1996 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S280 2.8 petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

I want to drive nothing else!

Faults:

Nothing. The car was bought used from a specialist classic dealer. Pristine condition for age and mileage. Every service record dating back to 1996.

General Comments:

Big. Powerful. Classy. Expensive. And I love it.

S-Class needs no introduction if you are reading this. Solid built "over engineered" Mercedes from a time when they were at their peak in my opinion.

Silver exterior. Real presence on the road. Wheels look too small by today's standards, but the car otherwise blends in with other modern executive/luxury cars just fine.

Inside the car is near perfect. Comfort levels are as good as it gets. Soo many features for its time. Don't let anyone fool you about the windows however - yes they are thicker than on most cars for noise suppression, but they are not "bullet proof", not on civilian models anyway.

So this is the least powerful engine, but the 2.8 with the automatic still feels powerful, the car never struggles in any situation, if not blistering fast. Economy is anything between 20 - 30 mpg on a good day and perfect conditions. Less if you drive fast.

So yeah, it's a dream come true for me. I am older now with a bit of money, buying these cars that I grew up looking at in the 1990's gives me a good feeling I cannot explain. I remember looking at them and thinking they were so expensive I'd never afford one. Well all these years later it is finally a dream realised. Marginally better in regards to quality compared to my old BMW 7 series. Though that was slightly better to drive. But the Benz is more about opulence. The BMW was more sporty.

Never let your heart rule your head however if you are thinking of buying one - pick a cared for car and take a mechanic with you to check it over. Use strictly as a second car for occasional use. Do your homework and have plenty of spare cash for service and repair. But one thing I promise you is if you do all this correctly, you will enjoy every moment with this car!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th March, 2024

11th Mar 2024, 21:51

Do keep us posted on your car. Very pleased you got a car you've always wanted. Your S-Class is one of those cars build during the era when Mercedes was at the cusp of combining "over-engineered" (parts that feel like they were hewn from granite) and "over-complicated" (where they put in a lot of things which were not necessary, not always totally dependable, nor easy to repair - regardless of cost).

But yours certainly still had that Mercedes magic which anyone familiar with their cars pre-1995 would understand. Their current cars have none of the Rolex-like qualities that made their name, not in proper, dependable engineering, and these days not even in aesthetics nor ergonomics. They've long lost their way, and their cars have now become merely expensive without being peerlessly good.

For the modern version of what the true essence of Mercedes used to be, the baton has been passed on to Lexus. First of all, well-built; second, very dependable. Pity they just never had the aesthetic appeal inside or out; Mercedes was blessed by having Paul Bracq and Bruno Sacco, who fully understood detail and proportion.

13th Mar 2024, 12:27

Thanks for the kind comment. I'll try and remember to update the review, but the car is getting used as a second car. I won't be doing much more than around 4000 miles per year at the most, so hopefully nothing expensive goes wrong. There isn't much more to say about the S-Class that isn't already out there on the Internet.

Mind you, I do like this website, I have written quite a few reviews of most cars I have had over the years, it's a nice site that is too quiet these days, but I rather like the reviews on here than on other review sites, there is much good information and reviews to be found here, certainly for older cars. Take care :)

1996 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S280 petrol from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Big, comfortable... a real head turner around town.

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong for myself or the previous NZ owner of this car. It has an impeccable service history both from Singe and NZ.

Bought this car after much deliberation. Being ex-Singapore I had been warned that the electrics may have issues due to the humidity. Had this checked out and so far everything is in good working condition.

General Comments:

Having driven far smaller and quicker cars in the past, driving this "tank" has been a new experience. It takes a whole different style of driving to really appreciate its ride and handling. Slow and unhurried comes to mind... but put pedal to metal and it just takes off...

So spacious, beautiful leather seats with the most amazing controls. Recently sat in a friend's C200K and the seat adjustments were nowhere near as accommodating as the S280s.

I bought a 10-year-old car for $NZ8500 which has all the features of a current new car that could have set me back maybe $NZ30-$NZ40,000 ... and it's ruby red!! Some what more character than silver or black,

It's a huge jump from my previous car (which my daughter has inherited) which was a 1300cc 95 Ford Laser.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 31st July, 2007

1st Aug 2007, 23:55

Found out it is actually manufactured in 1997, and first registered in Singapore mid 1998.

Also must admit that two things have gone wrong... a blown park lamp that cost $2 to replace and the rear air blower positioned between the front seats doesn't shut all the way off... lol real big deals!

Love the Parktronic as we have a small garage and she only just fits. Also was told I would need to spend over $NZ100,000 to buy a new car with all the features the S280 has, not $30-$40,000 as stated above...

Will add more comments when and if anything changes...