Test drive Mercedes Benz S-class w220 2002-2005 sedan
How much superiority costs
You won't be good for everyone The predecessor of the 220th famous W140 loved for his phenomenal smoothness and sound insulation and scolded for a heavy, gigantic appearance. The car looked too defiant. Even in rich countries, the possession of the 140th was perceived by the manifestation of Kich. It is not surprising that in democratic Europe, he rapidly gave up a position to the seven BMW and Audi-A8.
According to the creators, the new S-class was to turn the situation, becoming much more sophisticated and technically perfect. The car decreased slightly in size, dropped almost 300 kg of weight, gained a stylish, noble design, and in technical terms became a model of the achievements of the world automotive industry at that time. It found an active remote radar, electronic control, built -in massage and ventilation of seats, advanced safety systems and many other innovations.
In Europe, a new S-class was accepted with a bang, and among our buyers there were many those who, after meeting with the 220, decided to save their 140th. It was not to be used to the new Russians, but in terms of smoothness, noise insulation and, most importantly, the expanse in the Salon W220 was somewhat inferior to his predecessor. It’s cramped, the solid S-class owners complained. In fact, both in terms of smoothness, and in noise insulation, and in terms of salon of the 220th fully complies with the requirements for luxury vehicles. Just the second 140 (and for the same money), most likely, will no longer be. Therefore, gentlemen, no matter what you say, W140 has become a story. And if you want to buy a fresh S-class, you will have to consider only the 220th.
Automat: Until the beginning of 1999, problems are possible
On the 220th, a 5-speed automatic box of the so-called sixth series is installed. It works very gently, although it differs in traditional Mercedes thoughtfulness. Initially, machines of the sixth series were declared as inconvenient. But over time, the mechanics came to the conclusion that the level and condition of the oil should be checked at each and change when signs of burning appear. But if you make it a rule to update the oil in forced order in 60, it will not be worse.
Since the spring of 1999, the box of the sixth series has become quite reliable. True, after 100,000 km, the front and rear oil seals can flow, but these are trifles. Much larger troubles are very likely to expect owners of car cars, when unsuccessful shaft bearings were used in the box. Between 50,000 and 100,000 km, they break down, and the first thing is one of the electronic boards. At the same time, the box rises into emergency mode without switching above the II program. Therefore, if the Automatic Comrade malfunction alarm is light up by car of the 1999 model year, get ready not only for the replacement of the board, but also for the bulkhead of the box. Moreover, the sooner you seek help, the less the cost of repairs will be.
How much is
Replacing the rear oil seal $ 75 Front $ 300 replacement electronic fee $ 200 repair of the box $ 1600-2700
The motor was measured The modern S-class debuted in the autumn of 1998 in versions S280, S320, S430 and S500. A year later, the gamma was replenished with the top modification of the S600 and the diesel S320CDI. In 2000, the S400CDI diesel appeared. The digital index traditionally indicates the volume of the engine in cubic centimeters without one zero. For a Mercedes, the numbers on the nameplate speaks primarily about the level of prestige.
The most popular market in the market S320. This is reasonable, because for the almost three centners of the 220th capabilities of the 224-horsepower V6, it became quite enough.
But the 204-horsepower six, installed on the S280, is somewhat rather weak.
If you think that a luxury car must have a solid V8 (which is also fair), look for either S430 (279 pp), or S500 (306 p.).
Well, the one who waved to the 12-cylinder 367-horsepower S600 does not need advice. He knows why he pays money.
It makes no sense to talk about diesels. Sessions equipped with them in Russia, and it is unlikely that their number will significantly increase.
Another important point when buying the 220th level of equipment. We are used to the fact that in the S-class there is everything that you can imagine. However, only Russians buy such machines. For a car brought from Europe, it is absolutely not necessary to have a remote radar, door-maker, memory of settings and ventilation of the seats, the rear remote control of the climate control and many other options. And the S280 and S320 can flaunt even a fabric salon.
In addition, the sedans of the S-class differ in the size of the wheelbase. There is a standard and extended 120 mm version L. Our compatriots try to buy Elka, considering it more prestigious. In fact, an elongated base is a sign of personnel, the owner of which travels behind. Therefore, if you are going to drive yourself and do not want to look like a hired driver, it is better to find a car with a standard base.
Oil canister in the trunk
All gasoline engines of the 220th have an eternal, not requiring attention of the chain timing drive. But they are traditionally demanding on the quality and timing of oil and coolant. However, the active driver in the motor is unlikely to once grow old, since it will constantly be replenished with fresh portions.
The fact is that even a completely working 220th engine in high-speed modes can eat up to one liter per 1000 km. It is this number that is indicated in the instructions. Therefore, if you like to whistle along a suburban highway with a breeze, the oil canister should constantly lie in the trunk.
But even with moderate driving, it is advisable to control the oil level at least weekly, since dying candles may be the real reason for increasing its consumption. They are platinum, cost $ 11 and set two pieces for each cylinder. If the candles were 90,000 km, the need to replace them would not look wasteful. Alas, on our gasoline candles are enough for 10,00030,000 km. And when they are suitable, oil appetite wakes up at the engine.
However, saving on candles should not categorically. Handing, they disable catalysts, which can be two or four. Ceramic fragments of catalysts can fall into the cylinders. I think there is no need to talk about the consequences. When the catalysts still die (sooner or later it happens), changing all two or four will be very expensive. Therefore, if you are able to negotiate with your conscience for ecology, the front catalysts can be replaced with flame arrears, and the rear resonators. It will cost incomparably cheaper.
