Mercedes-Benz S-Class (1992-2026)
Also referred to as: Mercedes-Benz S-Class 2025 and Mercedes-Benz S-Class 2027.5 reviews
Mercedes W220 S320 ... the Best or Nothing? – I've owned many cars over the years & if you read my other reviews favor former Australian made cars like Holden. But I have a soft spot for Mercedes. I've owned a W126 420 SEL, W140 S500 and now a W220 S320. First of all good, clean examples of this model are hard to find at a 'reasonable price' without needing work. The W220 is a much maligned model where Mercedes accountants overruled the engineers, hence reliability and quality come into question.
You can read about this elsewhere in detail, on the net.
These cars ARE COMPLICATED with multiple computer systems from rain detection windscreen wipers to infrared radar distance control on later models.
There were so many options that no W220 S Class is ever the same.
There is an S280, S320, S350, S430, S500 and the ultra rare S 55 AMG.
Mine is a series one S320 V6 M112 engine, 5 speed automatic with 190 000 kms on the clock.
I picked up my car at a cheap price as the airmatic system had failed and had multiple oil leaks.
But the body was exceptional as was the interior & the air cond had been replaced (by the previous owner) at great cost.
All the work I did myself & saved thousands in labor costs alone.
My high end scan tool determined where the airmatic suspension leak was.
I replaced the rear struts & an air line from the compressor to the air block (This distributes air to all four corners of the cars suspension).
My scan tool also recalibrated the suspension which needs to be done after strut replacement.
There are some common oil leaks which are easy to fix on the V6 M112 engine if you are prepared to get your hands dirty.
The previous owner had spent so much and simply could not afford the multiple repairs that were needed. So for me, it was a bargain.
The drains on the sunroof need to be kept clean as do the drains below the wipers. There can block, leak into the interior and fry the ECM, so check the footwells and pillars for dampness.
There are excellent aftermarket parts but do your homework and OEM Mercedes parts can be hunted down at good prices.
The V6 holds just over 8 litres of oil (yes eight) and there are two spark plugs per cylinder.
That aside ... everytime I drive this car it feels special.
There airmatic ride is exceptional, even with 18 inch low profile tyres, the 1999 infotainment system is ancient but retro cool and the factory Nokia analog phone is always a treat to show people.
The seats are extremely comfortable and if you are on the larger side you will love them.
These cars even mine were $100 000 plus when new ... so remember they are luxury cars (maintenance costs can be high if you can't wrench yourself).
In all honesty, many modern Toyota's, Kia's etc have many of the options these cars had (and more), are much cheaper to run and VERY reliable ...
But that's not what the W220 S Class is about ... it's about how it makes you feel ... it really is special ...
But go into ownership with your eyes wide open ... and invest in a high end scan tool that can read/diagnose the multiple systems that these cars have. It will save you much money and will pay for itself in no time.
Purchased for $1,500.
- Transmission: Automatic
- Bought: Used
- Year: 1999
Perfect car until aged – I have two S500. One even has a fridge to store your champagne just in case you have someone to drink with. And a phone when mobile was not as popular. Everything was fine and great but when age was catching up with it, then your wallet start to see burnt mark. Airmatic suspension to start off with. It has to be replaced every so often, 30K km recently as it leaks air. Then the car rest on its wheels - no suspension. Air conditioning have difficulties surviving the Aussie heat, although blowing cool air from the seats was nice. I had both cars for a few years. I must admit they are the loveliest cars I had. If you close your eyes and sit at the back, it would be mistaken as sitting in a cruise ship! Quiet, stable and you are excused for not knowing it is cruising at 110km (could be a lot faster) on the freeway.
- Transmission: Automatic
- Bought: Used
- Year: 2003
Nothing is perfect; but it has been a perfect car for me – I was wondering, whether there is a point to review a 230k$ car (yes, twice what it costs in EU); one would expect that everything would be great. All I can say: It is! I used to drive Mercs for 20 years in DE, before I came to AU; 4WD-ing was more important at the time and I bought 4WD 3.5l Pajero... anyway... I never thought I would drive a star again, but due to commuting requirements (100km to work, one way), I had two requirements for a my car to be: 1. adaptive cruise, 2. quiet!
