 sensor issue, maybe the cat is actually clogged or coils? If any of you guys have some feedback that would be great. I do not mind doing the coils, I got the car knowing what the issues with these are but to me, it seems weird that the issue always goes away with turning the car on and off and that is never in the same cylinder. As long as I do not punch the car, which in all honesty I do not need to do, there is plenty of power available, it does not happen.
I am still daily driving it but I am eager to figure this one out. Again any ideas or suggestions are welcome.
check for my nick here and on the other forum for the cyl. issue.
you need sds. because it will give aside from the cyl missinfg a "TWC WARNING" to protect the cat.
I.e. the cyl has been deliberately shut down, and will work after a restart.
Please check the ball joints on the suspension level control at each corner. They should pivot freely, but tend to seize up over time, and the consequences are bad.
Also inspect all the ABC flexible hoses. If there's any seeping apparent at the crimp joints, don't go on any long journies, and replace the pipe.
check for my nick here and on the other forum for the cyl. issue.
you need sds. because it will give aside from the cyl missinfg a "TWC WARNING" to protect the cat.
I.e. the cyl has been deliberately shut down, and will work after a restart.
Will do. The issue has gotten better, it is harder for it to happen but it still does. I plan to do downpipes, so we'll see after that.
Please check the ball joints on the suspension level control at each corner. They should pivot freely, but tend to seize up over time, and the consequences are bad.
Also inspect all the ABC flexible hoses. If there's any seeping apparent at the crimp joints, don't go on any long journies, and replace the pipe.
Best of luck, I'm really missing mine now.
Nick
Thank you so very much for the info. So far I have not found any leaks. I did replace the Pulsation dampener. So far so good!
06-25-2021, 01:23 AM
owner of a 2003 S600. I have owned all kinds of cars, from all kinds of brands but I had never owned a V12, I always liked the idea of owning an M275 powered car and well recently the stars aligned and I pulled the plug.
