I haven't had to do a heck of a lot to the S420 over 16 months and 8,000 miles. The repairs I've been making have been on pre-existing conditions and I've been able to get by with used parts. I spend more time reading about problems with W140s than dealing with problems with mine.

As I've said before, MB asked me what I'd change about the W126 and came up with the W140. Of course I asked for fabric upholstery and manual AC but they met me part of the way with warm air from the center vents and override blower control

Sixto
95 S420
87 300SDL