Fuchs up every other car experience for you. Drove my newly purchased 2004 s500 for 1st day then went on vacay in my 2014 expedition. I love this truck, it is a charm to drive. I can't wait to get back to the s500.
My 2005 S600 has way better front leg room than my 2023 Navigator, & the drive performance is neck & neck. The Navi massage feature is A-1 tho("engaging & responsive"). 🤯🤯🤯🙆🏿♂️
Very nice W220 and the fact that you got it for $1500 is amazing! I own a 2001 E430 and a 2005 E55 and I have always wanted an S class for the extra room when traveling. I have done full maintenance and fixed everything that goes wrong on both cars and I’m still amazed at the build quality of the older ones and neither one of them have any squeaks or rattles even with 100k+ miles. Great review and owner impressions. Thanks!
Great video. Great car. I own 2000 s600 Lwb and 2003 s320 swb. Had more issues with 2003 model and suffers more with rust so can't agree on your points about pre face lift. But I sense these cars are coming back to "fasion" as it seems many young guys are seeking them now (just like me and you). They do require diy skills and patience but absolutely worth it once all sorted. To all of w220 owners - buy yourself xentry diagnosis - best money you will ever spend! Good luck to you all
The star xentry computer makes working on these a breeze, I highly agree it’s a must have if you own any Mercedes. They’re cheap to buy when they have issues which makes them appealing! Very easy cars to work on as well. All the pre face lift cars I checked out suffered way more rust and other issues than the facelift ones, I had both could just be the ones I encountered. Thanks for the awesome comment!
Smart owners turn off the comfort features to move the wheel and close the mirrors so that the motors don't wear out. Those cost thousands to fix. But I'm glad to hear you're enjoying it.
Great video! Tons of useful info on maintenance and points of attention! And!!!! The way you kicked your feet on 23:21 as got in the car!!!!! Hahahaha! Love it!!!
So many people really hated the W220's styling. I loved it. I bought a brand-new 2001 S430 (90% of an S430 at 2/3 the price) in February 2001. Loved it.
Super. Lots of good info. I own a 2005 s430 with 180k . I have done most of the stuff you highlighted. I paid close attention to see if I missed any maintenance items... and I did see a few. Thanks for the thorough run down. It helps our mercedes fans hit all the important stuff!!
Yea same mate lol I’m going to sell my 2015 A250 after watching this vid & I’m going to go “backwards” I’m either looking at the 2005/6 S500 models Cheers for helping me make my mind up 😜💕
Thank you very much for the detailed and well explained video. You showcased the car impeccably and through this video, I've found a new appreciation for the w220 and more so the 2003+ (S500) models. Cheers brother.
Yea thanks for the vid bro I’m going to sell my 2015 A250 after watching this vid & I’m going to go “backwards” I’m either looking at the 2005/6 S500 models Cheers for helping me make my mind up 😜💕
i love my 2003 S500. Got it for 9,000 and only problem is the lock system is jacked up so I have to lock and unlock manually :/ but other than that and the fact that it drinks gas like water, it’s amazing
I have a 2000 S430 and the Car is in Mint Condition with No issues. I have owned many Mercedes and they are all Excellent vehicles as long as the Maintenance has been kept up.
@@jasoncastaneda1366 maintenance on the 2000 S430 was minimal. Oil changes. That Engine and Transmission is Bulletproof as long as it was serviced. Brake and rotors are inexpensive. eBay Motors
And there ain’t anything wrong with that Idc wether it’s the worst mafia boss or the best mafia boss who owns them Won’t stop me from owning the best car in the world
I love my 01' W220 S500. It came loaded with distronic cruise, and power rear seats. I looked at a few 03-06 models that were for sale locally and they were pretty ragged out and needing more repairs than the one owner 01' that I ended up buying. I am in the deep south where rust is not an issue.
The main connector that connects the transmission valve body to the cars harness, it has a rubber o ring, when it lets go it will start leaking transmission fluid through the wires and sometimes fries the TCU. It’s a $10 part, very easy to replace.
What country setting is your W220 set to? I ask because when you lock/unlock the car, the audible confirmation is different from my W211. Your beeps are longer instead of the short staccato chirps I usually hear a Mercedes make.
