Hello fellow S500 owner's. My 2000 is a simply magnificient car. Yes it has its problems. In earlier days, men named there cars after women. Eleanor, Maybelline etc. Need I say more. We love em and Can't live without em. Well here's the problem I bought this car with 109K it was maintained by the dealer, whatever it needed it got. Well it gave me 2 years and now I'm giving back. Tuneup with wires $900.00, leaky shock $1400.00 with labor, air pump $500.00, Lower control arms $750.00. I have a very understanding mechanic, he really does try to save me money. I am sure this car will go to 250 K easily. But it needs new parts from time to time and they are ridiculous in price!! So heres my 2 part question. Are after market parts an option!! Which manufacturers are best. Secondly this car no longer takes the bumps well. Which parts are critical to a smooth ride. The airmatic system is fine with NO leaks. What's next Upper control arms? various bushings??? I brought it to the dealer he gave me a laundry list, which tells me he wants to replace everything and doesn't really know what the problem is?? I feel the problem is front and back, its just not smooth anymore it hits hard after a significant bump, even a rattle in the back like something in the trunk! Weird

Thanks too all

John

 

John,
Are you getting any warning messages at startup? If not,and this may sound ridiculous,try disconnecting your battery for 5 minutes,give it 5 minutes,re-connect it.start it,let it run for 5-10min,then take it for a drive 10-15 miles. You might see some messages ,Stop after the test drive,let it sit a little bit and re=start,drive home and see if it rides better.
Check your owners manual to see if you might have to re-set your radio codes as the Comand systems from 2000 thru 2004 had strange configurations,different suppliers,etc.
When you re-connect the battery the computers reset and adjust many of the systems back to original factory settings.This procedure may trigger some messages that will pinpoint the real problem,or it might cure it!!!
These cars are so complex,and will drive you crazy,and a lot of the dealers are looking for "repair jobs".
John H