Which S-class to buy?

[chedbridge]

Hello everyone

I would be grateful for some help from those on here who seem to know (a lot) about these things.

I am thinking of buying a 2001-ish S-class, either a 430 or 500. Could anyone help me with the following:

1) What is the difference in standard equipment between the two?
2) Is there any real difference in running costs between them, or is the reason for there being less 430s around simply that the bigger engined car did not really end up costing any more to run?
3) What should I be looking out for when I go to look at one?
4) Are there any non-franchise dealers that people on here have bought cars from and would recommend?

Thanks very much in advance

ben

 

[umedc]

Hello everyone

I would be grateful for some help from those on here who seem to know (a lot) about these things.

I am thinking of buying a 2001-ish S-class, either a 430 or 500. Could anyone help me with the following:

1) What is the difference in standard equipment between the two?
2) Is there any real difference in running costs between them, or is the reason for there being less 430s around simply that the bigger engined car did not really end up costing any more to run?
3) What should I be looking out for when I go to look at one?
4) Are there any non-franchise dealers that people on here have bought cars from and would recommend?

Thanks very much in advance

ben

hi well in the end i end up haveing s55amg was going 4 s500 but s55 is one 4 me comes with all toys ,got 28mpg on motorway

 

[JumJum]

Hello I owned an 2000 S430 272bhp 24.5 mpg at 90mph which I bought fairly cheap 2nd hand basically because it wasn't an S500.

1. The S500 had 306bhp and much the same equipment
2. and is supposed to be as economical the only reason I can see to buy an S430 is price.
3. RUST shocking I know but pal has a 99 V S500 Lwb which is needing treatment and there has been a few stories of CL's and S's having trouble. Air Suspension failures and mine had a subframe fail. On the positive side ABC suspension was an extra with anycar fitted with this it helps cornering and reduces roll improving comfort on twisties, it is very good and improves cars handling.

The mark 2 cars with the clear head lights have better sat nav and some other equipment

I also had a 2002 S55 500 bhp which did 23.5 mpg at 90mph, as said above S55 usually are totally loaded (and come with the excellent ABC suspension as standard), incredibly fast 0-100mph 10.1 secs. If you find one cheap enough the running costs may not be too different to a S500 the earlier S55 had 360 bhp.

 

[MBManInKen]

1) What is the difference in standard equipment between the two?

The 430 and 500 versions have the same standard equipment apart from the xenons, which are standard on the 500, but optional on the 430.

There are still quite a few options left though. Make sure you get one with COMAND.

I have a LWB version and would definitely not want a SWB one, but not everybody agrees with that obviously. But the extra space of the LWB is well worth it and you'll get the electrical roller blind, electrically adjustable and heated rear seats and parktronic as standard on the LWB versions.

If you can find one with distronic, you should go for that. I'd personally also make sure I get the tv tuner, the phone and the Bose sound system option.

2) Is there any real difference in running costs between them, or is the reason for there being less 430s around simply that the bigger engined car did not really end up costing any more to run?

In terms of running cost, there is not going to be much difference between the two. In fact, I have the cylinder shut-off option on mine, and get some pretty impressive mpg out of it, considering it's a 2 ton car with a V8 engine. That option is not available on the 430. I definitely get a much lower fuel consumption than on my previous model, also a LWB S500.

3) What should I be looking out for when I go to look at one?

These are brilliant cars, silky smooth to drive, exceptionally luxurious, flying carpet suspension, etc. BUT! Make sure you get one that is in excellent condition and has been properly maintained. If you get one that has been neglected, it will bite you in terms of repair costs. I'd strongly advise to get a full, independent vehicle check carried out by RAC (*) to make sure it has no hidden problems before handing over any cash. Get a warranty with it, and one that includes cover for the airmatic suspension, the auto box, the catalytic converters and the climate control.

Make sure all electric items and the full COMAND works without any problems. Do not let yourself be fobbed off with responses like: "this is only a tenner to fix".

These are complex cars, you must make sure it is in good condition. Make sure there are no leaks in the airmatic suspension and that the cats don't rattle.

In short, take your time to find a car in good condition and with a warranty. If you do, you'll get best car of its generation and the best drive you can get.

(*) EDIT: I meant to say "RAC or similar", and no I have no links with RAC whatsoever

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Make sure all electric items and the full COMAND works without any problems. Do not let yourself be fobbed off with responses like: "this is only a tenner to fix".

An excellent point.

Whenever I see this, I always think that it's very obviously not £10 to fix...

...or else they'd have already done it to make selling the car easier, and for a higher price.

 

[Benzowner]

I have owned an S class for approx 9 months and was purchased with an MB warranty from an approved MB dealer. The things that have gone wrong since pruchase are main pully breakdown, repair approx £1500.00, both front cats, both front brake callipers, new command unit all covered by warranty fortunately. Current issues, I think the MAFs will need replacing, the rear cats are rattling. My car has very low mileage, 39k on a 1999 car, which I think has contributed to the cats failing.

 

[crockers]

An excellent point.

Whenever I see this, I always think that it's very obviously not £10 to fix...

...or else they'd have already done it to make selling the car easier, and for a higher price.

Yes some of the B*llsh*t one gets is unreal...I can remember many years ago a dealer brought a car to me to look at - when I pointed out it had a dent in the front wing his reply was "you have to expect a little wear and tear in a used car"....when i picked myself up off the floor from laughing he and his car had gone................ :bannana: