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Mercedes-Benz S-Class
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Comments
Do you happen to recall what kinds of problems they had with their S600s?
M
You may have reasons we aren't aware of, so I'm not trying to be judgemental, but every auto engineer who is worth a gallon of unleaded will tell you it's best all the way around to buy the fuel the car was designed to run on. If you can't handle that, you should get a cheaper car, generally.
This is not limited to owners of any one vehicle by any means. This question comes up in nearly all of the vehicle-specific discussions here in the Town Hall (and I'm sure it's a common topic in the fuel related discussions as well).
That's all I'm saying. I didn't to insult anybody, nor am I a John Kerry elitist either. If the car is on its last legs, who cares?
Are there any significant differences between 2001 and 2002 S430? Also we don't need the power, as she is satisfied with the current S320, so are there any other differences other than power between the S430 and S500 for those two years? Thanks in advance. Larry Dunn
I don't believe that there were any marked differences between the 2001 and 2002 S430. However, the was a slight refresh of the some exterior lines and accents and possible some slight interior modifications in 2003.
I personally would focus on the fact that MS was having some problems with the electronics and centralized navigation system in the S-Class in that period and they might have gotten things ironed out better by 2002. Also, initially my memory seem to recall that they had a CD-based navigation system and later went to a DVD-based system but I do not recall which year it was. A gentlemen who goes by merc1 and posts regularly here should know more exactly when electronics and other S-Class changes were made.
Other then that I would just focus on the mileage, price and your color preferences, etc.
Jim
I'm currently on the market for a 97-99 S420...(a W140 body if I'm not mistaken?) I've found one locally priced at about $22K with 66K miles (a 1997 model). I've driven the model before, but I'm interested in hearing from current/previous owners about the reliability of the sedan and any trouble spots I should look for in a used model (97-99). I have several friends and family members (none of who've owned MBZ mind you) warn of heinous maintenance issues and costs. I understand parts and service costs are rather high, but nowadays even taking a Ford to a dealership can be expensive! Thanks to all in advance, I appreciate hearing from you.
R/ Jay
If Lexus would only create a car that drove like a Mercedes, better yet if only Mercedes would make a car as reliable as a Lexus....
MB has to get their quality and reliability back at least partially. The bulletproof cars of the past are what MB is all about. I think it'll only happen if they cut back to a nore manageable production level. I've leased nothing but Lexus since 95 and yes they've all been letter perfect. But I'd like to put a CL or SL in my garage alongside an LS and GX. It'd make for a great garage and it would be nice to experience the greatness of both manufacturers at the same time. But its posts like your earlier ones that scare the heck out of me.
Good Luck.
True indeed. How quickly we forget....
And to think my dad bought his first Mercedes because he was so tired of poor American car quality. Like piston rings that wore out in less than 50K miles
Just for reference, my good buddy just bought a 2004 E320 Black/black, to add to his 2000 E320 white/tan, bringing to 4 the number of cars in his garage. His 2000 E has been stellar in reliability. Of course, he's only put on about 30K miles in 4 years, with no problems to date. That gave him more confidence purchasing another MB. On the flip side, I know of a wife of a colleague who purchased an '03 E320 last Sept., which had been nothing but trouble. The car has spent more time in the shop than on the road. Major trouble: electrical. BUT, she still swears by her MB. So I asked her why ? Her response: That was her 50th birthday gift from her hubby ! Another buddy of mine continues to drive his 1997 S500 to date, with 120K miles on the ody. Loves it like a second wife !!
Good luck - let us know what happens!
Bryan
I looked at a 95 S320, I noticed that the doors and trunk are not pneumatically closed as my 93 S320. Did Mercedes stop this feature in 95? I didn't see the headlamps wipers. Please let me know if something is wrong with this car or it's just the way it's built.
Thanks,
I guess they haven't solved the electronic problem. I don't want the car back. I feel I might end up to be a hood ornament for an 18 wheeler. Any advice.
M
I thank you in advance for your comments.
I'd imagine your tires are summer ones-great grip and fairly bad wear charestics...
1) the owner's book says that the glove box has a second closed compartment on the inside of the lid. Mine doesn't have it and we checked another one at the dealer and it also did not have this compartment. Does anyone have this or has it been changed for 2005?
2) what tire psi do you recommend for the Continentals that come with the S430?
Thanks in advance,
Ricky
Thanks,Ricky
Oh well, some people--you give them a bone and they want the whole cow. Ruins it all for the rest of us.
Ricky
Thanks