2002 Mercedes S500 Purchase

[1984380sl]

I just purchased a very clean low mileage 2002 S500. I have all of the maintainence records and there have been very few problems. The car is like new with 22,400 miles and an Arizona car purchased from the original owner.
My question is, Are there any problems I should be aware of on this year and model MB?

[ProV1]

congrats! sounds like a great car. i am looking at a 2000 S430 myself, my E420 wants a garage mate.

the most common W220 problems are: airmatic failure, instrument cluster going out (MBUSA official recall), rust, and of course the electronic system.

post some pics!

[zcc]

In addition, the hydraulic suspensions.

[Hatterasguy]

Originally Posted by zcc

In addition, the hydraulic suspensions.

Correction air suspension.

Other than the air suspesion and some electrical issues they don't seem to be to troublesome. There is a lot of loud complaining on the net, but happy W220 owners don't log onto the forums and complain.

[ML320]

Here's a picture of the Airmatic struts in the W220.


W220 Airmatic with ADS 2.0 Supplier: ThyssenKrupp Bilstein

[ILUVMILS]

The 220 S-Class was available with the optional Active Body Control suspension. The ABC system is completely hydraulic, and shares no parts with the Air-Matic system. It has it's own issues though, and can be just as expensive to own as the Air-Matic system.

Another problem 220's are famous for are clogged water drains at the fresh air intake. All the water that runs down the windshield will end up in the interior if this drain is clogged. It's easy to prevent though. A quick visual inspection is all it takes to avert disaster. I don't see it come up much on this Forum, but I see it all the time on the job.

[ML320]

Here's a picture of the optional ABC struts.


ABC strut, supplier ZF Sachs

[1984380sl]

Thanks for the input. It is great that you will take the time to respond on the Forum. I will watch especially on the items mentioned. So far, the car drives like a dream. It will be replacing a 98 E430 that has also been a great car for me.

[ProV1]

Originally Posted by 1984380sl

Thanks for the input. It is great that you will take the time to respond on the Forum. I will watch especially on the items mentioned. So far, the car drives like a dream. It will be replacing a 98 E430 that has also been a great car for me.

i cant sell my 97 E420 for a S-class b/c the E420 is such a great, great car. i could keep the E420 and get a S-class, but my gf wont be too happy


btw, you will know when your airmatics fail, your S-class will have the most extreme low-rider action, more so than a slammed honda civic!!

[86560SEL]

Not sure about the 2002, but isn't the recall list quite long for the 2000 S-Class?

I know a lady at work that has a 2000 S500 that she bought brand new and I remember hearing her complaining about recalls. She would come in and say, "WELL, MY CAR HAS ANOTHER RECALL", very crossly I might add. I was going to tell her that I would trade her my 1985 S-Class for it.

Maybe not- she trashes that car... its never been cleaned (inside or out) and it is literally a dog house. She hauls her 5 dogs in it.... they ride on the dash, package shelf, etc. I cherish my pups, but if I were to take them anywhere with me, it would be in my old car... not a late model (or new) S-Class. Normally, when we take the pets on a trip, we take a rental or take my folks cars.

Enjoy!