Help Wanted to buy an S Class Merc (00 to 04).

Caddyman

I have decided to buy a Merc S Class. This came about when after looking for some weeks for a decent BMW 7 Series I suddenly noticed they didn't look quite as nice to me! I guess you could say I went off them, if you know what I mean! So I found myself looking at the Merc S Class and I think they would suit me just fine and at a better price than most of the 7 series I saw as well which would also be a welcome thing in the present climate. It can be anything from a 320d to a 600 as I would do little miles in it and would not be put off by small MPG figures. I would prefer a facelift version (2003) but would look at a decent 2000-2002 and possibly could go up as far as a 2004. My budget is €10,000 which I would stretch a bit for a really good one. If you know where there is one at a good price, ie a recession bargain then please let me know. All help and comments would be greatly appreciated.
Caddyman:)

mickdw

The facelift versions are supposed to much more trouble free so that would be the way to go. If you are not doing much mileage, get yourself a 500 or 600... What a car.

Eric Cartman

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Mercedes-Benz/S-Class/S-500L/201009197102509/advert?channel=CARS

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Mercedes-Benz/S-Class/320-%28HIG/200952196302931/advert?channel=CARS&featuredListingClickThru=true

lovely cars, for low mileage id say go for the 500, the tax is no different on them anyway

Caddyman

mickdw wrote: »

The facelift versions are supposed to much more trouble free so that would be the way to go. If you are not doing much mileage, get yourself a 500 or 600... What a car.

Thanks mickdw thats the sort of info that I didn't hear before!

I thought the facelift version was only cosmetic and I was judging it by its looks alone!

Caddyman

Eric Cartman wrote: »

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Mercedes-Benz/S-Class/S-500L/201009197102509/advert?channel=CARS


lovely cars, for low mileage id say go for the 500, the tax is no different on them anyway

Thanks for the link above to the S500lwb, that is one I did not see before.

I can't make out the colour, mettalic red it says but it certainly does not look red to me more black or dark maroon!! Anyway thanks for the link.

fonecrusher1

Some car alright. The ultimate luxury 4door tourer.

Lucky man.

GTE

It seems to me like mad money for one of those, cheap that is.

Do they depreciate or would this be a normal price for such a car? Im not too familiar with it.

-Corkie-

bbk wrote: »

It seems to me like mad money for one of those, cheap that is.

Do they depreciate or would this be a normal price for such a car? Im not too familiar with it.

What about an a8 op.

bbk the car is roughy 100k euro new give or take 20k for more or less toys.

Eric Cartman

bbk wrote: »

It seems to me like mad money for one of those, cheap that is.

Do they depreciate or would this be a normal price for such a car? Im not too familiar with it.

they depreciate fast because paying motor tax over 500 euro is like killing babies to irish people, we just dont want to do it under any circumstances so theres not a lot of appeal for these beasts

Caddyman

bbk wrote: »

It seems to me like mad money for one of those, cheap that is.

Do they depreciate or would this be a normal price for such a car? Im not too familiar with it.

I agree wholeheartedly, thats why I am going to buy one if I can. I have looked on the UK car sites but they are looking more for them in Sterling than they are looking for them here in €uro not to mention VRT and transporting them over or the cost of staying a few nights while you search etc so I think that these cars might even go up in value soon by a couple of grand as has happened with some big price cars these past 6-8 months, this recession is making some people sell in a panic!

Caddyman

Eric Cartman wrote: »

they depreciate fast because paying motor tax over 500 euro is like killing babies to irish people, we just dont want to do it under any circumstances so theres not a lot of appeal for these beasts

You are 100% right, its like a big petrol engine, many people in Ireland think anything over 1.6lt is for the birds not to mention that it should be diesel for a start! Try and tell them that a big car will give more MPG if fitted with a bigger engine and they will laugh at you.......
I am still thinking about that S500L!!!!!!!!!!

Eric Cartman

Caddyman wrote: »

You are 100% right, its like a big petrol engine, many people in Ireland think anything over 1.6lt is for the birds not to mention that it should be diesel for a start! Try and tell them that a big car will give more MPG if fitted with a bigger engine and they will laugh at you.......
I am still thinking about that S500L!!!!!!!!!!

indeed, all the better for bargains from the educated minority then (once your not selling that is)

the s500 is a beast , the ultimate 'luxobarge'

Caddyman

SARASON wrote: »

What about an a8 op.

bbk the car is roughy 100k euro new give or take 20k for more or less toys.

