Mercedes Benz S class w220 - want opinions!

[kissrocksforever]

So the other day I discovered I could pick up a 8-10 year old Mercedes S class for under 10 grand (they were 70k+ new)

Anybody have any experience with them? I've heard they've had some reliability issues since Chrysler got a hold of them. I found a good website for parts so that isn't much of an issue.

http://www.mbpartswarehouse.com/

opinions? ideas?

 

[rick focks]

Chrysler Effecting Mercedes quality is a myth. Platform sharing was from Mercedes to Chrysler. I wouldn't want that vintage Benz. I'm sure there's a reason they're that cheap.

 

[OnyxCobra]

They are cheap but I think they'd get expensive with repairs quickly. You could roll the dice though.

 

[NCMystic]

for the money that is not what i would go with personally, but if you just have your heart set on a merc why not get a classic? wouldn't be any more money, if not less, and you could get a really cherry one for that price range.

 

[kissrocksforever]

for the money that is not what i would go with personally, but if you just have your heart set on a merc why not get a classic? wouldn't be any more money, if not less, and you could get a really cherry one for that price range.

I was thinking that, but the main purpose would be when I go out of town for law school in a few years, basically driving it Sept -April and I wouldn't want to drive a classic in the winter. Plus I like the styling of the w220, the interior makes me drool.

 

[mygreengt]

pics of said MB..? not really a Mercedes guy

 

[kissrocksforever]

Here's a link to one I found.

http://toronto.kijiji.ca/c-cars-veh...Mercedes-Benz-S-Class-S500-W0QQAdIdZ272214082

 

[NCMystic]

nice car, except for the piano wheels

 

[kissrocksforever]

nice car, except for the piano wheels

haha yes, But the 8500 I can deal with them, and change them later if I want.

 

[worthm]

They are cheap but I think they'd get expensive with repairs quickly. You could roll the dice though.

That is correct when I was working at the Ford dealerI had a customer with one and he finally ended up trading it in to us on another Lincoln (he has 4 now) said it spent too much time in the shop, interm. no starts, adjustable suspension concerns etc. so up to you if you want to take the chance roll the dice could be good or bad. If looking at benz's I would keep to pre-1997 alot better build quality.
Good luck either way!

 

[kissrocksforever]

They are cheap but I think they'd get expensive with repairs quickly. You could roll the dice though.

That is correct when I was working at the Ford dealerI had a customer with one and he finally ended up trading it in to us on another Lincoln (he has 4 now) said it spent too much time in the shop, interm. no starts, adjustable suspension concerns etc. so up to you if you want to take the chance roll the dice could be good or bad. If looking at benz's I would keep to pre-1997 alot better build quality.
Good luck either way!

Thanks, and welcome to the forum!!!

 

[worthm]

sorry forgot to include, something like this http://ontario.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-cars-trucks-1994-Mercedes-Benz-E320-low-km-certified-W0QQAdIdZ275640481

 

[BigTang]

if you want something luxury w/o the massive headaches get a lexus or the caddy STS i think its pre 2002.

These things are cheap because usually after the 1st owner drove it for a year or 2 and traded it in the 2nd owner couldn't afford to maintain it properly and it started acting up and then it switched hands 2 or 3 more times as people go sick of the little issues. At least thats how every 10 yr old BMW i've ever been around has been and its why I was able to pick up a 944 porsche for $500 about 10 yrs ago. Mechanical repairs are easy, wiring issues get expensive really quickly.

 

[mygreengt]

if you want something luxury w/o the massive headaches get a lexus or the caddy STS i think its pre 2002.

These things are cheap because usually after the 1st owner drove it for a year or 2 and traded it in the 2nd owner couldn't afford to maintain it properly and it started acting up and then it switched hands 2 or 3 more times as people go sick of the little issues. At least thats how every 10 yr old BMW i've ever been around has been and its why I was able to pick up a 944 porsche for $500 about 10 yrs ago. Mechanical repairs are easy, wiring issues get expensive really quickly.

watch for headgasket issues with Cadillacs

 

[ItsASleeperTillItStartsUp]

There is a reason why it's that cheap. Mercedes can be good cars and some can be a complete nightmare. Parts and labor will cost you big time if anything goes wrong with it. My buddy Jared is a Mercedes Technician. I have been told that BMW's are a bit more reliable. Either way I have seen both Mercedes and BMW's go a long distance, but I have seen a lot of nightmares with them even fairly new ones. My dad is looking to Purchase a BMW 545i 04-08 or a BMW 535i 08. The 545i is got some real great right ups. Just keep in mine that being a 2000 that thing is going on 12 years old and is bound to become a repair nightmare probably soon.

 

[DropTopPony]

If you can fix it yourself then go for it. If you have to pay for labor then you will go broke fast. I was looking at an S600 for @$15k but I don't have the time to fix two cars and most german specialty shops charge @$150 hr for labor here so I kept looking.