Looking into buying a 2000-02 s500/s430 sedan, need help

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Permalink Reply by Samuel Girgiss on January 19, 2010 at 6:37am

Oh how stuid of me, i thought you were a different person, My neighbor has an 08 s550 4-matic and it seems fine, most eole here in Staten island drive these cars, I didn't think it had this many issues, I guess its just really nice ornament for your driveway.

Wim van Acker said:

Yes, I do I own a current generation S Class, 2007 S550 4MATIC. (I wrote you about that in my previous reply to you, see below).

Samuel Girgiss said:

Yea that is amazing, I cant believe that a 35 yr old car doesnt need a new paint job, yea IM really lookin into the 5 series, after I Get rid of my 03 impala Im goin for a performance sedan, was goin for an s-class but not anymore, Thanks for the input, btw do u have a benz?

Wim van Acker said:

I would recommend a BMW 5 to you, any generation. Great cars to drive, excellent quality. I have only one BMW and it has been going strong since 1991. Know many BMW owners and they all love their cars. My parents gave my sister a BMW 2002 when she got her driver's license in 1974. She still owns it and drives it in summer. It has never needed a paint job! Isn't that cool?

Samuel Girgiss said:

Thanks for the response, I know this is a benz website but would u recomend the 5 series BMW 2000-03?

Wim van Acker said:

You may want to look at the April 2007 Consumer Reports Assessment of used vehicles. On pages 81 and 82 it lists the S class V8 from 2001 through 2004 in the categories "Vehicles to avoid" and "Consumer Reports Bad Bets". So: I suggest you don't take the risk to buy a car like that. Most probably, only your dealer will love it ($$$). In case you want to read the full assessment and can't get it, just let me know your e mail address and I will forward you a scanned copy.

I own a current generation S Class, 2007 S550 4MATIC. I have suffered from huge technical problems, poor dealer service and total indifference by Mercedes-Benz USA. Problems included: defective brake system, failed engine mounts, failed transmission mount, failed compressor for air suspension, defective driver's seat, defective passenger seat, defective Night Vision, defective Electronic Stability Program, etc., etc. This car has been a nightmare. A friend of mine owns a S600 of teh same generation as you were looking at, which is an even worse story. The dealer has charged MB USA up to now $ 80,000 for the work on trying to solve the technical problems with that "top of the line" vehicle.

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Permalink Reply by Wim van Acker on January 19, 2010 at 7:20am

I do not know whether in general the current S Class is a good or a bad car or whether it is better or worse than a BMW 7 Series, an Audi A8 or a Lexus LS. I only know my S550 4MATIC has had many technical problems and poor service by both dealer and Mercedes-Benz USA, and a friend of mine's S600 is even worse. All other S Class vehicles may be wonderful, trouble-free cars. Personally, I doubt that because Mercedes-Benz USA representative Mr. Blakemore, to whom I complained about the many technical problems of my vehicle, told me that my vehicle is normal and not worse than others.

And higher ups with MB USA, whom I have approached, also apparently never considered this haunted car of a customer (of whom 3 of his 6 cars are Mercedes) a special case, which had to be replaced by a good one.

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Permalink Reply by Samuel Girgiss on January 19, 2010 at 10:10pm

Oh, I guess maybe just bad luck, I hope they help you out here man, You said previously that you were gonna sell your car at 10k before the warranty expiration? How do you plan to sell it, private sale, auction?

Wim van Acker said:

I do not know whether in general the current S Class is a good or a bad car or whether it is better or worse than a BMW 7 Series, an Audi A8 or a Lexus LS. I only know my S550 4MATIC has had many technical problems and poor service by both dealer and Mercedes-Benz USA, and a friend of mine's S600 is even worse. All other S Class vehicles may be wonderful, trouble-free cars. Personally, I doubt that because Mercedes-Benz USA representative Mr. Blakemore, to whom I complained about the many technical problems of my vehicle, told me that my vehicle is normal and not worse than others.

And higher ups with MB USA, whom I have approached, also apparently never considered this haunted car of a customer (of whom 3 of his 6 cars are Mercedes) a special case, which had to be replaced by a good one.

