Status of w140

[sjh]

The 123, 124 & 126 (probably the 201 as well) and earlier models have been described as vehicles designed to last for a lifetime.

Would the w140 be in that same category?

[tbomachines]

If well cared for, yes. They have a lot more electrical components (basically more to go wrong, biodegradable wiring harness) but they are excellent cars, extremely classy, comfortable, and long lasting if well looked after. Like any car there are common failure points, the evaporator comes to mind...In terms of the engine, look out for the rodbender.

[MBeige]

They are essentially a modern version of the 1991 350SDL. W140 has the suspension setup of the modern chassis - similar to the W124 & W201, but they do have more toys to go wrong as mentioned (close assist, park assist, etc).

A friend of mine decided a 6-cylinder was not enough so he got a V12



Beautiful cars!

[JohnM.]

W140 is a good chassis. A bit too much electronic gadgetry to go wrong for my liking, but great cars nonetheless. Be very wary of the 300SD/S350 models. They are ALL "rod benders", it's just a matter of time. There are so many for sale with "unknown" running issues, either the seller doesn't know, or they are in denial about the problem.

[wrench56]

Originally Posted by JohnM.

W140 is a good chassis. A bit too much electronic gadgetry to go wrong for my liking, but great cars nonetheless. Be very wary of the 300SD/S350 models. They are ALL "rod benders", it's just a matter of time. There are so many for sale with "unknown" running issues, either the seller doesn't know, or they are in denial about the problem.

And you know this how? I own the aforementioned '94 S350D "Rod Bender". I bought it with 159K on the clock and have about 85k on since I've owned it over the past 4 years. It has given me some grief,(see my post about 94 S350D won't crank) and cost a couple hundred a time when things go wrong, but it does not smoke, burn oil, or leak too bad. It's got a couple issues with convenience items, but what other 18 year car doesn't. 30mpg on the highway on waste turbine fuel (which is free). I don't think you can find another car, weighing 4800 lbs that can put you down the road at that fuel economy in the style that a 140 chassis will do. Rod Bneder or not.
Way ne

[sjh]

Originally Posted by JohnM.

W140 is a good chassis. A bit too much electronic gadgetry to go wrong for my liking, but great cars nonetheless. Be very wary of the 300SD/S350 models. They are ALL "rod benders", it's just a matter of time. There are so many for sale with "unknown" running issues, either the seller doesn't know, or they are in denial about the problem.

All S350s, all years are rod benders?

[JohnM.]

They all have the same potential to bend rods, yes. It is an inherit design flaw for the 3.5L flavor. Some will have replacement blocks already, and there is specific stamp to look for on the engine block (do a search). The 3.0L had no issues like this.

Originally Posted by wrench56

And you know this how? I own the aforementioned '94 S350D "Rod Bender". I bought it with 159K on the clock and have about 85k on since I've owned it over the past 4 years. It has given me some grief,(see my post about 94 S350D won't crank) and cost a couple hundred a time when things go wrong, but it does not smoke, burn oil, or leak too bad. It's got a couple issues with convenience items, but what other 18 year car doesn't. 30mpg on the highway on waste turbine fuel (which is free). I don't think you can find another car, weighing 4800 lbs that can put you down the road at that fuel economy in the style that a 140 chassis will do. Rod Bneder or not.
Way ne

Your car most likely has a replacement block/rods done by Mercedes or you are very lucky. There are some with 250K+ on an original engine, but maybe it will bend a rod at 275K? Who knows. There are a lot of people who had issues at 50K, 75K, 100K...and I even read about some of the supposed "replacement" warranted engines failing!

[amosfella]

If the engine fails, put a 606 turbo in. That would make an awesome car...

[TheDon]

the w140 is a really nice chassis. However all of the gadgets will go bad and when they do it sucks and they are expensive to repair.

[TX76513]

I had a woodie for a S600 for years. When a nice speciman became available we drove it to my Indy for a closer look. The car checked out fine with the usual items that needed to be tended to. What splashed me with cold water was my Indy said to use the W600 as a daily driver it was in my best interest to plan on spending $5K a year to keep it in shape. My Indy is a good friend and trust him 100% - that was to much reality for me. Anyone have any thoughts on that figure?

[wrench56]

Originally Posted by amosfella

If the engine fails, put a 606 turbo in. That would make an awesome car...

Yes it would!!