@@damiankikolski I'm not sure if it's a selected in the head unit or the guage cluster; but your car chirps like the first link below: ruclips.net/user/shortsML9VnZXELac?feature=share Whereas every other Mercedes (before they cheapened out and just honked the horn like any FORD product) sound like this: ruclips.net/video/KFoqX8xtOfA/видео.html
I’ve always loved this body style (especially the facelift with the projector xenons and interior updates). You get beautiful proportions, a nice road presence, and the vibe of quiet wealth. Those tail lights are among my favorites of any Mercedes-Benz as well. The way they look from the side and the triangular angle 📐 from the trunk view was copied by so many other cars around that time. I think I’m going to look for an ‘06 to put in the garage next to my ‘16 TTS. Great review, Sir 🙌❤️ -a new subscriber from the coastal area of North Carolina Semper Fi 🇺🇸
@@damiankikolski yep I'm about to buy one as a hobby car. I wonder from where can I get a diagnostic tool... I mean somthing similar like the VCDS for VW group cars.
Two years late. Trunk handle feature- Appeared on the previous W140 S Class. 1992(US market) Also with the self closing doors. And the gloves-only other car brand that I know that supplied them in that manner is....Rolls Royce of the Vickers era and prior. The steering wheel/seat adjustment on entry is very nice. First experienced it on the Jaguar XJ8. Earliest car I experienced it in was the 1996 Jaguar XJ12. But it was a near requirement for anyone that had any sort of meat on them in that car. I also have a 2005 S500. Mine came with the rear headrest option where I can raise and lower them with the button. No retracting trunk latch. I got the push button auto open and close trunk. And it's true. In my neighborhood there is indeed a 2000_2001 S-Class sitting it's belly that ain't moved in years. And even on mine, dealt with the air shocks. Easy to replace. Tad expensive but not bad. Oh one last thing you missed. Instrument cluster lights transformer can go kaputz causing flickering or complete IC darkness. Stupid expensive to replace if go to dealer. With programming. But not bad if one can find a ship in repair shop to repair the cluster.
The trunk handle folds out so you don't get your fingers dirty on the trunk. Avoiding fingerprints on the trunk was not the aim of the function ;-) Very nice vid! Greetings from Germany!
Very nice video,but I assume Damian has never owned a prefacelift model.He repeats the same untrue "knowledge"that the early cars were less reliable or good.NOT TRUE! Technically It´s basically the same car through 1999-2005(USA 2000-2006).The rust issue is true,but technically the latter ones are no different from the early ones.And if there ever really was serious issues with the early modelyears,they are most likely sorted out long time ago.So,instead of modelyear,the only thing that matters to a buyer,is how good the car really is;that is:how well it was maintenanced by previous owners.The older one in good condition is a better choice than 2003-2006 badly kept car.My car is 23 years old,and everything works fine.I´ve owned it for over five years and no issues ever. I think the W220 is a technical marvel,and still a DIY-car.Whatever you read or see in the Internet,the fact is that W220 is a true Mercedes,a good quality car no matter what modelyear. Some other errors:Fibre optic cable is just the one that goes from the Command unit to the amplifier(in the trunk).Otherwise,there´s just common wires to the speakers. Gearbox selection for "S"means stantard..but who cares :) In my 1999 S320 you can raise and pop up the headrests,it´s not an AMG thing,but an option like the self closing doors. Damian is absolutely right about airsuspension,it´s not a complicated system and can be dealt with yourself if problem occurs...if you are willing to study it.These cars are not the best choice for those who don´t do the maintenance and repairs themselves. I also agree,the facelift cupholder is a joke.In earlier models it´s fine.
This video is very appreciative! I want one so bad. So quick question. I'm looking at a s430 and s500 with the AMG package does it still have the same capabilities
@@desmondwallace9850 dont be, Ive seen 55K engines that havent seen stellar maintenance running strong after hundreds of thousands of miles. When I was little, my family owned an e55, and although it was thoroughly maintained, it never had problems, even after 120000 miles. The ABC and SBC are the only things you should take a good look at before you buy one.
