Considering 1999-2002 S-Class V-8
 

Things to watch for during inspection? Areas of major surprises? Danger zones? thinking about a car around 100K miles for several years of relatively easy, part-time use.
Thanks

Just avoid 1999.

There's a big difference between 1999 and 2000. The '99 is the old style s-class which was launched in '92. The 2000 style runs from '00-'06. Both are great cars, I prefer the '99 styling better, and I think the interior quality is better too. I don't see any reason to stay away from '99 as it is the last year of the w140 s-class and was probably perfected by then. There is probably a pretty big price difference as well.

I was going to ask what the problem is with the 1999. Since that was the last year of the 140's, I figured they would have ironed out just about every design or manufacturing problem by then.

What's your objection to the 1999 140's ZCC?

I personally would COMPLETELY AVOID the 2000-2002!

The 1999 S- class (W140, last year of production) is easily one of the best cars ever created by Mercedes-Benz.

THe 2000-2002 S-class (W220, first years of production) is easilly the WORST! Interior quality and mechanical issues were horrible. Things improved a little by facelift time, but never reached the high quality of the W140.

The new W221 (2008 S-class) have reached again real S-class status.

Just avoid the W220!

I have had the impression that the quality of MB's has been on the upswing in the last year or so. It seems like buying a model a few years into that model run is better just because they are bound to make improvements to it as that chassis design ages.

Ditto that.

I love the looks of the 220 more so than the 140. The most recent iteration of the S class doesn't do much for me. Too bad the quality of the 220's is not so good.

zcc's in Kuwait, I wonder if '99 was the first year of the 220.

The 220 is a slick looking car. I wouldn't mind one myself!

Lots of typical non-owner-of-W220 comments here. My folks have one, among half a dozen other Benz models, and it so far has given 77000 miles almost trouble-free. Did blow a catalytic converter a month or two ago, and both cats were replaced free by the dealership even out of the car's warranty -- Benz even picked up a $600 towing tab on that. It has been a fine, comfortable, safe car for highway use, and it's sure a lot better looking than the shoebox W140.

(What would you get if Scion made their cars large? W140s, but probably without the AC problems that cost as much as a Scion does in the first place!) :evil: :D

Cheers, John

Well, one of my best friends bought a brand new W140 S 320 in 1998 the minute he drove my S 500 L. He just loved the car.

When the W220 came out, he waited a little and then ordered a brand new 2000 S 430. Under my advice he kept the S 320 also.

HE DROVE THE S 430 FOR FOUR MONTHS AND RETURNED IT TO THE DEALER !

He hated its quality, finishes and worst of all the air suspension and electronics (which gave him constant trouble since day one).

He has been happily driving his 1998 S 320 for nine years and he just placed an order for a pristine black on black S 350 (W221).

So, I guess, this is a reference from someone which had a first hand experience on a W220.