2001 Mercedes Benz S500 with Chrome wheels and only 175k, AC Blows ICE COLD!

2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S500 V8 Description

Whatever luxury carmakers say, the S-Class remains their bogey. Even thoughBMW,Audi,Lexus,Jaguar, and the rest work hard to carve out reputations and brand values for their flagship sedans, most buyers aspire to, or at least strongly identify with, the big Benz. The previous version, however, had become out of touch by the end of its production life in 1999–too slab sided, not very sporty, a little over the top. The new-for-2000 S-Class changed all that, and it’s been a freight-train sales success ever since.

We waited until year two to order our One-Year tester, as that’s whenMercedesfirst offered its AMG-designed Sport Package: a worthy cross between a standard S-Class and the limited-edition 5.4-liter/354-horsepower S55 AMG that was offered at the time. This Brilliant Silver over Charcoal Nappa Leather S500 (denoting the 5.0-liter/302-horse V-8 engine) based at $78,950. Since it wasn’t our money, we went for most every goodie we could get: Distronic cruise control ($2800), Active Ventilated Seats front and rear ($1460), the integrated Timeport phone system with voice activation ($2190), and the Sport Pack (a bargain, even at $4900). Necessary evils, in the form of a $645 D&D charge and $1000 guzzler tax, brought the total to a wallet-flattening $91,945.

What does that extra five grand for the Sport Package deliver? Although there are no suspension changes per se, there’s a huge handling benefit gained by going from the standard 16-inch rolling stock to those snarky looking 18-inch AMG Monoblock alloys and upgraded Michelin rubber. The revised front and rear fascias make the car look sportier and more modern. Even though the S-Class had been out awhile by the time our car arrived, it never failed to draw admiring glances and comment.

The key–or more correctly, multi-function, infrared encoded fob–to this thing didn’t sit still for a minute. Whether it was commuting chores, date night out, or long-haul vacation travel, the S-Class delivered as a top-flight, full-size luxury sport sedan and was in high demand. While the goal here is not to reconstruct a conventional road test, it must be said that this car offered a superb ride/handling balance, felt like it served up more than its 302 rated horsepower, and generally did everything (1) well, (2) really well, or (3) somewhere way beyond really well.

Other high points are three-position adjustable damping that yielded a noticeable ride difference between soft, firm, and sport, plus a five-speed automatic transmission that always seemed to be in the right gear at the right time–not something you can always say about aMercedes. Rock-solid high-speed stability is, however, something you can usually say about aMercedes, and the S500 S proved no exception. Senior Road Test Editor Chris Walton spoke for all of us: “This car is so good on so many levels that I’m reduced to nitpickiness.”

What few nitpicks we registered centered around the ease of use–or lack of same–of the climate control/audio/nav systems. The controls are anything but intuitive: You turn a knob and naturally expect it to adjust something (like the radio volume), but instead, it scrolls through one or another program menu. The sound system itself is good, but not up to the level expected of this car’s sticker. And why no six-CD changer in the dash?

High marks for the Distronic adaptive cruise control; it takes a while to trust that the system will back off the throttle or even apply the brakes when a car looms too closely ahead. But once you do have confidence in it, it makes cruise mode that much more safe and relaxing. The upmarket seats also drew high praise; they heat, they cool, they massage, and they’re dumbbell-easy to adjust, thanks to those seat-shaped switches on the door panel. Even in the ’60s, Mercedes advertised its “orthopedically designed seating” and these chairs certainly earned that title. We wish, however, that the window switches weren’t so far down on those door panels. One editor was surprised, in this day and age of computerized key fobs, that he could actually lock the key in the trunk (Mercedes-BenzTele Aid Emergency roadside assistance to the rescue). For even full-size occupants, there was no shortage of head/leg/knee/shoulder room.

Our car proved a paragon of reliability. Mercedes’ scheduled-maintenance plan covered everything for the all-too-short period of time we had it. At 8900 miles, the engine management system’s oil-quality sensing device, called FSS, for Flexible Service System, hadn’t yet called for an oil change, but the engine’s lifeblood looked dark and nasty to us, so we changed it anyway at our own expense (nine quarts of Mobil 1 synthetic, filters, gaskets, and a car wash ran us $100.22). We also requested a brake inspection due to some minor squeaking, but everything was fine. A rear taillight bulb blew out and was replaced free of charge under warranty.

