A word about earlier models:

I think a lot of the rumors are true as the earlier models did have more "toys" and had slightly higher grade leather in the interiors and were built "heavier" than the newer models. BUT there is a big trade off of reliability on the earlier models. The earlier models have the biodegradable wiring that affects the engine wiring harness first and then moves to the rest of the car later on in life. The earlier models are nicer but cost a LOT more to maintain and earned the W140 its reputation of being an expensive to maintain car.

Mercedes did a lot of thinking about some of the expensive and very breakable options on the 140 and ended up removing them on the later models. Many people look at this as "cheapening" but to a German car engineer its trading toys for reliability and longevity.

I personally could not consider an early model 140 at any cost. I would put the early model 140's on the same par with early 7 series BMW's. While the price for entry is much cheaper you end up paying the same or more in repairs and still have an older car that is not as nice cosmetically as some of the newer models.