2002 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S320 CDI review from Netherlands
"Economical, but overpriced limousine"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
- Safety belt at the front passenger side got stuck, and had to be replaced under warranty.
- Gear lever knob got loose, also replaced under warranty.
- Steering wheel leather is chipping and coming off at only 50000 km!?!
- Already have two new sets of tires.
General comments?
The 2002 S class I have is the 2003 facelift model with the bi-xenon headlights, chrome wood line and COMAND APS.
It is a very good looking car, people really notice you while driving it.
The interior is very modern, and very functional, the lights go on automatically, as do the aero windscreen wipers.
There are many buttons on the dashboard, as for the PTS, Airmatic DC, shock absorbers etc.
The airco (ECC) is very easy to use, but I sometimes doubt the temperature is the REAL temperature I set it on.
COMAND APS is according to some people NOT user friendly, I think it is excellent once you master it. Better then BMW I drive with that silly knob in the middle. Navigation is excellent, only the discs you feed it, are very expensive.
The soundsystem is average to good, so make sure you got the BOSE installed.
There is plenty of legroom in front, and the seats are very comfortable. But for long journeys, make sure you have the massage and cooling seats.
When comparing this car to my previous Mercedes I have to say that is very, very economical. It only does 7 litres per 100km, that is about 13.7 to 14 km per liter!!!
Not only that, it is very cheap in service.
And this is a travel car. It is nothing compared to an E class, which is a car for average long trips. With the S class, you step in and drive to Italy on 1 tank, 1 way. 1000 miles a day, is nothing for this tank.
But now comes the biggest disadvantage:
- The car costs 100000 euro new. Now it is not even 2 years old, and they give me at the MB dealer only 50000 when I buy a new CLS500!?!
Depreciation is HUGE! So don't buy this car new, buy it used, best buy is 2000 or 2001 model.
If you want the best service, buy an Audi A8 or a Phaeton. If you want the best style, buy a Jaguar XJ. If you want a reliable car, buy the S class.
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| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Year of manufacture | 2002 |
| First year of ownership | 2002 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.2 6 cilinder Automatic Automatic |
| Performance marks | 9 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 8 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 9 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 7 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 4 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 0 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 54000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Mercedes-Benz E-Class |
| Date of Entry | 19th August, 2004 |