2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S500 from Australia and New Zealand - Comments

Nothing.

I was really impressed with this car when I first saw it.

It's absolutely beautiful to look at, and the interior has a real awesome presence, you feel like a million bucks when you're driving this car.

I love the way the doors close for you when they are slightly ajar.

The seats are comfortable, but insist on getting the higher quality leather, not the standard stuff.

It's real peaceful driving it plus the suspension is awesome, it literally glides on air.

What was disappointing was the quality of the paint work - I felt that it was un-Mercedes like to be covered in small paint pits from stones or whatever after only having the vehicle for a very small period of time.

This is something that Mercedes has to sort out.

Apart from that I think it's one of the most beautiful cars to own.

Regarding the paint chipping.

It's a common problem with all Mercedes these days since the adoption of the new non-toxic paint. It's weak and does not withstand any form of punishment.

Porsche would be one of the very best vehicles paint & finish wise, 10 out of 10. Then BMW and VW. Mercedes has got to come in fairly low in the paint quality.

The question would be, though, would paint chipping really deter you from buying another Mercedes? The review is positively glowing; it sounds like the best car he/she has ever owned. Yet stone chipping means there's a nasty "unhappy" face in the lists. It strikes me as being a bit odd: I have a '99 E55 AMG with paint problems but it is not nearly enough for me to switch manufacturers...

But when your spending so much on a car, especially a Mercedes, you'd expect it to be spot on.

I just purchased a Star Mark S500 2000 model. We absolutely love the car, but the radio reception is terrible, especially AM. I have been getting the run around at the dealer. Has anyone else had a similar experience with the Radio?

Folks, I wanted some quick advice for anyone feeling helpful. I am not your typical Mercedes Benz owner. The only way I could get into the MB family was buying a used C class (1995 C280) back in 1999. It currently has 150K miles, but it's still running strong. So, I really respect the MB brand and want to stay with them. My dream is to save about $20K for a down payment and get the 2001 S500. I'll probably make the purchase in the spring of 2004. By then the total price for the 2001 S500 will probably be around $48K right? Here are some questions: What year will the current S class body be replaced? What are the major downfalls of the 2001 S500? Should I insist on buying from a MB dealership (pay more) and get the Star mark? Or should I buy from a private seller and get an aftermarket warranty from a good auto warranty company? I live in hot, humid Miami, FL - so I'm interested in the "air-conditioned" front seats... does that really work well? To get the larger tires and upgraded rims that read "AMG" do I need to find a sport-suspension? I'd appreciate any other hints!

I just leased an CL 500 and are having paint issues! Having 1200 miles only it has already been at the dealership for color sanding and NO I would not get another Mercedes even though this is a great driving vehicle. But, I feel the paint situation definitely needs to be taken care of immediately!

2003 SL500 colour Tansanite. The car was delivered scratched, is still scratched and MB are not interested in the slightest. I am sure they are well aware of the poor quality of the paint. How do they get away with it? Are we all stupid? The new cars unregistered in the showroom were exactly like my car, i.e. scratched!

I'm sickened after many, many new MB, but this will probably be the last unless there is a marked improvement in the paint quality and/or their attitude. Pure arrogance.

I just bought a mercedes a month ago, and like all of you I am SHOCKED at the paint really! I thought there was soemthing wrong with me being paranoid about things and have begun HATING cleaning my car COS EVERY DAY I NOTICE a new defect on the body with the paint!! all over the hood its covered in little pits as if stones have hit it and I do not drive anywhere for that to happen!! I have become paranoid to the extent that I keep looking at other people's cars in the garage or anywhere I park inspecting how their paint work is coming along and feel disappointed that I find nothing wrong!! this is so unfortunate cos I really like MERCEDES, but I cannot stand the paint problem...

What do you advise me to do? sell the car before the paint work becomes too RIDICULOUS and I won't even get a good selling price on it as a result or what?

Here's my email anyway pinkfeets@hotmail.com.

Would be good to hear from u.

I worked at a Mercedes-Benz Dealership for several months and the paint problem is something that, I think everyone is aware of. It is a recent problem, if you look back at older model Mercedes, you'll find that there is an astounding difference in the appearance of the car, because the quality of the paint is so much greater. That's something that has become a common mark of quality with German vehicles, they're paint has a luster and resists chipping, and will look new for over 10 years generally speaking.

I doubt the paint quality will change in the near future, and personally it would stop me from buying a Mercedes, that is, unless I owned a paint-shop.

I live in Toronto Canada. I currently own 2 Mercedes (a 1993 190E and a 1997 C230. I love these vehicles and I plan on purchasing a used 2000 S430 this upcoming summer. I'm keeping the W201 and the W202 for my teenage children. My family is sold on Mercedes. I must say that the S Class from 2000 on is a gorgeous piece of machinery. The fluid organic lines put the competition to shame. Afterall, when one thinks of prestige, comfort and style combined with over engineered mechanicals, Mercedes is clearly the automobile which initially comes to mind.