Used 2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A) Consumer Reviews
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Wha-hawpen?
Paul Jacob, Mesa, AZ, 03/31/2015
updated 10/12/2021
Mercedes-Benz S-Class S430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
26 of 29 people found this review helpful
I currently own a 1983 380SL and a 2001 S430. I have owned a 280SE and a 380SEL. My S430 radio will not receive AM anymore; a $1200 estimate by Mercedes to fix. The fob does not unlock, nor will it lock the doors; a $2400 estimate from Mercedes dealer to fix. The trunk will not open, only by the key in the fob; $1200 estimate to fix. This S430 is fragile in many places, like the seat frames and center console ash trays (doors) plastic grill, and over 100 switches between the front door buttons. The AC controls are fickle, and the "check engine" light comes on for no good reason. This S430 will be my last Mercedes Benz. I feel as though I have been snookered. Quality is fleeting. Given the multitude of buttons and the lack intuition with most of them, it is nearly impossible to make a selection without taking your eyes from road. In times of heavy traffic, it's dangerous - so you end -up tolerating the auto selections set by the "technologies designed in", until you get to your own driveway where you can spend the rest of the evening in the vain attempt to reset every damn button. Simplicity and safety are synonymous. I look forward to the self driving cars, so you just say the name of your psychiatrist and bingo, if you're lucky you'll get there before he takes his own life - found dead, sitting in HIS Mercedes Benz with the owners manual in his lap; handwritten notes all around, engine still running, and a flashing light saying "start again"!
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falling apart S430
Tim, 04/09/2009
Mercedes-Benz S-Class S430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
13 of 14 people found this review helpful
I purchased this car used and have put 70,000 miles on it in 3 years. I have replaced every moving part in the interior, the Airmatic suspension was great until it had to be replaced at 92,000 miles, the stereo went out at 101,000 miles, the front end suspension has been replaced once and due again. Beautiful at the curb, powerful drivetrain, poor reliability. Last time I buy a MB. Going back to Lexus. Drove an 1989, put zero into major repairs on it.
Unreliable Electronics, but Saved my life!
DogLover1118, East China, MI, 07/21/2019
Mercedes-Benz S-Class S430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
Bought this S Class CPO in December of 2004. I ended up putting 110,000 miles on it and thank goodness it had a warranty. Something new broke every other week. Often times the ABC System went flat, and the electronics would just break in every imaginable way. Other than sub-par reliability, car was incredible. The comfort of the car was truly unmatchable. The Nappa Leather was soft and accompanied by plush, well-supported seats. The combination of this, the smooth M113 V8 (Which never had any issues), and smooth suspension (if it wasn't broken) was incredible. The performance of the car is surprising, as it doesn't corner as bad as most large luxury cars and the V8 has plenty of power. Eventually, the car was rear ended by a box truck at 50mph. The car suffered from frame damage and was totaled out. After saving my life, I cannot thank the car enough.
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Great car !
Jack Taylor, Portland, OR, 03/03/2017
Mercedes-Benz S-Class S430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
6 of 7 people found this review helpful
The only disclaimer I would say is the air ride can be finicky sometimes but usually does not affect ride quality. It is a heavy car but moves very fast and corners quite well.
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Electrical nightmare
Muskmelon, 12/28/2009
Mercedes-Benz S-Class S430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
6 of 7 people found this review helpful
I have mothballed this car after a little over a month of driving. Cooling fan motor bearings bad ($830 for the part!), bad starter solenoid, entire center row of buttons on the dash do not function, small rust spots on fender seams, flickering headlights, intermittent trouble light telling me I have a bad bulb in the rear that is not bad. Can't get parts except from dealer and then they need to be programmed to the vehicle. I want my 1996 Ford Taurus back but until spring I will drive my 175,000 mile Suburban which is reliable and can be repaired with parts that are cheap and readily available. Car ran great for 2 weeks!
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