My 2001 Mercedes-Benz S500

My Mercedes-Benz S500 Sedan
(Purchased 12/17/2004, Sold 12/11/2008 - Owned ~4 Years)

I purchased this car from S.W. at Elite Motorsports in Austin, TX on December 17, 2004 (~3.5 years after its original 4/16/2001 "in service" date). I had always wanted one of these cars and asked him to keep his eye out for one that was in great shape and was a great deal. These cars depreciate significantly from when they are brand new over the first few years, so I tried to pick up the right "lightly used" car. And, S.W. found me one that was offered at a dealership as Certified Pre-Owned (thus one-owner, no accidents, mechanically correct, StarMark warranty extension, etc.) for an excellent deal (below wholesale value), so I jumped on it!

Poor Quality Picture of the Car, Prior Picture: As Purchased (Before Chrome Rims)

I enjoyed owning this car very much, and even my wife (who typically prefers smaller cars) loved driving it. It had the size & comfort of a limousine, but drove effectively and succinctly like a small car. The only changes I made to it were changing the rear taillights to the newer 2004-06 style, the AMG Exhaust Outlets, Chrome Plating on Stock Rims (w/ Wheel Locks & Logo Valve Stem Caps), and hardwiring my Valentine 1 Radar Detector underneath the passenger side visor. Click here to see the car with the old taillights and rims, etc.

What I liked most about this car was that it was tremendous in size and weight. In the undesired event that I was to be in an accident, I would rather be in no other car.

This car had the Charcoal (Black) Nappa Leather & Burl Walnut Trim. While the car was very luxurious, service on this car could get expensive and add up very quickly. That's why I found it absolutely necessary to buy an extended service contract. A small error in the Airmatic Suspension, the Navigation System, or the Drivetrain could quickly make the service contract pay for itself.

People E-Mail me all the time asking me if the Extended Service Contract was worth it. The answer is a resounding "YES!" My service contract cost $3,649.00 and only covered the car until 72,000 miles. This service contract paid for $7,735.27 in repairs prior to its expiration, and I didn't even reach 70,000 miles. This covered many miscellaneous things . . . primarily oil leaks, suspension concerns, and engine/transmission mounts. It sure was nice to have this contract take care of many of these major issues before I went on without a service contract.

I was also surprised to see that the 5.0 Liter V-8 had plenty of kick for a daily driver! I also keep very detailed records on this car . . . not just service records, but details on every gas fillup I've made!

My Experienced Gas Mileage Thus Far: 17.29 MPG (Miles Per Gallon)

More Pictures: Bose Logo; Gauges; Seat Controls (Minus Lumbar); Chrome Wheel

Pictures Before Modifications: Front End; Front Left Side; Front Right Side Shots: 1, 2, 3; Rim

All in all, I was extremely satisfied with the value and quality of automobile I found in this vehicle, but like one would expect out of the car o Presidents . . . it was expensive to own & operate. That being said, I enjoyed every minute of it . . . up until the date I sold it. A friend of mine, Tom, ended up buying the car from me and is currently enjoying it very much. :)

I welcome any comments, questions, or suggestions . . . please click here to E-Mail me, thanks!

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This page is updated often, so please check back with us! This page was last updated on December 28, 2008.