Considering W220 S500 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

WANT '71 280SEL · #1 03-04-2011, 01:29 PM

While I am aware of the air suspension issues, which seem to be common in most contemporary air-ride cars (Jags, etc.), are the w220's THAT bad? I'm looking at either an S500 or S430, while leaning towards the 500 since it gives more power for similar fuel economy.

What are your thoughts? It doesn't seem there are a lot of w220 owners in the tech help section. Is this because they're always at the dealer getting their cars worked or are they not yet old enough to have all the other problems?

The particular car that I'll drive today is silver with the boring wheels, so its color is the biggest draw back for me. I really want a LWB black model.

Best Regards,

David

Hatterasguy · #2 03-04-2011, 01:43 PM

Great cars, my dentist has owned his 2000 S430 since new and hasn't had to much trouble with it. I think he said a coil went bad a few years ago, I think he has about 130k on it now.

It seems to be at his mechanics about as often as his wife's SDL.

Just don't buy a shot one with a million miles on it, buy something pretty new and decent, I'd look 2005+. MB also offered the S350 for one year. Based on my friends experience with his 02 G500 it seems 2000-05 was a bit iffy electronics wise for MB. After that they seem to be pretty solid, no one I know with the newer ones ever seems to complain.

WANT '71 280SEL · #3 03-04-2011, 04:13 PM

Thanks, Hattie. I remember many people bashing them when they were the new / current S-class, but it seems that most complaints were from the "123 types" who thought any sort of electronic gizmo meant huge troubles.

Best Regards,

David

TX76513 · #4 03-04-2011, 05:00 PM

Just take a look at the suspension and make sure it has the retro-fit. It would be a deal buster to me if it wasn't. In regards to the 500 v 430. The 21+ extra horsepower is not worth the dive in mpg. My life time fuel mileage is almost 22 and easily gets 25+ on highway.

WANT '71 280SEL · #5 03-04-2011, 07:32 PM

TX, what's the suspension retrofit? It's not replacing the air suspension with springs is it?

Best Regards,

David

diametricalbenz · #6 03-04-2011, 08:42 PM

Really....a W220 David?

Hatterasguy · #7 03-04-2011, 09:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WANT '71 280SEL

Thanks, Hattie. I remember many people bashing them when they were the new / current S-class, but it seems that most complaints were from the "123 types" who thought any sort of electronic gizmo meant huge troubles.

Best Regards,

David

Just ignore that type, unless its a W123 or old Volvo they don't like it.

W220's are good cars.

WANT '71 280SEL · #8 03-05-2011, 08:46 AM

Oh Curtis.... My how I miss you. BTW, I'm going to try and make a trip out to the Southeast in a month or so to see my sister, Lance (the guy that did the A/C work with us), and you, so hopefully you're in town. Of course I'll let you know about the date at a later time. I probably should have put this in an email... ha ha ha

I travel a lot for my new job, and I figured that instead of getting some late-model Buick, this would be a car I'd enjoy more. As I've contemplated things these past couple days, and test driven a $10k S500, I was reminded that you need to spend a lot more up front to get a nice anything Mercedes. Enough with the used car salesmen, their foreign accents, and always calling you "friend." So, I've decided...drum roll please...that I'm going to get the 04-07 Jaguar XJ8. I've read a lot about their strengths and weaknesses and think it's a much better car for me than a 220. Now I just can't wait to drive one down the interstate smoking a cigar :-)

Best Regards,

David