S500 Coupe - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

al76slc · #1 03-14-2007, 05:15 AM

I don't hear much (or anything) about these vehicles. Anybody know anything about them, and what problems to look for?

There's a 95 for sale in my area.

al76slc · #2 03-14-2007, 05:39 AM

Looking further, there's a few S500s and S600s that are falling into my price range, as are some CL500s. Mileage tends to be in the 70-90K area. The S600s tend to be priced similarly.

Comments?

The Swede · #3 03-14-2007, 08:10 AM

The later, the better of the 140 series. Motor/trans are reliable, electronic glitches are another issue. There's a lot on the 140 series to search...

JimF · #4 03-14-2007, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by al76slc

I don't hear much (or anything) about these vehicles. Anybody know anything about them, and what problems to look for?

There's a 95 for sale in my area.

Do a "search" and you will find a number of threads.

Things to look for; (beside ALL records)
1) Wiring harness
2) A/C condition. . . Evaporator
3) Elec Throttle Actuator

Those are the big "three". If you want to look at the electrical systems along with problems, check out my web page in my signature.

Personally, I think they are great cars but be prepared to spend some $$$ to keep it that way.

al76slc · #5 03-14-2007, 02:05 PM

Jim and Ted

Thanks for the feedback.

Jim - that's a great website you have, and I can see the love you have for these vehicles.

There seems to be a (small) number of these cars with used car dealers in the area. My experience has been that service records will be non-existant and often they will be off lease with unknown ownership. Correct me if I'm wrong, but shouldn't I be avoiding those, and wait until I can buy one from a single owner with full records? I'm not in a rush.

Also, with the S600 coupe failing into the same price range, should I step up?

Finally, the CL500 seems to be in the same price range as well. Thoughts?

Has anybody had both a S500 coupe and a 560SEC, and do you have a preference?

Thanks
Al

The Swede · #6 03-14-2007, 02:29 PM

I would steer clear of that vintage 12'er. Some of the problems have been mentioned over the years on this site, one that comes to mind is the cylinder de-activation system.

I'd go with the V8. I don't think the performance diff is worth the money and grief of that era 12. '03 and newer, different story- due to the turbos.

Records, records, records.

You'll find a good one eventually.

Hatterasguy · #7 03-14-2007, 09:19 PM

The big Mercedes coupes have always been insanely awsome cars. From the 560SEC to the S500 coupe, and now the CL500's.

Think of owning one like dating a super model, they perform and look great, but are not cheap dates.

al76slc · #8 03-15-2007, 06:29 AM

Just for laughs (and if anyone cares), I decided to check to see if the S500 would fit in my garage BEFORE I wasted too much time thinking about it. Comparisons to my SLC:
S500 vs. SLC

L: 199.4" vs. 196.4
W: 75.3" vs. 70.5
H: 57.3" vs. 52.4
Wheelbase: 115.9" vs. 111

I am SHOCKED that the length is so close, although the 5mph bumpers on the SLC add a lot of useless length.

So it will fit. Now all I've got to do is find an S500.
Or a CL500.
Or a 400E.
Or a 500E.
Or a CE.
Or a C36.
Or a 450SLC 5.0.

I hate decisions.

Hatterasguy · #9 03-15-2007, 04:14 PM

CL600 problem solved.

Dee8go · #10 03-15-2007, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by al76slc

. . .
So it will fit. Now all I've got to do is find an S500.
Or a CL500.
Or a 400E.
Or a 500E.
Or a CE.
Or a C36.
Or a 450SLC 5.0.

I hate decisions.

I've noticed the prices on late model CL's seem to be dropping fast in the Washington, DC area. Don't know why this would be, but I like them, too. Some 2001-2002's have actually come within striking range for me.

I have heard they are considerably more expensive to insure than other MB's, but don't know why this would be. Anybody else know anything about insuring them?

Jim B. · #11 03-15-2007, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dee8go

I've noticed the prices on late model CL's seem to be dropping fast in the Washington, DC area. Don't know why this would be, but I like them, too. Some 2001-2002's have actually come within striking range for me.

I have heard they are considerably more expensive to insure than other MB's, but don't know why this would be. Anybody else know anything about insuring them?

Insurance on them, is rough because this can happen:
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/mb-safety-testimonials/1271710-crashed-cl500-98-a.html

You are talking V12 with the CL600. That's top of the line territory. It will be a race between the gas guage and the speedometer, to see which needle got to the end first. You'd just about have to own your own oil refinery to run one of those. ( In fact many owners DO!!!. )

Hatterasguy · #12 03-15-2007, 04:47 PM

Remember these are just about the most expensive MB's you can buy, and they do not make a lot of them. So like anything rare= expensive.
A CL600 was a $150k car, so while one can get them cheaper these days, remember it still is a $150k car. So insurance, and repairs will cost accordingly.

No one gives a flying **** about fuel mileage on a $150k car.

Dee8go · #13 03-15-2007, 04:50 PM

I know what you mean, Jim. No, eight cylinders is enough for me.

Jim B. · #14 03-15-2007, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hatterasguy

Remember these are just about the most expensive MB's you can buy, and they do not make a lot of them. So like anything rare= expensive.
A CL600 was a $150k car, so while one can get them cheaper these days, remember it still is a $150k car. So insurance, and repairs will cost accordingly.

No one gives a flying **** about fuel mileage on a $150k car.

Very true, but he was talking about used ones, that were within "striking distance"

LJK Setright, talking about Rolls Royces, said:

"It is a costly way of motoring. Does that matter? Do you suppose the sheer thirst (of the car) counts against it, when the cost of petrol is actually among the most trivial of motoring expenses and fuel exonomy is a government-sponsored delusion? When only the best is good enough, money,
(a nasty enough subject at any time) bcomes completely irrelevant"

The Swede · #15 03-15-2007, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dee8go

I've noticed the prices on late model CL's seem to be dropping fast in the Washington, DC area. Don't know why this would be, but I like them, too. Some 2001-2002's have actually come within striking range for me.

I have heard they are considerably more expensive to insure than other MB's, but don't know why this would be. Anybody else know anything about insuring them?

Maybe people don't like the CL body style (?) 2 doors usually hold their value better than a sedan. 12'ers don't hold their value because people are afraid of them- understandably so. Get the right car and you might be okay. Or, if you are willing to spend the $, then go for it. I don't see too much of a reason to buy a first gen 12'er, over the lump. 2003 and later is a different story -- performance-wise you take just about any car on the road. Get a RENTech upgrade and your king-sh$t.

Insurance? I pay about $230/mo full coverage, $500 ded. on the '03 S600 and '99 BMW. A good deal of that goes to the Merc AND I have a few tickets on my driving record. Of course out east, it'll be pricier, but I've read on this forum that MD rates are lower than VA.