2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S320L 3.2L from Hong Kong

Summary:

One of the most desirable full size sedans

Faults:

Replaced A/C pump as the A/C would not work occasionally. Now it is perfect.

General Comments:

Great car to have. Very comfortable and reliable.

Air seat, sunroof, auto rear sun blind & rear side curtain are useful options for Asia or any hot areas. Other recommend options: keyless go, xenon lights, TV front & rear.

Must get the long version, which makes a big difference (although less than 6 inches) in feel and comfort, even for kids & family.

Handling is below BMW (similar model (7 Series) of the same year), but much much better than any Lexus made the same year.

The 3.2L is very economical for highway use. Even more efficient than Japanese 3.0L engines, but uses twice the fuel in city driving.

As I know the most expensive possible and common repairs are 1) electronic suspension 2) air conditioning 3) steering.

Interior plastic used and assembly are of lesser quality than previous Mercedes, but still very good. The latest S Class is much improved, but costs more!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th August, 2007

2nd May 2008, 03:24

This is a great car to buy used, but do stay away from 99 & 00, the first years models, which have so many electrical problems!

You can buy used & use it for 2 years, and can still sell at 70 to 80% of year buying price!

Make sure you get one with low mileage, and many parts do wear out after 100,000 km, and could be costly to replace.

As for the repairs & maintenance, it could cost 1/2to 2/3 less using a local garages, and Mercedes dealers can be very expensive, and not too professional (they just replace all possible problems parts without making any repairs!)

If do mostly highway driving, do get the V8 or V12, but if do mostly city driving and mix, the S320L is the best choice. The bigger engines could use 40 to 100% more gas in city driving, and only 10 to 25% more for highways than the V6s. This is the way the car is designed!

The short version should not be sold, and the long version is a must option!

Good luck for finding your next S class!

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2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 430L 4.3 V8 petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

The best car ever made

Faults:

I have only only my S Class 430L a short time so I will add any comments if problems arise, lets hope I don't have to!

Only problem so far is that the dashboard illumination on these fails, mine is booked into Mercedes for free replacement dashboard clocks, apparently there is a recent recall on these!

Some minor rust scabs on one front wing, Mercedes Uk claim a 30 year warranty on rust so will update on any developments!

General Comments:

Amazing car! I guess until you drive the Mercedes S Class you will never appreciate it!

As a used buy you can pick these up now for the price of a new, but nasty mid range Japanese saloon car!

Sweet V8 4.3 Litre engine, that in normal cruising cannot be heard, but with a ear friendly burble when pushed hard.

Economy is brilliant for its size, I got 30mpg on a long run! Does drop to well under 20mpg about town, but who cares, you will enjoy driving the s class so much!

My car has covered over 130,000 miles, but the engine is as sweet as new! Not surprising as in normal driving you barely need to exceed 2000rpm.

Its astounding the extras in these, still working everything out.

Double glazed, voice controlled sat nav, built in fridge, massage seats! I could go on!

A really pleasant car to drive, even when stuck in a traffic jam!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th January, 2007

2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S500 5.0 from North America

Summary:

Best luxury car in it's class and handles like a champ

Faults:

S500 letters are begging to peel in the back.

Sometimes the air bag light comes on when I start the car and stays on for about 45 sec, but then goes off.

General Comments:

Best Luxury car in it's class.

Performs like a sports car.

Gas mileage is OK.

Very comfortable and quiet interior.

Wonderful technology.

Dealer service is a bit expensive, but they do a great job.

Everyone must have one.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th April, 2005

31st Dec 2005, 04:16

I personally feel that most mercedes owners are satisfied people, whether they have bought it new or used. This is an inspiration that has brought an idea to my mind. I want to buy a black S class AMG sometime after at least 5 years. I don't want to lease it, but pay for it in full right on the delivery date, even before that. I am not a rich guy so 5 years will be the least time for me to save that much money. I am adding all this information because I don't want to read any comments saying strange things-this man is a cheater, if he would be that rich how come he would be asking this question on this forum, etc, etc-as I have seen.

I plan to keep the mercedes as a second car, but will take it coast to coast every year, that will be around 10,000 miles every year. I want to calculate as to for how many years will I be able to keep it at its best, well almost. Now answer the questions below keeping in mind the data provided above:

1- How long does the black showroom-shine lasts?

2- How is the reliability when travelling long distances in one-go?

3- What is the second best colour to black for S class?

4- What about theft?

Thankyou.

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