Is it that much for a tune and intake? I had my W221 S550 tuned for $800. That includes 4 tunes + stock (5 tunes total) on a handheld tuner I can plug in and switch the tunes in a minute. If I just wanted it flash tuned for 1 tune it would have been $400. It even passed emissions test with the 91 Octane performance tune with exhaust burble (I have removed 2nd cats, added x-pipe, and removed resonators and mufflers).
I have a W221 S550 with AMG sport package but I'm wanting to add a W220 S430/S500 w/ the AMG sport package to my driveway as well. I do prefer the power open and close of the trunk on the W221 but the W220 has the same trunk handle retraction system as the W140 where it debuted. I noticed when you take off you bump it to shift to 2nd but it's already automatically shifting from 1-2 even in manual mode and most times your single upshift bump is telling it to limit itself to 3rd gear. I just put them in D and let the trans shift itself unless you want to drop to 3rd or 2nd to pass. someone without having to floor the car all the way. 100 mph in a 45... be careful man that's go to jail speeds. I agree with you that after driving an S-Class if you get into a Hyundai, or a Kia, or a Toyota you will see what piece of shit they are. They rattle, squeak, clunk, and have plastic everywhere. They sound like tin cans when you shut the doors.
Friend told me :"Dont get the ABC unless you got spare money .And I mean thousands" And WATH FOR WATER near or in The SAM MODULE A cost money to reproram repair.
I had a W215 CL500. Basically the S-Class coupé with ABC suspension. So pretty much the same car and it was unbelievable to own but fuck me £4k maintenance in 1 years ownership. 🤦♂️
@@damiankikolski Yes at least in the w220 and the cars before that. When MB was still more of a conservative brand. Might have changed it on later models, dont know.
Fuchs up every other car experience for you.
Drove my newly purchased 2004 s500 for 1st day then went on vacay in my 2014 expedition.
I love this truck, it is a charm to drive.
I can't wait to get back to the s500.
I had the same experience, no other car impresses you after haha
My 2005 S600 has way better front leg room than my 2023 Navigator, & the drive performance is neck & neck.
The Navi massage feature is A-1 tho("engaging & responsive"). 🤯🤯🤯🙆🏿♂️
Very nice W220 and the fact that you got it for $1500 is amazing! I own a 2001 E430 and a 2005 E55 and I have always wanted an S class for the extra room when traveling. I have done full maintenance and fixed everything that goes wrong on both cars and I’m still amazed at the build quality of the older ones and neither one of them have any squeaks or rattles even with 100k+ miles. Great review and owner impressions. Thanks!
$1500 is just nuts for such good condition. Either car market there is completely bonkers or dude got incredibely lucky.
I got the 2005 w220 s320 CDI, can't wait to get back on the road, just need to fix the alternator. and one injector.
Great video. Great car. I own 2000 s600 Lwb and 2003 s320 swb. Had more issues with 2003 model and suffers more with rust so can't agree on your points about pre face lift. But I sense these cars are coming back to "fasion" as it seems many young guys are seeking them now (just like me and you). They do require diy skills and patience but absolutely worth it once all sorted. To all of w220 owners - buy yourself xentry diagnosis - best money you will ever spend! Good luck to you all
The star xentry computer makes working on these a breeze, I highly agree it’s a must have if you own any Mercedes. They’re cheap to buy when they have issues which makes them appealing! Very easy cars to work on as well. All the pre face lift cars I checked out suffered way more rust and other issues than the facelift ones, I had both could just be the ones I encountered. Thanks for the awesome comment!
Best intro ever!
Such a beautiful car!
Smart owners turn off the comfort features to move the wheel and close the mirrors so that the motors don't wear out. Those cost thousands to fix. But I'm glad to hear you're enjoying it.
Use it or lose it
Besides what’s the point having the features and not using them. That’s like they are not working in the first place..
I use every available feauture in my S500 4matic.
smart people knows that using id daily makes it live longer . not using it makes it jam in place
Definitely that’s what you bought for “awesome “
... One of the best reviews of an s500
Means a lot!! Thank you!
Great video! Tons of useful info on maintenance and points of attention! And!!!! The way you kicked your feet on 23:21 as got in the car!!!!! Hahahaha! Love it!!!
