need help from european car gurus!!!!

[Accord_tunerx]

a friend found a 2001 mercedes benz s430 for a fairly cheap price say under 13000g with 92100kms on it. how realiable is the engine from a MB? or should he stay away from it...any answer would help thanks!

[ZorroAMG]

That engine is really strong and was used in the CLK, the E, ML and the S for a number of years... Good power, snappy response. The 01 looks rather dated now if you don't do the '03 headlight and tail light conversion (HID's etc)

There are issues with the airmatic suspension (3k hit, check that work has been done there) gauge cluster (make sure the 92000 is true kms) and some rust issues along the side skirts/lower door cladding edge...


I like the car and prefer the S430's short wheelbase over the S500, so yeah...

[Accord_tunerx]

okay well he likes teh car...whats wrong with the airmatic thing? does it wear out? whats the difference? between the 03 and 01 head light and tail light?

[VWbloke]

If it's anything like my father's old E500, the air bladder seals conk out and the car drops to the ground... every 6 months.

I'd remind your friend that although the car is only $13K, it still requires maintenance and parts commensurate to a $100K+ car.

Personally, I'd pass on it. But that's just me.