1997 mercedes S600: questions/steering/oil/etc

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The Derfer - 22 Feb 2006 20:07 GMT

Was 1997 a good year for the S600?
Does anyone have any personal experiences about this car to share
(pros, cons)?

Does the S600 have rack-n-pinion steering or recirculating ball?
Do S500 and lower S- and SL-series models for that year all have the
same type of steering?

If purchasing an S600 within the 75-100k (maybe up to 120k) miles range
what would I look for to be in good shape before buying (that would be
otherwise foolish to overlook for fear of an exhorbitantly expensive
repair later? And yes, I know basically everything's expensive ro
repair/replace on such a car; I'm just seeking to find out the obvious
as a prospective buyer of an S600 from 1997.
A friend is trying to get me to buy his; still undecided.

What is the recommended oil grade for this car? I heard 0w-40 from
Mobiloil.com but is that true? Car would be in the Northeast US.

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jfrancis311@gmail.com - 22 Feb 2006 20:29 GMT

A 1997 S600 sedan has a old style steering box. They all have the same
type steering. When buying, make sure all the service records are with
the car and make sure they were all done. Why is your friend trying to
get you to buy? Don't buy it just because your friend wants you to. I
would have it checked out by a service center before you purchase it.

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Richard Sexton - 22 Feb 2006 22:20 GMT

>Was 1997 a good year for the S600?
>Does anyone have any personal experiences about this car to share
>(pros, cons)?

Not first hand, just from friends that have them or have driven them.

Ungodly fast. You'r way over the speed limit before you even know it.
Ditto for the brakes. While not quite a "nightmare" the engine is,
um, more trouble than any other MB engine.

It's not like it's a Jag-wire motor though.

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HLS@nospam.nix - 23 Feb 2006 20:26 GMT

"The Derfer" <xyz@nospam.net> wrote in message

> If purchasing an S600 within the 75-100k (maybe up to 120k) miles range
> what would I look for to be in good shape before buying (that would be
> otherwise foolish to overlook for fear of an exhorbitantly expensive
> repair later?

Cars like this should be considered, IMO, only if you have the uncommitted
income to maintain it. They can be very expensive if you have a failure,
and
just having the MB star on the hood is no good luck charm.

I have known more than one who bought such vehicles only to rue the day.

Not so very long ago, the couple who owned the company where my ex-wife
worked mentioned they were going to sell their rather new 450 SL
convertible.
It was truly a beautiful thing. I asked what they had been offered by the
dealership and it was something like $10,000. A steal!! I offered to buy it
and
they refused. They wouldn't sell it to a friend. It had averaged a couple
of times
per month in the shop, was a money pit.

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wolfpuppy - 24 Feb 2006 23:18 GMT

> Was 1997 a good year for the S600?
> Does anyone have any personal experiences about this car to share
[quoted text clipped - 14 lines]
> What is the recommended oil grade for this car? I heard 0w-40 from
> Mobiloil.com but is that true? Car would be in the Northeast US.

I just recently bought an SL500, 1997. V-8 engine, gobs of power. You do
know that the SL600 is a 12 cylinder, right? I'm sure you do, but that
said, it's going to be more complex, obviously. Wouldn't expect the same
milage out of it as an engine with four less cylinders, etc. But I wouldn't
hesitate if the price is right and the car is in good shape. It is one
sweet ride, and I understand that the V-12 is a smoooth hombre! Let us know
if you get this peach!

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Rob - 18 Mar 2006 23:44 GMT

There is NO good year for these money pits. Dreadful purchase unless
you have unlimited patience and money to burn.

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