6 Liter W140 -- Price / Avail / Reliability

[GParker]

I'm interested in any perceptions of availability and reliability of the 6 liter W140 cars, 1992-1994.

I understand that these cars might be a bit much to maintain, but what should I anticipate? Anything to stay away from?

Also curious as to what you think a clean car should go for?

Should be able to buy for between $25-$32k; I have over 104,000 miles on my 1992. Unless you need a "new" engine, which I'm told is about $30,000, cost of ownership isn't/shouldn't be much different than any other W140. Basically, unless you're getting a Starmark, you have to be prepared to take a $2,000-$5,000 repair hit. If your lucky, you avoid such a hit; if not, you've got to be prepared.

Only caveat is that you need a good Mercedes shop that is not intimidated by the engine.

The original owner of my car paid $144,000 with taxes (sticker was over $132,000 with options), so current prices are +- 20 cents on the dollar.

I don't know which is more crazy: the original price or the depreciation over 8-9 years.

Good luck.

[420SEL]

I just saw one go for 15,000 on Ebay. I couldn't believe it. I would have figured it would be worth more than 50 grand.

I believe that car was located in Germany....