2000 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S500 5.0 liter premium gas

Summary:

Heartbroken!

Faults:

Complete electrical shutdown, car had to be towed to a mechanic. 1200 repair.

Replaced brakes 1200.00.

Intermittent gear shifting problem, car won't automatically shift into anything higher than first gear.1257.00 and counting - still not fixed.

Hydraulics on both hood and trunk both shoot.

Wood on both front door panels loose.

Faulty headlight wiring.

Key won't shut windows anymore.

Garage door feature would never sync with our garage door.

And the list goes on and on.

General Comments:

The most beautiful car ever to sit in a driveway.

I absolutely loved this car, black on black, with chrome rims, everyone comments on how beautiful it is... and it is. The interior is amazingly luxurious and comfortable, and every possible option was added. When the car was running good, it was truly a joy to own.

The problems with this car are becoming too overwhelming and I have to dump it somehow, my neighbor has a S55 and he wants to unload his as well. I'm sad because this is my third Mercedes, and I don't know if I can ever own one again after this experience. My old 560SL is much more reliable and it's 20 years old.

I'm just glad I didn't pay 90 grand for all this headache.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 19th August, 2008

10th Jan 2011, 12:28

I too have an S class the same year as yours.

When buying a used MBZ it's best to have an independent mechanic verify the car's condition. When I bought mine used, it had a lot of issues that needed to be taken care of off the bat. I believe these cars are VERY reliable, but they need to be maintained religiously or they will fail like any machine. There were some known issues like the electrical failure which was tied to the speedometer/odometer.

I've no idea about your tranny. My mechanic recommends that the fluid be changed every 60k, to 90k. The garage door opener needs to be cleared before attempting to add a new opener. To do this you must hold buttons 1 and 3 until the light on the review mirror blinks. This will clear out old codes, and then you can proceed with reprogramming it.

These are beautiful automobiles, but late model Benzs will be expensive to repair. You have to keep that in mind when purchasing. Mine is beautiful, and is a timeless design. I have no doubt that this car will last a long time with proper maintenance, which not only means routine things, but problems that arise should be dealt with when they come up. No deferring it until later or it will just become driveway or garage bling.

2000 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S430 V8

Summary:

The

General Comments:

This is my very first Mercedes Benz and I'm glad I picked the right one. The S430 accelerates very quickly (which I enjoy greatly) and the brake system is impeccable. I like the overall roominess of the car. I especially like all the stares I get when I drive it.

I am in love with it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th December, 2004

21st Mar 2007, 16:15

I'm considering purchasing a 2000 S430 with 48,000 miles. What has gone wrong with your car? I noticed you didn't put a comment on that issue.

The main thing I like about the S430 is that the styling is timeless. The integrated headlights really sets the front of the car, and with the right wheels and upgrades, it can really look good.

Please post any mechanical defects that you have come by, it would be much appreciated.

20th Mar 2010, 06:43

I am considering after research on the 1999-2003 E-class and S-class. Same engine sizes... comparably the S-Class has more room; that's about it. However I haven't found out much about the 2000 S-Class; that's the first year of the new body style. I love the new one. If any one knows anything or can suggest anything about the S-Class, email - Trav2089@yahoo.com. Just put first name and that you're from carsurvey.org

Thanks.

2000 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S430 4.3 V8

Summary:

The world's finest luxury saloon

Faults:

Door hardware rattles intermittently, and dealer can't diagnose it after trying everything including replacing latches, etc.

Some electronics (Navigation, Voice Recognition) are non-intuitive and require either a good memory or frequent review of the owner's manual.

Entry-level leather is well below expectations (I was spoiled by my old Jaguar's Connolly leather).

Phone is a proprietary Mercedes/Motorola phone that is not upgradeable, so you're stuck with the technology of the year the car was sold.

The 4.3L V8 feels somewhat underpowered given the weight of the car.

General Comments:

Has a decent growl upon accelerating and transmission is smooth as silk with no noticeable shift points.

Very smooth air suspension with multiple adjustments to stiffen the ride if you want a sportier feel on the twisties.

So much room inside you could hold a poker game. Quiet as a bank vault too.

Styling is head and shoulders above the competition, IMHO. You won't see another luxury sedan that you feel looks nicer.

Get the Sport package with 18" wheels, as the standard 16" wheels look too small relative to the size of the car.

Premium Bose stereo sounds excellent. CD changer is in the trunk, unfortunately.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 3rd June, 2003