Hey folks,

I'm from Brooklyn New York and in the market for a s500. I've contacted a local Benz dealership and have scheduled a test drive for noon tomorrow.

The purpose of this post is to hopefully become more informed before I take plunge and drive off the lot.

I'm looking at a 2000 S500v with the following.
Mileage - 28106
Exterior Color - Horizon Blue
Interior Color - Ash Nappa Leather

What does the "v" in s500 stand for?

Options
* S1: Value Added Package
* S3: Comfort Package
* Parktronic
* Electronic Rear Seatback
* Power Rear-Window Sunshade
* Burl Walnut Wood Trim
* Heated Rear Seats

What does S1 and S3 mean?

Standard

* Automatic Climate Control w/Charcoal Filter
* Nappa Leather Upholstery
* Burl Walnut Trim
* Smart Key
* Cruise Control
* Heated Front Seats
* Bose Premium Sound Sys. w/Audio Pilot Tech.
* COMAND Navigation/Audio System
* AM/FM/WeatherBand/Cassette
* Heated 14 Way Pwr Front Seats w/Lumbar Support
* CD/Phone and Voice Control Pre-Wiring
* Multi-Function Steering Wheel w/Tilt-away
* Electric Sliding Glass Sunroof w/Pop-up feature
* Flexible Service System
* Trip Computer
* Electric Adj. Tilt/Telescoping Steering Column
* Electric Pneumatic Door and Trunk Closing Assist
* Automatic Headlamps w/Twilight Sensor
* Integrated Garage Door Opener
* Intermittent Wipers w/Rain Sensor
* Auto Dimming Rearview Side Mirrors w/Side Park
* Speed Dependent Power Steering
* 5-Speed Elect.Contr.Auto Trans. w/Touch Shift
* Elect.Stability Prog.(ESP) w/Auto Slip Cntr(ASR)
* Airmatic Suspension w/Adaptive Damping (ADS)
* Front Suspension: Four Link Front Axle
* Rear Suspension: Independent 5-Arm Multi-Link
* Pwr 4 Wheel Disk Brakes w/ABS & Brake Asst.
* Tires: 225/60 R16
* 7 Hole Light Alloy Wheel
* Xenon Headlamps w/Headlamp Washers
* TeleAid Auto Emergency Response & Comm. Sys.
* SRS Dual Frnt Airbags; Side Airbags Mnted in Frnt
* & Rear Doors w/Drvr & Pass.Side window curtain bag
* Reinforced Cabin w/front and Rear Crash Boxe
* 5.0L
* 8

Silly question do all the above come standard on all S classes?

What are the differences besides Nav and Headlights in the later S classes?

Is $32.900 a good price for a certified S500 Benz with 1 year warranty? and should I opt for the additional 2 years for an additional $2,500?

Do you have any suggestions on what questions to ask?

Additional what is the largest wheel and tire combination I can fit in the front? and the rear? without modification to the suspension?





Many many thanks!!!!

Soon to be Benz owner

Danny

 

I'll try to answer your questions as best I can. I am now a 3 week old owner of a 2001 Brilliant Silver s500 and I love it. I think I have the virtually the same option packages, minus heated rear seats, but ahve Lingtronic and side window shades.

1.) I think it is a good price. I paid 28,500 for my 2001 with 80k miles though, and added a warrantee for 3K more dollars. so similar in the end. (4yr/60K miles)
2.) V-no idea, but would like to know. Don't have it on my car. Could it be half of a V8 that some people add on from other models?
3.) newer S classes have the clear Xenon headlamps. We have the opaque Xenon. Xenon was standard on the S500 but not on the S430.
4.) Navigaton went from CD-based to DVD based in 2003 or 3. (There is a navigation upgrade coming in the end of July. 11 Cd's for $275.00. get them to throw those in the deal! haha. my friend has a 2005 S430 and we have not found any substantive differences in the car other than minor lower grill changes, nav and headlights.
I upgraded to factory AMG double spoke alloyes that I think are beautiful. That cost extra too.
5.) I love the horizon blue. It seems to be a rare color.

Good luck! I am in love with mine. Anyone want to buy a used LS400 now?! :-) it's for sale.

 

Wow the mileage seems awefully low for a 2000 model S500 - damn near unbelievable.

$32,000 is a little steep for that model...

Dunno, what the 'v' in S500v mean?


I own a 2001 S430 Black on Black -> $31,000- with 30,000 miles.

Rides like a champ.... I get offers all the time.

I would probably reconsider that deal.

 

I found out that the "v" means extended wheelbase and that the majority of s500's in the US fall in this class and that the European's get the shorter wheel base. Did you know that the car Princess Dianna was in, the Benz S class was only a 4cyl engine?

I took the car for a test drive and it was a dream. 100% mint!!! not a single scratch on the exterior and the leather was pristine. I look it up in the KBB and the suggested retail value in 38K. I couldn't resist the offer and jump on it and even purchase the additional 2 years extended warranty for a total of three years.

Apparently the vehicle was owned by a retired Florida couple and was well maintained. The sales person made mention for all you future benz owners to beware of cars being purchased from the south since alot of the cars in the flood are being resold. In any event thanks for the responses and lookout from a near soon update.


-Danny

 

Based on me looking at all the big Benz's for over a year before I bought, I think the price is in line. It is not high but it is not a deal either. If you factor the MSRP and figure the cost of those first 28 k miles, someone else took the big hit on the car. I would try to work on the deal via the added warranty.

Lance 2000 S430

 

the car was W140 S-Class special protection or armored version.

i didn't know they got 4 cylinder engine on it.

i need to find this out. seems interesting.

i always thought that was S600.

 

She was killed in a '94 S280 Here is one source.

 

in that case, it's more reasonable since S280 got M104 engine. it's 6 cylinder.

what a waste to lose her precious life on S280.

it could have sound more better if it was V12 rolls royce or S600.

 

yeah it was an S 280 with a SE 300m 104"Engine that are used in states..