Details
Mercedes-Benz S350L
Make – Mercedes-Benz
Model – S-Class (long wheel base)
Year – 2003
Engine – 3.7-litre V6
Mileage – 80,640
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has long been the flagship of the German car-maker’s fleet and the W220 series took on this role from the 1999 model year through to late 2005, during which time nearly half a million examples were built. Compared to its predecessor, the W220 was somewhat smaller on the outside but offered more interior space, particularly in the long wheel base versions.
The W220 S-Class came with a wide variety of petrol engines in V6, V8 and V12 formats with displacement from 2.8-litres giving 194bhp right up to 6.3-litres which powered the 438bhp S63 AMG. There were 3.2-litre inline-6 and 4.0-litre V8 diesels too for those who wanted better fuel economy and thought that they were being more environmentally conscious.
This superb W220 S-Class left the factory in October 2003 and was first registered the following month. It is powered by a 3.7-litre petrol V6 which delivers 242bhp and 258lb.ft of torque through the 5-speed automatic gearbox. Being an ‘L’ (long wheel base), it offers an additional 3-4 inches of leg-room in the back for the executive passengers – or just for the growing kids.
Outside, the Cubanite Silver metallic paint looks immaculate with no obvious damage to the bodywork around the car. This tinted silver colour offers a welcome change to the more commonplace silver or black that most of these cars came in. The wheels are the optional 17-inch ‘Mismar’ light-alloys fitted with wide tyres.
Whilst the look of the outside is important, the interior is where you’ll spend your time and it doesn’t disappoint. The Pebble coloured leather upholstery is in good order and extremely comfortable. The rear cabin looks barely used and throughout the car the carpets, mats and headlinings are clean and intact.
Mercedes S-Class models are well known for being fully stocked with factory options and extras to make your journey pass effortlessly, and whether you’re in the front or back, this one is no exception:
- Tilt and slide sunroof
- Parking assist
- Auto dimming mirrors
- Mobile phone preparation
- Voice control
- Sat Nav
- CD changer
- Leather upholstery
- Walnut burr wood trim
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Driver seat/steering column memory
- Electrically adjustable and heated rear seats
- Rear window electric roller blind
- Heated screen wash
The car recently passed its MOT with no advisories and won’t need testing again until January 2022! The online history shows annual testing since first required in 2006 and validates the current mileage of around 80,000. The only few failures over the years were down to tyres, brake pads, windscreen washer and an airbag sensor – so nothing involving corrosion or major mechanicals.
There are 11 service stamps in the maintenance booklet (summarised below), showing main dealer servicing on mileage intervals for the first 5 services, followed by independent specialists. In the last 5 years, the car has been serviced annually regardless of miles driven – a sure sign of a careful and diligent owner. This record also shows that the car spent all of its 17 years with owners in the south Dorset and Hampshire area.
Jul 2019 – 77,074 – JP Motors, Christchurch
Jun 2018 – 75,858 – JP Motors, Christchurch
Jun 2017 – 73,132 – JP Motors, Christchurch
Jun 2016 – 69,388 – JP Motors, Christchurch
May 2015 – 65,884 – JP Motors, Christchurch
Sep 2012 – 60,271 – MB specialist, Portsmouth
Oct 2009 – 51,370 – Mercedes-Benz, Southampton
Sep 2007 – 44,565 – Mercedes-Benz, Poole
Oct 2006 – 37,937 – Mercedes-Benz, Poole
Nov 2005 – 26,162 – Mercedes-Benz, Bournemouth
Aug 2004 – 12,799 – Mercedes-Benz, Bournemouth
Whether you’re looking for a comfortable cruiser for a growing family, a statesmanlike car to reward business success or a luxury saloon to use commercially, this Mercedes-Benz S350L suits all purposes. Although not the biggest or most powerful, the V6 is a great engine and delivers a very usable balance between performance and fuel economy.
This S-Class has been well looked after and the mileage is low compared to most big Mercedes of that age. Cliché it might be, but this really is “a lot of car for the money”.