Need y our opinion (92 s400) - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

will70724 · #1 11-04-2006, 11:20 PM

Im interested in buying this 1992 mercedees benz s400.

I REALLY REALLY wanted a s500, but this 92 has a 7 yr./ 100,000 mile warranty on the engine, transimission, and transfer case.

So Im really interested in this one.

Please be as honest and dont sugar coat it, how big of a difference is a
s500 to a s400se?

And why is it called a se instead of just a s?

snp8990 · #2 11-05-2006, 01:02 PM

The 1992-1993 were labeled with SEL/SE/SD.The 1992's had a different arm-rest than the newer models.I dont think that 1992-1994 W140's were any different.In 1994,the names were changed to S,for example a 500SEL was know known as S500.I think the 1993 and 1994 500's are identical.I have heard that the 1992 model years were the most troublesome models,but if you have a 7 year warranty,you might be fine.I have a 1998 S500 for sale,it has a 4 year/unlimited mileage warranty and in 97 basically all the bugs for the W140's were gone.Mine is in perfect shape.

suginami · #3 11-05-2006, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by will70724

Im interested in buying this 1992 mercedees benz s400.

I REALLY REALLY wanted a s500, but this 92 has a 7 yr./ 100,000 mile warranty on the engine, transimission, and transfer case.

So Im really interested in this one.

Please be as honest and dont sugar coat it, how big of a difference is a
s500 to a s400se?

And why is it called a se instead of just a s?

If this is a 400SE, then it is a short wheelbase sedan, whereas the S500, 500SEL, 400SEL, etc. were long wheelbase sedans.

The S500 / 500SEL only came in the long wheelbase, and the 400SE was only offered the first year or two.

sixto · #4 11-05-2006, 01:51 PM

The engine and transmission are not problem areas in this car. It doesn't have a transfer case. I expect other problems with the car (AC, closing assist, control units mysteriously not covered by the powertrain warranty) will frustrate you before you have reason to file a claim against the warranty.

Read this - Question about S CLASS 92-95 and similar....

It will cost you less and reward you more in the long run to buy the car snp has for sale.

Sixto
93 300SD

will70724 · #5 11-05-2006, 07:14 PM

Hate to sound like Im jumping around, but I also checked out a
92 s 600. It's basically the same price as the 92 400se.

The s 600 has i think 130,000 miles? Somewhere around there.

It's really clean and has service records and everything. But the 600 doesnt have the warranty where as the 400 se has the warranty.

In your guys opinion should I take the s600 over the the 400 se
even though there same years and virtually the same price.

I dont mind the gas price so thats not a big deal.

but problems on either of these models is what I would be more interested in?

Thanks guys, you guys have been nothing but help.

Jim B. · #6 11-05-2006, 08:16 PM

I guess the 186k gold s500 didn't work, or the dealer was too dodgy...

All our advice about these W140 cars still applies, they are the last of the built to the highest quality big Benzes, and the first ones that were technological nightmares.

They are very expensive to care for and feed. But if you can afford to maintain them, they are wonderful to look at, drive in, and enjoy. they weigh over two tons and are ultra safe for a bad accident

In addition to that you have been informed that 1992 was the first year of these models, and so the cautionary rules apply even more, the '92 models were all new cars, so they had a lot more problems and bugs in them, (as with many first year models of other cars) and the for the W140 cars like these, it is best to buy one with most of the problems out of them (1998-99 would probably be the best choice if you could afford it)

People who bought one cheap and couldn't afford to keep them up would tend to avoid maintenance and repairs, and then you could have a money pit.
That's why some are for sale too cheap, they'd just have too many problems, and I have heard a few of them are showing up in junkyards already because it simply wasn't worth fixing some of them. (especially in England)

One more time, you need to be VERY careful if you are thinking about ANY 1992 W140. Ideally you need to be sure the car has no costly airconditioning and heat issues, suspension, electrical, or vacuum problems, hasn't been wrecked or rusted, starts immediately, runs quickly, has a solid suspension, all options, wipers lights, horn, windows, seats, etc. work perfectly, tracks straight and true, and has a history of being well maintained and is not some auction car the good dealers don't want to deal with. If it is a private owner selling, then you would want to know why they are getting rid of it.

