2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S320L 3.2 V6

Summary:

Top choice for a full size sedan

Faults:

Radiator.

A/C.

Airmatic shocks.

Electronic accelerator.

CD changer.

General Comments:

Generally, a very reliable and comfortable car. Running costs are reasonable for a car of its class.

Classic look. Still looks good for its age.

If taken care of properly, can last for over twenty years, although not as durable as the predecessor W140 S Class.

Nimble for its size and a good handling sedan of its size. The long wheel base is preferred, although it has lesser front headroom than the shorter version.

Very happy with its overall performance.

Many wealthy people are still using them in spite of their age.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th February, 2015

2007 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S350L 3.5 V6

Summary:

Big improvement from the previous S Class

Faults:

Interior light bulbs, but replaced under warranty.

General Comments:

This is a much improved S class from the previous W220. The engine is quite economical and powerful enough for daily drive in Hong Kong, where we usually drive under 100km/hr.

The interior is a huge improvement from the previous version S Class.

The easiest improvement for this car is change the motor oil and the original ATF. The best motor oil is Voltronic 5W40, and the best ATF is Voltronic 9K. You feel like you are driving a V8 4.2, after simply changing these 2 fluids.

This S reminds me of the Robot like W140 built about 18 years ago.

This is a car for every age group!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th October, 2010

21st Oct 2010, 09:12

The new S class V6 is not as smooth & as quiet as the V8 & V12. A good way to reduce the internal engine friction is to use an ester based motor oil. The engine will run smoother & be butter smooth. An ester based oil is expensive, but is worth every penny. The best buy is Voltronic fully synthetic, which is 100% made & packed in Germany, and also approved by Mercedes. Stay away from cheap oil from the Far East.

This W221 (S350) is currently the best full size sedan for the money. It is a much more comfortable than its rivals, such as BMW 7 & Audi A8. It is more practical than the Bentley flying spur, and costs only 1/3.

The 2009 facelift version is even more eye catching with the LED headlights.

24th Oct 2010, 09:04

Thank you for your comment. I also switched to ester based motor oil, and my W221 engine is as quiet as a Lexus LS460.

I have also noticed that the highway mileage is down to 7.9L/ 100 km. For highway use, it is just as economical as my 2008 Toyota Camry 2.4. Maybe I will change to Voltronic 5W40 for the Camry? But my mechanic tells me that the ester oil shows big difference only on 250 plus HP engines!

Now my 2008 S350L is more quiet & runs better than I first week I picked it up at the MB dealer in Hong Kong!

2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S320L 3.2V6

Summary:

A car not only for rich & famous

Faults:

A/C Pump replaced in 2007. Airmatic pump replaced 2008.

General Comments:

This is the most reliable car I have ever owned. The running cost is low (compare w/other full size cars). You can see the rich and famous in Hong Kong using this car, although the design is 10 years old. Most are in top touch condition.

It is very very crucial to have the car checked every six months. The repair cost can be greatly reduced if following regular check ups.

The V6 is good for Hong Kong, but for Europe and America, the V8 or V12 are a big plus.

I am a little disappointed with the interior quality, but the 2003 face lifted versions already changed that. The built quality is far better than BMW and Lexus of the same period, but, in my opinion, can be improved.

This is by far the most comfortable car for passengers. My friends w/Bentley & Rolls do not feel a big difference in ride quality (back seat, if you have a long version S class) w/their cars which cost 2 to 4 times more than the long version S class.

The V6 is extremely fuel efficient on the expressway. The trip computer shows about 8.5L/100KM. For city driving, it is more than doubled.

V6 is a little noisy but very smooth & responsive at under 100 KM/Hr. If you are a big spender must get the V8 or V12, and it can further experience the ride quality of this S class.

The stiffness of the suspension can have 3 different settings. Even my new S350L does not have that feature, and the S class does have a softer ride for standard setting. Larger wheels for this car will only lessen the quality of ride.

This is a recommended car for families and businesses.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th December, 2008

30th Sep 2010, 02:37

I agree totally with this article, but you must have a very reliable workshop to work on this car, otherwise, it can be very expensive to own this car.

I suggest using extra high quality oil for this car. For example, Voltronic 5W40 German motor oil, and the car can actually feel lighter and more responsive, as the 3.2 V6 is a small engine for this full size German sedan.

This car will not last as long as the W140, but can easily last for quarter of a million km if taken care of properly.

I also fully recommend this car!

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