The difference between a old luxury car and a new luxury car is not in the material use, because I can assure you that they will both use the same premium leather and wood finishes. The difference is in the technology in the car. Luxury gizmo´s of today are not as much the wooden trim or size of the engine, but ultra HD screens in the back and the latest Bose audio system and those things get outdated really fast.
Mine 15 years old 600 w220 is better car than a all new 2015 6cylinder Sclass !!!! And i prefer an old W140 longwhelebase or coupé..WITH A V12 VS a new more affordable little engine new Sclass.....oldies "600" are swaggies cars
+Schnitzel Stephan Your right Quality does not change over. Cows skins do not get more "fancier" with every passing generation of luxury cars. It's basically the technology and performance. HOWEVER!! It's because of all those electronics and fancy gadgets that the cars depreciate very fast because those gadgets get outdated fast and the rich always want the best of right now, not yesterday. Also those gadgets will probably fail and cost you a bit of money to fix, that also adds to the depreciation.
Thank You, L. Ron! For those of us who have been driving "S" Class Mercedes-Benz (both gas and diesel cars) for a long time, take care of them and you will limit your expenses. Failure to properly/timely maintain ANY car will cause many issues. These Mercedes "S" automobiles are 'the best' made for the price; buy one that's been maintained, and enjoy comfort, driving pleasure, and safety second to none.
The value is so low because of depreciation and its notorious awful reliability. Electronics fail on the W220, it has vacuum leaks, its air suspension had problems, and the transmissions were not as reliable as they should have been. However, if you find one with low miles, history and list of services, and find one that appears to have been well taken care of and not abused on a daily basis, it's a steal.
Buy a facelifted model, 2003 or newer. Most issues were resolved. Change the airmatic and smog pump relays under the hood. They can stick closed and cause the pumps to run continuously and burn out. Ask me how I know.
S320 CDi is best...47.9mpg on a run even at 70mph no problem. My 2001 runs like new. I paid 3k bargain! 90k. Miles when I bought it. Now 135k still drives amazing. Just bought a 2010 s350L awesome...
I used to own a 2007 S550 and I own a 2000 S500 now. I can tell you by personal experience that this video is true! If you want the S Class ride quality, you’re better off getting a W220 (2000-2006). If you want the quality + gadgets get the W221 (2007-2013).
A friend of mine bought an S500 for £5,500, all was great & everything worked, except that one day his sublime air suspension broke and cost him alsmot £2,000 to repair. It's the price you pay....
Yes they were. Airbags, ABS, Traction Control, ESP, Brake Assist, Pre-tensioning seat belts all developed in the S class before any other car. Mercedes also introduced the 7G tronic automatic transmission way back in 2003 and they produced the most powerful NATURALLY aspirated V8. The M156 engine. Mercedes invented the first petrol car. Please..in the future I advise you to never to insult a Mercedes..because you'll always come off second best. It is and will always be the best.
Arlind86 when i was young man...i had w140 (coupé)... ..if i found a very beautiful model..but IN LONG SEDAN (same v12engine) I buy it... i love only 15/25years car...w221 . Two uncles own and i use it.. very great car. Its true. But my w220 hav no problem. And no excess fuel consomation... it do good job in good comfort
Arlind86 or..another w140 il perfect contition...or two! For w221price i can buy a Saloon sel600 and coupé sec600 ..and a very good engine upgrade for this second....
Arlind86 its very Sad to have rust in a modern full size luxury german car.....(on mine had just a little rust point in down of rear left door. A car in tempered park box..but its treated now before my all new black epoxy paint)....bu its incredible.and creasy this rust...for exemple..my"all days car" a 2000 model peugeot 607 v6 3.0 ..16 years on street with rain,snow.etc etc... have no rust paint look 5 years max...but its original 16years paint...!!!!.leather smell good like a new car ! .. my A8 is better...all aluminium... lol
@Mercedes600SEL I test drove a W211 E320 and found the V6 to be very smooth and refined although the car weighs a bit too much for that engine to really be potent. I do think however a V8 option would be the better way to go if you plan on buying a Benz that's bigger than the C class..