I havent looked at any on the web but I don't have a "feeling" for them, I find them a bit bland! I know they are a great car so would not rule them out but it would have to be a fantastic deal to get me to purchase.
Thanks for the suggestion in any event!

rugbyman

Magnificent Beasts,
go for it Caddyman.
Big motors are bargains ,since so many went on the road during the Tiger. they wont be so available in a few years.

Rugbyman

mumblin deaf ro

The S class is amazing value all right. The only thing i would worry about would be the expense of repairing a problem, especially in such a tech-laden car.

Best of luck though. If you get a good one you'll have a great car.

-Corkie-

Caddyman wrote: »

I havent looked at any on the web but I don't have a "feeling" for them, I find them a bit bland! I know they are a great car so would not rule them out but it would have to be a fantastic deal to get me to purchase.
Thanks for the suggestion in any event!

I know what your saying. I will say be prepared for big bills buying a car like this. Parts are expensive and going to a scrapyard is out of the question. I have a 07 A8 and it can be sore on the wallet when it goes wrong:)

Big Nasty

The S-Class or A8 or way heavier on repairs than the 7, especially after the 100k mils mark. A good looking 7 is a far nicer car IMO if finished right. If you want a complete minter you're gonna pay a bit extra but you can pick up a nice looking 7 these days for small money:

This ain't bad at all (no mention of NCT though):
http://www.cbg.ie/Car_Detail.aspx?ID=3798015

This looks fair mint with very low mileage - not my choice of colour though:
http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/7-Series/735-I-E3/201022198249613/advert?channel=CARS

Another in Donegal:
http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/7-Series/740/201019197987924/advert?channel=CARS

v240gltse

hi caddyman,

really fine cars one day i'll get one . anyways check EVERYTHING electrical and especially the air suspension as they are an horrendous price to repair ( listen out for air sounds at each of the wheels and also the pump) . Also sadly you have to check for rust.

there is a company in the states that has made a conversion kit over to stand shocks and springs.

here's a link to the honestjohn review site

hope it works out for you

regards

brendan

Anan1

If it were me i'd go for the 500, if only because the 600 isn't available (AFAIK) in SWB.

Caddyman

SARASON wrote: »

I know what your saying. I will say be prepared for big bills buying a car like this. Parts are expensive and going to a scrapyard is out of the question. I have a 07 A8 and it can be sore on the wallet when it goes wrong:)

I have to tell you that after having a quick look at some A8's I might be persuaded as the 4.2 Quattro I just saw at this link might be worth a drive and its not too far from my price either!
Thanks again for bringing them to my notice.......

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Audi/A8/4.2-QUAT/201017197788889/advert?channel=CARS

Caddyman

MCMLXXV wrote: »

The S-Class or A8 or way heavier on repairs than the 7, especially after the 100k mils mark. A good looking 7 is a far nicer car IMO if finished right. If you want a complete minter you're gonna pay a bit extra but you can pick up a nice looking 7 these days for small money:

I used to have a 97' 735i and it was a lovely car so if i was going to go for a seven it would have to be 02' onwards but I am told that the early ones were troublesome and the 05' onwards facelifted cars are way over my budget but thanks for taking the time to show me those cars, it brought back memories!

Caddyman

v240gltse wrote: »

hi caddyman,

really fine cars one day i'll get one . anyways check EVERYTHING electrical and especially the air suspension as they are an horrendous price to repair ( listen out for air sounds at each of the wheels and also the pump) . Also sadly you have to check for rust.

there is a company in the states that has made a conversion kit over to stand shocks and springs.

here's a link to the honestjohn review site

hope it works out for you

regards

brendan

Thanks for the info on the suspension and the link Brendan, I have been reading it for 30 minutes and am only half way throught it. I spoke to an owner of a 320d today who told me his entire suspension collapsed and it cost the dealer over €3,000 to fix as it was under warrenty so its great to know what to look out for. Lots of important stuff here that I needed to know. I am going to look at 4 or 5 cars in Dublin on friday and will probably see some more in the west as I am doing a motorbike tour this weekend to Galway from Dublin and hope to get in as many cars as possible! Thanks again.
Caddyman:)

Caddyman

Anan1 wrote: »

If it were me i'd go for the 500, if only because the 600 isn't available (AFAIK) in SWB.

