What's up with W220? (2001 S430) - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

tivoliman · #1 06-16-2006, 08:52 PM

I'm considering the purchase of a S430.

Are there known issues with this model? I've had the W140 (1993 500SEL), and it has had some issues.

However, I love the S-Class.

I'm looking at one that is "Certified PreOwned".

Is this a "high maintenance" car?

Thanks for your perspectives and comments.

Ethan · #2 06-17-2006, 11:40 AM

1) if you search these forums you'll find some great post on the 220.

2) Certified Preowned, some post concerning that sales technique, many people feel that cars don't actually go through a 100 point inspection like certified preowned advertising suggest.

3) dash display, and suspension issues seem to repeatedly turn up in 220 posts.

4) I am consistently disgusted with the detailing techniques used to hide damaged paint and interior seats and trim.

5) I am starting to see used 220's in terrible shape, some of these cars are for sale in shoddy used car dealerships, and as an aside one of the counter people at my local quickie-mart drives a 220 S500 with AMG trim.

6) do your homework, take your time in finding a worthwhile example, parts and repairs are expensive, if you work on cars yourself then you can offset expenses.

7) they are magnificent cars, and a good friend of mine wants a great crusier and now feels the times and price is right to attempt to find a great 220.

cdplayer · #3 10-18-2006, 10:04 PM

Before you pay cash or sign a contract please secure an extended warrenty. The cost is very worth it.
Get one that covers everything you can.
I found a 2001 S430 53 miles away after a lenghty search. Ran almost 60 carfax reports before I decided on my purchase.
Drove the car home, loving it all the way. Such a classy ride!
Two days later I found the car in my garage resting on it's wheels. The suspension had collapsed.
My mechanic who is a former Mercedes dealer has quoted me $3200 for repairs. That would be two front struts (both have cracks) a new better designed pump and relay. The cost of the 3 year 36,000 mile warrenty was $3400. In my case the insurance company denied the claim saying the condition was preexisiting. I haven,t even received my policy in the mail yet.
But my mechanic has proved otherwise. And the decision has been reversed.
Good luck!

Hatterasguy · #4 10-18-2006, 10:55 PM

I know a couple people who own them and seem to like them well enough. One bought his new in 2000 and has had no issues other than a failed coil $500, that took out the cats $$$$$ which MB covered.

Other than that about 50k miles of trouble free driving.

I'd have no heart burn buying a good W220, but if you buy junk expect problems.

#5 10-19-2006, 01:36 AM

If you have one in mind take it to the local dealer and let them do a prepurchase inspection it is worth it. even if you find only minor problems it gives you some leverage for negotiation.

mbdoc · #6 10-19-2006, 08:15 AM

The "best" model year for the NON-SBC W220 cars is the 2002.

All of the air-matic cars up to 2004 have front strut leakage problems BUT can be repaired for less than $1000 by dealer OR competent independent MB shop...NOT for $3200!!!

The front end components are weak..designed like a BMW!

The 2000-2002 cars do have cluster problems...and some have been recalled for that problem.

Any S-class car that is "well" maintained will cost at least $1000 a year for that maintenance.

cdplayer · #7 10-21-2006, 01:55 PM

In response to M.B. DOC about repair fees. No disrespect intended here. Your advice has been first rate and helpful. However, the repairs to my S430 are $3200. Here in California we pay a premium for services. And these services, which thank God are being covered by the extended warrenty that I purchased with the car, include the replacement of both front struts. New suspension pump, it's relay, and the 40amp maxifuse plus labor.
Towing for this car 2 and 1/2 miles cost $115. Also included in the repair price.

Fortunately the problem with the gauge cluster recall had been fixed. So I think for now I am in pretty good shape.

ILUVMILS · #8 10-21-2006, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tivoliman

I'm considering the purchase of a S430.
I'm looking at one that is "Certified PreOwned".
Is this a "high maintenance" car?

If you're gonna buy a 220, an MB dealer CPO is the only way to go. It gives you more protection than any after-market warranty out there. Just make sure you ask if there are different levels of coverage and how they affect the cost of the car. And yes, IMHO, it can be a "high maintenance" car.

Quote:

Originally Posted by cdplayer

My mechanic who is a former Mercedes dealer has quoted me $3200 for repairs. That would be two front struts (both have cracks).............

I'm with D.O.C. on this one. Air-Matic struts which have "cracks" can be inexpensively and reliably repaired. This is one of those areas where the MB dealers have a huge advantage over the independant shops. The latest repair procedures and tools can and do save MB owners money once in awhile.

Finally, one word of advice for anyone who owns, or is considering a 220 S-Class. Several years ago there was a service campaign which had MB dealers clean the water drain beneath the right side windshield cowl. This needs to be done periodically to prevent the vehicle interior from FLOODING!!! The good news is that it can be done with a screw-driver, coat-hanger, etc., and takes only a few seconds.

Will_w202 · #9 10-21-2006, 06:51 PM

My dinky 202 C-class ran up probably $6k in repairs from 65-100k. The car had low miles, but was 7 years old when I bought it. The 2/100 CPO warranty that came with it has essentially paid for half of the car.

A. Rosich · #10 10-21-2006, 08:38 PM

I you owned a W140, I would strongly suggest to buy a late - low mileage (1998 or 1999) S500 instead of considering the W220.

Read carefully this link to discover a few interesting notes about this issue:

S-Class Fiasco: W220 vs W140