W220 (2002 S430) Reliability?
 

I'm currently looking at purchasing a 02 s430 from the dealer, its certified with 25000 miles. My only question is this, on par with the rest of the newer benzes, how reliable is this car?

I say this because 6 months after I bought a 98 c280 for my son, I have had to replace the harmonic balancer (wasn't even fully reimbursed), motor mounts, combination switch, MAF sensor, and transmission! The car is still having suspension problems, but at this rate i'm determining if it would make sense for me to sell it for a more reliable car or to keep investing money into it.

Are there many common problems with this year of the w220? My w210 had the common rear window regulator problem, and this left me stranded for an entire weekend. (I couldn't safely park the car becuase the window was down, and the service department was closed for the weekend). I just don't want this car to be in a constant state of repair as have the last 3 benzes i've purchased.

Any input is helpful, thanks alot guys!

You are asking a question that only Mercedes has any real perspective on, and they're not talking. The car is 4 years old, it's been covered by not only a 4 year warranty but also 4 years of free service. Independent shops don't know the car yet, and certainly DIYers don't know the car yet (and they may not ever). I think it's safe to say this - the car is going to be more complex and costly to maintain than a 98 C230. It's sound to me like it might be time for a Lexus.

I know a guy that has had a 2000 S430 since new and has never had a problem with it. I think he has about 50k miles on it.

Do a search their is a bit of info about them here, I guess the center consoles really don't like to get wet.

I know several owners of W220s who have had more than what should be considered a fair amount of trouble.

Some center on electric/electronic issues, most on widely known badly designed systems such as the infamous air suspension (a friend with a 2002 S 500 is on his fourth suspension motor and still the system gives him trouble).

The choice is obvious: if you consider a plain vanilla C 280 to be an unreliable car, RUN! (not walk away) from a W220.

I love my S500/W220/2000, and would buy it again in a minute. In fact, I just fitted it out w/ new wheels (AMG), tires (Eagle F1s summer & Michelin X-Ice winter), and burl walnut/leather steering wheel and shift knob. Plan on keeping her for a long time.

We ordered ours and had it built in the Fall of 2000
 

We ordered our S430 and had it built just the way we wanted it. I am disappointed in the rust protection, but it still runs good at 205,000 miles and is THE go to car for traveling around the country. We have five other cars and the S430 is still THE car for traveling.:)