Thinking about an S500
Thinking about an S500
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Smartass

Original Poster:

178 posts

221 months

Saturday 21st March 2009
quotequote all
Hi Folks,

I've fancied a V8 Benz for ages and I'm thinking of indulging, probably in a 2000-2003 S500. Apart from the obvious whopping fuel bills are there any maintenance issues I should be on the lookout for? I'll be living (and car-hunting) in Bahrain, where cars tend to lead relatively tough lives (but paying 10p per litre for fuel is a good compensation)

Cheers

Gouki

352 posts

213 months

Wednesday 25th March 2009
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Hello since no one has replied to this post I thought I would. I have borrowed an S 500 1999 LWB (newer shape) for the last three months and covered about 5K miles in it.

maintenance issues

Watch for rust under the arches - Mercedes should be able to sort this out for you with no cost if the car has had a full MBSH.

The double glazing delaminates (brown streak) across the top of the windows but this isn't a major problem.

It's been a loverly car to drive with lots of options! PM me with any specific questions.

P

Cyclone1

2,614 posts

275 months

Wednesday 25th March 2009
quotequote all
Gouki said:
Hello since no one has replied to this post I thought I would. I have borrowed an S 500 1999 LWB (newer shape) for the last three months and covered about 5K miles in it.

maintenance issues

Watch for rust under the arches - Mercedes should be able to sort this out for you with no cost if the car has had a full MBSH.

The double glazing delaminates (brown streak) across the top of the windows but this isn't a major problem.

It's been a loverly car to drive with lots of options! PM me with any specific questions.

P
Have you picked up the SL55 AMG yet?

Jules.

Gouki

352 posts

213 months

Thursday 26th March 2009
quotequote all
Yes I have Jules. Great car. 2002 52 silver, anthracite interior 27k miles. Check out fccuk.org in "other cars" for my brief write-up. What do you drive now? P

Cyclone1

2,614 posts

275 months

Friday 27th March 2009
quotequote all
Gouki said:
Yes I have Jules. Great car. 2002 52 silver, anthracite interior 27k miles. Check out fccuk.org in "other cars" for my brief write-up. What do you drive now? P
Good choice.

Still in the stigmatised but excellent 335d, have been looking at CLS 55AMG's recently so may change if one comes up at the right price (still need 4 doors).....we'll see.

Jules.

jrhilton

3 posts

207 months

Sunday 14th June 2009
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Only two issues with an S500 from that period......1. Commando, a lot went wrong after a year or so, and were changed under warranty etc, quite a few you see for sale have gone through 2 or 3....and problem two, Airmatic suspension problems (can cost a lot to fix). Appart from that, they are good, not as reliable as the w140 before, but a lot more complex, so to be expected.

By the way, you are far better off buying a fullspec (with all the options) s320L.....easilly the best buy of the range, and of no surprise that was one of the most popular in the UK amoungst priviate buyers.