As a 14 year old car, it could have some real issues. A prepurchase inspection would be mandatory (things found wrong help give leverage to bargain on the price). I might even consider it for each car I was thinking about. Have either a Mercedes dealer or a GOOD independent Mercedes tech or garage look at the car thoroughly first.

Is it need of a tuneup, fluid/coolant/filter change, or not?

Having seen neither of these 2 cars, I would not be able to advise on which to pick, I guess I would pick the one in better condition (me personally) not so much about the warranty or the prior history, though a warranty give piece of mind on what is covered, but be careful of what isn't covered - a bad Aircon. evap. requires dash removal, about 22+ hours labor to fix, a $2500-$300 job if needed. Having service records on the car helps also!
It show the car wasn't neglected, hopefully, but unfortunately doesn't tell what could go wrong tomorrow. Have a CARFAX report run on both cars.
You can ask here maybe, or pay about $25 for an unlimited supply of them for a month (I think) See www.carfax.com to be sure, and look again at the buyers guide at www.mbcoupes.com again for some general buying tips that might help

It is easy to fall in love with these cars. I saw a silver one yesterday near Sacramento being driven by an Asian lady, on the highway, slowly, and the car looked gorgeous. They are comfortable, and HUGELY safe, and princes, potentates, and heads of state liked owning them or being driven around in them.

As I recall in 1992, the 400SE was the short wheelbase V8 car, and the 600SEL was the long wheelbase V12 (bigger back door and more room in the rear seat area). I would personally choose the car in the best condition, and not so much worry about the color. I think the V12 600 might have more extras on it (things that could go wrong) but both cars have LOTS of extras

If the car you buy is in California, the law states the SELLER of the car must supply the smog certificate with the car, after which you re register it within 90 days of the smog test. This is regardless of whether the seller is a dealer or private party.

Once again, when allis workikng well, these are wonderful cars, but buying a used one is a gamble, and a 1992 is the BIGGEST gamble of all (in my opinion)

If you b ought one, it would be most helpful to have found a good local mechanic or shop that feels comfortable working on the car.

What have you learnt about the two models you are looking at so far?

gmercoleza · #7 11-05-2006, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by will70724

But the 600 doesnt have the warranty where as the 400 se has the warranty.

I am fairly familiar with these cars and would never dream of touching a high-mileage S600 without a warranty.

snp8990 · #8 11-05-2006, 10:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gmercoleza

I am fairly familiar with these cars and would never dream of touching a high-mileage S600 without a warranty.

I havent heard terrible things about the 97-99 S600's,which are farely expensive and well over blue book value.I wouldnt ever think of touching a 92 600SEL,isnt that the first year Benz used a V12 in a sedan?

snp8990 · #9 11-05-2006, 10:31 PM

Let me know if your interested in my car,I can send you a few pics and a carfax as well.

will70724 · #10 11-05-2006, 11:02 PM

What year is your car?^^^^ Is it the 94 s 500 i see on your signature? The 92-95 s class are the only bodystyles i like.

Where is the car located? Maybe you can pm me and send pics, or tell me about the service records things like that?

FOr some reason even the newer ones I dont like. Just those 92-95
s classes attract me. Just love that big body and everything.

This is REALLY like one of my biggest purchases, and effort and decisions I had to make maybe my whole life.

Im just so scared of buying something and then shortly after spending thousands of dollars to fix or repair it.

I just want to buy one of these 92-95 benz and do regular maintanance and be happy.

I dont know what to do. I love the 92 s 600 because of its power, it has all the service records, it's all white, chrome rims, really clean, 130,000 miles, and only 1 owner.

then the 92 400se (might be shorter then a standard s class?) is pretty clean and has a 100,000 mile warranty on engine, tranny, and transfercase. Thats the biggest thing about that car that I love.

So I'm torn between the perfect car (s 600) because of power and looks, and then the lesss powerfull car but warranty.

