2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S500V 5.0 gasoline

Summary:

Brilliant german craftmanship

Faults:

Crankcase sensor at 149,000 miles.

Trunk spring at 130,000.

Find a good local shop for your Mercedes; the two dealers near me are just poor in every way.

General Comments:

I really enjoy my S500; it has room for my family of five, cruises with no problems, plenty of power, does approx 20-25 mpg, and the car has been most reliable.

The paint shows some chips and dings, but still shines after a polish.

For a luxury car, it has been very inexpensive.

It's a little over 190k miles, and still running very strong.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th April, 2010

8th Apr 2010, 17:24

I am glad you like your S class. I have a S550 from 2008 or 2009 (the dealer never clarified), and it is an amazing car. Glad your like yours. I hope to get the S600 for my next car. V-12.. Fun!

16th Jan 2013, 00:09

I'd like to have a VIN number of this vehicle so I could run a service history on it. I've found it almost impossible to believe that an S500v can give you over 20 MPG...

I had one, and never got over 14 in city and 16 in combined driving.

When it comes to reliability, this car was the worst I have ever had. Would go over 1000 miles without having something broken. I'd like to mention that the head gasket and intake manifold assembly was replaced at 29330 miles! The self leveling system was a nightmare.

My neighbor has sold his S430 after 17 months. His was every month at the dealership for repair.

We got those cars the same week! Both made in Stuttgart.

At the dealer waiting room, all of us (owners of S-Class) hated our S Classes for poor reliability and poor engineering.

P.S. Only Mercedes has wires that will turn into blue powder inside of the insulation. To fix the engine wiring harness problem, it will cost you about 4200$, and after 38k they will charge you again. I have refused to pay again for it, and decided to get rid of this thing. NEVER AGAIN S-CLASS. NEVER!!!

I'll go with a Lexus LS. I have no time and will to support my regional MB dealer. No thanks.

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2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S430

Summary:

Rust bucket!

Faults:

This car is a RUST bucket. It's starting to show electrical problems (dashboard lights flickering), lamps keep burning out (at $200 per light bulb!), problems notification turning on for a day and then vanishes.

General Comments:

Drives well and handles great. I love it but will never buy a car that costs so much and in 5 years you need to throw it away because of rust!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 22nd April, 2009

24th Apr 2009, 17:40

Rust bucket???....LOL

I personally have NEVER seen a contemporary MBZ S Class in North America with the rust you mention. Or any rust as a matter of fact.

Where exactly on the car is this rust you speak of? You failed to mention where and how much exactly.

Why did you not have the car inspected before buying it? Sounds like you should be more upset with yourself than the car.

Have it repaired or sell it and get something else, but it won't be as nice unless it's another S Class BENZ!

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2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S430 8 cylinder

Summary:

Overpriced

Faults:

It is a nice car but too many problems for this type of car.

Seatbelt restraining system did not work had to replace it

The driver seat heater did not work.

The paint on the driver side and rear door and the rear passenger side door is bubbling from the inside this ca was never in a accident and is a defect from the factory, however Mercedes refuses to repair it,

I am sure this is the last MB I will ever own to may problems for the price tag.

The columb cover between the front and rear doors had to be replaced also.

General Comments:

The cost of this car is not worth the problems I have had with it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 30th September, 2008

11th May 2009, 12:55

If everything you stated were the only type of problems you were having, I'd be very happy in your position. Other people have bought high end sedans and are having to replace very major mechanical/electrical components that directly affect the safety or drivability of their vehicle. You have a solid car, be happy with it.