As the originator of this thread over 1900 views ago I must say it went way beyond what I had anticipated! It seems there is a lot of opinion one way or another on this subject, but it was never meant to be a 140 vs 126 kind of discussion. The 140 replaced the 126....and both are great examples of Mercedes Benz engineered automobiles, nothing more, nothing less. One just encompasses more technology than the other, as the 220s have more tech than the 140....time marches on.

The following quote is from L.A. Times writer Paul Dean back in 1991 regarding the premier of the W140: "....the big Mercedes Benz, built like a brick omnibus, is one of the finest cars in the world. It has almost the luxury with much less the length and bulk of a Bentley. Curb weight is measured in tons but performance figures will split hairs with most sport cars. The 1992 S class...six years in the creation and the first redesign of the super sedan series in 12 years...is typically arrogant. Engineering systems are virtually hand-built by world craftsmen working with few restraints on componant costs. Mercedes allowed similar splurging on the very best in wheels, tires, leathers, woods, every accessory and all materials. To cut corners is to reduce quality, to lessen one car is to lower the image of the entire line. The end result is a very expensive motorcar. The broad-sholdered, flat-bellied Mercedes with its promise of whispering performance and elegant travel...survives.

That last sentence sums it up. I think it is safe to say that 99.5% of the driving public has never owned or driven a W140. I for one am glad that I do.

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1996 SL320 97K miles
1996 C220 130k miles
1992 500SEL 170k miles <---sold
1986 300E 216k miles <---sold