Mercedes-Benz S-Class (1999 - 2005) S500L 4d Auto (7) Owner Review

Bought this car to replace a previous S500L that I had for 14 years. The W220 Limo version is longer and heavier than the standard version but still managed to turn in a very respectable 29mpg, largely due to my driving long distances most of the time. The biggest problems that I ever had with the car were the aux belt shattering due to a pulley failure on the AC pump and the total failure of the air suspension after being front ended while stationary. Amazingly it passed its MOT every year without fail and had the lowest emissions results I have ever seen in a Mercedes. They were so low that they were checked 3 times at each testing station, and the tests were done at different stati0ns every year. The vehicle is pretty easy to self maintain, as long as you can get to a GSF or Europarts store and at very reasonable cost. It performs very well and can cater for heavy loads, although the main boot space is a bit limiting, but the back seat area is great for all the shopping excesses. The Air Suspension is a very expensive repair, so be warned, but works really well when it is in use. The Climate Control is ice cold and everything else works really well. Everything is electrical so needs to be checked and maintained regularly. It has been pretty good on tyre wear but it is recommended not to skimp on tyres and always use Goodyear F1's, or Michelin Pilot Supremacy ZX's. Visibility is very good all around and it is surprisingly very easy to park. Seats are Climate Controlled and very comfortable and suits just about every body type. The gearbox is very responsive for kick downs and overtaking. Over time, the rear wheel arches can be prone to rusting but this can be caused by a leaking rear windscreen lower rubber surround. This is an easy fix, using lovely black guttering sealant and avoiding the standard £500 for everything done at Mercedes dealerships. Finding a really good independent garage that knows Mercedes is essential unless you want to pay Mercedes prices for surviving and repairs. All round it is a superb luxury car that still hands down beats the Audi A8, and VW Phaeton, and a very solid 9/10.