Which S-class would you think is the overall best?

[ymsin]

I've been reading the S-Class Fiasco: W220 vs W140, and thought that we might as well do a poll and see the figures from our members. I've also decided to include the 126 as it was mentioned in a few threads and thought it worthy to be considered in this opinion poll.

[akry]

It's hard to pick... HOWEVER, IMO, W220 is totally out of picture when all factors are factor in.... W126 would be cheaper to keep yet still provide a very solid feel, and unmatched quality... W140 is just so well build, only drawback is the HUGE bills to keep W140 going after warranty expires....

Andy Kuo

[ymsin]

I would have voted for the 126. But having considered this issue in detail, I voted for the 140 for its built and engineering feat that surpasses its own contemparary.

Having said that, the 140 does come with a price tag on upkeeping. So, for practical reasons, the 126 would be preferred. But since we're talking of the best ... well, it has to be the 140.

Discussions of the S-class shouldn't ignore the first: the 116. I bought a '77 this spring, drove it from Florida to N.Y. the next day, and have spent nickels on it for upkeep since. And don't forget the impression this big car makes when it arrives on the scene!

gbarnold

'77 450SEL
'86 300e
'94 Caravan
'69 Saab Sonnet

[ymsin]

I agree. Everytime a 116 passes me by, I can't help but admire it. It would score brownie points if it was well maintained and detailed. So far, I have only seen one that really deserves a good applaude. Sadly, the others are just waiting to be scrapped.

Coincidentally, the 116 was the first car I "owned" before landing myself with a C200 and the current 126. My client "gave" me that 116 in exchange to writing of his bills.

But since I didn't need a "big" car (then), I had him take it back. I remembered how difficult it was to engage the gears as it was the total opposite from what I was used to. And the gas tank - was a bottomless pit!

The 126 have much to thank the 116 for its advances in design and comfort.

[V.Putin]

I spent a few minutes thinking about this and finally vote for W126. W140 is better in terms of power and engineering alright. But here in where I'm staying, W126 tends to last longer under extreme condition of driving(under temp. of more than 90'F and terribly built road) and also cost much less for maintenance. For example, the price you pay for a pair of shock absorber for W126(in Thailand) is $186. Double this price and still it won't be enough to buy a single shock absorber for W140.

W220 is the best in my opinion for exterior style and comfortable. But it lacks MBs traditional classic appearance that I love. So, I think W126 is my kind of S-Class.

[ymsin]

Originally posted by V.Putin
I spent a few minutes thinking about this and finally vote for W126. W140 is better in terms of power and engineering alright. But here in where I'm staying, W126 tends to last longer under extreme condition of driving(under temp. of more than 90'F and terribly built road) and also cost much less for maintenance. For example, the price you pay for a pair of shock absorber for W126(in Thailand) is $186. Double this price and still it won't be enough to buy a single shock absorber for W140.

Classic point.

[V.Putin]

Korrect, sir.

Actually it's one of my dream car. I remember the picture of somebody in my university driving his black(040)500SE with chromed alloy wheels. What a mafia-like appearance!I like that.
I have driven almost every model of W126(but never own one), except those with diesel engines, can't find any SD here. And I got to admit that I'm a fan of M117 engine. It sounds really nice and durability is outstanding. Performance?M117.965 would be more than enough(for Bangkok traffic.)
I've started collecting money to buy W126 since last year and I hope it will be enough to afford it before W230 reveals. If I couldn't get a 560SE, then I would consider purchasing 280SE and replace a twin-cam M110 engine with M117.968 from 560.

[el presidente]

Sedans: (1) W126 (favorite); (2) W140 (middle); (3) W220 (least favorite)

Coupes: (1) C215 (favorite); (2) W126 (middle); (3) W140 (least favorite)

[ymsin]

I was having a chat with my client who has a W40 and he is contemplating selling it. He is amazed at the cost of parts and replacement compared to his W210 E280. I told him I just had my engine mounts replaced at $60 a pair, and fuel distributor overhauled at $70, he remained silent for a while.

The next I have in mind is to change the brake dics (which warped after a year?) and the estimated quote is $200, which includes the front and rear disc and pads, and bleeding of brake fluid.

I doubt if any S-class maintanence would come any cheaper yet offering the same ride quality as the 140.

[rickjordan]

I would vote but can't seem to find the "vote" button. So I will vote here. For me it is also a toss up between the W126 and the W140, even though I own a W116. For me the W140 was the last of the BIG solid Benzes. I mean these cars had some serious mass to them. Of course I have read here about the enormous bills it can run up. Is there anything that is DIYer on these cars? I really like the look of the post '86 W126s with the 15" wheels.

[Ali Al-Chalabi]

I am going to have to vote for the 140, an awesome car, but it does carry the drawbacks of huge repair bills as previously stated.

[Benz_man600]

As a new driver (16), I have yet to pay a repair bill on my W140. So, I cant squable about how expensive the thing is. The 220 is a technical marvel, but the car just doesnt have that MB look that I like so much. A solid black 140 on 16" chrome wheels is one hell of a car in my book!

My vote is for the W220. I have driven a '98 and '99 W140 (S500) for a weekend. The W220 out handles the W140, while still maintaining a comfortable ride. I fell that the W140 was as nibble.

Remember both are excellent cars!

[mbtjc]

Of course you can call me biased here since I own and drive one, but my opinion is definitely for the W126 for a few reasons. 1) It has the right amount of gadgets, not overloaded with 900lbs of useless electronic wizardry you are never going to use. Ya got power everything, ABS, a stereo, sunroof, some have heated seats, limited slip...what else do you really need or use?? "Distronic" cruise control...keep your eyes on the damn road! Gimme a break! And the list goes on. 2) Classic MB quality, this may be cliched, but it's true, it is built like a bank vault and if taken care of, they will last forever. 3) Last but definitely not least...the classic Benz styling. Straight forward no BS interior that requires no separate owner's manuals for any functions and a gorgeous dash, and just a gorgeous exterior, which I think looks even better with the shorter euro bumpers. I'm sorry, but the W140 is a bit slab-sided. It just looks HUGE and blocky. I know it is a wonderful car, but I don't care for the chunky styling. I also sat in a used one with maybe 60k on it and things were gettin kinda flimsy, loose and worn looking! Mine with 165k is solid.
Call me biased, but W126s all the way!!!