Contemplating Purchase of an '07 S600
 

Hello. I recently had the privilege of talking with a Forum friend about his experiences with creating custom programming ECM tunings and what not to make our German automobiles "better". I decided against purchasing the equipment and software licenses, mostly because the limited market here wouldn't produce a strong enough return in $$ to warrant the cost of getting started.

I was also considering purchasing a car he had been working on for quite awhile as a project/hobby. It's a 2007 S600. The history of the car shows 2 past owners, local to DuPage County (near Chicago), mileage of 90k appears correct, and has a branded/salvage title. It's been properly (whatever that means) repaired/rebuilt by a shop well respected in the area. Damage extent and location were not disclosed but enough to total the car 2 or 3 years ago.

We were to meet in person to discuss the tuning opportunity and to give me a chance to go over this S600 up close and personal. Weather has been poor in the area, but he started down to my house anyway. About half way here, he was in an 8 car chain reaction accident and banged up the car nicely. The front end and passenger side fender and doors were damaged. Most of the driver's side and rear of the car look untouched in pix. The damage LOOKS to be just sheet metal and trim pieces.

Apparently the body repair estimate is around $7k plus any electronics repairs/replacements/programming that would be needed. I'm guessing with the location and extent of the damage, there will still be repairs other than just paint and body. Also assuming such repairs might be restricted to dealer shops only. As I mentioned earlier, it looks like sheet metal damage, but these things are so stocked full of electronics, sensors, etc especially in the front end. At this time, I haven't been given the status of the car's airbags. If they are gone, that's likely the nail in the coffin for me.

So with that said, is this car too complex and fragile to survive 2 moderately damaging collisions and still be reasonably dependable? It would not be a daily driver...more like a fun project. I'm not so concerned with the initial purchase price, but rather with the potential expense of unforseen repairs resulting from the 2nd crash. I'm in central Illinois where parts can be a problem if you want them in a hurry. In my past experience, the closest dealer's parts department isn't the greatest and almost always charged more than list prices.

I've had my share of cars over the years, but my experience with MB has been strictly diesels W123/124/126/140. Pretty certain this W221 is light years ahead of what I'm familiar with. I'm having one of those LEFT BRAIN vs RIGHT BRAIN conflicts on this one. Pull the trigger on it or let it burn and die in peace.

I have post-second-crash pictures but need to resize them before I can post.

Thanks in advance for any insight you can provide.

I think I would avoid it....those are hiiighly complex cars and parts are very expensive.

You need to RUN away from that one.

I usually don't support the blanket 'run from V12s' motto, if you've got the cash, they are great cars and fun to drive.

However, this car sounds like a total mess. It would have to obscenely cheap to be worth considering. Like $1,000 cheap. "Book" is like $22,000 (seen them pass through the dealer sales in the mid-low teens before) in okay condition with a clean title. So you've got $7,000+ in damage and a dirty title, and unknown service history. And actually it is probably going to total again if you're friend makes an insurance claim, so there's one messy carfax for you. So if you need coil packs, some suspension work, or brakes (not unreasonable to expect on a V12 with nearly 100k) you're way behind the money and could have bought a clean title, non-damaged car and just maintained that. Yeah, I'd take it if they gave it to me, but that's about it.

Moneeeeeeeyyyyyy pittttttt!


Run, forest, run! :):D

Your 6th to last sentence says a lot. Unless you have some good connections for cheap diagnosis and repair help, and sources for low cost parts, I would stay away. It's much different than your prior analog models.

My general opinion is that newer model cars can't be diagnosed by DIYers. (I am a DIYer btw). I know there are some pro forums (require proof of experience, etc) where Indy mechanics trade information such as digital oscilloscope screen captures of known good parts, but even then it takes them years to build the knowledge needed to work on new model cars. And it is always changing, on purpose.

New cars are built to last a little over 100k miles, and they are built in a way so that only the manufacturer/dealerships can touch them.

I'm personally looking at a early 90s s500 for my "Friday" driver.

If you must have one, consider this one: Mercedes Benz s Class S600 | eBay

Or something like this:

Mercedes Benz SL Class SL 500 | eBay

Seriously get M120 W140 S600. Much better car and Engine. They are built to last..

MArtin

is the 2007 turbo charged? I would like that better.

Yes, I believe it's the first year for twin-turboing this V12. I also think 2007 was the first year for the updated S class from the W220. As a general rule, I like to stay away from the first years (Bought many many GM cars)... As a model or chassis style ages, it seems the bugs are identified and dealt with better.

I think you guys are all spot on. As much as I'd like this car, there are too many unknowns and "what if's". With the (likely) potential to spend a great deal of money and other resources is too high. Just from this latest collision mishap, I suppose the initial body work estimate could easily double when additional issues are discovered.

So with that said, I'm shelving this project. It goes without saying...this is an invaluable forum and I'm grateful for all the brilliant minds and ideas that come from it. Thank you all.

Now...the hunt is on for a more viable project. Details to follow........

Google 600SEC

The new cars aren't that bad if you are someone who is technical and mechanical. Since the new cars are half-computer they appeal more to the nerd crowd. Myself included. :D I enjoy working on the newer models.

In this particular case however, its a car with a rough past, and that is never good no matter what year it is. Run away!