Mercedes Benz S-Class W220 (1999 - 2005) - Comments on older S class | Motoring discussion | Back Room Forum

Thu 4 Jun 2009 21:11

Comments on older S class - Xtype

Im looking at an older 2002 S -class 280 petrol (newer shape). It has 164k miles on the clock and its priced at £3500. The car is in pretty good condition for the age and there are no signs of rust.
Are these engines good for a high mileage?

Any comments appreciated.

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Thu 4 Jun 2009 21:51

Comments on older S class - stunorthants26

As ever with older, complex cars, its all about the service history and recent bills. If its comprehensive and performed by either main dealer or respected specialist, its worth its weight.

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Fri 5 Jun 2009 11:54

Comments on older S class - Lou_O

Are these engines good for a high mileage?

In a previous job I did a lot of air travel and had an arrangement with a local company who would run me up to the airport, either in their S or E class which both had >220000 miles.

The thing to note is that when you need to replace parts they'll be expensive, and I'm guessing you won't be taking it to MB for servicing so you'll need to find an independant that you're totally happy with. If you're even slightly suspicious of the maintainer you'll just end up with ulcers when they tell you that the headlamp will be 350 and the PAS pump another 300.

Great car to do long (or even not-so-long) journeys in though.

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Fri 5 Jun 2009 16:03

Comments on older S class - Pizza man

the only thing i'll say is lexus LS....

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Fri 5 Jun 2009 16:06

Comments on older S class - Xtype

When did merc build quality start improving again?
I no it dipped around 1999. Ive seen plenty of S class's with rust on them around this year. Does anyone know when it started to improve again?

thanks

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Fri 5 Jun 2009 16:30

Comments on older S class - Lou_O

I guess you've read this:

www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/index.htm?md=246

It says (amongst other things)

"Rust is a big problem with these cars."

How carefully have you checked it for rust?

Is it still covered under MobiloLife anti-perforation warranty? To be eligible it will have to have been serviced by MB within the last 2 years as a minimum, and even then it may not be covered.

If you can afford to buy it and budget 2 or 3k a year on toop to keep it going, then if it's rust free you could be on to a good thing.

A lot of car for the money, but so much to go wrong and when it does, it's expensive, hence the huge depriciation. My suspicion is that the bottom has fallen out of the market for these kind of cars, in the current climate people don't want the prospect of big bills for fuel and repairs.

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Sat 6 Jun 2009 09:09

Comments on older S class - Pizza man

Although i wouldn't say no to a 6 Litre V12 S600 :) for £1500....
Is it just me or do other people tend to buy cars and spend out more then they cost in fuel in less then 3 months....

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Sat 6 Jun 2009 17:18

Comments on older S class - Bagpuss

The W220 is the most comfortable car I can ever remember driving. The ability of the air suspension to iron out bumps and still handle well is absolutely amazing. The six cylinder engine is almost inaudible at town speeds but growls nicely when you cane it and the way the thing effortlessly gains speed gives a wonderful feelgood factor.

The one I had was an S350 with every possible extra (air conditioned seats, distronic, the list goes on) and I had it for over a week as a rental car (an upgrade!). It was actually reasonably good on petrol, far exceeding my expectations for something over 5m long and weighing 2 tons. Not an ideal vehicle for city driving due to the enormous size, but as a long distance cruiser unbeatable and, as mentioned above, surprisingly able on the twisty bits.

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