does anyone know much about an s500> - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

joegolden · #1 10-09-2001, 04:14 PM

I have an oppurtunity to buy a 97' s500 with 86k miles. I think it is a good price. I have driven the car and it will fly! I love it! What does anyone no about these things? Anything? good, bad?

Thanks!

Joe

mbdoc · #2 10-09-2001, 07:27 PM

The longer any car is in production the better they get! This car is one of the best of the W140 chassis cars. THE only problem we see with this car is related to the A/C evaporator(never fixed) & the electronic trans that MB says never needs service!

JimF · #3 10-09-2001, 07:57 PM

bought mine about two years ago, and still love it!

Check out my page (www below) and check out at some of the car's specs and pics of my car.

As MB Doc says, the evaps are a problem and if they go, it's not pleasant. Check out this link to see for yourself. http://people.ne.mediaone.net/fmulone/140/W140.html On the other hand, my A/C system has not given a 'inch' of trouble and it blows so cold (37 deg F) that you have to run it on low.

With 86k, there will be some things that need to be done, such as motor mounts, the internal air filters, and other misc items. But if you're handy, you can do those things yourself. If the car has supporting documentation of adequate service, then you can rest a bit.

But I would have it checked out to review the obvious items but also the engine/body/climate codes with a scanner. If clear, then go for it!

David C Klasse · #4 10-09-2001, 10:13 PM

Climate control codes can be pulled from the climate control PBU right there in the car! no equipment needed.

#5 10-09-2001, 10:37 PM

I own a 95 s500 coupe (80k).The most wonderful car I have ever drove.The attention to detail is awesome.If it has been well maintained, you will have no regrets!

joegolden · #6 10-10-2001, 02:02 PM

Thanks guys! The car is silver with navy blue interior. It has new Michelins and is very nice. The car looks big but when I drove it and sat behind the wheel it really did not feel that big. It really felt just the right size. I have not had it on the interstate yet but I will hopefully tonite! How much is a good price on this car? I know what he wants which I think is fair. I just want to find out what you guys think is fair? Thanks!

#7 10-10-2001, 02:59 PM

I am looking at a W140 where the used car salesman had the repair shop use stop leak to repair the A/C evaporator. Anyone have experience with this type of fix?

Thanks

turnne1 · #8 10-10-2001, 04:54 PM

I would subtract $2500-3000 from the asking price on a 140 where someone has used stop leak to repair the evap(subtract more for the V-12 cars as I hear its an even bigger ordeal)......Stop leak is not a proven fix for this and if you have to have this fixed...its about 25 hours of labor....and I would only trust a VERY good tech(or preferably an MB dealer) to do this as they have to diasseble the dash completely to the sheet metal and then put it back correctly.......my car is on its third evap core....changed once with the original owner and once while in my ownership

good luck

Warren
1992 300SD 125K
Columbus Ohio
turner@greif.com

JimF · #9 10-10-2001, 07:21 PM

According to Kelly Blue Book, it's $29,500 trade-in value and $43,000 retail. This is for a '87 S500 4D sedan. It's more if it's a coupe! The final price should be some close to trade-in value.

Sunshine, never heard of a successful repair using radiator stop leak. But there is something that does work very nicely. Check out this link: http://www.cryochem.com/CRYOseal.html

joegolden · #10 10-10-2001, 08:59 PM

he is asking $33k. I think I can get it for around $31k. It really is nice. I did notice a flutter/thump sound when gassing it from low speed. He sid he had it checked and it was something with the A/C? I do not know what it could be, but he said it was a problem that needed addressing soon. I am going to take it to my mech to have it looked over. The A/C is extremely cold though!

Thanks!

JimF · #11 10-11-2001, 12:44 AM

A/C circuits by clicking menu #14 on my web page and performing the Operational Check: - Reading Sensor Values from A/C System to see specifically the following two key items:

1) the evaporator temp (#5) <-- sb oscillate around 37F to 43F
2) the compressor pressure (#7) <-- should vary from 10 to 15

These two items will give you an indication of the A/Cs state of health.

Also . . but he said it was a problem that needed addressing soon. Need to find out what this is asap! Suggest that he fix it if he wants to sell the car.