Any advice S Class 320CDi

[ssk]

I am looking at purchasing an S-Class 320 Cdi SE (2004 model).

I would greatly appreciate any advice from the current owners. What is economy like? Is it a reliable car? What should I look for?

I currently own a CLK 320 (1999) model and it is very reliable, as the S-Class so cheap now I am considering the upgrade option.

 

[Alex M Grieve]

Hi.

I have had a December 2004 (54) S 320 CDI since December 2006. I bought it aged 2 years with 20,000 on the clock, from a dealership.

I have now done 15,000 and it has been faultless. I live in rural Warwickshire, so do A roads and Motorways mainly, but I don't hang about. So far the overall average is 37.9 mpg and the best distance on a tank of fuel was 685 miles (here to Edinburgh and back).

I think there is a good choice of these cars available and the prices have fallen as a result of the costs of fuel and threats of impending increases in Vehicle Excise Duty (though that won't affect this model that much).

The extras you should try to have on the car you choose are COMAND (should be v8, phone preparation, parking sensors, Xenon lights (not standard and the standard lights are poor). I also have a glass sunroof - don't open it much but it makes the car nice and light inside).

Given the current price situation, future depreciation should not be a big issue for you.

Look forward to hearing your choice, plus pics if poss.

 

[ssk]

Car details

The dealer has specified the following for the car I am looking at:

04 reg (2004), Built in SATNAV, electric windows, electric mirrors, remote central locking, immobiliser, power asisted steering, airbags, climate control, Full Black Leather interior, electric/heated/seats, Mercedes SATNAV/DVD, trip computer, electric sunroof, front and rear parking sensors, Alloys, Full Mercedes Benz Service History. Its up for £12.5K.

 

[colechelle]

thats such a lot of car for that money good spec as well,i take it your get a years warrenty as well, you dont say the milage, guessing at that price it high????

 

[slkr170]

S Class is a dream, I get my W220 tomorrow (fingers crossed). Made the jump from an SLK as these cars are now such good value. I've driven a couple of the 320 CDI's now and find them sublime.

If the mileage ties up with the price and you have tested all electrics and the footwell then I would go for it, they really are amazing!

 

[ssk]

The milage

The car has done 66K

 

[st4]

The car has done 66K

Thats not too high. is the garage an MB one or a trader. The best ones tend to lurk in the MB network TBH and the approved used thingee is peace of mind.

Just check its been serviced, not accidents damage or other things its had in a past life. Otherwise its a cracking buy and I wish you luck with it

 

[st4]

The car has done 66K

Thats not too high. is the garage an MB one or a trader. The best ones tend to lurk in the MB network TBH and the approved used thingee is peace of mind.

Just check its been serviced, not accidents damage or other things its had in a past life. Otherwise its a cracking buy and I wish you luck with it.

Welcome BTW

 

[hawk20]

Great cars. The ride is without equal. Soaks up even the roads in Hampshire which are awful. Did 24k in mine over 18 months and loved every single minute.

The 320cdi gives a remarkable kick in the back. Grunt galore. But they are heavy on tyres. I did about 12k miles per set (less for the rear ones). And if you have the optional wheels (different front and rear) the tyres are about £1,000 a set. And not always easy to get either. Better off with the standard wheels IMO.

Economy is amazing for such a big car. I drove to the South of France and back and averaged 37mpg. They are staggering value now. Lovely to look at. Will be a classic, I think. You'll keep trying to find an excuse to go for a drive.

 

[Alex M Grieve]

But they are heavy on tyres. I did about 12k miles per set (less for the rear ones). And if you have the optional wheels (different front and rear) the tyres are about £1,000 a set. And not always easy to get either. Better off with the standard wheels IMO.

Economy is amazing for such a big car. I drove to the South of France and back and averaged 37mpg. They are staggering value now.

I would echo all of Hawk's positive comments. I have the standard wheels and Contis. Tyres looked new when I got it (20,000) and look much the same today (35,300). The standard wheels and tyres give excellent adhesion in wet and dry - well capable of running on A roads at 80mph - I just lift off before the bends and then accelerate through them - so I can't think that meatier and therefore more expensive tyres would give much benefit for all but the most discerning or demanding driver - and I guess they might affect ride quality.

I just filled up yesterday - 69 litres brim to brim and 633 miles. That is about 41.5 mpg on mixed motoring. This is probably 3 mpg less than I would have got on my E Class 320 CDI, so the S does use more fuel, but not horribly much more.