It's killing me its like something that takes up most of my time, and been thinking about what im going to purchase for like the past 3 or 4 weeks.

snp8990 · #11 11-06-2006, 03:37 PM

The W140 I am selling is my 1998 S500 with 108,000 miles.It is still a W140,but from 97-99 they changed many things to make the W140 series look better and be less fussy.Many things were changed,all in a positive way.The newer W140's are not as money craving as the pre-97 ones.Let me tell you about my W140,many members can vouch for me that this car has been pampered.

The car is a 1998 S500 with Obsidian Black (metallic,looks ALOT better than flat black) paint over Beige leather interior.The outside of the car is perfect with no scratches,very very smooth paint and shiny paint.Basically,if you wash the car it will look like its been waxed.The interior is perfect as well.Not tears,no rips,no stains,no wear is showing at all.I am the second owner of this car,I bought it Mercedes-Benz Starmarked in 2002.I traded-in a 2000 S500 for this older model.So far,I have put Mercedes-Benz authetic Mud-Flaps on the car,17'' S600 authentic Mercedes-Benz rims with matching black Mercedes center caps.The rims are wrapped in Michelin MXV-4 tires.The rims have NO marks NO scuffing,they look brand new.I have the original 16'' rims that are also wrapped in Michelin MXV-4 tires.The car has a set of black mats and a set of beige (Beige are in the car,black are sitting in the trunk).The beige mats still have the plastic on the drivers side.There is also a full set of Mercedes black rubber all season mats that cover the floor mats.I have recently purchased a 4 year unlimited mileage warranty for the S500.All of this is included in the sale.I am asking $18,000.The car is always being detailed by my son.Wax,clay bar,glaze the car is always spotless.I also have the original window sticker.
You stated that this is going to be a big buy for you,and if this is that big,I would NOT even think about getting a pre-97 W140.The 97+ will save you big money and espicially one with a 4 year warranty and one in this condition.The older W140's were just more problematic than the newer W140's.For some reason,I cant post pictures,so if you would like to check out my Shopforum Gallery,the car is in there.
Let me know what you think,
Nilesh

will70724 · #12 11-06-2006, 04:49 PM

Not to be a jerk but a 95 and up is definitely not what im looking for. I dont like those body styles at all. I cant stand the front end, the headlights and the length of the car. I only like the 3 or so years from 92-95 of s class OF ANY MERCEDES BENZ EVER. ANd i know they started getting worse after 95 I'm even leary about buying a 1995 but definitely nothing past 1995, and thats definitely not the money im looking to spend.

Im looking for an s class (92-95) in the $10,000 and under range.

I would be interested in your 94 though.

#13 11-06-2006, 05:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by will70724

Im just so scared of buying something and then shortly after spending thousands of dollars to fix or repair it.

I just want to buy one of these 92-95 benz and do regular maintanance and be happy.

Your interest and inquisitiveness is not unnoticed, and it is appreciated. You've posted MANY of the same questions about these cars - are you continuing to post until you get the answer you want?

Look, I don't want to sound like a jerk either, but several members who are VERY familiar with these cars have given you sound advice as to what to do. And you are hung up on the headlight design?

Please listen:

IF YOU WANT TO BUY ONE OF THESE 92-95 CARS AND DO REGULAR MAINTENANCE AND BE HAPPY THIS IS NOT THE CAR FOR YOU!

Any car that is 10 to 15 years old is going to require a certain amount of attention to keep it going. A more expensive car is going to require larger infusions of cash from time to time. These were amongst the MOST expensive

cars that you could purchase in the States in the early 1990s. They provide an unparalleled driving experience. Along with that is the trade-off that they require much more money to keep on the road in any acceptable state of tune than a simpler, more basic car (like my 123.)

If you cannot afford the best example you can find then you can NOT afford a W140. Period point blank. This is NOT the model to buy as a "project" or to "learn to work on" or to expect to buy, put fuel in it, change the oil, and ignore it.

Good luck to you. Be careful. I mean that.

sixto · #14 11-06-2006, 05:35 PM

I need to get my eyes checked. I don't see any styling major difference between the 92-95 and 96-99 W140s. The front corner laps changed from all amber to partially whilte in 95. The wheel style changed in 96. The side cladding gained some contour in 96 or 97. The tail lights look a little different from 96 or 97... what exactly is grossly different in the styling of early and late W140s that could be a purchasing decision?

Sixto
93 300SD