Would have loved to go Tesla (used over-priced), and settled for the S350 BlueEffiency. Little did I know (or believe) that the 7.8l/100km are realistic or even actually achievable. They are! I do 7.8l almost daily, but would settle for 8.0 overall (almost 1,000km in a tank).
The key technologies achieving this fuel consumption are hiding behind the tern BlueEfficiency, which means extra under body covers, alternator management (only charges battery when the car is decelerating or braking).
The adaptive cruise (radar-based, adapting to the set speed, keeping the desired distance, and automatic stop/go in peak hour traffic) make driving this thing a non-event -- as in: very relaxing, free of stress; and quiet it is! The car is highly noise-insulated, the typical closing of the door, will isolate from the surrounding noise; there is non inside.
300 plus horses and a top speed of 260km/h are simply ridiculous in AU, but its there for the daring... what is far more noteworthy, this car is about safety; best in its class, blind spot assist, lane assist, speed assist (yes reads speed signs and adjusts); pre-safe (seat belt tightening), umpteen airbags hiding everywhere. The heated / cooled seats, where I initially thought: yeah right; turned out to be used quite often; hop into a cold car (I live 200m AMSL and it gets minus temperatures in winter, in QLD), and the heated seat provides cosy comfort, slowly regulating down over 20 minutes, as it is no longer required.
The cars HVAC is very responsive... a matter of less than 2 minutes to get the car to the right temperature, be it 0 or 40 degrees C. There are heaps more features in this car making driving very pleasant and stress-free experience.
The 7-speed auto gearbox is another of these features; it shift, unnoticeable.. it adapts, yes to the driver's style of driving; shifting later when driving calmly, or early when pushing a bit more aggressive. Which car sits at 1,500 rpm at 100km/h... marvellous.
I can talk to the car; e.g. to switch or select an audio source (radio, DVD, HDD, SD, USB, change stations, go to navigation, take calls, etc. It has smartphone integration and Bluetooth. Yes, does video, but only for the passengers (as it should be) with its own headset and remote control.
Oh, I almost forgot: adaptive air-suspension. yes, adapts itself to driving style and road condition; it automatically lowers itself on highway driving... I am speechless. auto wipers, mirrors, reverse cam, park assist, etc.
I could go on... but won't ... maybe this; service interval is 12 months or 25,000km. I do 1,000km per week.
Regrets? None.
My time with this Mercedes S-class has so far taught me this: it may not be the most exciting car (buy a race car), nor will it make people look twice when you drive by (who cares?). But what can’t be denied is that the S-class is a car that will lower your heart rate and, ultimately, will make you live longer. (Has been scientifically proven, so have I with a Garmin vivoSmart).
The car works with you like a comfortable pair of shoes, and it’s for these reasons that I understand why Mercedes owners will always stay loyal to the brand.
- Body: Sedan
- Badge: S350
- Line: BlueEFFICIENCY
- Transmission: Automatic
- Date Purchased:
very realiable – I love my s class I have had it now over 10 years and has never missed a beat I do get it serviced by a good mechanic and he always keeps on top of any potential problems, I have always driven the car keeping other motorists well away from me meaning I don't slam on the brakes or accelerator and I am sure this has help look after this great car
- Body: Sedan
- Badge: S320
- Line: L
- Transmission: Automatic
Excellent – I love my mercedes. So, so much. There aren't words to describe the joy I feel when I open the door to drive it. The accelerator barely needs a tap before the energy and power of the engine thrills through the body of the car. Driving is an absolute ease and heads turn as you pass less fortunate drivers. The display is like fireworks at christmas time, and the hum of the engine is like music to your ears. I will never look back on this mercedes. It was all completely worth it. Superb design, a dream to drive it, absolute power, you'll never look back. Fuel consumption isn't great
- Body: Sedan
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It costs $300000 in Australia much more expensive than in Britain..