In addition to suppositories, the unstable engine operation can be caused by failure of the candle tips, which are enough for an average of three years, as well as injection nozzles. The service life of the latter can be unpredictable and can remain working after 100,000 km, and may flow after 40,000.
In addition, on all engines, during each, it is necessary to check the condition of the crankshaft pulley, the rubber damper of which begins to be relaxed after 50,000 km. The pulley must be changed. And at the same time, the mechanic will control the front crankshaft oil seal, which after 100,000 km can flow.
Another age disease of all engines is a gradual failure of the air flow meter after three to four years. In this case, fuel consumption increases, the motor does not pull and starts poorly.
Now, in particular. The V12 engine has problems with the reliability of the ignition coils, which are collected in two modules for one for each head of the block. That is, if one coil flew, you need to change all six. And the module is not only roads, it is also shortage. On the same engine, a cunning generator is installed in a water -cooled water shirt. It happens that antifreeze gets inside, and then at best repairs, and in the worst replacement.
How much is
Replacing candles v6/v8/v12 $ 180/225/360 V6/v8/v12 $ 396/528/60 Redding catalysts (2pcs/4 pcs) $ 350/500 replacement of the nozzle (1pcs) $ 150 replacement of the skill of crankshaft $ 120-200 replacement Crankshaft oil seal $ 55-100 replacing the ignition module V12 $ 1200 generator V12 $ 2000
The battery must be charged!
The 220th to the limit is cramped with electrical equipment and electronics. However, while he had much less electric sores than could be assumed. In order for the on -board network to work without failures, the main thing is to prevent a strong discharge of the battery. Otherwise, the weakened signal in numerous electronic blocks can be arch in a completely unpredictable way. For example, the starter is barely spinning, and the windows cease to work from this.
Most problems with electrical equipment are characterized by early releases until mid -1999. They may suddenly disconnect the radiator fan or extinguish the backlight of the dashboard. In the same period, the sensor of intra -tiring temperature suffered refusals (climatic begins to cool out or to smell the salon) and the control unit installed under the hood (it was filled with water).
By the 2000 model year, all these problems were resolved, and today the statistics of failures are shown only by the windows control unit and the seats settings. Unfortunately, it is poorly protected from moisture.
How much is
Replacement of a radiator fan $ 715 Device panel replacement $ 1035 Temperature sensor $ 650 replacement of an automatic transmission control unit $ 750 $ 40
Carious eirmatic For all versions of the 220th (except S600), the basic suspension of Eirmatic with electronic control is installed in the basic version. Instead of springs and shock absorbers, it uses pneumatic racks that change their rigidity depending on the speed, quality of the road, the driver’s driving, as well as on one of the selected programs of comfortable or sports.
When the suspension is working, the 220th behaves perfectly on the road. But until the 2000 model year, pneumatics did not differ reliability. Pneumatic resistance, compressor and valve line failed. But if the construction of the racks was changed and they have become durable, then the last two positions often fly today especially in winter.
Among the hardware, the weakest place in the chassis of the 220th is the lower front ball supports. There are sometimes not enough standard for six months. However, the mechanics found a decision to establish reinforced supports from armored modification. They are incomparably more durable.
In second place in terms of replacement frequency (30,000,45,000 km) the lower levers and silent blocks of the lower levers behind. Moreover, in the early machines, when replacing the front transverse levers, they can go to the scrap still quite efficient (and expensive!) Pneumatic resistance, which simply took up to the levers and are not unscrewed. Other details of the pendants are very hardy. As can be seen from the table, many of them withstand more than 150,000 km even along our roads.
The brakes are reliable. The discs are guaranteed to withstand three sets of pads, and calipers almost never wedge from dirt and salt. But the risk group includes large and expensive details of the pumping steering wheel and steering rack. The pump on any mileage can walk, and the rail is leaked. But if the first has to be changed, then the rail is successfully repaired.
The six hundred chassis has the same, only in its suspension, instead of pneumatic racks, spring-hydraulic ones are installed, included in the system of active control of the body level (for surcharge is also offered for other versions). This system is even more intense than the Eirmatic, fights the rolls in corners and clicks during accelerations. There is no more or less accurate statistics on the life of the racks of the Body assets, since there are few such machines. But, according to mechanics, hydraulics are much more reliable than pneumatics of early releases.
Buy? The scatter of prices for the 220th, as well as for all Mercedes, is very large. But if you are interested in the three -year -olds brought from Europe, not broken and not rolled, the situation after increasing customs duties looks like this:
S320: $ 54,00058 000 S430: $ 57 00064 000 S500: $ 63,00068 000 S600: $ 74,00079,000
For a potential S-class buyer, such numbers should not be a revelation. The only question is that the 220th is quite expensive in content. Lark amounts for spare parts and repair will have to be left not in the company, but in an independent technical center with moderate prices. And with the age of the car, they will only increase.
In principle, there is nothing surprising here. Lux class models (and not only Mercedes) around the world are called cars of the same owner. In the secondary market, few people need them just because of the high cost of content.
Therefore, compare your ambitions and capabilities again. For the same money, you can buy a new German business class sedan, on which it will also not be shameful to go out. But its content will cost much cheaper. A used S-class is addressed to those who really need a luxury car and who is consciously ready to go to high operating costs. The calculation should be something like this: no repairs will raise the cost of a three-year-old 220th to the cost of a new one, and in terms of prestige, this will be the same S-class. Then the purchase will be justified.
A source: Magazine "Limousine" [10/03]