I think you are probably right that the 500 is the better choice but I would still like to have a spin in this one which I think is the only one for sale in Ireland.

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/1328287

Voodoomelon

I love this era S-class, but hate the interiors, they're so awkward looking or something! Very "un-luxurious" looking, A8 and 7 series are streets ahead.

Caddyman

rugbyman wrote: »

Magnificent Beasts,
go for it Caddyman.
Big motors are bargains ,since so many went on the road during the Tiger. they wont be so available in a few years.

Rugbyman

My thoughts indeed,it won't always be like it is out there now, people will start spending again and thats all it will take to get the ball rolling again!
All that is missing for a lot of people is confidence..........
I will keep you posted on how my viewings go at the weekend.
Thanks for your comments, especially as they mirror my own thoughts!!

Absurdum

Caddyman wrote: »

I have to tell you that after having a quick look at some A8's I might be persuaded as the 4.2 Quattro I just saw at this link might be worth a drive and its not too far from my price either!
Thanks again for bringing them to my notice.......

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Audi/A8/4.2-QUAT/201017197788889/advert?channel=CARS

The mileage is quite low for 3 owners in 7 years, I'd be looking for full, verifiable service history and a full check by someone qualified too. Do a search for that place on here, they don't seem to have too many fans. If it is genuine, it looks like a cracking car at a good price though.

Would you consider a Lexus LS430? Bulletproof reliability and very comfortable to drive, if you can get over the painful ugliness of it :pac:

Near budget, low mileage with full Lexus service history:
http://www.carzone.ie/search/Lexus/LS430/201021198190835/advert?channel=CARS

Caddyman

mumblin deaf ro wrote: »

The S class is amazing value all right. The only thing i would worry about would be the expense of repairing a problem, especially in such a tech-laden car.

Best of luck though. If you get a good one you'll have a great car.

I know its always a worry that you will have a big repair to do on a car like this but with the prices as they are at present its a chance I am willing to take.

Thanks for the vote of confidence!
Cheers,
Caddyman:)

Caddyman

Voodoomelon wrote: »

I love this era S-class, but hate the interiors, they're so awkward looking or something! Very "un-luxurious" looking, A8 and 7 series are streets ahead.

I will know more about the interiors when I get to sit in a half dozen cars at the weekend. I am thinking about the A8 but have ruled out the 7 series for the reasons I stated in another reply in this thread but thanks for taking the time to comment.
I will keep you posted on my progress............

Caddyman

Absurdum wrote: »

The mileage is quite low for 3 owners in 7 years, I'd be looking for full, verifiable service history and a full check by someone qualified too. Do a search for that place on here, they don't seem to have too many fans. If it is genuine, it looks like a cracking car at a good price though.

Would you consider a Lexus LS430? Bulletproof reliability and very comfortable to drive, if you can get over the painful ugliness of it :pac:

Near budget, low mileage with full Lexus service history:
http://www.carzone.ie/search/Lexus/LS430/201021198190835/advert?channel=CARS

Thanks again for the tip, I will do a search and approach carefully!!

I think the Lexus is another great car but I think I have a few years yet before I would consider them. I am 49 and I don't know anyone under 60 that has one! I could be wrong but I don't think its for me, yet!! Thanks again, I am off to the bed now so hopefully you night owls can continue this in my absence and I will be back to have a look to see what other tips and advise I have received from the good people at Boards.ie!!!!! Thanks and goodnight.

unkel

I too had a V8 E38 7-series, Caddyman. Mighty fine car and you know whatever car you'll go for will have to be a V8 petrol at least. An S500 LWB will be a great car to own and drive - do get it checked out by a specialist though!

Voodoomelon

Caddyman wrote: »

I will know more about the interiors when I get to sit in a half dozen cars at the weekend. I am thinking about the A8 but have ruled out the 7 series for the reasons I stated in another reply in this thread but thanks for taking the time to comment.
I will keep you posted on my progress............

