Mercedes-Benz S-Class S420 2d Auto (1997/R) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
-
Economy
Value
Prices have recently dropped, and value for money is even better, but I feel sorry for the people who bought the car new 6 years ago for 50k+ and its only worth 10-12.
Costs
Parts are expensive to buy, but find a good non MB dealer to service it and cost will be low. I get 23-27 MPG out of my S320 which is not bad for a big Giant :)
-
On the road
Driving
Fantastic car, best to buy in dark colours. The S320 is the best deal from all the other engines which does not hinder performance and economy too much. Parking is easy with the park electronic park-tronic, but would be a nightmare without this option.
Performance
Good for its barge- like size, S320 gets to 60mph in just over 8 secs. ESP comes in handy in the wet / snow.
-
Living with it
Reliability
Never broken down, but keep an eye on the S320 straight 6 models for head gasket problems, I had mine done at 76k on warranty, it would have cost me £500+ at a non MB garage, oil in the washer bottle and oil at the front of the engine.
Image
Cannot get better than this, one of the last TRUE Mercs, everyone looks at you, it's not in your face as a BMW, but an extremely elegant car made for Kings and presidents!
Comfort
Better than BMW and Audi, and touching the standards of the Rolls Royce.
-
Security and Service
Security
Double glazing come standard and will stun anyone trying to break the glass to see another one behind it. It's a solid car and with a Cat 1 factory fitted alarm as standard too. Locks go down when the car reaches 9mph, tough for car jackers :)
Service
No point talking about MB main dealer service, rip off prices, poor service and extremely arrogant, it feels as though they are jealous and can't be bothered to help. Don't like young drivers, I'm 24, very snobbish image they like for some reason, BMW are good.
-
Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
Only the head gasket problem with the S320 models, but not sure about other engines.
Other
If you want to be noticed then buy one, built like a tank and can survice most crashes, a proper Merc.
Ownership
Did you buy the car new?
Used
Would you buy the same model again?
Yes
Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?
Yes