So many people really hated the W220's styling. I loved it. I bought a brand-new 2001 S430 (90% of an S430 at 2/3 the price) in February 2001. Loved it.
Super. Lots of good info. I own a 2005 s430 with 180k . I have done most of the stuff you highlighted. I paid close attention to see if I missed any maintenance items... and I did see a few. Thanks for the thorough run down. It helps our mercedes fans hit all the important stuff!!
Hard to find one here in the UK but that hasn’t stopped me looking for one. In the meantime I just watch your superb video over and over again 😅
Yea same mate lol
I’m going to sell my 2015 A250 after watching this vid & I’m going to go “backwards” I’m either looking at the 2005/6 S500 models
Cheers for helping me make my mind up 😜💕
Dope video, man. Thoroughly informative and entertaining.
Thank you very much for the detailed and well explained video. You showcased the car impeccably and through this video, I've found a new appreciation for the w220 and more so the 2003+ (S500) models. Cheers brother.
Comments like this make me want to make more videos! Glad you enjoyed brother
Yea thanks for the vid bro
I’m going to sell my 2015 A250 after watching this vid & I’m going to go “backwards” I’m either looking at the 2005/6 S500 models
Cheers for helping me make my mind up 😜💕
i love my 2003 S500. Got it for 9,000 and only problem is the lock system is jacked up so I have to lock and unlock manually :/ but other than that and the fact that it drinks gas like water, it’s amazing
PSE pump most likely failed or needs a reset
@damiankikolski no, if it works manually then it has something to do with the key fob.
I have a 2000 S430 and the Car is in Mint Condition with No issues. I have owned many Mercedes and they are all Excellent vehicles as long as the Maintenance has been kept up.
I fully agree
how much do you spend on maintenance a year
@@jasoncastaneda1366 maintenance on the 2000 S430 was minimal. Oil changes. That Engine and Transmission is Bulletproof as long as it was serviced. Brake and rotors are inexpensive. eBay Motors
Idc if it’s the worst S Class ever or the best S Class ever, any Mercedes S Class is mafia transporter.
Completely agree
And there ain’t anything wrong with that
Idc wether it’s the worst mafia boss or the best mafia boss who owns them
Won’t stop me from owning the best car in the world
My 1997 S500 already had that trunk latch too
Yes! They introduced them on the W140
Dear, i really love the way you talk about Mercedes S class, it really is a DREAM Car.
Continue to make such interesting videos for us ... Thank you
I love my 01' W220 S500. It came loaded with distronic cruise, and power rear seats. I looked at a few 03-06 models that were for sale locally and they were pretty ragged out and needing more repairs than the one owner 01' that I ended up buying. I am in the deep south where rust is not an issue.
Whats the transmission plug oil issue? Can you explain more
The main connector that connects the transmission valve body to the cars harness, it has a rubber o ring, when it lets go it will start leaking transmission fluid through the wires and sometimes fries the TCU. It’s a $10 part, very easy to replace.
What country setting is your W220 set to? I ask because when you lock/unlock the car, the audible confirmation is different from my W211. Your beeps are longer instead of the short staccato chirps I usually hear a Mercedes make.
Set to USA, you’re talking about inside the command unit right? This one does make a different noise than my previous W220’s
@@damiankikolski I'm not sure if it's a selected in the head unit or the guage cluster; but your car chirps like the first link below:
ruclips.net/user/shortsML9VnZXELac?feature=share
Whereas every other Mercedes (before they cheapened out and just honked the horn like any FORD product) sound like this:
ruclips.net/video/KFoqX8xtOfA/видео.html
I’ve always loved this body style (especially the facelift with the projector xenons and interior updates).
You get beautiful proportions, a nice road presence, and the vibe of quiet wealth. Those tail lights are among my favorites of any Mercedes-Benz as well. The way they look from the side and the triangular angle 📐 from the trunk view was copied by so many other cars around that time.
I think I’m going to look for an ‘06 to put in the garage next to my ‘16 TTS.
Great review, Sir 🙌❤️
-a new subscriber from the coastal area of North Carolina
Semper Fi 🇺🇸
How are these s500 model compared to the w221? Which is more reliable and will keep going?
Nice, detailed, quality review!
