w220 Buyers guide

[S.M. Artemis]

Hey folks, looking forward to buy s-class w220. I just adore it's looks after restyling. I'm not sure about the spec tho. I want something that will be reliable and won't break the buck. Also concerned about part's availability. It will be a secondary car, but I don't want to get into something that local shop won't be able to sort out. I get it that it's complicated car with a lot of gizmos, but what is the most reliable and simplest spec? I'd also want you guys to point out what are the things to check while buying. Cheers!

 

[Blobcat]

Hello and welcome

Depends if you’ve got a good indie whet you are (where are you based). I’d have the S500, good engine and tend not to have the mega miles that the CDI’s have.

Suspension and electrics all working as they should and a good maintenance history is what I’d be looking for.

 

[mioba]

S600 V12 if I was looking to buy now (second hand, second car, fun car)...lol

Like any used car, make sure it all works inside and outside.

Rust along the bottom of the front doors and the rear wheel arches.

If you want the car as a keeper, pls bear in mind that beyond service items, other things/parts are not cheap. They are alot of car for very little money nowadays.

They are great cars to drive.

But on a serious note get as lower milage as possible with a good service history. Mine just hit 70k and full MBSH.

You WILL need a reputable garage and not a back street garage for maintenance and preferably a merc indy for upkeep.

If you are hands on and like to do things yourself https://w220.wiki/ is very useful.

The OM648 (IL 6 oil burner) is one of the best engined cars i have had.
The petrols of the same era are also very good.

Part availability is not an issue. I have replaced some odd parts and never had an issue. Like mentioned its the cost.

Its easy to buy a car that maybe once cost upwards of 90k, dont expect maintenance cost to be that of a 10k car (which is may cost).

oh and get the gearbox oil changed. they were the sealed from service schedule boxes. Needs doing every 35k

 

[S.M. Artemis]

What you guys think about the s400 cdi? I know, i know those might be of higher milage, but i just love the cdi-s they just seem a bit easier to keep alive. my dad owns a 270 cdi w211 and it got about 400k on the clock without major problems and it's just a robust and reliable car.

 

[mioba]

The diesels are rock solid. I thought the 400CDI was europe only. so assume you are there. the 400 will work without any strain at all as does the 320cdi.

Engine area wise. I have replaced stat (after 8 years), alternator after (12 years) and the sepentine belt when doing the alty as well as the plugs for the first time this year.

 

[Blobcat]

What you guys think about the s400 cdi? I know, i know those might be of higher milage, but i just love the cdi-s they just seem a bit easier to keep alive. my dad owns a 270 cdi w211 and it got about 400k on the clock without major problems and it's just a robust and reliable car.

Not that common in the UK, they have a few issues though. Please have a search on the forum as they’ve come up a few times

 

[S.M. Artemis]

Thanks, i'll have a look.

 

[S.M. Artemis]

Hey guys, me again! I found a pretty clean s500 2004 with 130 miles for only $5.5 this is pretty average price for the local market here. Owner says he hasn't got time for this car since he owns another two cars and he's a dad of 3, so no place for this big guy anymore. Owner seems to be a car guy, more of a weekend warrior with this car, so that sounds pretty good. My only question is what is that small aluminum block under the steering wheel? Is it something i should be concerned about. Also it's from japan.

 

[mioba]

No idea what the block is and no sense asking here, ask the guy you are buying the car from. It could be a cigar holder, it could be a drug stash box, could be a radio,
Japanese radios work on a different bandwidth in many countries meaning the radio may not work in your location. Check based on where you are.
Black interiors make the inside of the car seem small, not a fan.