Hello people,

Would you dare to buy an S500 (S550 in US) if it's a bit neglected in maintance but has a good price tag on it?

The car is from November 2013 and has 130K KM on it (80K miles). The seller was willing to give the car to me so I could take it to a MB specialist for a technical inspection. The car drives like a charm, no weird noises. The shifting however is not entirely smooth, but acceptable. My main concern is the fact it has an oily alternator. On the internet I could find that this can be one of the belt covers that is known to be prone to leaking, since it's sitting right above the alternator.

I was able to cold start it: runs good, no rattling noises. And the exhaust pipes under the car are quite rusted.

This all tells me the car hasn't been maintained as often as it should've been, but the problem with oil leaking is a known problem.

I believe that if i have the leak fixed, alternator replaced, gearbox flushed, batteries replaced and rust removed with a new coating on the exhaust pipes that i'll have an excellent car. What do you think?

No one willing to share their thoughts?

It's a 10 year old car with 80K on the clock, maintenance is everything with these cars. What you are describing is a basketcase. The exhaust is not something you can refinish, and probably needs to be replaced. I would pass.

It hasn't been completely neglected in terms of maintance. It has the usual known troubles with the engine, nothing major though that can't be fixed. I've forgot to mention that also a compression test was done, and this came out as good. It would actually be cheaper to buy this car and have it fixed than buy the exact same one for the normal market price.

Exhaust has no holes in it, yet... if it has to be replaced than so be it. I thought Mercedes cars were solid against rust.

Just hurts me to see the car as it is, like a broken woman that was abused and needs love and care from a real man. But I want to drive it for another 80K miles, not just have it sit there... I just have a lot of doubts about starting this journey.

What did the MB specialist say about the oil and alternator? Did they check the air suspension at each corner for leaks?

I had a 2015 S550 and it had a clunky shift from 3 to 4 (?). Clunky downshift also, yet all normal and that’s how it worked.

Battery changes are an easy DIY. Can’t comment on the other items. As said, the exhaust is what it is unless replaced when needed.

Factor in all this and try and negotiate what you think is a fair price and plan for odd repairs.

It will ABSOLUTELY be cheaper for you to buy a well-maintained example. That is especially true because you want to drive it another 80k miles. MB parts are expensive; maintenance is not.

But if your goal is a project, as it seems it is, then go for it!

"Either pay upfront or pay later" and there's no way around it

I'd rather pay upfront and enjoy the car than spend countless number of hours and money trying sorting out the car

Just say'n !

Rust? Rest assured that it will be more then the down pipes that are rusted. Every single fastener holding turbochargers to heads will be mush when that time comes. Rust says it has been used during that fourth season where salt is used. Many parts get digested by the tin worm.
I would stay away.

all depends on price and costs to fix those things you want repaired.

IF all that is less than current market value by a decent amount - well then only you can decide....

But if that adds up to more then market value - why bother? go get better one.

It depends on the price but I'm not a Wheeler Dealer so my past experiences would tell me to stay away

I'll throw in an opinion, for what's it's worth ... if you like working on cars and can do some of the repairs yourself, this scenario might be workable. If you take it to someone to do the work at market rates, you'll spend a fortune.

That's pretty much the story with my 928. Bought it with 129k miles and it hadn't been very well cared for. That was back in 2007 and after hundreds of hours of work it's a pretty nice car, but only because I had the time and inclination to put all that effort into it.

Surprisingly enough the air suspension is good. No leaks in either the air pockets or compressor.

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I understand that. it's not as if this car hasn't seen any maintance at all. The owner sold it to a dealer, was aware of the issues but didn't want to spend money on it as he bought another car.

Correct, northern hemisphere. Bottom engine bay is quite packed and shielded, it has no rust on it besides the exhaust which is funny to me.

Agree, it's not that bad though. Doesn't every M278 have leaking oil once every while?

i don't work on the cars myself, but how much time would a specialist need to replace an alternator on one of those cars?

Bought it! Even now i enjoy the car so feakin much. Can"t believe that it can only get better from here. Will post pictures soon!

Awesome! Glad you got it.

Congrats! Make sure you get the front timing coveres re-sealed ASAP. That leak is known as “the alternator-killer”!

Exhaust doesn't seem stock. There are 2 additional pipes running to the sides, behind the rear wheels. Good sound though.

https://youtube.com/shorts/tc9x2hzvNhs?feature=share