S320 CDI advice needed

[docH]

I am hoping to buy S320 CDI but my budget will only stretch to 99/00 models with 80 - 100,000 miles on the clock. Is it a wise decision to buy one with so many miles on the clock?

Ive also seen an S500 with 140 000 on the clock but it is the cheapest of all the S's I've seen, should I be giving this serious consideration?

 

[joem]

Don't know your budget but Leicester Evans Mercedes are seling a S with less than 90k on for under 10k with full MB story - check out MB on T'Internet for the full story. S430 I think on a 'V'

 

[yellowspringuk]

Personally I will go for the s320 cd1, the engine in both cars are strong and can handle very high mileages easily, they are good strong cars, only thing to worry about is the service history make sure it has a good one. The mileages you quoted for both cars are nothing in a Mercedes, the c320 still has what I call a new engine, just make sure it is has a good service history

 

[jberks]

you will certainly get a better 430 or 500 for the same money. The 320cdi is the one everyone wants as it gives good performance in a top luxury car whilst returning Ford focus economy. The V8s on the other hand are more refined and more enjoyable to drive, but clearly with the MPG implications, they're less popular by a wide margin.
Mileage wise, you could argue that with engines like these, they are at their best at 100k! It all depends on what mileage you intend to put on them. Also, remember that whilst the engines will be fine, the gearboxes may not be. This was from the era of sealed for life gearboxes (we're back at oil changes every 37k now according to my last service sheet) so check that the gbox has been serviced and that changes are smooth. If in doubt, budget to have it done.

Also see what warranty the seller is willing to include. I know 100k is the cut off for many good warranties so on that basis you may be best searching for a warrantied one with 90k on it.

Check that everything works. Dash boards are prone to the back lights failing for example. Also, a lot of the S's I looked at on the used market (I was really after an E but the S is so tempting I couldn't resist a peek) seemed to have suffered more than their fair share of bubbling stone chips and parking dings so go over it thoroughly.

Finally, with a car so potentially expensive to fix (may cost you 8k but its still a 50k+ car) I'd get an independant inspection from someone like the AA to help avoid any nasty surprises. After all, many cars like this are sold primarily because something expensive is potentially coming up. Its human nature.

 

[docH]

Thanks for the advice, I'll be able to look with a lot more confidence now

 

[clk200]

I have a 2001/Y S320 cdi, its now got 95k on it. Asides from usual wear and tear its been pretty good, in 4 years of ownership, ive replaced all the front suspension arms, a MAS, an EGR valve, plus normal servicing. Which is not bad for over 50k of driving.
Just be careful when you buy, the air suspension is prone to leaking, and if there is any knocking on the front suspension, it usually means £2-3k of expenses. Ensure power is smooth and plentyful.
On a side note, my car will be up for sale soon, and its not becasue of a fault, but its simply 6 years old now, and thats enough for me. Thinking either a new s320cdi or a 730d.

 

[Chas]

Might be worth a look.............

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI....m=150158325514&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=005

 

[joem]

The 5 previous owners on the ebay example would scare me off.