The sub £1k Merc S500
Discussion
Through a combination of luck and good timing I happened across this 2001 W220 S500 on a local Facebook page. With the lease for my daily driver SLK coming to an end and me struggling to find another lease that I really like, along with leaving a bit late for delivery dates, I was quickly realising I needed a stop gap car. Sensible thing to do would be to get a wee £500 micra or just use the Audi or even my girlfriends cars or any one of a number of friends cars I could borrow but where is the fun in that?!
Just at that moment of thinking an E430 fairly near to me popped up on the barge thread on eBay that I figured would work for a few months and decided to have a bid on that. Before I could do so and while waiting for the auction to get nearer the end what should pop up on a local Facebook page (that normally attracts all sorts of scrap and odd people to be fair) but a 2001 S500 as seen here -
A cheeky message asking if he still had it and would he be interested in offers was sent to which I had a positive reply. Sent a message back asking would he take £900 and straight away got a 'yes' back. Damn, should've said £700! Anyway, happy with that I said I would take it, the pictures looked OK and as long as it started and drove ok it seemed a very good price. With that in mind, jumped in the car and went and got it straight away, in the pitch black, hoping for the best.
Here is the car, previous owners pictures for now -
Just at that moment of thinking an E430 fairly near to me popped up on the barge thread on eBay that I figured would work for a few months and decided to have a bid on that. Before I could do so and while waiting for the auction to get nearer the end what should pop up on a local Facebook page (that normally attracts all sorts of scrap and odd people to be fair) but a 2001 S500 as seen here -
A cheeky message asking if he still had it and would he be interested in offers was sent to which I had a positive reply. Sent a message back asking would he take £900 and straight away got a 'yes' back. Damn, should've said £700! Anyway, happy with that I said I would take it, the pictures looked OK and as long as it started and drove ok it seemed a very good price. With that in mind, jumped in the car and went and got it straight away, in the pitch black, hoping for the best.
Here is the car, previous owners pictures for now -
So having had a chance to have a good look over the car there's a few negatives, as I suppose was to be expected!
The interior looks bogging in the sunlight, the boot doesn't release automatically, the passenger window is sticky and the brake pads are showing as low on the onboard computer.
Task for today is to give it a quick clean and tidy for now and check the brakes.
The interior looks bogging in the sunlight, the boot doesn't release automatically, the passenger window is sticky and the brake pads are showing as low on the onboard computer.
Task for today is to give it a quick clean and tidy for now and check the brakes.
Brakes checked, the pads were all new! probably a simple fix this one and after a quick run to the auto parts shop I have these to fit -
The boot looks a bit, umm, lived in so that's next to tackle -
After a steam clean and Hoover things look a little more presentable -
Opened the centre console and found a jumble of bits and wires -
Seeing no reason why it was like this I rewired it and reinstalled it -
That's all for now, will update more as I do it.
The boot looks a bit, umm, lived in so that's next to tackle -
After a steam clean and Hoover things look a little more presentable -
Opened the centre console and found a jumble of bits and wires -
Seeing no reason why it was like this I rewired it and reinstalled it -
That's all for now, will update more as I do it.
Sheepshanks said:
I guess ideally you should think of it like a lease car so if you can get 3-4mths out of it and then throw it away you'll be laughing.
The MOT (I assume the MOT year is a typo?) could be a sit of a show-stopper. Do you know a friendly place that won't be too harsh? I've got a 2004 C Class and last one indicated around £2000 of work, on car that's worth £3K tops.
The mot was a typo, it's got a year on it now as the guy mot'd it yesterday, it had 5 months on it anyway til July 2016 prior to that.The MOT (I assume the MOT year is a typo?) could be a sit of a show-stopper. Do you know a friendly place that won't be too harsh? I've got a 2004 C Class and last one indicated around £2000 of work, on car that's worth £3K tops.
Sheepshanks said:
Are you Mike Brewer? 
Great news on the MOT!
Thankfully not! Great news on the MOT!
The plan is basically as you said, keep it a few months until my new car comes then pass it onto the next bargist for hopefully the same money as I paid for it.
I said I was going to leave it exactly as I got it but unfortunately as you can see my slightly ocd'ish nature has taken over!
Here's the decode of the vin I managed to find thanks to google, clearly no expense spared by someone!
