Wild hair. Feel like pretending I'm a baller for a year or two. How bad would a $10k or less Mercedes sedan with either a NA or TT V-12 be? Assuming I buy the best one I can find one with service records, My thought is can I get out after a couple years with say $1k/year (or less) out of pocket. Reasonable expectation? What would I need (thinking diagnostic tools/software) to look for and maintain the right vehicle.
Enabling fully anticipated. Go...
In reply to secretariata (Forum Supporter) :
Where's the build thread?
In reply to Stampie :
Haven't lerned enough to find the right disaster yet...but thanks for your support! 
In reply to secretariata (Forum Supporter) :
Go with the 2003+ BIturbo they're way more reliable than the NA. Get a Mercedes SDS clone and have fun with coil packs and ABC lol. The numbers you get from a tune are insane. They're faster than you can imagine but not quick.
Anyway $1000 a year might be optimistic, there's a reason I don't own one lol.
In reply to yupididit :
I don't really care about quick. Comfy & fast, yes, but really just want to show up at work and make everyone think I hit the lotto while I'm dd'ing a Benz that originally cost as much as their houses but cost me half of their Hondas & Subarus...
yupididit said:In reply to secretariata (Forum Supporter) :
Go with the 2003+ BIturbo they're way more reliable than the NA. Get a Mercedes SDS clone and have fun with coil packs and ABC lol. The numbers you get from a tune are insane. They're faster than you can imagine but not quick.
Anyway $1000 a year might be optimistic, there's a reason I don't own one lol.
What is a realistic expectation for diagnostic tools & annual running costs? I'm used to normal cars where an obd2 scanner & a few special tools allow me to do most service & repairs.
In reply to secretariata (Forum Supporter) :
Since you're looking at sub $10k s600's then you're asking for a w220 which don't exactly scream "I have money" anymore. 2000-2002 s600 (m137 5.8 v12 NA) will just disappoint you and your wallet. Therefore you're looking at 2003-20006 s600 (M275 5.5 Biturbo v12). You get the v12 issues coilpacks ($1300 per side can be revuilt for about $700 per side), 24 sparkplugs lol, and you will not keep your foot out of it. Then you get your w220 issues, suspension and electricals.
The MB software clone can be had for $500-1000 depending on the laptop. I don't even own a modern Benz and I have it. I think it's a must for any diy owner. Benzworld is massive forum and everything has been touched on there.
I say do it!
I wouldn't regret it at all if you purchase one... please keep us informed!
In reply to yupididit :
Thanks for the info. Surprised that the TT versions are better, but not at all disappointed to hear that. Looking to have a little fun since my automotive history has been in the frugal mode.
Realistically, my dd gets about 4K miles a year commuting. So, looking for a nice cruiser that is comfortable for longer trips & can take 4 adults on short trips to lunch while looking like a baller to the jacked up 4x4 crowd I work with. Something different from the big SUV that I would normally default to for trips. I have the requisite 4x4 pickup to fit in with the coworkers & neighbors that can act as a backup vehicle.
Wow, that's a terrible idea.
I'm in.
In reply to secretariata (Forum Supporter) :
I forgot Jeff did a thread on his biturbo v12 ownership.
I know I saw the engine for his s600 sitting in his garage. I've been trying to buy it from him for a year now lol
The engine, plus a few supports and a heavy piece of glass would make a fine coffee table.
I can't wait for the "my V12 was a worse idea than I thought" thread.
You should start watching the early videos from Legit Street Cars on YouTube. One particular video series, he's been working on an twin turbo SL.
Id really like a non turbo SL but I don't have the time, patience or risk appetite for another complex car right now. :)
There was a local fella at C&C that had one with a tune on it. Apparently the tune adds silly power, and the motor has more to give, but is limited by the transmission
I may be wrong but I'd think that you could get a BMW 850 which looks cool and has a very decent V12, for less money. thanyou'd end up paying to own the Merc with any needed work done.
In reply to wspohn :
An 850 will probably appreciate during ownership as well. I'd live an 840.
yupididit said:In reply to secretariata (Forum Supporter) :
I forgot Jeff did a thread on his biturbo v12 ownership.
I know I saw the engine for his s600 sitting in his garage. I've been trying to buy it from him for a year now lol
After reading through the linked thread my lack of enclosed work space and no access to a lift make me realize I'm not that much of a masochist. Seemed like a good idea yesterday, not so much today.
wspohn said:I may be wrong but I'd think that you could get a BMW 850 which looks cool and has a very decent V12, for less money. thanyou'd end up paying to own the Merc with any needed work done.
850 would not solve the functionality of comfortably transporting 4 adults. I already have 2 vehicles that fail in that regard, no point in adding another.
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