Cheap S600 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

pentoman · #1 06-27-2007, 05:51 AM

OK, I need to say first that I know that 'cheap' and 'S600' don't go in sentences together. However, what if I came across a very cheap (under $5000), but well maintained 600 with plenty of life left, and ran it for as long as possible at minimal expense? I know it's a terrible thing to do to a car but it's all that would happen to them at the low-end price point anyway. At least I would have the mercedesshop to help keep it running properly!

I don't have the money to spend hundreds of pounds on computers, let alone thousands. Or if I do have the money, I'm not inclined to spend it like that. My parents run a well equipped workshop but I'd rather not spend my life there fixing the thing.

At worst, it breaks with £1,000 of computer problem after 1 day and have to break it and sell everything on ebay? Would I be likely to sell anything or get my money back? Also could I source the potentially expensive parts from breakers/ebay?

I know the door pump will break - I can live with that, and also the AC evaporator/condensor (?) will break and be expensive/tedious to get to, I can live with that too as England isn't too hot!

What are my chances of this turning out to be a good, fun idea... cruising to work like a dictator, impressing my colleagues, loving the ~400bhp, being cossetted like never before, and generally feeling good? And maybe selling a functioning car by the end of it? And what are the chances of it being the worst decision I ever made and I'm left with a lump of metal I can't sell and don't have £x,xxx to make go again? I would have another car to use the rest of the time..

Perhaps I could get sponsorship from Mercedesshop, as I'm sure my trials & tribulations would make extremely interesting reading!

Additionally, is the 600 torquey? I know it should be at 6.0 litres. However, I drove a '97 S500, excitedly expectant of deploying that 300+bhp, but was rather unimpressed. It needed revving and didn't waft like something with 5.0 of lazy torque should. A BMW 740i is much better...

mark cummins · #2 06-27-2007, 03:57 PM

Stay AWAY from the 140 S600 Unless You have a Very Large bank account that you want to deplete

I Worked for Mercedes when the 140s were out and they are a car for one with DEEP pockets ..When in warranty MB foot the Bill ... Out of Warranty...take out a Second on your House....

Michael K · #3 06-27-2007, 04:22 PM

Being 100% unqualified to say so, I say go for it. If anyone can pull it off, you can. Is the purchase price 5,000 Dollars or 5,000 Pounds? You know to have it thoroughly inspected prior to purchase to find out what to expect to crap out first. My only serious reservation would be paying for the fuel to run it.

pentoman · #4 06-28-2007, 02:24 PM

They're around here for £3,000 - £4,000 which is about $5k maybe a bit more. I suppose I would be running it with my fingers crossed that something doesn't go wrong which may be a bit hopeful!