Market: AG,Europe
Production order: N
Paint code 1:
744U - BRILLIANT SILVER METALLIC
026 - SERIENVERSUCH SBC 3
220 - PARKTRONIC SYSTEM (PTS)
249 - INSIDE AND OUTSIDE MIRROR AUTOMATIC DIMMING
275 - MEMORY PACKAGE (DRIVER SEAT, STRG. COL., MIRROR)
284 - SELECTOR LEVER, WOOD
289 - WOOD/LEATHER STEERING-WHEEL
352 - COMAND
354 - ANTENNA FOR TELEPHONE D/E-NET
390 - LINGUATRONIC-ENGLICH(BRITISH)
401 - DELUXE FRONT SEATS WITH VENTILATION AND HEATING CO
414 - ELECTRIC TILT/SLIDE SUNROOF IN GLASS VERSION
461 - INSTRUMENT WITH MILES IND. AND ENGLISH LEGEND
551 - ANTI-THEFT/ANTI-BREAK-IN WARNING SYSTEM
596 - HEAT INSULATING+IR REFLECTG.SAFETY GLASS ALL-ROUND
600 - HEADLAMPS - CLEANING EQUIPMENT
617 - XENON HEADLAMPS, LEFT-HAND TRAFFIC
646 - LIGHT ALLOY 5-HOLE SPOKED WHEEL 8X18
668 - PACKAGING FOR SHIPPING VEHICLES W/ TIE-DOWN HOOKS
673 - HIGH-CAPACITY BATTERY
731 - WOOD TRIM BURRED WALNUT ROOT
801 - AEJ 00/1 R 170 AEJ 99/2
819 - CD CHANGER
833 - INVALID/GREAT BRITAIN,ADDITIONAL PARTS
854 - TELEPHONE "CELL PHONE", NOKIA 6210/6310I
860 - TV-TUNER ANALOG
875 - HEATED SCREEN WASH SYSTEM
882 - INTERIOR SAFEGUARD
883 - POWER CLOSING SYSTEM
889 - KEYLESS - GO
984 - COC DOC., DELETION OF VEHICLE REGISTRATION DOC.
989 - IDENTIFICATION LABEL UNDER WINDSHIELD
200A - LEATHER
744U - BRILLIANT SILVER METALLIC
268A - LEATHER GREY
M113 - V8-GASOLINE ENGINE M113
Market: AG,Europe
Production order: N
Paint code 1:
744U - BRILLIANT SILVER METALLIC
026 - SERIENVERSUCH SBC 3
220 - PARKTRONIC SYSTEM (PTS)
249 - INSIDE AND OUTSIDE MIRROR AUTOMATIC DIMMING
275 - MEMORY PACKAGE (DRIVER SEAT, STRG. COL., MIRROR)
284 - SELECTOR LEVER, WOOD
289 - WOOD/LEATHER STEERING-WHEEL
352 - COMAND
354 - ANTENNA FOR TELEPHONE D/E-NET
390 - LINGUATRONIC-ENGLICH(BRITISH)
401 - DELUXE FRONT SEATS WITH VENTILATION AND HEATING CO
414 - ELECTRIC TILT/SLIDE SUNROOF IN GLASS VERSION
461 - INSTRUMENT WITH MILES IND. AND ENGLISH LEGEND
551 - ANTI-THEFT/ANTI-BREAK-IN WARNING SYSTEM
596 - HEAT INSULATING+IR REFLECTG.SAFETY GLASS ALL-ROUND
600 - HEADLAMPS - CLEANING EQUIPMENT
617 - XENON HEADLAMPS, LEFT-HAND TRAFFIC
646 - LIGHT ALLOY 5-HOLE SPOKED WHEEL 8X18
668 - PACKAGING FOR SHIPPING VEHICLES W/ TIE-DOWN HOOKS
673 - HIGH-CAPACITY BATTERY
731 - WOOD TRIM BURRED WALNUT ROOT
801 - AEJ 00/1 R 170 AEJ 99/2
819 - CD CHANGER
833 - INVALID/GREAT BRITAIN,ADDITIONAL PARTS
854 - TELEPHONE "CELL PHONE", NOKIA 6210/6310I
860 - TV-TUNER ANALOG
875 - HEATED SCREEN WASH SYSTEM
882 - INTERIOR SAFEGUARD
883 - POWER CLOSING SYSTEM
889 - KEYLESS - GO
984 - COC DOC., DELETION OF VEHICLE REGISTRATION DOC.
