Need purchase advice 2000 S430
 

Looking to purchase and need the opinons of owners and/or mechanics familiar with the 2000 Mercedes S430 Sedan. I will have the vehicle checked out by a knowledgable Mercedes mechanic and runa title search.

I'm looking for the GOODS and BADS on this year/make/model from you all. Can a shadetree mech who does most of his own work on his stable take car of basics on this one (brakes, tuneup, belts.....).

I may opt out of the sellers service contract if Mercedes will sell me theirs (something to discuss when I go by the shop for the "check out".

What I've found so far in the other forums is inconclusive.. Parts (relative to my '80 450SEL) Brakes, fuel filter, sparks are more $. Alternator is a LOT more.

Special Price: NADA Retail Price: $54,696, Sale price $49,500
(Sale and NADA Prices include a 12 mo/12,000 mi. extended service contract - $2721.00 value)

Mileage: 43,166
Color: Obsidian Black Ext/Java (Tan) Int
VIN: WDBNG70J4YA061763

Equipment:
Air Conditioning, Aluminum/Alloy Wheels, AM/FM Cassette, Cruise Control, Heated Mirrors, Heated Seats, Keyless Entry, Leather Interior, Power Doors, Power Mirrors, Power Seats, Power Sun/Moonroof, Power Windows, Tilt Steering, Power Steering, Power Brakes

Many of the early W220 chassis had air-matic problems. But by chassis number that car is well above the problem area. Also there were several recalls on that car in that first year. Also the rear brake rotors seem to warp quite often.

ALL of the car operates by computer networking, even turning on the dome lamp!! SO diagnostic equiptment will be needed to diagnose almost "ANY" problem.

M.B. Doc,

Thanks. I suspect your comment regarding the systems operating on a network is probably true for most of the upper end Benzs manufactured recently and for the foreseeable future.

The car is still under factory warranty. Is it a Starmark? I've advised many friends and relatives to stay away from late model MB's not covered under the Starmark warranty due to the potential cost of repairs. Contrary to popular belief, MB's do occasionally break! On the S430, replacing maintenance items is well within the ability of DIYer's. Mechanically, they're not that hard to work on. The bells and whistles however, are another story. As Doc said, all of the cars' computers are networked. This can make diagnosing problems much easier, provided the technician has had the proper training. This almost guarantees a trip to the dealer at some point. That could be an expensive proposition, but if the car is a Starmark it doesn't matter. With that said, the 220's are great cars to drive. Comfortable, quiet, smooth, good looking, etc. For what it's worth, the 2003 S-class is, in my opinion, much quieter/smoother/nicer than the previous years. Good luck