Buying advice Mercedes Benz (W220) 1998-2006 Common Issues Engines Inspection 

I live in Los Angeles, it took me about two months but I completelly restored mine, and I love it, better than most new cars, and leather still looks good as new. But like the guys said this not a car to buy if you are broke or cheap as it takes maintenance from time to time. I am an engineer so I do my own repairs and troubleshooting. Cheers and enjoy your S class, my is a S500 , 2001.

W220 S-Class aged really well.

The W220 will forever be a gorgeous car.

Airmatic pump is available for 200$ and takes 20 minutes to switch. The airmatic suspension springs are these days available as either copies, rebuild units or as original parts. They cost from 200$ each for the front, and are really easy to change yourself, another 30 minute jobs. There really is no reason to avoid these cars, as the options for repairs are better now than ever, and it doesn't have to "cost you dearly", just have a look at various owner forums, and you will have all the knowledge and help available... :)

Very well spoken, and informative. I enjoyed it and it’s entirety!

Despite their problems, I’m seriously tempted to get one because ever since I sat in a very solid ‘05 S430 I fell in love with it’s almost heavenly comfort. I’ve sat in less comfortable beds than those seats. Even if it does go wrong, I’d just fix it because I’m becoming a car technician.

The car that i dreamed so far ;)

Hey great advice and information. Thank you.

Very informative video, learnt a lot

It is indeed the best looking S.

Great video. Blessings!!!

Thank you ! I bought a black 2001 S500 designo edition with 62k Miles and have some of the issues mentioned such as rust on driver and passenger door ( fixed for $1500.00). Additional minor issues have set me back another $1k. However, the car drives and handles like a charm. The engine is smooth yet powerful (0-60 in 5.5s). Agree with your advise and have put aside another $5k for future issues. The car is worth it !!!! Thanks again for posting the video !

I have a 2002 W220 S500 had it for 5yrs now. Previous owner had it for 12yrs with full service history so i knew it was a good car...been very reliable but had to replace parts due to age related wear and tear. Never regretted buying this beatiful car esp driving it through Europe . This is my final car as there is nothing out there that compete's with this model. Service it every 10.000 miles and sort out any small faults that happen, if you can afford a car like this then go for it. But avoid V12 they are just money pits and will spend more time in the workshop than you driving it

Good clear video from start to finish. I own the S class 2003 320 .

nice info, keep it up

good video man, i also love the e55 amg

Just bought an S430 at Hollywood Tow for $1300. Mechaniched another $2000 in it, runs smooth. Love it.

Good effort. Nice video

I reside in Indonesia, I almost bought a beautiful S600 V12 from 2002, 50000kms on the clock, ABC changed out in 2015...still thinking about it..I love that car

I have a 99 S500 and it's common problems that you have spoken,but I kept it going, for the main reason.....it's fun to drive very much so.

Love it

thanks a million

I got a 2002 with 87k on it! No probs and never seen salt. My favorite car I've ever owned. Just do schedule maintenance.. Yes air ride. I replaced compressor. 800 bucks no big deal. But big comfy kinda fast and still a head turner!

Thankyou for praising the W220. It gets a lot of stick from others on RU-vid but in my experience of owning two S220 CDi's I can state it's an excellent choice of car. Apart from the odd electrical niggles I have had no problems with them. The only thing I would stress is buy the face-lift model as apposed to the earlier one.

S-class W220 never had an inline 4.

thank you for your demo this is fantastic does it have any SRS defects, which i can see on the screen as defect, what is the issue if you know for my knowledge, i bought 2004 S-class 350 in australia

The most beautiful S class post In W126.

What a car!!

Hi there I'm Danny from Liverpool UK I loved your informative video I'm looking for a s class is there anything I need to look for

Thank you

Which S-class came with an inline 4 cylinder. Please tell me.

My dad has this S430 and he loves it though we have it as a project car. Almost everything in the airmatic failed and we replaced. The door soft closing doesn't work on a few doors. Rear door handle and lock failed. Replaced few suspension components. Engine has been pretty good. No leaks or anything.

The S600 & S65 is a different beasts than other trims. You should feel the well-maintained ABC, it is way better than airmatic.

Pre safe not available. Any had that message come up then it don't change gears?

I got a 2002s430 just turned 90k on it! No snow no winter. Hasnt cost me a dime other than 2 Sets of tires brakes and the compressor for air ride! Routine maint when scheduled! And i will buy another old one over the new ones!

