s 280

[cobalt]

Hi folks
Just been down to the local dealers and he has a s280 for sale any body got any thoughts on this as I am seriously thinking of buying it.
The spec. is 1998/s280/169.000 miles/all the toys inside/4 speed auto.
O.K what kind of milage can I realisticly expect I have been on a test drive and it drives superb,so any thoughts.

 

[jberks]

Gentlemen place your bets. If lovingly maintained, properly serviced and gently driven, 169k shouldn't be too much of an issue. However, an S280 has to work pretty hard to keep up - they are heavy and the mega milers tend to be the less stressed V8s. Clearly if you are looking to do big miles, then no, if you do 8k pa and want to keep it for 3 years, you could be ok, but clearly when you get into those numbers, things are getting towards then end of their lives and replacement bits will be expensive if you need them. They are well made, but not the type of thing I would want to run on a tight budget as engine and gearbox repairs can easily run into 3 digits.

 

[television]

Once again a very good answer by Jberks, and one can only fully agree. They are exspensive to maintain, you also have to think about the milage when you sell it. it is by the way a 5 speed gearbox.

Malcolm

 

[cobalt]

s280

Ok folks sorry for not giving you all the info.I do about 3000 miles at the most a year mostly urban with a couple of 200 mile journeys a year.
the dealer says he will do a full A service and give a 6 month parts and labour warrenty that covers everything except tyres which it has 4 new ones
The gearbox says 4 in the slot so I assumed it was 4 speed sorry it also has a W and S switch any info. on that would be appretiated also on the test drive with the cruise on at 70 it was showing just under 30 mpg which I thought was ok.but i2m not really bothered about that side as I don2t do the mileage it also has a full MB service history and was serviced 2000 miles ago.
Any info. or thoughts good or bad will be appretiated.
thanks

 

[jberks]

Based on that, if you like the car, I don't see why not. Clearly, 3k pa town running, you'll be looking at mid to high teens for mpg, but as you also say, at 3kpa it doesn't really matter and your odd 200 miler should be in he region of 30. FMBSH to 160k implies that the owner wasn't that bothered about maintenance costs so it should be a well looked after motor. A fully comprehensive 6 month warranty gives confidence too.
They are a fabulous comfortable motor so if you like it, I'd have to say, why not. The only caveat being, we clearly don't know your financial position so just think, if you needed to spend £1000+ on a gearbox rebuild in 18 months time could you live with that? With luck it won't happen, but you're well out of £200 recon territory for most bits so forewarned is forearmed.
BTW - check when the gearbox and diff oil was last changed - often neglected, cheap to do, expensive if ignored.

 

[cobalt]

s280

Thanks JBerks.
I have been down the dealers and bought it so on your head be it {joke} had another run in it and it really is luxury motoring the old couple who traded it in were there picking up their new A class and they could"nt wait to tell me all about the car he does"nt seem to be short of a bob or two and basicly if the MB garage said it needed doing he had it done the miles come from having a son in aberdeen and a daughter in Brighton and we"re in Newcastle Under Lyme so for the first time in my car buying life I might have "droped on"anyway thanks for the info. whats this W and S on the gearbox all about any ideas.
thanks again.

 

[Blobcat]

W & S = Winter and Summer.
Winter sets off in second gear to stop wheel spin and holds onto the gears longer
Summer doesn't

 

[reflexboy]

Congratulations on your purchase! The fact that you bumped into the previous owner at the dealership is just the sort of thing we all wish would happen.(as long as they are honest). The S class is a pure indulgent car and I'm sure you will enjoy it...All that is left to do now is post some pictures so we can all have a nose.

 

[mioba]

Congratulations
the w220 is a beast of a car, I have to think twice when pulling out of corners because its so big.
Its a shame you dont do many motorway miles because they really do cruise, I went to London from Nottingham in mine a few weeks ago and was so impressed.
The biggest bugbear, finding parking spaces big enough and manouvering.
Anyway have fun!!

 

[jberks]

Enjoy it.

Sounds familiar to my Dads 380SE back in the 80's. Bought it 2 1/2 years old from the dealer with 8,000 miles on it. He called the previous owner to enquire why the mileage was so low. The chap told him that he had a golf for running around and really only used the S for visiting his kids down south. Put it in for service and spotted a new one in the showroom and just decided to change. The car was fantastic.

 

[cobalt]

s280 update

Hi folks
Sorry I not got back sooner with a update of my purchase but I been unwell for the last couple of weeks anyway I"m ok now so here goes.
1)WOW
2)WOW
3)This machine is awesome
4)ok enough said
Joking apart what a car these are I thought my C180 (1999) was smooth but this is somthing else.
Only problem is the door close assist is not working but its going in under the warrenty to be looked at but i"m not that bothered really I can live without help shutting the door.
The only thing puzzling me is the dipstick for the autobox is missing and a plastic cap in its place is this normal?
I had a quote of £134 to change the autobox fluid is this reasonable?
I will try to post some pics later.
Catch you soon lads and lasses JOHN

 

[Blobcat]

No ATF dipstick is normal...
£134 to change the ATF is not bad, pls ensure that MB ATF spec fluid is used.

 

[cobalt]

s280

Thanks BLOBCAT.
The quote was from Andy Gayle so I assume the correct fluid will be used,I have had a look under the gearbox today and it seems a simple enough job to do myself a drain plug and then plate which I assume conceals the filter is this correct?
Where can I obtain a auto gearbox dipstick any ideas?

 

[Blobcat]

Andy should have a dipstick as you only need it when measuring the level. Rest of the time the blanking plug should be in place. You will need a new one of those but I expect Andy will supply it.