W221 S300 Advice

[Cisconet]

Hi,

I am considering to get a W221 S300 (2010) model. I am wondering if any bros could advice what i should look out for?

 

I think i would be getting from Republic Auto for peace of mind on the warranty and quality assurance. But i do understand they are not great as well. 

 

Being told of 33 points check. 

 

Looking forward to hear from all.

 

Thanks!

 

[thaiedwin]

I would usually advice to bring to a inspection center to have a 100% check. My recommandation is AA as they have the strictest check I know. Most dealers will recommand STA or VICOM. But I will usually tell the its either AA or no deal.

 

The S class have many major parts to look out for which 2 of the most major parts is 1. The suction door and the suspension system. Does the suspension feel it it is very stiff? and when u press the button that raise the car does it do the job properly ? Another thing to look for.

 

For the door , gently close the door and see if the suction works fine. The boot does have suction as well. so do look out for all these. Next check the seat adjustment for both the front seats and rear seats.

[Cisconet]

Thanks thaiedwin.

 

I tried the suction door. Well, my wife just close with 1 catch and it doesnt suck in, must push a bit hard in, not entirely in, and it suck in. Is this norm?

As for the suspension system, how to really test if its stiff? Keke.. Is the raise up very obvious? The salesperson told me it will raise up but as i am in the car, i doesn't feel anything

 

I would usually advice to bring to a inspection center to have a 100% check. My recommandation is AA as they have the strictest check I know. Most dealers will recommand STA or VICOM. But I will usually tell the its either AA or no deal.

 

The S class have many major parts to look out for which 2 of the most major parts is 1. The suction door and the suspension system. Does the suspension feel it it is very stiff? and when u press the button that raise the car does it do the job properly ? Another thing to look for.

 

For the door , gently close the door and see if the suction works fine. The boot does have suction as well. so do look out for all these. Next check the seat adjustment for both the front seats and rear seats.

[MBENZ]

Yes. As long as it sucks in it's ok. If spoilt damage is about 500 each

 

Suspension is hard to check. It normally spoilt suddenly without much warning. 

Unless you leave the car overnight without starting and go next morning to check if the suspension level has drop a lot, else, it's quite hard to check if it is leaking and spoilt.

 

Alternatively, when shutting down car, put your ear next to the suspension to hear for leaking sound (you got to have a pair of powerful ears though and in a quiet environment , I heard mine leaking that way haha ! ) 

 

Another simpler way to check is ask when is the last time it is changed. Lifespan is usually 4 to 5 years. So if it has not been changed before, get ready bro !

 

To check how fast it rise up is more of checking the air compressor. So if it rise slowly, it could mean the compressor is weak.

[Cisconet]

Thanks bro thaiedwin & j888 for your advice. Gotten my ride few days back. Found that the dust cover for one of the airmatic was broken and was told that the dust cover cannot be replaced alone, have to change the entire suspension stick, so i had gotten the salesperson to replace it. Found that he replaced it with OEM call Bliston..something. So now, one side is new other side is old. Is it ok to have such combination?

 

He told me change one is around $1600 including labor..

 

Overall quite happy with the ride, as its quiet and spacious for my kids.. Keke

[MBENZ]

bro, it's common for dust cover to be broken after about 1 to 2 years due to the heat and movement. But it won't affect the suspension performance. Suspension usually last about 3 to 4 years before replacement.

 

Yes Blisten is the OEM brand which is good enough and it's made in germany too. But $1600 is a little high cos if you buy the parts alone is less than 1K.

 

No need to change both suspension. Usually change one at a time due to cost not cheap, unless you're loaded haha. But usually when 1 spoilt, the other will spoilt in about a year's time. 

[thaiedwin]

Bliston is the OEM but it should not cost that much. Outside workshop original MB cost 2k including labour +- there but I recommend it to be done in a pair.

Well good that u have ur ride , I should clarify to put ur leg outside the car while it is rising. Let ur leg lean on the side skirt and foot on the floor outside u can feel it is rising.

The w220 and w221 biggest issue is airmatic and the door lock. Other than that is normal wear and tear

Thanks bro thaiedwin & j888 for your advice. Gotten my ride few days back. Found that the dust cover for one of the airmatic was broken and was told that the dust cover cannot be replaced alone, have to change the entire suspension stick, so i had gotten the salesperson to replace it. Found that he replaced it with OEM call Bliston..something. So now, one side is new other side is old. Is it ok to have such combination?

He told me change one is around $1600 including labor..

Overall quite happy with the ride, as its quiet and spacious for my kids.. Keke

[Cisconet]

Thanks bro for all advices. Enjoy the ride first before thinking what is next.. Haha

[TechGuy]

airmatic, 7G-tronic, ISM... and many more.