A While Back I Was Going To Buy A W220 Mercedes-Benz Preferably A Black On Black Or Silver On Black One With AMG Sport Appearance Package Only But The W221 Is Affordable Now So I'm Going To Buy That One In The Future I Still Might Buy A 2005-06 W220 Depending On How Clean It Is Just To Have In The Stable Because I Still Desire That Body Style
actually ill have to agree with tib. ur e class is way cheaper to maintain.. our family bought a 2002 s430 brand new and it costs more than yours to maintain. e class and s class are diff all together. first couple years are fine, but as you need to get things replaced or things wear out... its gonna take quite a bit.
A-list celebrity. LMAO 99.9% of the population has never heard of him. He should have been blindfolded for the duration of the entire tests. What a waste of time watching this. But point taken with regard to the value of the W220, and even now, 8 years after this video was posted, they are practically free. I've seen them for as little as $3k.
Awful? It's hardly awful, in fact, it's wonderful. They ride very similarly, and AirMatic is a lot less expensive to repair than ABC. I went out and bought one after watching this video. It has the perfect ride, IMO, and beautiful road feel. So quiet too. I'm impressed.
That guy should now better than anybody else that its not about how much the car cost,but the after purchase maintenance,insurance cost,and so on "little" things :) Otherwise everyone would drive 7 series,XJ,S-klasse and top flagmans ..
@KonigNick uh dude your history is way off.....airbags came around in the 1970s and 1980s, and believe it or not, America was at the fore front of that with GM testing them as early as the late 1960s.
that's so full of shit, i mean OBVIOUSLY when he's seen the two interiors he's gonna know which is the new one. hello? he should've been blindfolded the entire test.
Driving my 2007 S350 is like sipping a fine wine. But after 6 months ownership have had a huge bill for repairs to suspension. May sell it, but driving anything else is a step back to mediocrity. So expensive to run (26mpg locally, 32mpg motorways). This car is driving me mad! Will put off decision until September.
Never, never buy a Merc like that for £6k - you are asking for huge running bills, huge maintenance bills and huge repair bills. I would definitely "pity the fool".
I was thinking of getting a 2000 version but after seeing these comments from 5 - 6 years ago saying don't do it I don't think I will. Haha Maybe Alfa Romeo 159 instead. Also, of course he can tell the new one easily. Probably just from the smell alone.
Nickdong, you better check your facts. Mercedes rolled out the safety features you are referring to on the E class (300E - air bags, 4 channel anti lock brakes), not the S-Class. 5th Gear should have pointed out that there is a reason Most 2000-2005 S-Classes sell for well under US$10K, and usually for under US$8,000. The smart money drives pre-1992 Benz's.
That's a matter of opinion but the sales of the Merc compared to BMW speaks for itself. Mercedes has always been higher quality than BMW. The earlier Mercedes were the best cars ever made. The W140, 123, 124 etc couldn't bee touched by BMW or anybody else. AMG vs M series LOL AMG KILLS
I choose Mercedes for their safety I choose Mercedes for their comfort I choose Mercedes for their comfort I choose Mercedes for their durability Mercedes Benz the seal of evocation .. the sky is the limit
OK what is up with europe? on top gear they do challenges like buy a super car for under 1000 pounds, drive for 600 mile on one gas tank. they get cars that we can never see in America even GM does better in Europe with its opel/Vauxhall car brand. the engine options for diesel and smaller liter size isn't even available for the s clas in America. OMG and they have the German autobahn
Yeah I test drove a 99 LS400 and it just lacked feel to it. Smoothness, quietness and power isn't an issue in that car but heck if it just had a tad more road feel I'd buy one. They're just too boring.
have you ever driven in a high quality lexus? it rides as smooth and quiet as a merc s class, if not better, but i have to agree that the inside is higher quality in the mercedes.
you're right, the LFA is damned overpriced and the procurement process is a joke.. but you've got to admit its a fantastic car that exhibits driving characteristics the rest of the Lexus line doesn't.. absolute sensory overload with its exhaust and other things.. and about the torque, the early Gallardo's only had 370.. the E60 M5 only had 380-ish, these engines are made for their top end. but the rest of the Lexus line... is nothing to write home about
U@Oregon696969 Ummm, I'm not sure if "nickdong" is some lame Oz slang, but first you replied to the wrong guy, and YOU got your facts wrong. Look up airbag on Wikipedia and you will see that S class was the first production car with airbags. No ifs, ands, or buts.
