I have a relative who's considering a 2000 or 2001 S430. I understand Mercedes of late are not very reliable. Were there good years for an S430 or should this car be avoided totally? Was certain optional equipment troublesome? Would most of the problems have been fixed already by the previous owner through recalls, warranty work, etc. What are the majority of problems these cars have...mechanical, electrical? TIA

 

my dad had an S500 and I HATED that car, it was relatively reliable, the water pump gave out on me once, but it was just UNCOMFORTABLE. On long trips the seats were miserable. He now has a new 745 and while the car has had it's problems, if it was me I'd get it above the S class ANY DAY! It's a much more user friendly car, and you don't want to get the hell out of it after a few hours on the road.


Just one aspect of it.

 

My dad has the S600 I believe its 2002 Model. It never gives him any problem like the Bentley.

 

Thanks Soon2be993TT. The last thing I expected to hear about the S430 was that it's uncomfortable. Of course, comfort is subjective. My father had a 745 and really liked it. The 745's can be troublesome, but his was very reliable. No other experience or opinions regarding the '00/'01 S430?

 

My parents have a 2001 S600. THIS CAR SHOULD BE AVOIDED LIKE THE PLAGUE!!

It has been in the shop numerous times for weeks at a time. We are in negotiations to have the car bought back under the lemon law.

Everything that can go wrong has gone wrong.

The car is under Starmark warranty, but the service writer let us see the repair bills - they total upwards of $20K. Wouldn't it makes sense that MBUSA would rather buy the car back than keep spending this kind of money "fixing" it?!?

On the other hand, my uncles both have an S500 & S55 respectively, and they have been relatively trouble free.

I have a theory that was validated by the service writers. 2000 was the first year for the new-body S Class. 2001 was the first year for the new V12 engine. Most 2000 cars and many 2001 S600s apparently have plenty of problems. Each new year of production seems to reduce the number of problems.

Moral of the story, buy the newest one you can afford and make DAMN sure that it's in warranty!

 

Best advice going!! MB without warranty is a no-no. Try to get into a 02 perhaps even 03 (be aware, there may still be issues though)

Good luck, I personally love the W220 / W215 body styles.

 

I have an '04 S55 with ~15k miles. No problems of significance with it so far.

 

I wouldn't recommend the car. My biggest problem is like trojanman's parents car - in the shop for repairs not covered by warranty and I am never going to deal with Fletcher Jones again!!!

I'm ordering an AudiA8 W12 this week. I'm done with Mercedes for awhile...

On the other hand, the 2000's go for 35K and still look nice.

 

My parents have had S430 and S500 very minor issues...

 

A8 is a sweet car..drove the 4.2 love the looks and styling...

 

A8 seems awesome.

Anyway, my partner has an '04 Brabus all tricked out and he loves it. I just think the 00 to 02's had some issues with the computer and with the suspension.

The S500 still looks beautiful with big chrome rims whatever year it is. The only issue is was it built on Monday or Wednesday...

 

have an 01 S600 with a sports pk. Overall relatively trouble fee car and love the ride. Unfortunately was involved in an accident last week, got hit by an oncoming car at 50mph while I was trying to turn left (hit the rear quarter panel pretty hard) It depoyed the head protection and side air bags and my 2 young kids in the rear suffered no injuries at all. All I got to say is thank Mercedes for building such a solid car!! TC

 

what's a nice 01 S430 with 35k miles worth these days?

 

Blue book is 40K but less on eBay!

 

you can pick up an '00 S430 for $25K @ auction.