For those who driven the '00/'01 S430, how was your driving
experience? How would you compare against the older S-Class? Maybe against a '92 400SE? All thoughts are welcome.
I would have to change one thing, the wheel/tire from 16 to 18 inch.

I am seriously thinking buy this car, as the '01 C240/C320 was not want I was looking for in the long run.




[Edited by Chicagoland on 03-03-2001 at 07:03 PM]

I liked the S430, but just found the S500 a bargain compared to the S430, but then again the S500 Sport is a great package, then again so is the S55 Honestly, I would get the S-Class with the new ABC suspension.

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Chirag (Charlie) Patel
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- 03 Mercedes S600 Sport TTV12
- 97 Acura NSX-T
- 99 BMW E36 M3 w/500+ HP
- 04 Lexus RX330
- 04 Dodge Dakota Quad 4x4 V8

4 Sale:
- 99 BMW M3 E36 Coup with Dinan SC, Upgraded to an RMS Stage 3 with Aftercooler, 12psi, and 500+hp @ flywheel.

The 4.3L V8 feels more refined than 4.2L V8. Technology-wise, W220 is not match, not even W140. It really depends on what you are looking for.

W220 feels more nimble when cornering, and more responsive due to better tranny respond. And Chiragp said, S500 is a better pick than S430. If you are going for W220, go for S500. ABC is also a must if performance is what you are after.

W140 is alot heavier, less agile compare to W220, but build quality is FAR ahead of W220. The DOHC V8/V12 rumbles and growls, and personally, I feel that W140 has tighter chassis than W220(though MB claims that W220 has more rigid chassis). Please do a forum search(type in W140, S-Class) for W140 changes from '92 -'99.

My picks would be following..

W220 - '01 S500 Sport w/ ABC

W140 - '99 S500, 4.2L has about the same MPG rate as 5.0L(in real driving, despite what the factory claims), with 5.0L just a tick higher.

P.S. '92 V8s/V12s W140s run stronger than later year models due to less restrict emission control.

Andy Kuo

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1992 Mercedes-Benz 400SE
http://members.shaw.ca/AKRY/W140_Side.gif

2002 Acura TL Type S
http://members.shaw.ca/AKRY/type_s_side.gif

You are absolutely correct in stating that the W140 has a more robust, stronger chassis than the W220. Note that the Maybach is based on the W140 chassis, NOT the W220. The W220 meets its safety mark by being more forgiving in an accident, e.g. it sacrifices itself to protect its occupants AND to protect the other car or person it hits. The W140 only cared about protecting its passengers AND itself. GOSH, I miss my S420 everytime a topic comes up about the W140. :-(