thinking of buying an S320 any guidance?

[Devonian]

Hi,

I have seen a 1997 S320 advertised that I am tempted by.
Can anyone advise on the reliability or problems etc.
I assume being a 97 it should be before the bodywork problems of later models. This car has 94000 miles on the clock and looks in good condition.
Any tips on what to look out for if I go to inspect it would be appreciated. or experiences form any S320 owners

 

[hawk20]

I'm coming in to keep your thread alive. Unusual not to get an answer. I have a 320cdi and absolutely love it. I'm sure someone will come in with knowledge to suit your case. Good luck.

 

[Devonian]

Thanks Hawk.20 I was wondering if everyone has gone to sleep

I think the 320cdi is probably the car I would prefer so it looks like i'll have to save a few more pennies.
I am having second thoughts about the S320 simply because of it's size, I think the later models are slightly smaller. However comments from owners personal experience would be great.
It's clear that you can pick up an early S class for very cheap money but all that glitters!!

 

[hawk20]

Heard of one 320cdi on this forum that just went in for a new turbo at 320,000 miles! Everything else fine!.

With the 220 series the general consensus seems to be that the facelift made a lot of significant improvements.

The next big gain was 2003 production all of which was fully galvanised wherever steel was used (some panels are aluminium).

The 320cdi does 26/7 round town, 44 extra urban and has a combined figure of 35 mpg. Amazing really and it does 0-62 in 7.6 seconds.

 

[robparker]

Your looking at the w140 s320. I had one of those (a '96) which i had converted to run on LPG prins system.. like my current car and your car. It was a great car, mine had the more trusted 4-speed auto, i imagine yours will probably have the 5-speed, but kept serviced it should be ok. The engine was fantastic, never gave any problems, though it will probably leek oil like they all do. Just check everything on the car works as nothing is a cheap fix!!