Ask the Car People.SM


Mercedes-Benz S-Class

2088 messages,  Last post on Jun 28, 2011 at 9:52 AM

You are in the Mercedes Benz S-Class Sedan Forum.

What is this discussion about? Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Car Leasing, Sedan

Messages Page 166 of 210

#1644 of 2088 Free Maintenance by ejerod

Oct 14, 2004 (12:18 pm)

I own a 2002 S500v, this is my second S class, my first was a 2001 S500, with all the toys. Both have been nothing but headaches. I'm a business man and I've sold cars in the past. Anytime a manufacturer takes back something like free maintenance it's because the dealers are complaining about lost revenue. Especially when it comes to a car like Mercedes where a simple oil change can run 90 dollars. The manufacturer has dealers sign an agreement to provide free maintenance at a reduced rate that the factory reimburses the dealer. For dealers who have been around for years this is a huge hit in their revenue streams, especially with companies like Lexus being around that build better quality cars at a reduced price. I paid 85k for my 2001, then traded it because of the problems( with the so called MB trade in assistance) and paid well over 100k for the second car that I still posses. Compare that to any other luxury car manufacturer other than the super lux like Bentley etc. Its all economics at the end of the day. No customer in his right mind that can afford a 80+k automobile, is going to complain about maintenance costs for that vehicle. Its more than understood that the cost of ownership is significantly more than say a Maxima, which is also a very nice car. The service department makes up nearly 60% or more of a dealerships revenues, so I can guarantee you that it wasn't some retired judge or doctor crying the blues about a 500.00 brake job that had MB take back the free maintenance. It was a wealthy dealer, crying the blues because his private coach and yacht money is a bit tighter with only 7% markup in MSRP and free maintenance... lol

#1645 of 2088 THe discount by ejerod

Oct 14, 2004 (12:26 pm)

If your dealer is giving discounts thats the first I've heard of it. If you are seriousl considering a new MB, ask the dealer if they can rent you office space at the dealership, because you will be there in the service department more than he will. 9k off is a tremendous deal. I love the car when it works. I just cannot afford to have to go the dealership 3 times in 1.5 months for the same problems. My only problem now is what do I buy now ? I just cannot for the life of me drive an LS430. My dad has Lexus. That car was built for the older crowd. When I'm 65 nearing retirement and I want to feel like I'm floating across the road maybe. MB makes perhaps the most beautiful high profile sedan available, I just wish they would make sure it was as reliable as they were in the past

#1646 of 2088 S500 by pathdoc

Oct 14, 2004 (2:56 pm)

I made the deal for the 2004 S500 for $9000 off the list. I drove the car and was sold. It is much sportier than the 99. I am hoping that they have made progress each year on the quality issues.
 
I drove the LS430 and although it is improved over the earlier models I found it lacking when compared to the Mercedes or Jag XJR which I also considered. I am a car enthusiast and belong to a number of car clubs including both MB and Jag. and this also influenced my decision.
 
My next decision is whether to have an antenna installed on the trunk for Sirius radio which can be integrated into the Command system. I am going to look at it tomorrow. Any experience with this issue?
 
Thanks

#1647 of 2088 Quality brake pads for an 2000 S430 by nanostream

Oct 16, 2004 (2:38 pm)

I need a recommendation for a quality brand of brake pads to put on my 2000 S430. I've been told by a service person at Mercedes that the Mercedes pads are terrible and don't last. He recommended Textron??. Apparently it's much cheaper to buy these new on Ebay and bring them to a Mercedes dealership for installation. I've already checked with the dealer and they say no problem to non-Mercedes pad installation. Any experience or recommendation with this type of brake pads?
 
Thanks,
nano

#1648 of 2088 Re: 2005 S430 Question [mbzlvr] by 3screwsloose

Oct 16, 2004 (7:38 pm)

Replying to: mbzlvr (Sep 11, 2004 7:45 pm)
The earlier models (MY '00 & up) came with a small hinged cover attached to the inside of the glovebox door. You could put pens and coins in there. Like they say, "specifications are subject to change without notice." That's not to say the S55, S500, S600's dont still come with it.
I would put 29 psi front, 32 psi rear - COLD. There is a sticker inside the fuel filler flap.

#1649 of 2088 Re: Quality brake pads for an 2000 S430 [nanostream] by 3screwsloose

Oct 16, 2004 (7:47 pm)

Replying to: nanostream (Oct 16, 2004 2:38 pm)
I recommend the M-B pads. They last quite a while if you treat them nice. The more highway driving you do the better for them. If you treat them hard expect 15-20K mi. or less. If not, maybe 25K mi. Rotors go about 40K mi. If the rear pads wear out before the fronts, you may have a lead foot. It's a 2-ton car. Make sure they apply brake paste to the edges of the pads when installing them. The copper-colored paste/grease from the M-B parts department works great. I think it's European Locktite vendor. This ain't no economy car!!!

#1650 of 2088 Re: Free Maintenance Service Gone [mbzlvr] by 3screwsloose

Oct 16, 2004 (7:56 pm)

Replying to: mbzlvr (Sep 11, 2004 7:47 pm)
No more FREE maintenance after MY '04. Costs too much. Times are hard for manufacturers. Profits, profits, profits! And Losses too! The oil changes are the most often performed maintenance services. They go +10K mi. Spark plugs go 5 yrs/100K mi. That doesn't leave much besides engine air filters, cabin air filters, and wiper blades. Belts, brake pads, tires are "wear items", and are not part of the old deal.

#1651 of 2088 Re: S500 [pathdoc] by 3screwsloose

Oct 16, 2004 (8:02 pm)

Replying to: pathdoc (Oct 14, 2004 2:56 pm)
M-B offers a kit for satellite radio integration with COMAND. It works.

#1652 of 2088 Re: 2005 S500 [boxcar] by 3screwsloose

Oct 16, 2004 (8:14 pm)

Replying to: boxcar (Jul 18, 2004 5:11 pm)
If you don't care about comfort, the AMG wheels/tires are for you. They help the handling, but when it comes time to replace the tires - typically 15K mi. - you may loose your breath when they tell you how much. We call them Formula 1 tires - they cost like it.
The fans blow air on you butt. Nice in hot weather, but they can break and rattle, causing replacement of the whole seat cushion pad. BIG bucks.
The ABC however, is GREAT!!! It really works. Why didn't somebody think of this before???

#1653 of 2088 Re: Rear Seats [carmaven18] by 3screwsloose

Oct 16, 2004 (8:22 pm)

Replying to: carmaven18 (Jul 25, 2004 6:08 pm)
The OPTIONAL power REAR seat cushion moves fore and aft. The backrest pivots to maintain a comfortable angle. You don't really notice a loss of legroom. We are talking about a S-class - long wheelbase. Plenty of interior room. Worth is relative. LONG trips would maybe make it worth it. You already got leather. How about seat heaters? How about orthopedic seats? How much 'ya got?

Messages Page 166 of 210

To POST a message, please Sign In.

Advertisement

Browse by Category

Browse by Vehicle
   View All Vehicles

Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
View All Topics

Edmunds Community

Advertisement