Oppo, help - I'm shopping S-Classes

"Master Cylinder" (mastercylinder28)
12/22/2015 at 18:09 • Filed to: None

I’ve been seeing an absurd number of cheap W220s on my local Craigslist lately. Some of them are roaches but most range from decent to well-kept. My inner Tavarish loves the idea of picking up a car that cost $75K ten-fifteen years ago for less than $10K, but I have always been wary of late 90s-00s Benzes. I really like the early 90s and earlier examples but I’ve already got an 80s German car and I really don’t need to double my headaches.

Anyone have experience with an ‘00-05 S-Class? I also see a few of the W140s out there, but not nearly as many. My research seems to show that owners of the W140s reallllllllly like them and the general perception is that they’re built to a much higher quality than the W220 that followed.

DISCUSSION (8)

Nerd-Vol > Master Cylinder
12/22/2015 at 18:19

My grandfather had one. I remember something went wrong with the radio about 4 months before he died. $2000.

It was decent to drive, but it never let you forget about its size.

V12 Jake- Hittin' Switches > Master Cylinder
12/22/2015 at 19:04

I have one, a 2004 S600. But it really depends on what model you buy. I’d only buy a 2003 +, just because of the major updates to reliability and COMMAND system (infotainment) . On like a S430, there isn’t much to go wrong, but you don’t want a ‘430. I’d go for a S500 or a S600, but S600s can be very expensive . In general, look for the most well documented example you can, it will almost always save you money later . On a ‘500 you have to watch out for airmatic, and thats about all I know about S500s. On 600’s you’ll need to think about coil packs , because on the V12 there are only two, so if one cylinder fails, you have to replace the whole pack at $1500 a go. Another thing to worry about is ABC system, which is the hydropnumatic suspension than is incredibly complicated and costly to fix. I’ve put $3000 into ABC over the course of the year, so just know that it’s expensive. All things considered though, it’d be hard to go back to something else after owning a S class. And for the record, I haven't noticed any build quality issues with mine. I strongly recommend you buy one only if you do your homework and are financially prepared for costly repairs.

JGrabowMSt > Master Cylinder
12/22/2015 at 19:31

W140 or 04+. I cant recommend an M120 powered car enough.

Find the right mechanic and you’ll have money for food as well. I havent sunk much into maintenance of my SL because Ive played it smart. Payed off quite well.

Saracen > Master Cylinder
12/22/2015 at 19:34

My dad bought a 2000 S500 a while ago, when fair market value was $20k I believe. It’s silver with the AMG bodykit and monoblock wheels.

He’s repaired a ton of things on the car, and it took him forever to sell it...it finally left the garage a few months ago.

It was pretty much the cleanest W220 I have ever seen, in mechanically excellent condition with a perfect and spotless interior, and he could only get $2700 for the car.

Master Cylinder > Saracen
12/22/2015 at 19:48

Yikes. I mean, I guess if you’re buying at bottom of the barrel prices like that, you’re not risking much, but this would be (ostensibly) a DD beater and I don’t need something that’s going to require a lot of attention. Thanks for the info!

Master Cylinder > JGrabowMSt
12/22/2015 at 19:49

Yeah, that’s what I’m leaning toward as well. It’s mostly the 00-03 W220s that are cheap, and I’m reading some not-so-nice things about them. I’d love a W140, but it’s harder to find one for sale that hasn’t been completely used up. People seem to hang onto them until there’s nothing left.

Land_Yacht_225 > Master Cylinder
12/22/2015 at 22:32

So the saying goes; to keep it running reliably, to start every morning and get you to work with minimal issues will cost you no more than any other car. To keep it perfect, will all the bells and whistles working, will drive you financially to bankruptcy and mentally to the loony bin.

But by no means let that stop you. Find yourself a good S500 or S500 4Matic, 2003+ if you can (that’s the facelift with better COMAND). An S350 or S430 dont have enough guts to get moving, and they say the S55, S600, and S65 are bought by two kinds of people; fools and fanatics. Unless a supercharged V8 or twin turbo V12 appeal to you strongly on a viceral level, it’s not worth the anxiety.

Narrow your search by what options you can see. It’s easy to find a W220 with at least ventilated front seats and it’s worth holding out for one with as many toys as you can. Even if they’re broken, it’s either a puzzle to solve if you like that kind of stuff, or you’ll always have a repair to buy yourself as a gift if you’ve earned a reward. And it’s important to remember that the most commonly failing parts, like the airmatic struts, have aftermarket replacements which have much lower failure rates than the OEM parts, so once a strut fails and you get it replaced it is very unlikely to happen again.

The key to all of this is avoiding the “roaches” as you call them. Though they may still be running and may never die, you will never be able to put them right again. Make sure you get a pre purchase inspection done if you can. If you know what’s wrong going in, you can plan out your repairs by priority and it’s a lot less stresful.

As for my personal experience with my 2004 S600: it’s just fantastic. The ride is great, and I’ve got ABC. Airmatic is probably even more geared for comfort. You’ll never lift a finger for tedious things like adjusting your wiper speed, or even braking or accelerating if you’re lucky enough to snag one of the compartively rare distronic equipped S500 cars. The climate control is one of the smartest systems I’ve ever encountered. The whole car is designed to make driving as easy and convenient as possible. Oh, and strangers will compliment you and ask you what you do for a living randomly in parking lots because they can’t tell your S isn’t new. That happened to me at Papa Johns tonight!

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > Master Cylinder
12/22/2015 at 23:40

‘03 up. V8’s are super reliable with the biggest engine issues being valve cover gaskets, mounts, and crankshaft position sensors. All of which is easy even for a semi-competent DIY’er.

I personally suggest avoiding a V12 and ABC. But if you know what you’re getting into and budget appropriately then go for it if that’s what you really want. It’s a combination you really can’t beat for the money but in no way can it be classified as reliable. That being said however it’s rare for a Mercedes to leave you stranded as their issues won’t generally prevent you from driving.

Bushings and ball joints are common over 100k. If maintenance schedules (transmission fluid and filter every 40k!) are followed they tend to be better than the internet gives them credit for. Airmatic can have issues obviously, struts mostly.

A pre-purchase inspection is worth its weight in German cars here. Let me know if you have any other questions, I may have worked on a 220 or two at some point.