Hello all-

I am new here and new to benz pretty much. I am in the market for a 2000 s class probably the 430. I wanted to know how reliable are they, and how long do the engines usually last. i saw quite a few for around $20,000 with around 90- 100k miles. just wanted to see what actual owners had to say.

Thanks alot...

 

Mines a S320 petrol (w220). 120k miles. Currently faultless BUT things do go wrong and unless you are technically minded repairs and parts need a mortgage!. Supperbly efficient for such a large and heavy car. 30mpg+ imperial with 35 (true,,,not computer reading) seen on some long trips at legal speeds.

Air suspension. Pump wears out.
Tyres. Tend to wear on shoulders.
Catalysts breakup at and RATTLE at ANY mileage. Mega expensive.
RUST on wheel arches. Poor in-factory process control. Some examples are OK. Others TERRIBLE.
Electrical gremlins - assorted. Usually repairable but need a lot of research unless you have large pockets. e.g. instrument cluster LED go out. Brake light LED go out. Windows "bounce" part way up or down. Remote looses its memory settings etc etc etc. Various warning lights come on signifying system attention required.
Xenon headlamp bulbs £100 a go!

Enjoy BUT be warned.
Similar to BMW, Jaguar, Land Rover etc. Hi spec = lots to go wrong.

Stuart