s class brabus

[zuby84]

Hey all,

I'm really considering buying a s320 cdi (either new or used) and would definately like the amg kit on it. But I have found out it's possible to get this car (yes diesel) in the brabus version. ie chip, sports exhaust, wheels, bodykit etc... It looks absolutely stunning in my opinion.

I've had a quick look at used ones on the net and have only found 2 which are both £60k for 56 reg's (on autotrader.) meanwhile for non brabus s-classes of the same year are only about £40-45k. Is the premium for having a brabus version s320 really 15k odd or is the dealer selling it just being optimistic.

Does anyone know how much extra it is for a new S-class with the brabus add-ons? I've tried to phone my local dealer, but they don't have a clue about it. What's the best daler to contact.

Cheers

 

[timskemp]

I'd say it's definitely worth the brabus tuning box (that is if you're gonna drive your S like a chauffer on amphetamines) but I'm not convinced about the Brabus styling for it - I'd probably order it as is, have a lowering module fitted and some nice AMG wheels and leave it at that. Personally if you want a sporty 4 door I'd go CLS - they look brilliant with the AMG kit on.

 

[hawk20]

I had an S320cdi for 18 months or so and did about 24,000 miles in it. Magnificent car. Nothing to touch it IMO. But I don't think you need to chip it. The mid range acceleration is terrific and the economy excellent. You will reduce the guarantee to 60k miles from unlimited if you chip it and, of course, you must tell your insurance company.

I would only buy from an MB dealer and only buy with full MB service history. Complex cars and quite a lot of updating of software etc has been done (free when you go for service at a dealer). You don't need to pay £45k for a 56 plate from a dealer. I would go to the MB website and use the approved used search engine.

 

[hawk20]

Here's just one example asking £39k. Haggle for less.
http://www.mercedes-benz.motortrak....4063421,13970682,14059166,13990301&vidindex=3

 

[crockers]

I think you will find that Brabus offer two chips now --one for performance and one for economy (which also improve performance)...around £1400 fitted...

BUT...Brabus don't recommend fitting them if the car is 18k + and mercedes reduce the warranty from 3 yrs unlimited to 3 yrs or 60k miles.

Gotta admit i would love to have a go in my car with one fitted.....

 

[Dieselman]

I'd go for a standard car and add tuning parts as required.

I think this looks excellent and is just right for an S that's been working out a bit. Very sleek and subtle.

http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=52084

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Don't pay over the odds for a regular model with a Brabus chip and badge.

Genuine Brabus wheels and body parts are very expensive.

As Dieselman says, get a non-Brabus model, and then add what you want. The chip would be fun, but I'd draw the line there personally.

 

[Mactech]

http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=52084

I would go for the standard car and add your own bits. I have enjoyed over a year with mine, adding bits as fancied along the way. I'm not a great fan of the body kit, but you really should have the chip

 

[zuby84]

Hey there,

Thanks for all the comments. Even though they make sense, I've just decided to go for a full Brabus conversion. Yes I know heart over mind.

But the problem I'm having is getting insurance. No insurance company (even the "specialist" ones) have an option for a s320 cdi brabus conversion. Is it classified as factory fitted or modified?

I've tried telling insurance companies about all the bodystyling fitted to it etc.. but that way they state that there are too many mods on the car.

What do you guys do for insurance purposes in a situation like this?

Cheers

 

[jaymanek]

This is my cousins!

 

[zuby84]

Hey there Jaymanek,

Lovely car, can't wait to get it in my drive too. Would you happen to know what insurance company your cousin is with and if he's got it down as a S Brabus or s class with mods?

I've been looking all over for an insurance company who will insure me on it (I'm 23.) If anyone has any ideas at all let me know!

Cheers

 

[hawk20]

Hey there,

Thanks for all the comments. Even though they make sense, I've just decided to go for a full Brabus conversion. Yes I know heart over mind.

But the problem I'm having is getting insurance. No insurance company (even the "specialist" ones) have an option for a s320 cdi brabus conversion. Is it classified as factory fitted or modified?

I've tried telling insurance companies about all the bodystyling fitted to it etc.. but that way they state that there are too many mods on the car.

What do you guys do for insurance purposes in a situation like this?

Cheers

Why not just start out and enjoy the standard car to begin with. At 23 that is not a bad way to go is it? Get used to the car and let the insurance company see that you are a safe driver and build up some time with them and no claims. Then add other bits if you feel they are still what you want. For some people, me included, you will reduce the value of the car the more you mod it; but others like it so it is an interesting choice. But you will reduce the guarantee to 60k miles (which could harm your residual) and you will put up your insurance premium.

 

[jaymanek]

non car specific trade insurance

 

[zuby84]

Hello,

Yeah, I feel if i did get a standard one and do the "after market" mods, that would decrease the value of the car. But I see no way on earth that a full Brabus conversion S class will be cheaper than a standard S class in a few years. Granted I'll be paying about a 10k premium because I want the Brabus conversion in the first place, but I'll probably get a few thousand more than a standard S if i sell it in 2-3 years time.

The trouble I'm having with insurance is not primarily my age, but just the kind of car itself. Do I tell them it's a S class factory Brabus or a S class with mods? (about 15 of them!) Insurance companies will just multiple the price per mod x 15 and add it on to my premium. That's the difficulty I'm finding. If I could find an insurance company that had an option for s class brabus conversion = problem solved.

I feel it would be easier getting insured in a supercar easier than this!

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

I'm not sure an S320 CDi would actually ever be a 'factory' Brabus. More likely the bits added retrospectively by a dealer or broker.

To be honest, £10k doesn't sound like much of a premium for chip, sports exhaust, wheels, bodykit, etc

 

[jaymanek]

my cousin got his direct from Brabus germany... the best bit was that it was deleivered for less than the list price of a standard S320 CDI over here...

 

[PAPA]

Wheels could be be upto £6-8k from Brabus without the other parts you want.

I have mine on a traders also.

 

[hawk20]

Mercedes have their own tame insurer. Ask the dealer to put you in touch.

BTW there is no way that your age will not be an issue. Young drivers -especially young males- have a horrendous accident record. Even a standard S class would cost a fair wack at age 23. But a Brabus tuned one will immediately scare them into a substantial loading.

Start with a standard one, get their confidence with a year in the S without a claim and it will be much easier.

 

[zuby84]

Jaymanek,

Are you sure your cousin got his from Brabus direct in Germany for cheaper than a standard S-class here? A quick look at mercedes germany website showed a standard S was about £60k. I presume Brabus would add even more onto than this. Perhaps with the euro stronger now against the pound; your cousin got it a few years ago? If theres a way to get it cheaper from Brabus; then it's a non brainer!

Insurance wise; I've been able to get a quotes ranging from £1k+. I have 5 years ncb so I'm hoping that'll help a little. I think I'll have no option but just to declare the mods as add-ons and hope they take pity on me.

Cheers

 

[jaymanek]

yes for sure... it was about a year ago, maybe more but yes he cracked some sort of deal with them... Ring them up, dont go by website prices.

I think he had to wait a while though..