I'm sorry but if you get that old merc you will be spending more than it costs on maintenance within the year. It's not for nothing that there's a saying "the best car is a new one".
@Oregon696969 There is. You'll barely find a good one. They're all lemons. Even a brand new one will have problems (my grandma's S55 AMG). In terms of reliably, Mercedes has got their act together, and the W221 is much better. Also, it's Mercedes. Their value drops like no other. You'll find a used 2008 S65 AMG for $90,000.
Like Jerremy Clarckson says "rubish" U can get a BMW 7 series E65 for that amount of money and BMW is 100 times better and better looking as well, just look at the dash board in the merc its like from the 80's, BMW still looks awesome, even today BMW turns heads ! ! !
+Robert Sandifer you are just a BMW fan and you hate on Merc because you are a fan boy of BMW...When you get a rine in a BMW or a Mercedes then you can talk...
Ajde yt kriminalcu ne seri vise. rekao sam ti sta sam imao. Sve sto si ti jeadan i bedan i sve sto mozes da uradis je da uzmes da mi prozivas majku a uzivo bi cutao, tako da idu u teretanu leci komplekse i cuti.
I am a BMW 3-series owner and I've driven Lexus IS models and they are totally sub-par to 3er and even Audi A4/A5 (plus they look boring). I have not driven GS or other higher end Lexuses but the fact that they look so damn dull and ugly, they are out of the question for me when buying premium cars. Some say Lexus is reliable, well I'm not going to argue with that but I am totally satisfied how my bimmer has served me for years without anything other than regular maintenance.
They should compare the W221 S600 with a W220 S600, not with the S280.
Anyone notice the Pagode SL at 2:46?
The difference between a old luxury car and a new luxury car is not in the material use, because I can assure you that they will both use the same premium leather and wood finishes. The difference is in the technology in the car. Luxury gizmo´s of today are not as much the wooden trim or size of the engine, but ultra HD screens in the back and the latest Bose audio system and those things get outdated really fast.
Mine 15 years old 600 w220 is better car than a all new 2015 6cylinder Sclass !!!! And i prefer an old W140 longwhelebase or coupé..WITH A V12 VS a new more affordable little engine new Sclass.....oldies "600" are swaggies cars
+Schnitzel Stephan Your right Quality does not change over. Cows skins do not get more "fancier" with every passing generation of luxury cars. It's basically the technology and performance. HOWEVER!! It's because of all those electronics and fancy gadgets that the cars depreciate very fast because those gadgets get outdated fast and the rich always want the best of right now, not yesterday. Also those gadgets will probably fail and cost you a bit of money to fix, that also adds to the depreciation.
Thank You, L. Ron! For those of us who have been driving "S" Class Mercedes-Benz (both gas and diesel cars) for a long time, take care of them and you will limit your expenses. Failure to properly/timely maintain ANY car will cause many issues. These Mercedes "S" automobiles are 'the best' made for the price; buy one that's been maintained, and enjoy comfort, driving pleasure, and safety second to none.
The value is so low because of depreciation and its notorious awful reliability. Electronics fail on the W220, it has vacuum leaks, its air suspension had problems, and the transmissions were not as reliable as they should have been. However, if you find one with low miles, history and list of services, and find one that appears to have been well taken care of and not abused on a daily basis, it's a steal.
agree
Buy a facelifted model, 2003 or newer. Most issues were resolved. Change the airmatic and smog pump relays under the hood. They can stick closed and cause the pumps to run continuously and burn out. Ask me how I know.
i love videos where you talk about how to buy used cars. I have also seen the one with the boxster. please make more videos like this. we need them!!!
S320 CDi is best...47.9mpg on a run even at 70mph no problem. My 2001 runs like new. I paid 3k bargain! 90k. Miles when I bought it. Now 135k still drives amazing. Just bought a 2010 s350L awesome...
I wasn't gonna notice it till you told me to.
