Any experience of this model MB S500 ?

[Shamrocker]

Hi All,

I'm going to look at this later today. Has anyone any direct experience of one of these ?

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2012...


Thanks

S

[Dracoro]

Seats/centre console leather look very worn for "only" 110,000 miles.

But I suppose it depends on previous owners and the pic quality.

[Shamrocker]

Dracoro said:

Seats/centre console leather look very worn for "only" 110,000 miles.

But I suppose it depends on previous owners and the pic quality.

Thanks D,

As its an Ex Embassy vehicle I'm assuming its some rather large dictator's imprints !

[Dracoro]

The colour does't help when it comes to showing wear. Anyway, it's just something to be aware of so I'd be checking that service history very carefully (as well as NMR from proper HPI check).

[djfaulkner]

Is that a scratch on the 2nd photo near the rear lights?

[Gruber]

Dracoro said:

Seats/centre console leather look very worn for "only" 110,000 miles.

But I suppose it depends on previous owners and the pic quality.

But if it has been chauffeur driven, it'll have had some poor soul sitting in the drivers seat for thousands of hours, bored stiff waiting for the Ambassador's Reception to finish (or whatever it is that diplomats do). No wonder there's wear to the console and leather - hours of use will far exceed hours in motion.

[Shamrocker]

Thanks Chaps ..

Does anyone have any experience of these models in general ?

S

[ajb85]

Don't know a great deal about this model. If they're anything like the first of the model that proceeded it, then it'll be riddled with various electrical gremlins and, being the 500 model, I would imagine it'll be equipped with self-levelling air suspension which are prone to failure and is very costly to put right. I do know that they're rather unloved, which is surprising considering they were quite possibly the finest saloon car money could buy at one time and now an old Benz approaching classic status.

Perhaps £2,500 sounds like value, and this retailer should be able to command such money marketing it in the right fashion, looking quite prestigious nestled amongst Bentley Arnages and Jags XJs. But do bear in mind that should you buy it, fall out of love with it and wish to move it on, realistically it's going to be worth £1,000 tops. No doubt similarly to yourself, I'm a fan of the three pointed star but I don't think these old S classes are the one to have.

[Shamrocker]

ajb85 said:

Don't know a great deal about this model. If they're anything like the first of the model that proceeded it, then it'll be riddled with various electrical gremlins and, being the 500 model, I would imagine it'll be equipped with self-levelling air suspension which are prone to failure and is very costly to put right. I do know that they're rather unloved, which is surprising considering they were quite possibly the finest saloon car money could buy at one time and now an old Benz approaching classic status.

Perhaps £2,500 sounds like value, and this retailer should be able to command such money marketing it in the right fashion, looking quite prestigious nestled amongst Bentley Arnages and Jags XJs. But do bear in mind that should you buy it, fall out of love with it and wish to move it on, realistically it's going to be worth £1,000 tops. No doubt similarly to yourself, I'm a fan of the three pointed star but I don't think these old S classes are the one to have.

Many thanks AJB

[Shamrocker]

Some horrific reading about the later W220 ... Think I stick with the older versions


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_S-Class...

[P I Staker]

Can I just say that's a fantastic looking vehicle.

[lordlee]

The engine is fairly bullet proof but it would be wise to check whether the car has had a gearbox flush and oil replacement. If not budget around £150-£200 for a specialist to do this. Rust can be signficant on these so check everywhere. Also due to the huge amount of electronics I would check every switch and function to make sure they all work. Try to drive it over some rough or broken road surface on the test drive to check for worn bushes.
Otherwise just sit back and enjoy the waftability....

[Shamrocker]

P I Staker said:

Can I just say that's a fantastic looking vehicle.

Exactly what I was thinking