Tips on Buying used S320 CDi please

[ikohlinsky]

I am wanting to buy a S320CDi, probably from the 2001 - early 2003 period. Any tips on what to look out for? I've heard about build quality problems with the E series, are 2001 cars OK, or could I take it that by this age oe of the owners has had the problems sorted out, so i don't need to worry. I have a 19 year old blue 500SEL which has been so reliable - have owned it for 8 years - have 15 years MOTs and mileage is only 89,500..MB service book stamps to 74K. Interior is super but I want to change it now as the exterior will need small wheel arch work and bumper brightwork work and I don't want to invest money and time in it. Hence I am looking for S320CDi. I started looking for S500L s but then the mpg of the diesel attracted me, even although I only drive around 2,000 miles per year - I might get ouit more with the diesel! Any tips please...even if its that i shoudl go back to looking for a good S500L instead of teh S320CDi

 

[OmniCognateNeutronRangler]

http://www.moorelands.com/vehicle-d...on=&intMin=&intMax=&RSpage=2&ID=126013&popup=

or

http://www.baynards.com/htm/13item.htm#start

(please note the Baynards one is £2000.00 less on Autotrader)

I can't really comment on build quality or reliability of the S-Class. I can tell you my C-Class (2003) has been absolutely appaling on both counts but then it's a much cheaper car than the S so I would hope the S would be better bolted together.

We have a bunch of S-Class owners so I'm sure someone will be along soon with some more specific information

 

[mioba]

go for a 2003 model - the facelift, apparently alot of improvemts in these.
earlier models had airmatic probs- expensive fix

make sure it has FSH, not relatively cheap to maintain.

cats come in at 1000 each and there are 2 of them

make sure any recalls have been done, ie the valve in the leaf drain, electricals problems have been seen as the footwell fills with water, that passes over delicate electricials.

there are alot of things to go wrong with these cars so make sure its 100%, check everything electrical.

 

[Blobcat]

A S500 will possibly be cheaper and have more toys, and with the few miles you drive a diesel may not even be worth it. The L is very very long and can be quite hard to park. FWB44 runs a S500L as a limo so he maybe able to give you some advice.
AS per Mioba above the facelift is better and came with wide-screen command as standard. Most of the CDI's have few if any toys whereas the 500's tend to come quite loaded.

 

[eGuru]

I have a 2002 model. Took me a year to find one at right price and right spec. Facelift models are much better. However I have noticed some 2003 models that are not facelift (maybe old stock). Look for the upgraded headlights and narrower red/white stripes on rear clusters.
I love mine to bits!

 

[robbo]

Dont know much about the S class, but 2001-2003 is slap bang in the middle of MB's build quality bad patch. Be very careful.

 

[Brett]

Had two - a 2000 S320 CDI and a 2002 S320L CDI. Needed a little rust repaired on the 2000 model but otherwise it was 100% reliable. The 2002 S320L CDI was a disaster zone. Too many electrical problems - after a few months I gave it back and got a 100% refund. Pick wisely, check everything works, and you'll be very pleased with your purchase.

 

[television]

I too think that the 03 on car is nicer in many ways both inside and out,its the same differences as on the CL, just nicer all round.

For your milage go for the 500 as Blobcat says,you get all of the toys.

I do not do many miles in my SL500 but Oh boy when I do go out in it,its a dream.

Malcolm