989 - IDENTIFICATION LABEL UNDER WINDSHIELD
200A - LEATHER
744U - BRILLIANT SILVER METALLIC
268A - LEATHER GREY
M113 - V8-GASOLINE ENGINE M113
Well, I've just completed an 80 mile trip in in and nothing has broken or fallen off!
For a 2 tonne plus car it's pretty quick, it doesn't feel it but the speedo spins round nicely. It feels like I'll never stop finding gadgets that it has!
It's range computer which I assume is based on its lifetime average works out at just over 22mpg which isn't the end of the world by any means.
The offers have been piling in for it already so I feel I've done ok with it.
It does have air suspension that works perfectly, stiffens up and moves the car up and down no problem.
It's actually a very handsome car especially at night.
For a 2 tonne plus car it's pretty quick, it doesn't feel it but the speedo spins round nicely. It feels like I'll never stop finding gadgets that it has!
It's range computer which I assume is based on its lifetime average works out at just over 22mpg which isn't the end of the world by any means.
The offers have been piling in for it already so I feel I've done ok with it.
It does have air suspension that works perfectly, stiffens up and moves the car up and down no problem.
It's actually a very handsome car especially at night.
mackay45 said:
I'm sure you won't be short of interest for it when you get rid OP.
If you haven't had any messages about it already (I did try to PM but didn't notice the button for it, so assume you've got them disabled) then I'd like to stick my name in the hat for next owner! Would be a great car to drive down to Le Mans for in June!
PM's should be working, I've had plenty! If you haven't had any messages about it already (I did try to PM but didn't notice the button for it, so assume you've got them disabled) then I'd like to stick my name in the hat for next owner! Would be a great car to drive down to Le Mans for in June!
I've still not decided what to do with it yet as there has been a fair few offers but if I decide to keep it and have another car available I'm more than happy to let you have it for a few weeks to take to Le Mans if that is all you wanted it for.
velocefica said:
What would the first owner have lost in depreciation in the first year of ownership. Probably enough to buy a decent hatchback new nowadays.
This thread feels very deja-vu, wasn't there an S-Class thread before, the owner fixed the sill rust under the drivers door with a dab of hammerite.
No hammerite here thankfully This thread feels very deja-vu, wasn't there an S-Class thread before, the owner fixed the sill rust under the drivers door with a dab of hammerite.
No rust either that I can see, jacking points and everything look great if not a bit dirty. A lot easier to clean than weld though for sure!
So on the topic of the passenger side front window I took the door panel off today to see what the problem was.
Everything came off easy enough although I was a bit worried about the airbag being next to my face while doing so!
I found the cause of the problem but couldn't see of an obvious way to resolve it. The window motor works with cables that are covered in a thick plastic cover that almost looks like 4 wiper blades stuck together (hopefully this will make sense in the photo). Two of the cables overlap and when the window goes up they press against the window causing enough friction to stop it going fully up.
A simple fix, in theory! Because of the nature of the door access is extremely limited so seeing exactly where everything goes is quite difficult. I used my iPhone with flash to take a few pictures behind it but again couldn't really see much.
So the good news is it's just a simple cable adjustment, unfortunately it started pelting down with hailstones so I've put it all back together for now. At least I know it's a no cost fix.
Once that's sorted every button on the car will work 100%. Next on the list for the weekend is to change the brake wear sensors, stick in some fresh oil and put a new filter on, steam clean the full interior and detail the engine bay and exterior.
Everything came off easy enough although I was a bit worried about the airbag being next to my face while doing so!
I found the cause of the problem but couldn't see of an obvious way to resolve it. The window motor works with cables that are covered in a thick plastic cover that almost looks like 4 wiper blades stuck together (hopefully this will make sense in the photo). Two of the cables overlap and when the window goes up they press against the window causing enough friction to stop it going fully up.
A simple fix, in theory! Because of the nature of the door access is extremely limited so seeing exactly where everything goes is quite difficult. I used my iPhone with flash to take a few pictures behind it but again couldn't really see much.
So the good news is it's just a simple cable adjustment, unfortunately it started pelting down with hailstones so I've put it all back together for now. At least I know it's a no cost fix.