Subscribe if you learned anything new, thank you for watching!
@@damiankikolski yep I'm about to buy one as a hobby car. I wonder from where can I get a diagnostic tool... I mean somthing similar like the VCDS for VW group cars.
Oh my gosh, this car is amazing
Mercedes is the best brand!
Two years late.
Trunk handle feature- Appeared on the previous W140 S Class. 1992(US market)
Also with the self closing doors.
And the gloves-only other car brand that I know that supplied them in that manner is....Rolls Royce of the Vickers era and prior.
The steering wheel/seat adjustment on entry is very nice.
First experienced it on the Jaguar XJ8. Earliest car I experienced it in was the 1996 Jaguar XJ12. But it was a near requirement for anyone that had any sort of meat on them in that car.
I also have a 2005 S500. Mine came with the rear headrest option where I can raise and lower them with the button. No retracting trunk latch. I got the push button auto open and close trunk.
And it's true. In my neighborhood there is indeed a 2000_2001 S-Class sitting it's belly that ain't moved in years.
And even on mine, dealt with the air shocks. Easy to replace. Tad expensive but not bad.
Oh one last thing you missed. Instrument cluster lights transformer can go kaputz causing flickering or complete IC darkness. Stupid expensive to replace if go to dealer. With programming. But not bad if one can find a ship in repair shop to repair the cluster.
the best i got 2006 s500 did lots of mods 15k in maintenances 195k miles feels like 9500 miles. for me its the best 2003 2005 and 2006 r the best.
Nothing compares to an S class!
What is that square under the front light and how do we use it?
It washes the lights when you wash the windshield
Awesome video! Thanks a lot.
You are welcome!
Have it, love it
There’s nothing quite like an S class!
The trunk handle folds out so you don't get your fingers dirty on the trunk. Avoiding fingerprints on the trunk was not the aim of the function ;-)
Very nice vid! Greetings from Germany!
Great 👍 point. I thought the same. It also comes in handy when the car is covered in ice/snow.
Greetings from USA 🇺🇸
Picked up one for 3500 and only 116000 miles. 2006 S430V proud owner!! But any tips for the air pump for the doors and locks
Very nice video,but I assume Damian has never owned a prefacelift model.He repeats the same untrue "knowledge"that the early cars were less reliable or good.NOT TRUE!
Technically It´s basically the same car through 1999-2005(USA 2000-2006).The rust issue is true,but technically the latter ones are no different from the early ones.And if there ever really was serious issues with the early modelyears,they are most likely sorted out long time ago.So,instead of modelyear,the only thing that matters to a buyer,is how good the car really is;that is:how well it was maintenanced by previous owners.The older one in good condition is a better choice than 2003-2006 badly kept car.My car is 23 years old,and everything works fine.I´ve owned it for over five years and no issues ever.
I think the W220 is a technical marvel,and still a DIY-car.Whatever you read or see in the Internet,the fact is that W220 is a true Mercedes,a good quality car no matter what modelyear.
Some other errors:Fibre optic cable is just the one that goes from the Command unit to the amplifier(in the trunk).Otherwise,there´s just common wires to the speakers.
Gearbox selection for "S"means stantard..but who cares :)
In my 1999 S320 you can raise and pop up the headrests,it´s not an AMG thing,but an option like the self closing doors.
Damian is absolutely right about airsuspension,it´s not a complicated system and can be dealt with yourself if problem occurs...if you are willing to study it.These cars are not the best choice for those who don´t do the maintenance and repairs themselves.
I also agree,the facelift cupholder is a joke.In earlier models it´s fine.
I had a few pre-facelift cars, and maybe just the ones I bought weren’t good. Thanks for watching and the comment!
Are the 55 and 600 abc, or do they have airmatic available?
ABC only
What happened to your Kompressors?
Sold them, but I’m sure I’ll buy another one soon!
And actually it's only fiber to the amp. The speakers aren't fiber.
sucked the doors in? you mean soft close doors?
Hahaha love this video. That boot handle thing....I've got that on my 1992 400SEL W140. Weird though coz on my 2001 S430 doesnt....
i have the opinion to buy a 05 s500 for 1500 181,000 miles well maintained should i go for it?
