Hi,

My father has a 1999 C280 which is running a little old. He is thinking of upgrading to a used 2003/2004 S430/S500 with approximately 30-50K miles. If we can get our hands on a ceritified used one, that would be good.

He has been relatively happy with the C280. It did not have major problems besides:
1) Rust on four doors developing
2) Fuel gauge works/doesn't
3) Brake lights go out all the time

Other than that it's been pretty good with 92K miles.

I would have no problem recommending him another MB, especially since this will be the car he will keep for a while (he is retiring), however after reading appalling reliability forums on Car Lemon and Mercedes Benz USA forum, I am a bit hesitant.

Is the reliability of these cars really that bad? I mean, they are the top of the line MB, which in the old country in the old days used to be known for unpeccable reliability. In addition, the consumer report last year ranked MB as the worst on reliability (I couldn't believe that when I read the article).

If I don't recommend the MB, the alternative is the A6/A8 Audi, the new BMW are just awful design, and we don't like Japanse cars (i.e. Lexus).

I figure since the W220 S came out in 2000, but 2003/2004 they have worked out all the bugs. But I am just leveraging the overall reliability and input from users. We are in the US.

Thanks!

 

S500

 

yea go with the s500.
[sm=bling.gif]

 

Get the S500

 

I have an 00 S430, so far so good, two ball joints at 80K, everything else is good. Power is more than adequate but it is no 500. On the upside, I get over 30mpg with the cruise set on 65.

 

Hey 2 kings, nice verse....LOL

20 The lookout reported, "He has reached them, but he isn't coming back either. The driving is like that of Jehu son of Nimshi—he drives like a madman."