The Bastardized W140 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

JMan300sd · #1 11-22-2005, 06:31 PM

Hello All,

My dad is interested in one of these cars and from what I have gathered it would be a poor desicion to buy. I have heard countless times about the rod bending issue, the front suspension problems, and the climate control problems. My question to you though is has anyone witnessed or experienced any of these problems with this vehicle for themselves (and this is not to discredit anyone on the board)? Also, as far as the weakness involved in these supposed inherent problems is there anything to suggest that they cant be resolved? In other words, why do these problems occur and are there any reasonable methods to avoid them beyond avoiding the car itself?

I personally still love the 1982-1984 126 diesels and would take one of these over a W140, but I would like to be able to better explain it to my father. What are your guys thoughts?

t walgamuth · #2 11-22-2005, 07:57 PM

bending thing is a real problem. i think marshal ________ cant think of his last name says that about half of the 3.5 liter sixes have the problem. he also says that cars driven mostly around town are more likely to suffer the rods. the new mb short blocks are thought by many to do better but i have heard of at least one of those that had a bent rod. i have a 90 350 and have replaced the head gasket and done a thorough head job, and am holding my breath on the rod thing. if mine bends a rod i will rebuild with a 3.0 leter short block since they dont seem to hardly ever bend rods. if you get one conventional wisdom is to use synthetic and block off the egr and periodically cleaan out the crossover pipe.

the front ends arent a huge problem i dont think. on the 126 cars like mine they seem to need bushings at about 100k. dont know about the 140s. if they use the same components they are heavier so i suppose they will need bushes sooner.

i dont think that the ac things are much different from the automatic controls that have been used for about 20 years. not really great but fixable if you have a savvy tech available.

for me the 140 s are too big and have too many gadgets to go wrong. the 126s like mine are really fine rides when running good but are also a lot to maintain. not for the faint of heart or light of wallet. even if doing your own work the parts can run a lot.

i have owned about 30 benzes through the last 35 or so years. for ease of maintenance i like the 123s. for driving pleasure i like the 124s. and for luxury i like the 126s.

good luck in your search. hope i have helped some.

tom w

Paul Barnhart · #3 11-22-2005, 08:03 PM

Hi Jman,
w140 a/c evaporators rot and leak. Have replaced nearly 100 of them over the years, not fun, either. W140 lower control arm bushings go bad, making the steering wheel shake at 40-65 mph. In my humble opinion, (i.m.h.o.) the 126 is a better car than the 140. Many other little probs. on the 140 also.

Paul.

JMan300sd · #4 11-22-2005, 08:13 PM

Other little problems...please explain (beyond the basic understanding that so many electrical gadgets are short in their lifespan). Hell, I almost wish the w126 cars of old came with optional manual windows and sunroofs. It just seems like mechancial components are much less likely to be broken than electrical ones.

H-townbenzoboy · #5 11-22-2005, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

bending thing is a real problem. i think marshal ________ cant think of his last name says that about half of the 3.5 liter sixes have the problem. he also says that cars driven mostly around town are more likely to suffer the rods. the new mb short blocks are thought by many to do better but i have heard of at least one of those that had a bent rod. i have a 90 350 and have replaced the head gasket and done a thorough head job, and am holding my breath on the rod thing. if mine bends a rod i will rebuild with a 3.0 leter short block since they dont seem to hardly ever bend rods. if you get one conventional wisdom is to use synthetic and block off the egr and periodically cleaan out the crossover pipe.

It's Marshall Booth, the technical advisor for MBCA. I consider him to be THE MB diesel guru. I remember him stating that largely highway driven OM603.971s and 972s were not as prone to the rod bending as the city cars. About 50% of the original "rod benders" are still in service. I second replacing the 3.5L with a 3.0L if the need ever arises, then it would be properly badged if it is a 92 or 93 model. They labeled the 92-93 models as 300SDs, though they had 3.5L engines. The got the numbering right with the 94 and 95 S350.

#6 11-22-2005, 08:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul Barnhart

Hi Jman,
W140 lower control arm bushings go bad, making the steering wheel shake at 40-65 mph.

Would this be the same case on a w126 body with a light shake right at 45 or so MPH?

Thanks!

Sorin · #7 11-22-2005, 09:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brandon314159

Would this be the same case on a w126 body with a light shake right at 45 or so MPH?

Thanks!

Speaking of W140 I saw an ad in the local paper for a 1992 with 598.000 Km on it!!!!
he was asking 9.900$ in my opinion is too much for that km.
But my point is that buying one is like playing russian rullet it might be good it might be bad

Speaking of local ads I saw an ad for a w126 1985 with 124k km on it asking 7k$ can and it looked really mint condition, original owner always maintain at the dealer (it stated that it has all the records) used as a second car made me think about selling the Jetta and buying it, if someone is interesed i can go take pictures and post them.

Hatterasguy · #8 11-22-2005, 10:26 PM

I like the W140 a lot and was seriosly considering replacing my W126 with one last year. I still may get one in the next few years.(unless W220's come down in value more) Don't even look at a diesel W140, think gas.

You can get great deals on late 90's examples with well under 100k. For $15k you can get pretty much a new car.

I have worked on them a bit but they really are not that much different then the W126. Some parts cost more and are more advance but thats about it. The S320 is just like my SDL the learning curve is easy on that one. S600's are a bit more complexe and I would stay away from them unless you are not afraid of taking care of a $130k super sedan. S420's are my favorite because you get the nice V8 with a regular rear suspension.

Mercedes is still Mercedes I don't have a problem with the new cars. Their is a lot more to a car then fixing it that is only a small part. W140's drive better then the W126 and handle amazingly well for their size. Not to mention the brakes!

t walgamuth · #9 11-22-2005, 10:37 PM

a 300se. it drove just like a 126 only a little bigger.

tom w