I completely agree, the E65 (02-04) 7 series is rubbish looking, although the facelifted version in 05 is much nicer, but out of budget.

A case of weighing up the pros and cons methinks. Best of luck anyways, I love big saloon shopping!

unkel

Well said, big (engined) slightly older saloons are better value in Ireland than anywhere else in the world

Good luck with your search, Caddyman and keep us updated!

DirkVoodoo

Watch out for engine management problems with the 320D. I would go for the 320 petrol really.

The facelifted version is nice but the w220 build quality was not the best, I agree with voodoomelon the interiors were quite plasticky. Still, very comfy long distance cruiser, air suspension was quite cushy.

I would go for an A8 though, if you could find a good deal.

Voodoomelon

I only wish Quattroporte's would drop in price, but they seem to be holding onto their value. God damn ridiculously good looking car...

delly

While i'll never have the spare cash (or permission from the wife) to buy a nice luxobarge, the thoughts of getting so much car for your money is amazing. The S class and 7 series are nice options, but if I was going down this route I think i'd try and get myself a phaeton. Maybe its there rarity that appeals to me along with all the other toys they come with, but I often see one near where I work and they look the business.

Caddyman

unkel wrote: »

Well said, big (engined) slightly older saloons are better value in Ireland than anywhere else in the world

Good luck with your search, Caddyman and keep us updated!

Will do my best Unkel and thanks for the encouragement!!!!!

Max Power1

Inspired by this thread, I looked online at the available S-Classes. I was taken aback that, a car that is north of €100k new, can be bought 10 years later for under 5% of the original purchase price.

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Mercedes-Benz/S-Class/A%23T/201012197382647/advert?channel=CARS

this one for example. What a bargain, it really shows that there is absolutely no market for these large engined cars (there was even a 320 CDI S class for about €6k so its not just petrols) in ireland, and hence great bargains can be had.

If you have the cash and can afford the high running costs, best of luck with it OP and go for it!

Caddyman

Voodoomelon wrote: »

I only wish Quattroporte's would drop in price, but they seem to be holding onto their value. God damn ridiculously good looking car...

You mean hurray for ridiculously cheap good looking big cars!

Caddyman

delly wrote: »

While i'll never have the spare cash (or permission from the wife) to buy a nice luxobarge, the thoughts of getting so much car for your money is amazing. The S class and 7 series are nice options, but if I was going down this route I think i'd try and get myself a phaeton. Maybe its there rarity that appeals to me along with all the other toys they come with, but I often see one near where I work and they look the business.

Thanks for the suggestion delly but to be honest I can't get beyond the badge even though I know its one of Clarkson's top 10 in his imaginary garage! I can only see this one for sale in Ireland even though its on a UK plate, but €30,900 for a 4 year old VW just does not sound right to me!!

http://www.cbg.ie/Car_Detail.aspx?ID=3719255#

angry_bob

A few links for you to speed your research Caddyman:
03 w220 - MBWorld.org Forums
Comparison of '00 and '05 W220 - MBWorld.org Forums
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w220...d-s-class.html
Is it Worth It? '00 S500... - MBWorld.org Forums
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/show...48#post1902648
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w220...ew-member.html
Pre-owned S500 recommendations - MBWorld.org Forums

Many of the links were written to respond to different questions, but either contain information at least partly responsive to your question, raise other issues you should consider when buying pre-owned, or contain imbedded links to other good information.

Good luck.

Caddyman

Max Power1 wrote: »

Inspired by this thread, I looked online at the available S-Classes. I was taken aback that, a car that is north of €100k new, can be bought 10 years later for under 5% of the original purchase price.

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Mercedes-Benz/S-Class/A%23T/201012197382647/advert?channel=CARS

this one for example. What a bargain, it really shows that there is absolutely no market for these large engined cars (there was even a 320 CDI S class for about €6k so its not just petrols) in ireland, and hence great bargains can be had.

If you have the cash and can afford the high running costs, best of luck with it OP and go for it!

Thanks for the link and responce Max Power. I wonder what the milage is on that S Class in your link and what the service history looks like and at that price its bound to need money spending on it but then again thats being assumptive! It could well be a bargain.

