W220 - Trouble or not?

[crammy69]

Honest John isnt exactly brimming with praise for these cars when talking about their reliability. It appears lots of electronic stuff can and does go wrong.

These barges are spectacular value for money it seems, but is it just a world of pain? or is the real world experience one of joy and splendour?

Whos bought a 2nd one can offer real world horror / joyfull stories?

 

[Seamster15]

But he and the HJ cronies would only reccomend a Mondeo so make up you're own mind. Todays real world traders like Jay would give you a good insight to how they perform as they will need to warrent they S class's that they sell and hence will probably know about and warrenty repairs.

 

[eGuru]

I have a 2002 S320CDi bought in 2005. First the bad points: Had a problem with Airmatic within a few months. Main problem has been the dreaded rust however MB have been very good about sorting it out. Yesterday it sailed through another MOT.
Have had the instrument cluster replaced in a recall and had to replace electronic ignition switch few months ago.
Good points: Its a superb car, good mpg for such a big heavy car and it eats up the miles on the motorway. Have absolutely no regrets. Just make sure the car has service history and has been looked after.

 

[TonyVianoAmbiente]

Honest John isnt exactly brimming with praise for these cars when talking about their reliability. It appears lots of electronic stuff can and does go wrong.

These barges are spectacular value for money it seems, but is it just a world of pain? or is the real world experience one of joy and splendour?

Honest John's review isn't bad. He correctly points up the major risks but also gives the car the praise it is due.

I'm considering an S320 CDI to replace my E300 Diesel which I am just about to sell. My local MB specialist regularly services several of the S320 CDIs and their owners appear to be delighted with them.

 

[Deleted member 6183]

I bought one at the end of last year and have put 20k miles on it.

I had to spend 150 on a speed sensor and had an A service costing 250. 4 new tyres 300 quid and new brake pads all round which would have been 440 at MB and 220 at kwikfit.

It is a superb motorway car and much quieter since I replaced the tyres, I don't particularly enjoy it around towns as it's a big old barge. Having said that it is easy to drive and doesn't feel huge in a shrink to fit kind of way.

So far I would reccommend a w220 but either buy from MB with a warranty or buy your own warranty/reduce what you pay by about 400.

I unbderstand that the mechanicals are bulletproof and the electrics could go wonky, there's a lot of electronic bits and pieces to go wrong and I'm hoping that nothing vital goes on mine - I suppose that many electronics are simply gadgets that most could live without if they broke.

Going by my experience so far I would say they're a great buy, particularly when you look at what they cost new.

 

[bpsorrel]

My local MB specialist regularly services several of the S320 CDIs and their owners appear to be delighted with them.

I need a good specialist in and around that area now my S211 ia out of warranty! Could you say who it is please!

 

[Benzowner]

I own a 1999 S320 petrol. When I bought it 2 years or so ago it only had 39k on the clock. Now, having had experience in the past with low mileage cars I did expect some problems so made sure I had an MB warranty. In the first year, 2 cats, new sump because the main bearing pully broke down, new comand, new front callipers, new crank sensor and one or two other minor bits. This last year the car has been perfect MoT pass with no advisories, no rust, 33mpg+ on motorway journeys and is a joy to drive. Driving in traffic at rush hour fuel consumtion drops to about 14mpg, but since I've had it, its averaging 21mpg, mostly town driving. Everything still work.

 

[robertjrt]

Dealer repairs

I have a 2002 S320CDi bought in 2005. First the bad points: Had a problem with Airmatic within a few months. Main problem has been the dreaded rust however MB have been very good about sorting it out. Yesterday it sailed through another MOT.
Have had the instrument cluster replaced in a recall and had to replace electronic ignition switch few months ago.
Good points: Its a superb car, good mpg for such a big heavy car and it eats up the miles on the motorway. Have absolutely no regrets. Just make sure the car has service history and has been looked after.

Perhaps I should have had my car recovered to the garage you used, It may have saved me all the aggravation I have had at MB Chelsea.

 

[hygt2]

I have a 2002 S320CDi bought in 2005. First the bad points: Had a problem with Airmatic within a few months. Main problem has been the dreaded rust however MB have been very good about sorting it out. Yesterday it sailed through another MOT.
Have had the instrument cluster replaced in a recall and had to replace electronic ignition switch few months ago.
Good points: Its a superb car, good mpg for such a big heavy car and it eats up the miles on the motorway. Have absolutely no regrets. Just make sure the car has service history and has been looked after.

Which garage do you take your car to?

 

[jaroph]

Firstly, hello everyone and thank you for your brilliant posts, which I have been reading for a while now. I am a new member and have been really impressed with the information that is on this site.

I run a 2003 S320cdi which, as others have testified, is brilliant for motorway cruising. I do not find it difficult to handle around london either. London to Bordeaux on one tank is excellent for such a big car. I average 38mpg.

No problems over the years but I have recently been faced with the droning/humming noise during moderate acceleration and MB have diagnosed an oil seal failure that has allowed oil to flow into the wiring loom and also drown the gearbox ECU (I could be wrong with the description) but essentially, I need a new ecu and ancillary bits at a cost of some £1,500! Luckiy wiring loom is ok! I am waiting for the warranty company to pay up. Anyone experienced anything similar?

 

[eGuru]

Which garage do you take your car to?

I use Parkham Garage in Wellingborough, 01933 442216. They have saved me a small fortune in the last few years. Ex MB and know their stuff.