Thank u

I hav the final yr of the w220 I had a Jaguar super v8 but wanted the 4wd so I went w/ the s class …I do love it …right above that generation jaguar I’d say the w220 03-06 are the classiest looking car to this day …the w221 are gorgeous too but i wouldn’t say it carried the same class the w220 had. Mechanically my car is solid but on a different note ….my radio goes in and out along with the screen….I replaced the amplifier and it’s still doing the same exact thing??? I hav the push to start option but it doesn’t work? Do I need a key card? Cost of that? And my trip computer won’t come up? Help, anyone?

It was the car of choice for CEOs and heads of state. It’s now the car of choice for kebab shop owners from Hounslow.

What do you think about S400 CDI 3003. Thanks

Amazing cars...

Ohh ich liebe dieses wunderschöne Auto!!! Schön, sicher, Super bequem!!! Mit der schönste Benz, eben Mercedes, das Beste oder nichts.....

Airmatic pump I bought a replacement pump on eBay for like 130.00 and it took me 30 minutes to replace.

I've had an S220 320 Cdi for 2 years, it's had issues but they're now so much cheaper to fix, my pal did the injector, it took an hour, to be charged at a garage it would've been at least £300, mine is a 2005

Like everyone else said I replaced pump myself and air strut. Depends on level experience working on cars

The last year for the w220 was 2006, Not “2005”. They updated to the w221 in 2007

What about to s400 cdi any comments?

I have the s430 great car!!

I'd love th v12 but I've heard to replace the alternator it's an engine out job!?

Luv my 05

I have one great car 🔥🔥🔥

Just found an 2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S 430 for $3000 with 71k miles. Looks like all it needs is the air suspension. After reading the comments, seems to be easy. I may have to pull the trigger and buy it. I know no one is going to get it. I may talk him down as well and use the money to fix the air suspension. Still need a scanner to find any other codes

The car of president!

i saw an S600 2003 model for 9.5K, and i was a bit skeptical to get in debt to get it but also didnt wanna miss out on a V12, and it was the biturbo V12 not the naturally aspirated one from earlier years. the V8’s in here dont really exist and funnily enough the ones that do exist where i live got more of a bad treatment by their owners to them over the years than V12 owners. Thank you for this video, i will have to rethink twice before getting in debt for a V12 merc as my first car 😂

That's cheapest made s- class and it's still better than any other luxury of that Era

Make sure purchase quality struts I bought some from a online retailer end up buying quality ones from the dealer.

Ou se trouve filtre à essence

Corrections: “S” stands for Sonderklasse (not Special). In 2003, AMG added the supercharger to the S55 (not S65) in USA. All S-class in USA are Long wheelbase (vs. shorter standard length in Europe).

Hello sir I want to buy one model 2002 v12 s600 with 70,000 km What do you think? He want 25,000$ The car looks new! Thanks

Can any one tell me if the engine in the S350 is a 3.5l or 3.7l as google tells . How was the engine in the 2006 S350 ? Good or bad ? Thank you !!!

All I can say as an owner of a S-430 AMG version DO YOUR HOMEWORK!!! DO NOT just buy it because it looks clean and sexy. Ask for records, look at carfax, take it to a mechanic, even Mercedes will do a operational maintenance check for not to much cash. I must have looked at 50 different cars before I chose mine. It has been in the shop for the last 3 months doing basically a frame on rebuild. Mine was owned by the SAME corporation for 17 years and used as an executive vehicle ONLY. I got all the records and history. So the cost? $2800 car, $3000 total strip, and factory code paint to original, replacement of the oil level sensor $300, NEW LEATHER front (not really needed but I had it down that far why not? $500. And because it only has 98,000 miles I paid for a fender to fender full mechanical coverage with only a $100 deductible - $3100. Maintenance contract will REPLACE anything that fails EVEN the motor with new or factory rebuilt for the next 50,000 miles! So the total cost for a car that was $96000 new (remember it is the AMG with all the bells and whistles plus)was less than $10,000. So like I said do your homework and take your time the the really good ones are still out there. (by the way the Mercedes dealer here in Tampa has already offered me MORE than I am into the car. I think the salesman wants to show off how they last when cared for.

