Problems in pre-2007 S class?
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Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2010
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Problems in pre-2007 S class?
I want a luxury touring car, have been looking at used S-class MBs, and notice the big price difference between pre-2007 and post-2007 years. Also have been told the S500 had serious electrical problems. Is there some reason, aside from new body styling, that the price drops so much going from 2007 to 2006, and then kind of levels off in the older 500 series?
Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 86
Two reasons.
From 1994 to 1996 Mercedes used its biodegradable shielding for wiring. Alas it was really rubbish, so for many (maybe most?) cars it has started to degrade already. Therefore if you get a model for 1994-1996 chances are it is very close to needing a new wiring harness by now which will cost more than the car is worth!
Also post 1996 they started to use the 5 speed gearbox across the whole range.
Those are the two biggies that spring to mind.
The 4 vs 5 speed gear box is not a deal breaker. The biodegradable wiring shielding is. For that reason alone I would really stear clear of anything before 1997. My 1997 S500 is still going strong, so can confirm if looked after well they are reliable.
Be warned; expect a hefty service bill ever 10k miles even if not much needs doing. They are not cheap to run, though a pleasure to drive.
From 1994 to 1996 Mercedes used its biodegradable shielding for wiring. Alas it was really rubbish, so for many (maybe most?) cars it has started to degrade already. Therefore if you get a model for 1994-1996 chances are it is very close to needing a new wiring harness by now which will cost more than the car is worth!
Also post 1996 they started to use the 5 speed gearbox across the whole range.
Those are the two biggies that spring to mind.
The 4 vs 5 speed gear box is not a deal breaker. The biodegradable wiring shielding is. For that reason alone I would really stear clear of anything before 1997. My 1997 S500 is still going strong, so can confirm if looked after well they are reliable.
Be warned; expect a hefty service bill ever 10k miles even if not much needs doing. They are not cheap to run, though a pleasure to drive.
Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 84
From: Daytona Beach
The reason for the price drop below 2007 is that in 07 the new body style came out. For all intense purposes they are two different cars. Niether car had many eletrical problems. Pre 2007 had some instrument cluster issues but MB extended the warranty on them. The 07 and newer(221 chassis) are awesome and have very few problems. As for the hefty service bill. remember you are only serviving you car every 10000 miles not every 3000. It evens out.
Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 86
Two reasons.
From 1994 to 1996 Mercedes used its biodegradable shielding for wiring. Alas it was really rubbish, so for many (maybe most?) cars it has started to degrade already. Therefore if you get a model for 1994-1996 chances are it is very close to needing a new wiring harness by now which will cost more than the car is worth!
Also post 1996 they started to use the 5 speed gearbox across the whole range.
Those are the two biggies that spring to mind.
The 4 vs 5 speed gear box is not a deal breaker. The biodegradable wiring shielding is. For that reason alone I would really stear clear of anything before 1997. My 1997 S500 is still going strong, so can confirm if looked after well they are reliable.
Be warned; expect a hefty service bill ever 10k miles even if not much needs doing. They are not cheap to run, though a pleasure to drive.
From 1994 to 1996 Mercedes used its biodegradable shielding for wiring. Alas it was really rubbish, so for many (maybe most?) cars it has started to degrade already. Therefore if you get a model for 1994-1996 chances are it is very close to needing a new wiring harness by now which will cost more than the car is worth!
Also post 1996 they started to use the 5 speed gearbox across the whole range.
Those are the two biggies that spring to mind.
The 4 vs 5 speed gear box is not a deal breaker. The biodegradable wiring shielding is. For that reason alone I would really stear clear of anything before 1997. My 1997 S500 is still going strong, so can confirm if looked after well they are reliable.
Be warned; expect a hefty service bill ever 10k miles even if not much needs doing. They are not cheap to run, though a pleasure to drive.
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 14
I just got an S550 , 2007 with only 22,000. But I noticed a sound in the gear everytime I change gears. Sound is the same from P to R to N or to D.Car drives nice with no problems. it's just the sound that comes from shifting into different positions with it at stand still. Anyone can tell me if they have had this experience. I appreciate that.
Thanks
Sal
Thanks
Sal
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