Hi all,

New to the board, will be buying an 01 s500 next week. Can get really good deal from a friend, so I'm gonna make the switch from a Brand X 740i to the s500.

The car has 82K miles on it, wondering if anyone can give me the skinny: problems, pro's, cons etc. Also, extended warranty suggestions are appreciated.

Thanks in advance for your responses!

Best regards,
FF

 

Welcome.

The S500 is a pretty good car when maintained. If an extended warrenty is available I say take it, just in case as sometimes there are unforseen electrical gremlins that happens. There have been cases of the dash going blank and little stuff here and there. The main thing to check is the suspension as if it's good, it will be good but it's on it's way out the door, that repair to get it right will make the average person want to put their head through a wall. At 82k there shouldnt be anything major assuming the service records are up to date.

The pros is that there is really no other car like it on the road. the main con is that once you go S500, any other car will seen pale in comparision as far as ride/performance goes. The Bimmer may edge it in handling but the S500 rides a bit smoother, quieter and overall more plush. If it's good one, it will be hard to drive any other brand of car.

Remeber service records are most important. That's about the extent I know about W220s but there are plenty of posts about them in this forum. You can find common problems in details and how they was solved, and lots of praise. And let me know how it goes. Once I unload the 300 I'm settign my sights on a W220 or W140 (or both)

 

hi Fokkerflyer,

mostly what i come across to on ure model MB is the air suspension problem.., bad xenon control unit, camshaft sensor , mostly thats all...

good luck!

rockerfella174
Brunei darussalam

 

also check under the hood, under the windshield and look into the water catcher grate and see if there is water in there or debris....if there is water in there...stay away. deris gets into there and clogs up the drain, then the water backs up and flows into the car onto the blower motor, shorting it out then getting all the carpet wet and running back to the rear fuse box and getting it wet and causing HUGE issues. there are numerous control units and other things under the carpet that get water damaged. overall a great car just is usually better if it has been serviced at a dealer since they do know your car better than anyone else will. good luck!

 

Congratulations for your new car