Comments on 2004 Mercedes S430 ~100K miles

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After loosen the oil filter housing cap I left it on to of the filter housing to let oil dripped down into the housing, after 2-3 minutes most oil in the filter and filter cap dropped into the housing already. With the filter housing cap and filter in the grocery bag I could replace the filter and 4 o-rings without any oil on my hands.

In my E430(same for S430) there was no oil in the filter housing after the filter holder was removed.

I think the easiest and least messy oil and filter change is the E430, and since S430 has the same engine it should be the same.
 
I come across similar model with lots and lots of paint bubbling. This is giving me a pause to pursue S-class further. I would have thought a car of this stature needs to have bullet proof body integrity and it should be impossible to have rust on a ten year old premium car regardless off how previous owner had taken care of it i.e. taken through carwashes during winter or not.

If I am going to purchase something which has the capability of bankrupting me, I do not want it to disintegrate in front of my eyes. Strangely, I am now thinking if a big fast Audi should be on my radar instead of S-class. Don't they have full aluminium body which *can* NOT rust? Yes, the maintenance would be way more expensive on it compared to equivalent S-class but just might be worth it.
 
Funny you should mention this. I have seen several of the larger Mercedes of this generation with rust everywhere-the wheel wells, rockers, hood and trunk, and dripping like clown tears from in and around the windows. Made me embarrassed for Mercedes and sorry for the owners that shelled out top dollar for extravagant showroom pieces only to see them melt into puddles of rust a few years later.

Good on you for easing off the trigger.
 
I did some Googling on Audi rust and looks like those are NOT immune from it either. Even the actual aluminum panels corrode on some of the late model Audi. But the links I looked at were discussing A2, A3 and A4 aka "lowly" Audis.

I guess I will have to just go through fine tooth comb to look at any sign of rust before shelling out a chunk of money for my toy.
 
Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
Originally Posted By: Vikas
I am going to buy this vehicle :-)

Pics or it didn't happen.


+1
 
You guys knew I was kidding, I even put the smiley faces at the end in case it was not obvious.

I do like when Scotty goes on a rant. I included his video because I thought somebody might notice the MaxiDAS scanner which is now on sale at Harbor Freight :-)
 
Originally Posted By: Vikas
I did some Googling on Audi rust and looks like those are NOT immune from it either. Even the actual aluminum panels corrode on some of the late model Audi. But the links I looked at were discussing A2, A3 and A4 aka "lowly" Audis.

I guess I will have to just go through fine tooth comb to look at any sign of rust before shelling out a chunk of money for my toy.

Afaik, only the a8/s8 has alu body. R8 maybe, too.

Expensive to repair so costly to insure, but you probably would not carry full coverage on it anyway.
 
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I have a 2007 A6 quattro I believe the hood and front fenders are aluminum. For a midsize car it is pretty large. I get 25-27 mpg driving mostly hwy 65-70 mph. It has a large gas tank 21 gallons so I can go 450-500 between fillups which is great. I have 80k pn it and it is a pretty solid car. It is a DI car so carbon buildup may be an issue if short tripped. I havent had an issue. In 80k miles I have done routine maintanance except for a bluetooth module fail and a solenoid for the camshafts. You will need a vag-com to do rear breaks. ANY german car will be more maintanance than a honda toyota. The more electronic gizmos, the more trouble you will have. If that is an issue move on.
 
Originally Posted By: Vikas
I come across similar model with lots and lots of paint bubbling. This is giving me a pause to pursue S-class further. I would have thought a car of this stature needs to have bullet proof body integrity and it should be impossible to have rust on a ten year old premium car regardless off how previous owner had taken care of it i.e. taken through carwashes during winter or not.

Why not buy one in So Cal. I almost never seen any rusted 10-20 years old car here. Faded paint is more common because owners didn't wax their cars as long as tey own it.
 
That is one approach but my point was that design, material and manufacturer is the root cause of body bubbling and rusting. Either the water channels are getting clogged or worse panel overlapping is such that it allows water to be standing in crevices leading to rust. Shouldn't customer expect not having these type of issue on $100K+ vehicle?

Or may be that is the wrong way of thinking. These vehicles are supposed to be pampered and never taken out when it is raining or snowing and always kept garaged in a stable along with the Ferraris and other thoroughbreds on the side :-)
 
Having just helped sell an excellent condition E320 CDI for a family member, I believe that these cars may be more disposable than a comparable condition and year Camry. We got about 10% of what we payed for it 10 years ago. My opinion is that there is no comparison build quality wise, but most people who can afford to maintain a 10 year old Mercedes would rather have a new one. There doesn't seem to be much market for middle aged German cars - except Porsche.
 
Most high end German cars(BMW, MB, Audi) after 10 years 150k miles retain a lot less MSRP(percentage and real money) than most Japanese cars, especially Honda and Toyota.

The main reason is high cost of maintenance.
 
Yes, sensible people don't purchase 10yr/150K German cars. But if it were not for nonsenible people, we would be still living in caves :-)
 
Originally Posted By: Vikas
Yes, sensible people don't purchase 10yr/150K German cars. But if it were not for nonsenible people, we would be still living in caves :-)


I like this
 
Originally Posted By: surfstar
Be sure to start a GHT thread to document it all!


I think he already has one in this topic.
 
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