The only thing that ever broke was that most-American of interior devices, the console cupholder. It just split neatly in half and also was replaced under warranty. The FSS alerted us to the need for another oil change, new wiper blades, and other miscellaneous inspections at just under 19,000 miles, covered under scheduled care. So the only required service item, excluding the oil change we elected to do early, was the brake inspection; thus, our maintenance and repair costs for nearly 20,000 miles of use totaled $32.50.

You’d expect anyone to enjoy the experience of driving a $90,000 car, and that includes the Motor Trend staff. It’s true that any of several other luxury sedans cost either a little or a lot less. Yet, somehow, this S500 made us feel as if we got our money’s worth; opt for the S430 and stay away from a few of the fancy options, and you get much the same piece–even in Sport trim–for a more competitive $75,000. Either way, if you can afford to fly First Class, theMercedes S-Classshould easily satisfy as your carrier of choice.

What’s New, Changed, Different
Knowing that fresh competition had just arrived (7 Series) or was on the way (’04JaguarXJ), Mercedes-Benz gave the S-Class a substantive updating for ’03. Although body shells and the basic design haven’t changed, colors, bumper treatments, wheels, interior trim, safety gear, and equipment levels have been shuffled and upgraded. The big news comes in the way of power, and lots of it: S430 and S500 engine offerings remain the same, but the V-12-powered S600 gets a boost (courtesy of theMaybachdevelopment program) in the form of a twin-turbocharged engine cranking out 493 velvety horsepower. The S55 AMG also gets locomotive-like boost, via 493 supercharged, intercooled V-8 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. The S430/500 now offer 4MATIC AWD. No significant changes are planned for ’04.

From the Logbook
“To call this state-of-the-art is an understatement. I couldn’t help feeling like an important head-of-state type driving this thing as it massaged my bum, took my temp, and gave me directions to the U.N. It feels, smells, and looks expensive. Quite impressive, except for the preflight jitters its 747-400-style instrument panel elicits.”
–Chris Walton

“With pickups and SUVs averaging $35-$40K, this S-Class seems worth every penny of $90K. Seems odd to say, but there’s a good value message here. While many of the controls are counter-intuitive, the feel is that of unmistakable luxury. The engine is close to perfect, though the car’s many systems issue up a lot of whirs, buzzes, clicks, and pump noises. Impressive in every way.”
–Mark Williams

“So, this is what owning your own Lear jet must be like.LexusandInfinitihave come up with a few more electro- doodads, and the big Jag still speaks elegance, but the S-Class is still ‘It.’ I wouldn’t dream of owning one without the Sport package, and I love the TouchShift transmission control. The seats make me want to drive from Los Angeles to Boston just for chowder. This may be the second-best luxury sport sedan around–as only the S55 AMG is better.”
–Matt Stone

Terms of Sale Overview

We reserve the right to end this listing at anytime should the vehicle no longer be available for sale. The following terms of sale apply to all of our listings.

Payment Terms:

The successful high bidder will submit a $500, of which $200, is non-refundable deposit within 24 hours of the close of the auction to secure the vehicle. Buyer agrees to pay remaining balance due (plus applicable fees and taxes) within 5 days of the close of the auction. All financial transactions must be completed before delivery of the vehicle.

Payment Methods:

Cash (In Person), certified check, bank transfer, or 3rd-party financing.

Fees and Taxes:

Out of state buyers are responsible for all state, county, city taxes and fees, as well as title/registration fees in the state that the vehicle will be registered.

It is the customer's sole responsibility to verify the existence and condition of any equipment listed. Neither the dealership nor Ebay User-wantsnotjustneeds is responsible for misprints on prices or equipment. It is the customer's sole responsibility to verify the accuracy of the prices with the dealer, including the pricing for all added accessories.

Clickautos.wantsnotjustneeds.comto go to our Dealer Website and Bookmark us!!!

Please review the Pictures below. PLEASE ASK QUESTIONS BEFORE BIDDING.