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Permalink Reply by Wim van Acker on January 20, 2010 at 7:31am

Well, as the story shows, MB USA has definitely not helped out.

I don't know, yet, if, when and how I will sell my S550 4MATIC. The decision will have to be made in 1.5 year, when I will reach the "Out Of Warranty Minus 10,000 Miles Point".

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Permalink Reply by Samuel Girgiss on January 20, 2010 at 10:10am

Well good luck to you man, I think selling at auction would be best.

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Permalink Reply by Samuel Girgiss on January 21, 2010 at 11:19am

Do you know if the 63 and 65 AMG series models have these problems too?

Wim van Acker said:

Yes, I do I own a current generation S Class, 2007 S550 4MATIC. (I wrote you about that in my previous reply to you, see below).

Samuel Girgiss said:

Yea that is amazing, I cant believe that a 35 yr old car doesnt need a new paint job, yea IM really lookin into the 5 series, after I Get rid of my 03 impala Im goin for a performance sedan, was goin for an s-class but not anymore, Thanks for the input, btw do u have a benz?

Wim van Acker said:

I would recommend a BMW 5 to you, any generation. Great cars to drive, excellent quality. I have only one BMW and it has been going strong since 1991. Know many BMW owners and they all love their cars. My parents gave my sister a BMW 2002 when she got her driver's license in 1974. She still owns it and drives it in summer. It has never needed a paint job! Isn't that cool?

Samuel Girgiss said:

Thanks for the response, I know this is a benz website but would u recomend the 5 series BMW 2000-03?

Wim van Acker said:

You may want to look at the April 2007 Consumer Reports Assessment of used vehicles. On pages 81 and 82 it lists the S class V8 from 2001 through 2004 in the categories "Vehicles to avoid" and "Consumer Reports Bad Bets". So: I suggest you don't take the risk to buy a car like that. Most probably, only your dealer will love it ($$$). In case you want to read the full assessment and can't get it, just let me know your e mail address and I will forward you a scanned copy.

I own a current generation S Class, 2007 S550 4MATIC. I have suffered from huge technical problems, poor dealer service and total indifference by Mercedes-Benz USA. Problems included: defective brake system, failed engine mounts, failed transmission mount, failed compressor for air suspension, defective driver's seat, defective passenger seat, defective Night Vision, defective Electronic Stability Program, etc., etc. This car has been a nightmare. A friend of mine owns a S600 of teh same generation as you were looking at, which is an even worse story. The dealer has charged MB USA up to now $ 80,000 for the work on trying to solve the technical problems with that "top of the line" vehicle.

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Permalink Reply by Wim van Acker on January 21, 2010 at 1:24pm

No, I have no idea, sorry.

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Permalink Reply by Matt Mankinen on April 29, 2010 at 8:02pm

The best engineered models I have seen are within the 90-96 years, after that Mercedes haven't been doing as well with quality since cut backs had to be made to compete with lower costing Japanese luxury imports.

I've read that post 2004 models are better but haven't experienced myself. I have owned a 90 300ce, 93 190e 2.6, 93 400e, and a 96 C280 Sport, and have been happy with all of them.

I have maintained and drove through a winter storm my sister's 2000 E320 4MATIC (AWD) and have been very impressed so far. Only a front axle seal leak (I repaired) and one LED on the clock is failing, other than that it has been very reliable.

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Permalink Reply by Robert Mendoza on May 22, 2010 at 3:56am

I own a 2002 S500, The car has had some problems with the electrical. It also has a recall on two items. First one is the instrument cluster, it will go out at one time.(complete black out). This cluster is replaced for free with an updated one.

The second problem was the car's air suspension. One day the air suspension pump did not turn off and blew the air a line to the suspension. The car drop to the ground and I had to have it towed by a flatbed. (7 years into ownership)
$1500.00 cost to repair.

The third problem on the electrical is the shifter, this is not covered by MB and cost around $1065.00 to replace. keep in mind this just went out last week, 8 years later.

The second problem that is a warranty is a seal up in the dash area, this keep water from entering the cab. No cost.

All in all the car is a good car and Runs very well.

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