Once that's sorted every button on the car will work 100%. Next on the list for the weekend is to change the brake wear sensors, stick in some fresh oil and put a new filter on, steam clean the full interior and detail the engine bay and exterior.
T5XARV said:
Wow what a car ! Its comforting to see you taking care of the bits and bobs around the car rather than hammering as others might as it 'was just a cheap car'.
Its exactly what I'm looking for so, in a few months when you need to move it to a new loving home, drop me a line and I'll happily give you £1000.
I'm starting a little enterprise I've been planning for a while now. Low cost Chauffeuring (thats not the name of the company BTW lol).
Using BMW 740iL, Mercedes E and S Class, Jaguar/Daimler and perhaps a 1970 Rover P5B in the mix too.
The cars will be older than usual but very well maintained and in beautiful order throughout.
I've tested the market locally and the feedback has been that the age of car is no real priority at all, but that the appearance and friendliness of the driver and cleanliness and comfort of the cars are a must.
Relatively low outlay and a thoroughly enjoyable hobby business.
So please think of me when you are ready to sell.
I actually have an interest in a chauffeur/wedding hire company that runs jag xj8's so if you need any advice feel free to send me a PMIts exactly what I'm looking for so, in a few months when you need to move it to a new loving home, drop me a line and I'll happily give you £1000.
I'm starting a little enterprise I've been planning for a while now. Low cost Chauffeuring (thats not the name of the company BTW lol).
Using BMW 740iL, Mercedes E and S Class, Jaguar/Daimler and perhaps a 1970 Rover P5B in the mix too.
The cars will be older than usual but very well maintained and in beautiful order throughout.
I've tested the market locally and the feedback has been that the age of car is no real priority at all, but that the appearance and friendliness of the driver and cleanliness and comfort of the cars are a must.
Relatively low outlay and a thoroughly enjoyable hobby business.
So please think of me when you are ready to sell.
Edited by R8Steve on Friday 26th February 13:02
Edited by R8Steve on Friday 26th February 13:03
Mr_Dave said:
velocefica said:
R8Steve said:
velocefica said:
What would the first owner have lost in depreciation in the first year of ownership. Probably enough to buy a decent hatchback new nowadays.
This thread feels very deja-vu, wasn't there an S-Class thread before, the owner fixed the sill rust under the drivers door with a dab of hammerite.
No hammerite here thankfully This thread feels very deja-vu, wasn't there an S-Class thread before, the owner fixed the sill rust under the drivers door with a dab of hammerite.
No rust either that I can see, jacking points and everything look great if not a bit dirty. A lot easier to clean than weld though for sure!
They do rust under there as the skirts catch all of the water. First you'll notice is when the jack goes through them at the MOT... 
Steviesam said:
Can I ask which VIN decoder you used please?
Just the first one that came up on google I used. Here it is though. http://www.vindecoderz.com/EN/Mercedes-Benz
So tonight was a good test to see if the air suspension works well. I had to go and pick up 86 boxes of tiles which when loaded up had the rear end of the car on the deck!
A quick press of a button.
And up she went.
I had the suspension set to full soft at first but it made the front end quite bouncy with the amount of travel and all the weight in the back but changing it to the stiffest setting cured that and it drove perfectly.
As this seems to be one of the areas that causes the most problems in these cars I'm quite pleased that it all seems to be working perfectly.
I've done about 1000 miles in it now averaging about 21 mpg which isn't that bad at all. More importantly in this time there is absolutely no issues to report.
A quick press of a button.
And up she went.
I had the suspension set to full soft at first but it made the front end quite bouncy with the amount of travel and all the weight in the back but changing it to the stiffest setting cured that and it drove perfectly.
As this seems to be one of the areas that causes the most problems in these cars I'm quite pleased that it all seems to be working perfectly.
I've done about 1000 miles in it now averaging about 21 mpg which isn't that bad at all. More importantly in this time there is absolutely no issues to report.
CX53 said:
Any updates?
Sorry, i've been away in Mexico for the past few weeks.Not much of an update i'm afraid apart from it will be going up for sale. I was going to use it as a tow car for my race car but i've been offered a good cheap X5 with a towbar which suits me better for having tyres/spares in the back so will be moving the merc on.
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