Thinking of Buying an S-Class. Any Tips?
Discussion
Gentlefolk,
I'm giving some consideration to buying an S-Class. Somewhere around a 2007 model, circa £17,000 maximum budget.
Why?
Work commute has just shot up. 70 miles a day and current car does 18mpg. Not that much of a problem but then again...
So, are there any folk able to offer encouragement? Besides fuel, I do tend to buy cars with soul / character. Call it what you will. I think the S-Class may have this. Anyone concur?
Being sensible, I was thinking S320 Cdi. Being daring, I was thinking S500.
Why S500? I own an E55 and find it remarkably good on fuel.
But I suppose the 320 Cdi is the better bet?
Why not use my E55? No parking sensors (very handy) and it's on a limited mileage policy and it's my wife's car. And, well, just no.
So, any useful advice?
(Waits for howls of derision and calls of 'buy a diesel Mondeo!'...)
I'm giving some consideration to buying an S-Class. Somewhere around a 2007 model, circa £17,000 maximum budget.
Why?
Work commute has just shot up. 70 miles a day and current car does 18mpg. Not that much of a problem but then again...
So, are there any folk able to offer encouragement? Besides fuel, I do tend to buy cars with soul / character. Call it what you will. I think the S-Class may have this. Anyone concur?
Being sensible, I was thinking S320 Cdi. Being daring, I was thinking S500.
Why S500? I own an E55 and find it remarkably good on fuel.
But I suppose the 320 Cdi is the better bet?
Why not use my E55? No parking sensors (very handy) and it's on a limited mileage policy and it's my wife's car. And, well, just no.
So, any useful advice?
(Waits for howls of derision and calls of 'buy a diesel Mondeo!'...)
I assume by 2007 your referring tof the new shape.
Go for an S500 (if you can find a nice one). You'll be surprised how economical they can be on motorways if not hoofing along. Less to go wrong than the Diesel engine wise.
Make sure all electrics, suspension etc works correctly and car has been maintained correctly.
If no evidence of gearbox oil change - get it done. Some reports of torque converter failure at 100 to 150k miles on these.
Expect an occasional bill.
Get one with a panoramic roof if poss.
One here at MB Southampton, in budget and with MB Warranty....
Go for an S500 (if you can find a nice one). You'll be surprised how economical they can be on motorways if not hoofing along. Less to go wrong than the Diesel engine wise.
Make sure all electrics, suspension etc works correctly and car has been maintained correctly.
If no evidence of gearbox oil change - get it done. Some reports of torque converter failure at 100 to 150k miles on these.
Expect an occasional bill.
Get one with a panoramic roof if poss.
One here at MB Southampton, in budget and with MB Warranty....
Edited by Egbert Nobacon on Tuesday 13th May 07:57
Thanks! That's excellent advice.
I'm fortunate in that I know a very good MB mechanic who looks after my E55. That helps.
I'm not generally a fan of diesel models. I'm wary of EGR, DPF and turbo issues and the extra cost of diesel.
As an example, I took my E55 to work this morning and it returned 23mpg on a mix of twisty A-road, motorway and the hubbub of getting into London, albeit very early, this morning.
A diesel would undoubtedly do better, but the fuel cost would be higher as an offset and I think maintenance costs would be higher, too.
I need to build a strong case for buying the S500.
The advertised model looks great. Hadn't seen that one before.
I'm fortunate in that I know a very good MB mechanic who looks after my E55. That helps.
I'm not generally a fan of diesel models. I'm wary of EGR, DPF and turbo issues and the extra cost of diesel.
As an example, I took my E55 to work this morning and it returned 23mpg on a mix of twisty A-road, motorway and the hubbub of getting into London, albeit very early, this morning.
A diesel would undoubtedly do better, but the fuel cost would be higher as an offset and I think maintenance costs would be higher, too.
I need to build a strong case for buying the S500.
The advertised model looks great. Hadn't seen that one before.
Simes110 said:
I'm not generally a fan of diesel models. I'm wary of EGR, DPF and turbo issues and the extra cost of diesel.
I wouldn't be overly concerned. There is no way they'd sell so many to the chauffeur market if they had so many issues.The S is a lovely place to be but dynamically very different to a 7 series. If it's all motorway the S would get my vote but, if you sometimes need to make progress down other roads, worth having a look at the 7.
Thank you.
The problem I have with BMW generally is:-
1. They're everywhere around where I live as BMW's UK headquarters aren't too far from us.
2. Consequently, my wife hates them generally. But I've never been completely enamoured with the models I've come across either.
That said, the 7-Series is the model I prefer most.
The other slight issue is my current car is a 2007 Supercharged Range Rover. It's a gorgeous place to be and whatever potentially replaces it, HAS to generate the same feelings in me. I've owned my current model for a year and it still feels special.
It doesn't do twisties that well, but there's enough urge on the straights to make up for it. I quite like that, in an odd way. Slightly old-school.
Which is why the S500 appeals. But I've not tried one yet.
I'm being fussy here, but time has proved that once you're bored with a car then it's a slippery slope.
I'll look at the 7. But with two Mercedes models currently also in my ownership, I'm a trifle biased.
The problem I have with BMW generally is:-
1. They're everywhere around where I live as BMW's UK headquarters aren't too far from us.
2. Consequently, my wife hates them generally. But I've never been completely enamoured with the models I've come across either.
That said, the 7-Series is the model I prefer most.
