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Mercedes-Benz S500
With its pretty peanut-shaped headlamps and sleek, soft curves the Mercedes
S-class of 1998 was a radical departure from the heavy-set, granite-jawed
previous model. Customers showed their approval with dealers initially
quoting an 18-month waiting list.
Since then Mercedes-Benz has been careful to protect the car’s desirability,
introducing a diesel derivative, revising specifications and quietly
reducing prices on some models by as much as £11,000 to ensure that sales
would not stall.
Four years on, and with a wide choice of used examples, what should you look
for in a used S-class? First choice is the engine, and the biggest seller
from new is the S320 CDI diesel. With 197bhp and genuine 30mpg-plus economy,
it makes a powerful case, although this desirability keeps prices high.
The S280 and S320 petrol versions come with V6 engines that are smooth but
lacking in power, so they can be frustrating when you need to overtake. Go
larger and you have a pair of V8 engines — the S430 and S500. Mercedes-Benz
sells very few of the smaller V8 so you’ll probably be looking at the 306bhp
S500.
One drive of the S500 ensures you forget the car’s size: it reaches 62mph in
just 6sec and only stops pulling when it hits the top speed of 155mph. The
reluctance of many buyers to purchase cars with large, thirsty petrol
engines means you can pick one up for the same money as the S320 CDI diesel.
Topping the S-class range is the 6 litre V12 S600. At a price just shy of
£90,000 when new, only a handful find homes every month, and used prices can
vary enormously.
Equipment and standard spec also vary significantly on all models and that is
further complicated by Mercedes-Benz’s habit of removing equipment such as
the electrically adjustable rear seat to coincide with reductions in the
car’s price. In March 1999 the S500, for example, gained Nappa leather seats
as standard, but in September that year they became a £1,200 option.
Unscrupulous sellers may try to claim a car has lots of optional extras when
in fact they were standard when new, so check the original sales invoice to
confirm.
Essential equipment on all models is leather upholstery, metallic paint,
electrically adjusted front seats, and on cars with larger engines,
satellite navigation and voice command.
The S-class air suspension system was a revelation when launched, endowing the
car with crisp handling and refined comfort. Despite their relative lack of
power the V6 cars offer the sharpest handling, thanks to the relative
lightness of their motors.
Early criticism of the car’s minor switchgear and build quality was more
perceived than real, and a look at high-mileage used cars will prove how
robust they are. The large, well-lit dials are among the nicest around, and
after familiarisation the switchgear layout works well.
Interior space is good and you can specify a long-wheelbase version on many
models. But as with all prestige cars, service history and condition are
important as repairs and refurbishment can cost dear.
On the forecourt
VITAL STATISTICS
Model: Mercedes-Benz S500
Engine: V8, 4966cc
Power: 306bhp
Transmission: Five-speed automatic
Fuel: 23.7mpg (combined)
Acceleration: 0 to 62mph: 6sec
Top speed: 155mph
Keys: Check you have all the originals as replacements are
expensive; new cars came with up to four keys.
Warranty: Three years on all new cars.
Colours affect value: Avoid non-metallic colours even if they
appear to be really cheap.
Imports: High desirability led to many grey imports. Check
with Mercedes-Benz to confirm the car's build date.
Kerbed alloys: Can cost hundreds to replace, but can be
refurbished for about £70 a wheel by specialists.
Upholstery: Leather on driver's seat prone to wear and can
look tired on high-mileage cars.
Service history: A full history is essential. Be wary of lost
or replaced service books.
Electrics: Check that everything works as repairs can be
expensive.
Options: Standard specifications often changed, so look at
sales invoice to confirm what was standard and what was extra.
THE ONE TO BUY
Mercedes-Benz S500 2000 V-reg with 30,000 miles and full Mercedes-Benz
service history. Pay £30,000 at a dealer or £28,000 privately.
OR FOR SIMILAR MONEY...
2002 52-reg BMW 740i
2002 52-reg Jaguar XJR
2002 52-reg Audi A8 4.2 quattro
2001 51-reg Range Rover 4.6 Vogue
2000 X-reg Lexus LS 4.3
VALUES: Mercedes-Benz S500
Long-wheelbase car worth about £750 more than standard car. Source:
estimates based on confidential CAP black book prices. 'Trade' is what a
dealer would pay to buy your car; 'retail' is what you would pay a dealer.