Now how many S600 and V-12 badges end up on S320's and 500's? I see so many, it is silly. People can't even get them stuck on straight. If you are going to be an imposter, do it right and at least buy the 600 grille and stick your badges on straight.
Geeezzzz....
Dr.D

I totally agree with you, Dr. D., but I would like to stretch the matter further: at least in the U. S. if some is fool enough to try to pass its S320 for an S 600, besides snapping the S 600 bagdes and changing the grill, he or she should at least do the following:

1/ Be sure it is a long wheel base S 320 (V140)

2/ Re-upholster all seats with the two-tone nappa leather.

3/ Change the headliner with 600's suede material.

4/ Install a rear electric bench seat.

5/ (After '97) Have Xenon and headlamp wipers and washers intalled.

6/ Switch from Zebrano to Burlwalnut wood all through out the interior.

7/ Have the carbon filter installed (or at least the switch on the central console)

8/ Change the rear axle for a self-levelling unit.

9/ Weld the engine bay shut, so no one can peek at the 104 engine.

As I said above, only after doing all of the previous changes, maybe I'll be slightly satisfied of an S 600 impersonation. Switching badges just fool the owners themselves!

__________________
A. Rosich
CL 500, 1998
S 500 L, 1998
E 320 T, 1995 [Sadly sold ]

Don't forget the leather dash and special shift knob.

I had one client that bought what he thought was a 1999 S600
in San Jose. He lives here in Seattle and brought the car in for
lack of power. "I thought this car was supposed to have 400 horespower or so. this thing is pretty lame! I am really ticked because this car cost $110,000 used."
When he started it up to demonstrate, I noted the distinctive
sound of a 119 V-8 starter.
One quick glance at the VIN said it was a S420.
Needless to say he was a little peeved having just paid 110k for
a $65,000 used car.
We didn't charge him for the lack of power diagnosis.

Dr.D

My 1993 600 SEL has "V12" on the C Pillars. Since it has a V-12 under the hood, I've always assumed that the C Pillar is the OEM location of the emblem.

According to a reference I've run across, 1,000 of these were built in 1993---with 400 being retained for the Eastern Market and 600 being exported to the US. If this is accurate, seeing these OEM V12s will be an infrequent experience.

The C pillar is the OEM location of the "V12" badge only on W140 cars. On all other vehicles, it goes on the front fenders.

Surely spending this kind of money allows one some bragging rights?

In addition, there are many makes out there that put V_ (insert cylinder count) on their vehicles. If Ford feels good putting a V6 badge on their vehicles, I think 600 owners can have V12 on their cars.

As a side note, I have seen two W140's with that V12 body trim directly behind the front wheels. Does anyone know if these are factory items, or after-market? Where can I find them?

__________________
1995 S600, 1 of 618 (sold)

"Speed is just a question of money...how fast you wanna go?"

LONG LIVE THE W140!
Visit my Web Page at www.v12uberalles.com

IMHO, a mid-90s Sl600 is a great car...As for reliability, its like any benz...if it was well maintained, its worth it. For the price, it is one of the lowest priced V-12 on the market. I mean, it can push a 3 ton car to 60mph in a tick over 6 seconds. And the sound it creates at above 3500rpm, is amazing. The down side is that since it is the flagship of the mercedes fleet, the price on parts is high...but you can do the maintiance your self, and it will save you a lot of money. Also, just by getting aftermarket headers is rumored to increase power almost by 50 hp.

BTW, putting a set of amg 5 spoke rims on it will give it a more modern agressive look...

__________________
2002 G500 74K
1998 E300 200K and rising
1995 S600 73k


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"Never tell people how to do things. Tell them
what to do and they will surprise you with their
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