2000 S500 - Any known problems?
 

I have a possible chance to trade my duramax 4-door truck for a S500. Any known issues with that model?

68K miles, all records, supposedly perfect.

Beautiful cars, but I have heard that they are one of the most $ to work on and have some issues since 2000 was the first year for this chassis. I know an old lady that purchased a 2000 S500 brand new and she had alot of recalls that had to be performed as well.

I would have a PPI done on it by a professional Mercedes tech before leaping in. Good luck!

Hi:

I would avoid the early 2000's Mercedes. Mercedes went through several years of unusually high reliability problems due to their efforts to reduce costs. I had a C320 that was the worst car that I ever owned. Developed suspension and transmission problems, and the car was supposedly certified. I would hate to think of the costs of fixing these problems out of pocket. I believe that the S series from these years had suspension and electrical problems as well as potentially rust issues. My 2006 CLK has had none of these problems.

No way I'd give up my Duramax diesel pickup for a costly car to operate, that will continue to depreciate - that you can't haul anything in.

Thanks Joe, I was kind of on the fence about it anyway. We bought the truck four years ago to pull our boat, but have sold the boat. So the truck is sitting on the street and I'm driving the 240. I keep thinking sell the truck, put the 240 in the garage, and get a nice driver. On the otherhand, sure as hell, soon as I sell it I'll regret it.

My nieghbor's Dad has a car lot in the next state. He comes to visit every couple weeks and ogles over my 240. So I asked him to keep an eye out for a diesel S-class and that's when he mentioned the S500. One owner, 66K miles, mid-teen's $$.

Oh well, I do read there are expensive repairs that come up on those cars. Not what I want to get involved with - I already have a BMW. :P
I really want a diesel anyway. Better mileage, more longevity, easier to work on. I found a 84 300SD local with 150K for about three grand. Should go look at it.

ABC failure prone. Forget that car.

rjp

As a matter of fact, I wouldn't even do the deal if he kicked in $5K along with the S500 to give up a diesel truck that you can make a living with, working as a tradesman if you need to make a buck.