Mercedes-Benz S-Class (1991 - 1999) S500 4d Auto (1998/R) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Summary
What does this car say about you?
It says this person must have deep pockets but they'd be wrong.
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
They think it looks fantastic mainly because it's in time warp condition. Whilst it wasn't cool when it was new it certainly is now as everything on the road is as bland as hell.
Would you buy this car again and why?
No only because I never buy the same car twice. However I'm not looking to sell this car fo quite some time as its getting rare and nudging classic status which means values will rise for the best examples. Whilst it true repairs are expensive but it's a reliable car if serviced properly and the biggest cost inflation has already gone. Fuel consumption is much less than you'd expect unless you like the sound of the V8 too much.
What are you likely to buy next?
A W221 S500L when they are a lot older.
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Didn't buy from a dealer
Did you buy this car new?
No
What price did you pay?
£1,200
When did you buy the car?
September 2011
Did you get a good deal and why?
This car was £75000 new, came with full MB service history & only 80,000 miles.
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
Had a W126 300SE a few years back always wanted to drive an S500 W140.
What was the dealer like?
N/A
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
Its a very big car from an era when engineers not accountants called the tune but It drives like pretty much as it did when new, only budget brand tyres (I can't wait to replace) let the side down with. More tyre noise than you'd get on premium brands. Silent engine lack of wind noise combined with effortless power makes it feel like your driving a car only 2 years old not 15.
What's it like to park?
Big space needed but has parking sensors & turning circle of a car half it size.
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
Front springs needed replacing for MOT a casualty of shocking UK potholed roads no doubt. Some minor trim issues so nothing really. Massive over engineering saw that reliability was built in.
What's most practical about your car?
Turning circle of a London taxi, huge boot. Excellent fuel economy given nits a 5 litre V8 weighing more that 2 tons I get 30mpg overall constantly driven within the speed limits.
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
Heated seats & infinite adjustment of seats. Fantastic V8 noise when pushed.