Caddyman

angry_bob wrote: »

A few links for you to speed your research Caddyman:
03 w220 - MBWorld.org Forums
Comparison of '00 and '05 W220 - MBWorld.org Forums
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w220...d-s-class.html
Is it Worth It? '00 S500... - MBWorld.org Forums
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/show...48#post1902648
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w220...ew-member.html
Pre-owned S500 recommendations - MBWorld.org Forums

Many of the links were written to respond to different questions, but either contain information at least partly responsive to your question, raise other issues you should consider when buying pre-owned, or contain imbedded links to other good information.

Good luck.

Thanks a lot angry bob, there is a huge amount of info here in these links that will take me all day and night to read through but sure sometimes the fun is in the chase and getting to know the beast you are hunting!

rugbyman

I was looking at the heading of this thread "help wanted to buy an S Class" and realised that it is a begging site, which has not elicted any donations. Had it worked I was all set up to start my multiple threads "help wanted re Villas, cars, holidays, etc. etc.
Dashed again!

Rugbyman

Caddyman

rugbyman wrote: »

I was looking at the heading of this thread "help wanted to buy an S Class" and realised that it is a begging site, which has not elicted any donations. Had it worked I was all set up to start my multiple threads "help wanted re Villas, cars, holidays, etc. etc.
Dashed again!

Rugbyman

Its a good idea but I would not like to be the first to beg for money from the Irish Public at the present time especially for an S Class Merc! I am sure some of our politicians would have the brass neck to give it a go since most of them along with high ranking civil servants think they are "ENTITLED" to so much already!

mcwhirter

v240gltse wrote: »

hi caddyman,

really fine cars one day i'll get one . anyways check EVERYTHING electrical and especially the air suspension as they are an horrendous price to repair ( listen out for air sounds at each of the wheels and also the pump) . Also sadly you have to check for rust.

there is a company in the states that has made a conversion kit over to stand shocks and springs.

here's a link to the honestjohn review site

hope it works out for you

regards

brendan

I was surprised to read about the rust on such a recently built luxurious car.
Why did does it have this problem?, you don't see many rusty cars these days.

-Corkie-

mcwhirter wrote: »

I was surprised to read about the rust on such a recently built luxurious car.
Why did does it have this problem?, you don't see many rusty cars these days.

Its not a problem. The A8 has a alluminium body so i dont think its going to rust somehow:rolleyes:.

mcwhirter

SARASON wrote: »

Its not a problem. The A8 has a alluminium body so i dont think its going to rust somehow:rolleyes:.

I was referring to the merc s-class though

v240gltse

HI,

Sadly the really rusty cars are Merc's :eek: . My son has a 97 e200 and the rust on it is unbelievable when compared to either my 98 Saab 9000 cse or my previous 97 Volvo S70.

the rust is on the front and rear wings, boot catch ( very common ) along front of bonnet , front cross member ( Mercedes didn't allow water to drain off :mad: ) hence water gathers on the lower engine shield which attaches to the cross member .

Solution drill lots of holes in shield and place spacers between guard and cross member after removing shield and rut proofing the cross member.

rust in the spare wheel well. I could go on and on but do a google search and you'll get lots of hits.

still having said all that the engine has 188k on it and its still as sweet as a sewing machine and its a very comfortable car to drive.

so moral of the story stay away from the w210 models and look to the earlier w124 or w126 models.

mcwhirter wrote: »

I was surprised to read about the rust on such a recently built luxurious car.
Why did does it have this problem?, you don't see many rusty cars these days.

Caddyman

After almost a month since my search began I have agreed a purchase of a big german car but its not an S class as I deviated at the last moment and went a different path! I don't want to tempt faith so I will not give too much away just yet but watch this space for full details and photos after the weekend! Wish me luck!!

EPM

Caddyman wrote: »

After almost a month since my search began I have agreed a purchase of a big german car but its not an S class as I deviated at the last moment and went a different path! I don't want to tempt faith so I will not give too much away just yet but watch this space for full details and photos after the weekend! Wish me luck!!

Best of luck...hoping it's a late e38...

Caddyman

EPM wrote: »

Best of luck...hoping it's a late e38...

I always love guessing games so could not resist replying to say NO!