1989 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 500SEC review from UK and Ireland
"Beautiful muscular lines, mighty performance for price of a modern tin hatchback"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Worst fault was water ingress into the boot (was like this when I bought it, but didn't spot it). This resulted in the structural member under the parcel shelf corroding. Had to be sorted at around £2,500. Apparently not an uncommon fault - so check carefully in the boot. Look for signs of water damage on the boot carpet and stick your head in the boot and look at the space under the parcel shelf - not easy, but worth it.
Also had a new exhaust at £1,200 - but it was its first replacement at 105,000 miles.
No mechanical problems.
General comments?
I ran it as an every day car and it ran flawlessly throughout the time I had it.
I switched from a main dealer to a Mercedes specialist - better service and cheaper.
Loads of modern standard extras - given the age airbag, ABS, mem seats, etc.
Sold it because the paint started to get tired and needed tidying up.
Missed it badly so I bought another one a year later (this year). Fantastic 1990 car with only 26,000 miles and 2 owners. Looks new and I can see no reason why I would ever want to sell it.
Surprisingly inexpensive to insure.
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| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 1998 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2001 |
| Engine and transmission | 5.0 petrol Automatic |
| Performance marks | 10/10 |
| Reliability marks | 10/10 |
| Comfort marks | 10/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 8/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 5/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 99000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 135000 miles |
| Previous car | Mercedes-Benz E-Class |
| Date of Entry | 7th September, 2002 |