S-Class 91-99, advise/guidance needed please

[chodecz]

Hi guys,

I was always looking to buy an E-Class, but have always liked the mammoth old S-Class 1991-1999.

I looked it up on Parkers, and it says the running costs are sky high! Are they really that expensive to run (the smaller engined models)?? Parkers tech figures don't seem that reliable, as there only seems to be 3mpg difference between the s280 and the s500!

Does anyone know where I can find a full list of tech figures (0-60, max speed, mpg, etc.). It would be most appreciated.

Maybe some people who own/have owned one could tell me what model would be best to go for, what the running/servicing costs are like, etc.

Please, any advise will be greatly appreciated.

 

[MBManInKen]

Yes, I had a 96 S500 until recently. In terms of driving them, they are great cars, with an unlimited sense of luxury and comfort. I personally think they sit better in the rear than the W220.

After my 300SE (W126), the V8 gave so much more driving pleasure. I wouldn't want to go back to the 6 cyls to be honest. In my opinion, the car is distinctly underpowered with the sixes - I would aim for a 420 or a 500, even though that will mean higher running costs.

Others are far more knowledgeable to comment on technical aspects, but you should make sure all electrics and other stuff works properly as every glitch is expensive to fix. Also make sure the aircon works properly as this again can be highly costly.

And finally, a strong word of advice based on my own awful experience: make sure the timing chain was replaced on time and if not get it done asap. Mine broke and destroyed the entire engine in the process, car ended up a write off. I read elsewhere that this is not that uncommon on these V8s.

Guido

 

[frog1520]

S320 is a great car - some people say the I6 is underpowered for the car, but its 230+ bhp and I've never had any performance problems with mine in every day driving!

 

[fnkhan68]

the m104 engine was tweaked up i believe from 96 onwards to give the s320 better performance.

 

[guydewdney]

i had a W140 420 CL - the coupe version.

420 = more than enough power. 22mpg, 24 on a run.

not expensive to run, except tyres - about 5000miles on a set of fronts (255/45/18s). I bought mine from a place in Reading for 30 - 40 quid each, used.

just buy a post 96 model (side air bags, body coloured lowers, parking sensors, not marker thingies) as the earlier ones blew engine looms (2K to fix)

make sure all the doors self shut several times each. failure of this CAN be new pump time (hundreds+) - but look for 'fix' involving pump adjustment on the net somewhere.

stunning car - and I miss mine sometimes.

 

[chodecz]

Thanks for the info guys!

I'm probably looking to buy a S320 and get a LPG conversion. What does anyone know about this???

 

[Benzowner]

There has been a thread on here about gas conversion, worth doing a search.

 

[chodecz]

Hi, I just did a search for LPG conversion, etc. But didn't really get all that much info, only that people either like it or not, and some small problems.

 

[Roger Jones]

I saw a caution about LPG conversion recently, written by Honest John of the Daily Telegraph. Ah, here it is:

"I was driving LPG conversions in Holland 25 years ago and I am not biased [against LPG conversions]. My advice comes as a result of problems readers have suffered following inappropriate, badly executed LPG conversions. There are simply too many cowboys about." (10 February)

You can bet on the tax increasing if conversions become more popular.

 

[jaymanek]

They are only expensive when electronics start going wrong, door closing pumps and so on...

The late 320 engine was a fantastic improvement, but i personally would onyl go for a v8 as the power is needed for such a big car.. Running expense of a v8 is only marginally more than the straight 6....

 

[Seamster15]

I had an ML320 and got it converted to LPG it was ok until the winter. The gas got to cold and this inturn made the engine run ruff until the engine had warmed and it had been restarted.

TBH I wished I had gone for the V8 as the power difference would have been nice with not much difference with regard to fuel economy.....

 

[chodecz]

So Parkers is right then, when it states only about 2-3mpg difference between the 320 and 500??

 

[chodecz]

Damn S500 is IG 20, S320 is 17.

Also about the LPG, what's this about having to provide a certificate to the insurance company??? Is this for a reduction, or just to be covered!?!!

Is there reduced insurance rates for LPG cars (more environment friendly)????

 

[chodecz]

Anyone??

 

[Seamster15]

Certificate is to prove the the system was installed by a certified installer. TBH I think the LPG pushed up the price of the insurance on the ML.

Goood luck.

 

[Stratman]

C&P from honest John's site :-

What's Good
Sensible engine range from 190 bhp S280 through 228 bhp S300, 286 bhp S420, 308 bhp S500 and awesome 408 bhp S600 (power on this cut back to 389 bhp in October 1992). MB was rated by Motor Warranty Direct as Britain's 2nd most claim-free used marque. MB had fifth lowest average cost in warranty claims for cars up to 10 years old in 2002 Warranty Direct index. MB generally 9th lowest average warranty repair costs in 2003 Warranty Direct Reliability index (index 70.79 v/s lowest 31.93) Link:- www.reliabilityindex.co.uk Useful online forum
www.mbclub.co.uk Usergroup www.mercedesclub.org.uk
What's Bad
All these cars are just a bit too big. European mid-90s slump left a lot of 'S'-Class unsold - sitting outside in Baltic Sea dockside compounds which won't have done them much good. Used prices go up and down like a lift in a department store. All were slow sellers in the UK, particularly in 1997-98. Official UK sales hit by diverted RHD Far East exports at up to £17,000 less. Continued to be built in India until late 2001, but some local component quality not up to normal MB standards.
What to Watch Out For
Can be a huge amount of car for the money if bought right. Tyres are enormous, wear heavily and are very expensive, so budget for this.
Recalls
1997 (1995-96 build): may lose brake fluid from hose. 8/5/2001: Build dates 1/9/1995 to 31/12/1996: high humidity may cause corrosion of trigger mechanism leading to airbag inflating. Airbags to be replaced.


Honest John's site

 

[chodecz]

Thanks for the info!! Much appreciated.

I spoke to a guy who had a S320 on LPG, and said the performance is the same, and that he gets 280-300 miles on £38-£40.

A S500 on LPG might be a good idea i performance is the same .