I used to own a 2007 S550 and I own a 2000 S500 now. I can tell you by personal experience that this video is true!
If you want the S Class ride quality, you’re better off getting a W220 (2000-2006).
If you want the quality + gadgets get the W221 (2007-2013).
Which one better ?
in germany we use to tease bmw drivers by saying bmw means "bei mercedes weggeworfen" -> "thrown away at mercedes". i think that says it all :)
A friend of mine bought an S500 for £5,500, all was great & everything worked, except that one day his sublime air suspension broke and cost him alsmot £2,000 to repair. It's the price you pay....
The S320 actually has better fuel economy than the S280.
The old one had rear massage as an option too
nice SL at 2:48
Yes they were. Airbags, ABS, Traction Control, ESP, Brake Assist, Pre-tensioning seat belts all developed in the S class before any other car. Mercedes also introduced the 7G tronic automatic transmission way back in 2003 and they produced the most powerful NATURALLY aspirated V8. The M156 engine. Mercedes invented the first petrol car. Please..in the future I advise you to never to insult a Mercedes..because you'll always come off second best. It is and will always be the best.
WOOOW did you see that old SL at 2:48.... cool
Anyone know the name of the tune at the begining of this vid?
I own it a 2000 model (600 long wheelbase) ...its the best car on the world
the w140 s600 was the best car and real mercedes saloon they ever built. the w220 was just a rust bucket. sell it and get a w221 at least
Arlind86 when i was young man...i had w140 (coupé)... ..if i found a very beautiful model..but IN LONG SEDAN (same v12engine) I buy it... i love only 15/25years car...w221 . Two uncles own and i use it.. very great car. Its true. But my w220 hav no problem. And no excess fuel consomation... it do good job in good comfort
Arlind86 or..another w140 il perfect contition...or two! For w221price i can buy a Saloon sel600 and coupé sec600 ..and a very good engine upgrade for this second....
Arlind86 its very Sad to have rust in a modern full size luxury german car.....(on mine had just a little rust point in down of rear left door. A car in tempered park box..but its treated now before my all new black epoxy paint)....bu its incredible.and creasy this rust...for exemple..my"all days car" a 2000 model peugeot 607 v6 3.0 ..16 years on street with rain,snow.etc etc... have no rust paint look 5 years max...but its original 16years paint...!!!!.leather smell good like a new car ! .. my A8 is better...all aluminium... lol
@Mercedes600SEL I test drove a W211 E320 and found the V6 to be very smooth and refined although the car weighs a bit too much for that engine to really be potent. I do think however a V8 option would be the better way to go if you plan on buying a Benz that's bigger than the C class..
A While Back I Was Going To Buy A W220 Mercedes-Benz Preferably A Black On Black Or Silver On Black One With AMG Sport Appearance Package Only But The W221 Is Affordable Now So I'm Going To Buy That One In The Future I Still Might Buy A 2005-06 W220 Depending On How Clean It Is Just To Have In The Stable Because I Still Desire That Body Style
2:45
THAT Mercedes..
actually ill have to agree with tib. ur e class is way cheaper to maintain.. our family bought a 2002 s430 brand new and it costs more than yours to maintain. e class and s class are diff all together. first couple years are fine, but as you need to get things replaced or things wear out... its gonna take quite a bit.
That is a genius thought :)
Anything will be dull compared to a V12 mercedes.
Anyone see the pagoda top drive by?
This is more for the person who can't quite afford a new S Class, but could afford more than a hatchback.
A-list celebrity. LMAO 99.9% of the population has never heard of him. He should have been blindfolded for the duration of the entire tests. What a waste of time watching this. But point taken with regard to the value of the W220, and even now, 8 years after this video was posted, they are practically free. I've seen them for as little as $3k.
It has awful airmatic-system. The W221 has much better.
Awful? It's hardly awful, in fact, it's wonderful. They ride very similarly, and AirMatic is a lot less expensive to repair than ABC. I went out and bought one after watching this video. It has the perfect ride, IMO, and beautiful road feel. So quiet too. I'm impressed.
That's my thoughts exactly.