The other slight issue is my current car is a 2007 Supercharged Range Rover. It's a gorgeous place to be and whatever potentially replaces it, HAS to generate the same feelings in me. I've owned my current model for a year and it still feels special.
It doesn't do twisties that well, but there's enough urge on the straights to make up for it. I quite like that, in an odd way. Slightly old-school.
Which is why the S500 appeals. But I've not tried one yet.
I'm being fussy here, but time has proved that once you're bored with a car then it's a slippery slope.
I'll look at the 7. But with two Mercedes models currently also in my ownership, I'm a trifle biased.
The 500 (5.5) engine likes to rev. I always thought the later, smaller engined turbocharged version (2010 on?) was a better bet. I don't suppose you can stretch to that?
I'm a big Mercedes fan, just sold my 2.5-16, and wanted one of these for a very long commute. Ever since sitting in one at the local dealer. What a great interior. I couldn't quite justify the expense and risk of failures though. So I ended up with a new Citroen C5 instead, which at least shares the ride quality and refinement (on hydractive suspension)!
I'm a big Mercedes fan, just sold my 2.5-16, and wanted one of these for a very long commute. Ever since sitting in one at the local dealer. What a great interior. I couldn't quite justify the expense and risk of failures though. So I ended up with a new Citroen C5 instead, which at least shares the ride quality and refinement (on hydractive suspension)!
Aah! I went the C5 route back in my company car days.
I briefly looked at a Passat CC on AutoTrader yesterday. I used to be a huge Passat fan and had three of them as company cars. But I drove a new one recently and, admittedly compared to my RR, it felt numb and completely devoid of character. Like a white good.
I think I've moved on rather than the Passat getting worse (which it hasn't as it handled far better than any of the others I had) and I'm getting picky in my old age.
I do have a soft spot for Mercedes. I took our E55 to work yesterday into Hammersmith and it returned 24mpg average for the 70 mile round-trip. Really not at all bad for such a large engined car and a good argument for buying an S500 over an S320Cdi. I'll wager that the more modern V8 in the S will be beter still.
The V8's have character in the way I've not experienced in many diesel models. My 300Tdi 110 Land Rover has character, as does my Mercedes 410-based motorhome. Both are exceptions in my view. Both are long-term vehicles (unless circumstances dictate otherwise, of course).
If the S-Class can match (or even exceed) the ambience and tactility of my RR, then there's a good chance I'll get one. The problem is, a RR is a VERY hard act to beat on that front.
Looking at the adverts for the S, I favour the S500L. The aesthetics are better and, well, there's a few more toys in the back. My argument for buying more for economy reasons is possibly wearing thin right now.
I briefly looked at a Passat CC on AutoTrader yesterday. I used to be a huge Passat fan and had three of them as company cars. But I drove a new one recently and, admittedly compared to my RR, it felt numb and completely devoid of character. Like a white good.
I think I've moved on rather than the Passat getting worse (which it hasn't as it handled far better than any of the others I had) and I'm getting picky in my old age.
I do have a soft spot for Mercedes. I took our E55 to work yesterday into Hammersmith and it returned 24mpg average for the 70 mile round-trip. Really not at all bad for such a large engined car and a good argument for buying an S500 over an S320Cdi. I'll wager that the more modern V8 in the S will be beter still.
The V8's have character in the way I've not experienced in many diesel models. My 300Tdi 110 Land Rover has character, as does my Mercedes 410-based motorhome. Both are exceptions in my view. Both are long-term vehicles (unless circumstances dictate otherwise, of course).
If the S-Class can match (or even exceed) the ambience and tactility of my RR, then there's a good chance I'll get one. The problem is, a RR is a VERY hard act to beat on that front.
Looking at the adverts for the S, I favour the S500L. The aesthetics are better and, well, there's a few more toys in the back. My argument for buying more for economy reasons is possibly wearing thin right now.
Do it! I just picked up a MY2008 S320 cdi. Amazing car and seems perfect for what you are looking for.
Interestingly the real world difference between the s500 and s320 in terms of fuel economy may well not be too far off. I'm getting approx 25mpg around town and 36ish on a motorway in the diesel. I wouldn't think the actual cost of running the s500 would be a million miles off.
Also cabin ambience is simply amazing - by far the best interior I have been inside. Everything is quality - soft leather and solid metal controls. The way the doors close is like a vault. And tonnes of nice touches such as the ambient cabin lighting - just a lovely place to be. The cabin should be a step up from the RR in terms of build quality/finish. I would imagine this cabin could only be surpassed by an aston/rr etc.
So smooth and effortless to drive makes a rainy morning in traffic a real pleasure. Also has great road presence - class and elegance amongst a sea of 320ds
Go and test drive one you'll fall in love. Effortless, smooth, comfortable and safe.
Interestingly the real world difference between the s500 and s320 in terms of fuel economy may well not be too far off. I'm getting approx 25mpg around town and 36ish on a motorway in the diesel. I wouldn't think the actual cost of running the s500 would be a million miles off.
Also cabin ambience is simply amazing - by far the best interior I have been inside. Everything is quality - soft leather and solid metal controls. The way the doors close is like a vault. And tonnes of nice touches such as the ambient cabin lighting - just a lovely place to be. The cabin should be a step up from the RR in terms of build quality/finish. I would imagine this cabin could only be surpassed by an aston/rr etc.
So smooth and effortless to drive makes a rainy morning in traffic a real pleasure. Also has great road presence - class and elegance amongst a sea of 320ds
Go and test drive one you'll fall in love. Effortless, smooth, comfortable and safe.
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