Yes. Got mine for $1500 too this year.
Yes
Would this be a good reliable daily driver
As long the the maintenance is up to date, yes.
Of course
This video is very appreciative! I want one so bad. So quick question. I'm looking at a s430 and s500 with the AMG package does it still have the same capabilities
Glad you enjoyed! As long as it’s a face lift, they are very similar cars otherwise. I’d get the 500 or 55!
I'm scared of the maintenance on a 55
@@desmondwallace9850 Engines and transmissions on the 55’s are super solid, only the ABC suspension is something to be cautious of!
@@desmondwallace9850 dont be, Ive seen 55K engines that havent seen stellar maintenance running strong after hundreds of thousands of miles. When I was little, my family owned an e55, and although it was thoroughly maintained, it never had problems, even after 120000 miles. The ABC and SBC are the only things you should take a good look at before you buy one.
beautiful car. no cup holders?
Yes. It’s in the second compartment on the armrest
ABC is great if you keep it in good order - driving it regularly and changing the oil - then no worries.
despite our problems with the 220 and the 215 they are still worth it...
100%
I own a 2002 s500 with converted to shocks. Biggest issue I have with the platform is the cost of mods $2750 for intake and tune 😢
Is it that much for a tune and intake? I had my W221 S550 tuned for $800. That includes 4 tunes + stock (5 tunes total) on a handheld tuner I can plug in and switch the tunes in a minute. If I just wanted it flash tuned for 1 tune it would have been $400. It even passed emissions test with the 91 Octane performance tune with exhaust burble (I have removed 2nd cats, added x-pipe, and removed resonators and mufflers).
@@Long-nd8bq from what company??
Interesting things that a go pro always catches rattles and squeaking, but you only can hear leather seat squeak
I have a W221 S550 with AMG sport package but I'm wanting to add a W220 S430/S500 w/ the AMG sport package to my driveway as well. I do prefer the power open and close of the trunk on the W221 but the W220 has the same trunk handle retraction system as the W140 where it debuted.
I noticed when you take off you bump it to shift to 2nd but it's already automatically shifting from 1-2 even in manual mode and most times your single upshift bump is telling it to limit itself to 3rd gear. I just put them in D and let the trans shift itself unless you want to drop to 3rd or 2nd to pass. someone without having to floor the car all the way. 100 mph in a 45... be careful man that's go to jail speeds.
I agree with you that after driving an S-Class if you get into a Hyundai, or a Kia, or a Toyota you will see what piece of shit they are. They rattle, squeak, clunk, and have plastic everywhere. They sound like tin cans when you shut the doors.
Friend told me :"Dont get the ABC unless you got spare money .And I mean thousands"
And WATH FOR WATER near or in The SAM MODULE A cost money to reproram repair.
Wow I just bought a 06 s500 amg
Congrats!
It is because of vakuum/air the locks are so quiet.. it isnt electricity
Yes, that’s what I meant
@@damiankikolski Nice vid btw🙌🏼
How the hell yall find those for so cheap??? Here in Croatia they are all listed for 10k+.
I’ve owned 2. My first was a s430 I got for 5000. I now have a s500 I got for 3500
Great radical change, very risky, after so much square bodywork, for my taste, it was a success. beautiful w220
I had a W215 CL500. Basically the S-Class coupé with ABC suspension.
So pretty much the same car and it was unbelievable to own but fuck me £4k maintenance in 1 years ownership. 🤦♂️
100mph on local road??? 🙂 I think your speedometer needs to be calibrated.
C/S is Comfort and Standard ..... S is no SPORT , only Standard :))
my 2006 w220 has the same bs fiber optic system 😭🤣and with the air shock woke up one morning car was on the ground
Normal W220 ownership 🤣🤣
S/C means Standard/Comfort. Not Sport.
Good to know, thanks!
@@damiankikolski Yes at least in the w220 and the cars before that. When MB was still more of a conservative brand.
Might have changed it on later models, dont know.
I dont like the w220. But the w221 is sooo nice
Your car is the same color as my 2006 S55. I also do not have ABC. I searched for this because I do not like ABC.
@31:50....Is what you would call German engineering.
No distronic man.
nice yeezy's brah