Notice the Mercedes W113 SL that passes by at 2:48
A List?
anyone know the tune at the begining?! anyone at all? :(
That guy should now better than anybody else that its not about how much the car cost,but the after purchase maintenance,insurance cost,and so on "little" things :) Otherwise everyone would drive 7 series,XJ,S-klasse and top flagmans ..
@KonigNick uh dude your history is way off.....airbags came around in the 1970s and 1980s, and believe it or not, America was at the fore front of that with GM testing them as early as the late 1960s.
that's so full of shit, i mean OBVIOUSLY when he's seen the two interiors he's gonna know which is the new one. hello? he should've been blindfolded the entire test.
Driving my 2007 S350 is like sipping a fine wine. But after 6 months ownership have had a huge bill for repairs to suspension. May sell it, but driving anything else is a step back to mediocrity. So expensive to run (26mpg locally, 32mpg motorways). This car is driving me mad! Will put off decision until September.
You should have bought a 2009+. They are better cars.
What did you decide to do?
Never, never buy a Merc like that for £6k - you are asking for huge running bills, huge maintenance bills and huge repair bills. I would definitely "pity the fool".
Buy a Lexus LS. You won't be sorry, and you won't be bankrupt, either.
An old one might be cheap to buy but the tax and fuel won't be.
i would have thought the s320 cdi would be more economical than the S280
@halflifemasta Why?
Man I love Europe's used car Market! At least here in America the gas is only 4 Dollars a Gallon! :D
Yep my moms car had a gauge recall
I was thinking of getting a 2000 version but after seeing these comments from 5 - 6 years ago saying don't do it I don't think I will. Haha Maybe Alfa Romeo 159 instead. Also, of course he can tell the new one easily. Probably just from the smell alone.
The lexus ls430 is better then this in my opinion, but the newer lexus'es cant compete with the new mercs
Everything lexus Makes Is TRASH
Sure its 6000 but when the ABC and other crucial parts of the car break you might as well throw the car away.
Why compare a V6 with a V12?
W220s in the US are often rusty, along with W202 and W210 models.
It's a 30 year RUST warranty.
wowowow 6000p? OMG
Not a good comparison, the w220 have massaging and heated too but he didn't use that one but good show
Nickdong, you better check your facts. Mercedes rolled out the safety features you are referring to on the E class (300E - air bags, 4 channel anti lock brakes), not the S-Class.
5th Gear should have pointed out that there is a reason Most 2000-2005 S-Classes sell for well under US$10K, and usually for under US$8,000.
The smart money drives pre-1992 Benz's.
i would buy both of them...
In this World are 2 types of cars....Mercedes-Benz and others
That's a matter of opinion but the sales of the Merc compared to BMW speaks for itself. Mercedes has always been higher quality than BMW. The earlier Mercedes were the best cars ever made. The W140, 123, 124 etc couldn't bee touched by BMW or anybody else.
AMG vs M series LOL AMG KILLS
So....why were you worried about?!
I choose Mercedes for their safety
I choose Mercedes for their comfort
I choose Mercedes for their comfort
I choose Mercedes for their durability
Mercedes Benz the seal of evocation .. the sky is the limit
you didn't say 'reliability', for obvious reasons.
Thats lexus motto benz cant have all can it?
Kamadev888 lolol
Oh Nee,
ein 280. Wie niedlich!!
which will still cost way way less than the brand new S600 plus its running costs.
@melpy9 ?
well than you get unlucky, We had 2 mercedes and never had a problem, and running over 300K.
Deb Ree!
@iluvanimalporn 190 SL
mercedes do offer a 30 year warranty on bodywork
I am 16 and I own one of these
W221 best s class
OK what is up with europe?
on top gear they do challenges like buy a super car for under 1000 pounds, drive for 600 mile on one gas tank. they get cars that we can never see in America even GM does better in Europe with its opel/Vauxhall car brand. the engine options for diesel and smaller liter size isn't even available for the s clas in America.
OMG and they have the German autobahn
Yeah I test drove a 99 LS400 and it just lacked feel to it. Smoothness, quietness and power isn't an issue in that car but heck if it just had a tad more road feel I'd buy one. They're just too boring.