@ 4:30 yep ..most of these old prestige vehicles are bought by people with not a lot of spare cash ..unlike the original owners. So costs can be a real shocker. If you think they will cost a bit more than a Toyota Corolla ..check your bank balance first. I once owned a Rolls Royce ..I have had the experience.

Looking at a 2004’ Mercedes-Benz s430 matic with 84k miles. - $6,900. One owner in florida, how do you feel about the price ?

i own a w220 2000 and a w140 1992 .... (both are 600) i have not problrms (precedent owner of w220 repaire grezt problzms .airmatic and Zas cylinders)

Live and hate my W220 2002 Mercedes-Benz S55 AMG. Have converted to springs, changed the power steering pump eliminating the tandum pump, changed radiator, have changed sensors and the MAF/MAP (Mass Air Flow & Air Pressure I think?). I have even most recently been doing a paint correction, finished the hood. Am going to be pulling dents out etc myself as well... I've noticed the paint burns, rust on some parts (1 is specifically in the corner on the roof of the car located by the driver side door)

Is there any solution of airmatic suspension conversion with coil suspension. I m facing air leak problem repeatedly.

Ok when are u gonna tell us which benz is best for reliability

W220's air suspension & pump are my nightmare. I spent $12K to replace here & there just after warranty.

I love my 2003 S430 4matic but issues with airmatic it is nightmare. people think if you drive car that you have lots of money.I bought the car because was great deal with 70K miles. Everyone consider self professionals but can't fixproblem. so frustrated !!!

I have s class 2001 320

What is a reliable Merc to buy , estate version in UK. I have a budget of about £7000

Thinking about a 2005 S500 160k miles very well taken care and always maintained. Should I pull the trigger on this car?

Which model is best to buy between 1998 to 2005.

I use to want this car then realised the Lexus LS430 is a better car and Lexus actually made a loss to produce these cars to compete by being a loss leader thus establishing a excellent reputation for value and quality. Today my nearly 20 year car sounds the same as when it left the showroom. Real world testiment to the quality. Drive a s class and the Lexus LS430 and compare the leather, wood, bodywork and electrics. Listen to the engine and you realise one is for show and the other is for GO.

i wanna buy one but im scared its gonna break

Just bought 1

Thinking of buying a 2000 gas v8 s500, any thoughts?

I’m looking at 06 s350 for sale $3k 🤔

Air matic pump cost $114.00 2 air hoses 3 bolts to install u mechanics in America are rip offs

as an owner I was hoping this was going to say not to buy it

Price is down so much that it’s in first car territory for me!

Spiekink lekker Dutch enzo

2000 - 2006

a lot of cars from maryland

W140 the best

As an owner I would urge people to avoid cars with ABC as it is ferociously expensive to repair. Also check the climate control as the duovalve is another costly repair. Used occasionally however it is a nice car if you have spare cash set aside for its inevitable repairs. Oh the Bose system seriously lacks bass although the Comand Unit can be replaced with a modern sat nav double DIN Bluetooth unit but again it’ll cost. Happy motoring !

My grandma used to have I

and the suspension is not airmatic it should be hydraulic if I remember correctly

You sound like Arnie. I'll be back.

Should I get a black one for $500 ???

V12 is reliable - as much as the M113 just about - just parts for V12 are more expensive (coming from someone with both) .

Its also first choice for drug dealers gang members. Cartel etc

Заебись

I have a 2000 Mercedes Benz s430 with 72000 miles will not raise up it wes leaking something red on the ground. Will it cost me $3000 to fix PLEASE HELP

The money pit

WAT GOOD LOOK IIN JAN K MERSEDES . BAT WAT YOU CAN DO. .TO SAV. THEAN .TO MANE JANK PARTS .ONLY FOR JANK PARTS

Don’t make videos,wen you don’t understand half of what you sed...w220 is by far the cheapest S class to maintain, there is a lot of info on them, parts and computers are available dirt cheap on eBay, there are some spendy parts but it’s in S class after all...

I have owned every generation of S class and this W220 is NOT the best , in fact it was the worst and I had so many issues!!! also I work on Mercedes

Isn't this car built during the Chrysler era? Better go to the W221.

No cupholders though! 🙄

I have seen videos of W220 being spun around doing doughnuts smoking tyres!! This is not the sort of car to hoon around in smoking up and doughnuting in....no if you do be not surprised of big repair bills to rear axle and suspension parts...if you wanna do this buy a hooligan car not a luxury performance cruiser not unless your happy to throw your money away just to show off and look good