Description
Reluctantly selling my 2004 S500. My commute has just jumped to around 25, 000 miles a year, and even at 26 mpg average (30 on a long run, which isn't bad for a 5. 0 V8) I can't justify the fuel at that mileage, so I'm switching to a diesel S-Class. If I didn't already have a 2004 CL600 in the garage covering much the same ground, I'd keep it.
I bought this one specifically because it's a late W220, from the point where Mercedes had started galvanising the shells, so it carries very little of the rust that plagues earlier cars. It's clearly been garaged for most of its life and the paint reflects that.
134, 500 miles, MOT until 9 April 2027, two keys, and only two previous keepers on the V5C. I've owned it for the last three years / 50, 000 of those miles, and I keep a detailed spreadsheet of every job with dates and mileages, which comes with the car. In that time I've replaced all the front suspension joints, brakes and a good deal else, so it's in better mechanical order than most S500s regardless of mileage.
Airmatic - works perfectly, sits level, doesn't drop overnight, and the compressor very rarely runs. I've owned a tired W220 before where the pump cycled several times a drive from leaking struts, so I know what a healthy one feels like.
The M113 5. 0 V8 is one of the tougher engines Mercedes made and the car has been very reliable for me. Gearbox oil and filter were done at 90k. It's extremely comfortable and genuinely quiet at speed.
Known history: first few years with a businessman, then a long spell with a retired gentleman. He developed dementia and I believe the car sat largely unused for a few years, before passing briefly through another pair of hands and then to me.
Well specced. Everything works unless noted below: Bose stereo, Keyless-Go entry and start, Nappa leather, heated steering wheel with voice control, sunroof, memory/ heated seats (front and rear heated), front and rear climate control with fully working air conditioning, COMAND sat nav, parking sensors, rear fridge and rear screen. Period carphone also fitted.
Paintwork is very good overall and clearly garaged most of its life. The one exception is the rear arch, which has been resprayed at some point and is a little dull against the rest of the car.
Tyres: three matching Michelin Pilot Sport 5s, plus one budget tyre fitted after an unrepairable puncture. Wheels are acceptable but could benefit from a light refurb.
In the interest of an honest sale, the flaws:
* The Distronic is intermittent - works sometimes, throws an error other times. Likely just needs re-aligning; I haven't chased it down. Doesn't affect normal driving.
* COMAND screen has slight cosmetic damage but is fully functional.
* Steering wheel leather has worn its colour and would benefit from a re-dye (a cheap, easy job).
* Driver's heated seat doesn't work
* Very good for a 22-year-old car, but expect the odd other minor age-related bit.
Viewing and collection near Watton, Norfolk. Happy to answer questions.