Everything toyota and lexus Makes Is Always Going To Be UGLY Bland Boring GARBAGE
Mercedes is higher quality
have you ever driven in a high quality lexus? it rides as smooth and quiet as a merc s class, if not better, but i have to agree that the inside is higher quality in the mercedes.
GTFOH lexus is a piece of SHIT toyota TRASH
The newest S class has an even better interior.
W140 is the great mercedes ever, not the W220
W140 look old and boring
a list my ass
its his problem ours is solid watch my latest video for proof
Mercedes S Class is the best!
Much prettier than the S-class, right?
Obviously the new one is better simply because is new.
It is now from 2000 pounds.
the only good cheap one are the early 90's models
Meh, I think I like the W220 better anyweigh.
that means you don`t have enough money to own an S-Klasse....
"The Face" sounds a little bitter...
you're right, the LFA is damned overpriced and the procurement process is a joke.. but you've got to admit its a fantastic car that exhibits driving characteristics the rest of the Lexus line doesn't.. absolute sensory overload with its exhaust and other things.. and about the torque, the early Gallardo's only had 370.. the E60 M5 only had 380-ish, these engines are made for their top end. but the rest of the Lexus line... is nothing to write home about
Anything lexus Makes Is Awful GARBAGE
Many European political figures still drive W126 W140 W220 S-Classes' etc.
The W221 is clearly superior to the W220. Would be more interesting to compare a W140 600 with ADS suspension vs. an S600 with ABC.
Yes yes yes 2.8 liter the waekest shit on earth. S500 S600 and 6.5l are the best choices
buahahhaha!
Sorry, but no Mercedes has ever been offered with a 30 year warranty. More like 30 month.
W220 е най-чупливата С класа
U@Oregon696969 Ummm, I'm not sure if "nickdong" is some lame Oz slang, but first you replied to the wrong guy, and YOU got your facts wrong. Look up airbag on Wikipedia and you will see that S class was the first production car with airbags. No ifs, ands, or buts.
designo s500 massages u
mercedes is the most reliable car ever!
@G0Far bmw drops faster then any other car
rule of thumb- dont buy w220
the old s-class is ugly-BUT the new one is sexy!
Maybe there is a REASON they sell cheap?
I'm sorry but if you get that old merc you will be spending more than it costs on maintenance within the year. It's not for nothing that there's a saying "the best car is a new one".
Stupid logic. If you can afford a new S-Class, you can certainly afford an old one and some repairs.
@Oregon696969 There is. You'll barely find a good one. They're all lemons. Even a brand new one will have problems (my grandma's S55 AMG). In terms of reliably, Mercedes has got their act together, and the W221 is much better. Also, it's Mercedes. Their value drops like no other. You'll find a used 2008 S65 AMG for $90,000.
Ngl this car is so ugly looking at it now. That dashboard wouldn't even find a place on the most basic Ford these days
You're ugly !! Ford is all you can afford.
Totally stupid programme
Like Jerremy Clarckson says "rubish" U can get a BMW 7 series E65 for that amount of money and BMW is 100 times better and better looking as well, just look at the dash board in the merc its like from the 80's, BMW still looks awesome, even today BMW turns heads ! ! !
Jeremy is the best. His favourite personnal cars are AMG.its good choice
+Robert Sandifer you are just a BMW fan and you hate on Merc because you are a fan boy of BMW...When you get a rine in a BMW or a Mercedes then you can talk...
Ajde yt kriminalcu ne seri vise. rekao sam ti sta sam imao. Sve sto si ti jeadan i bedan i sve sto mozes da uradis je da uzmes da mi prozivas majku a uzivo bi cutao, tako da idu u teretanu leci komplekse i cuti.
You wish😂
iBe Brad Erfolg
I know ;)
I am a BMW 3-series owner and I've driven Lexus IS models and they are totally sub-par to 3er and even Audi A4/A5 (plus they look boring). I have not driven GS or other higher end Lexuses but the fact that they look so damn dull and ugly, they are out of the question for me when buying premium cars. Some say Lexus is reliable, well I'm not going to argue with that but I am totally satisfied how my bimmer has served me for years without anything other than regular maintenance.
lexus is UGLY toyota GARBAGE