I believe you will find no difference in reliability between similarly-equipped S500s and S430s. You may find some differences between models equipped with Airmatic vs. ABC, and between 4Matic vs. RWD - but even these differences would be slight. The differences would not depend on whether the car was an S500 or an S430, but on differences in the equipment mentioned.

The engines in both cars are superb.

 

Wow, that's somewhat of a loaded question sir. To get a true and accurate response, one would have to of owned both at one time or another. The responses between either will get varying praises and rants. It really comes down to a personal preference. Look at both and decide which one really captures your true feeling and desire. For what it's worth, I own an '02' S500 and I really enjoy it. I've had very few problems that I couldn't figure out, but likewise I'm sure the 430 has some captivating things about it. Please yourself first.

 

The 430 and the 500 are extremely similar, I don't think there's any reliability differences. The only thing different is the displacement of the engine (which the 430 avoids the gas guzzler tax) and which options come standard. The 500 comes with Burl instead of Eucalyptus, Headlamp washers are standard, etc. I'd feel just as comfortable with either, the M113 engine is excellent

 

same engine architecture, same reliability. there is no difference.

 

Thanks everyone for your input. The search is on for a black on tan S430/S500.

Ideally I would want one without 4-matic and without ABC.

As I look through my local classifieds, is there a way to tell by looking at the photos if it has ABC or not ?

 

If there is a picture of under the hood you can tell if it has ABC or AIRMATIC
AIRMATIC has an air line running to the top of the strut ABC has wires
4MATIC is much harder to tell from pictures. One give away is 4MATIC on the trunk

 

Probably not, but the owner or seller should be able to tell you. There is no visible exterior indication of ABC or Airmatic. The W220 S-Class Encyclopedia http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w220-s-class/1508080-w220-s-class-encyclopedia-start-here.html has links that tell you how to identify the differences from the buttons on the dashboard as well as from the tops of the front struts. The short version is, a car with ABC will have a button labeled "ABC - Sport" on the dashboard, above the COMAND unit (left photo, below). It will be the third button from the left, and it will have only one small red light. The corresponding button on a car with Airmatic has a "strut" symbol and two small red lights (right photo; the lights only illuminate if the button is pressed; they adjust the "hardness" of the ride).

BTW - since you live in snow country, I strongly recommend getting 4Matic. It is marvelous, and except for a recall to fix a vibration during tight turns in early editions, it is trouble-free (as long as you keep the same rolling diameter wheels and tires on all four; no staggered wheels with different size fronts and rears with 4matic). I use mine in Maryland (relatively light snow) and have often been happy I had it during torrential downpours and resulting deep accumulations of water even in Florida. The mileage penalty is about 1 mpg with 4Matic, but the command of the road in normal conditions and stability during adverse road conditions is marvelous. You can tell in an instant whether you are driving a car with it, and without it.

Cars with 4Matic carry that designation on the right side of the trunk lid.

 

Thanks for that informative post. I will keep those 2 buttons in mind during my search.

I enjoy rear wheel drive cars, 4matic would be nice to have but I won't pass on a car if it doesn't. This car wont be driven much in the winter anyway, that's what the Cayenne is for

I'm seeing my first S class Monday morning. Its a 2004 S430 with the AMG package Whats a good way to check if the airmatic is functioning correctly? Would using the airmatic button to see if it lowers and raises properly enough?

 

Check the Encyclopedia.

 

I own a 2005 S 430 Blk/Tan (120,000 Mi.) and service it regularly. It is extremely dependable and have not had any problems with it. The S Class is a fantastic ride! Will certainly buy a W221 when the time comes to upgrade.

 

Aaaaand, the 4matic has the more reliable 722.6 transmission in it.

 

I've owned one of each. I would target an 04+ S500 with the AMG sport appearance package... they don't cost much more (if any) then a 430 and they're typically better equipped. However, don't pass up a clean 430 if you come across one.

 

Hi I know its been a while since any posted on this subject but I too am looking to buy a 2001 S430 with only 103k miles(sounds fishy). It is white and beautiful inside. The engine drives hard I guess the V8 but my question is How can I tell if it has engine problems? Does the Auto Zone/Discount Auto diagnostic computer work on Mercedes?

 

103k is very good for an '01' S430, the question is how many owners before. If it is a one car owner and was an elder, most likely a very good buy. Also, you can run a check on the vin # through CarFax and find out about ownership, and service work done at the Dealer, etc... Regarding the Auto Zone/Discount Auto diagnostic computer; If you are looking to discover current error codes, yes it will work for that purpose.

deucer