I don't hear much (or anything) about these vehicles. Anybody know anything about them, and what problems to look for?

There's a 95 for sale in my area.

Looking further, there's a few S500s and S600s that are falling into my price range, as are some CL500s. Mileage tends to be in the 70-90K area. The S600s tend to be priced similarly.

Comments?

The later, the better of the 140 series. Motor/trans are reliable, electronic glitches are another issue. There's a lot on the 140 series to search...

__________________
'07 Yukon 2500
'13 Subaru Outback 3.6R
'13 Orbea Carpe 9-speed

Currently Benzless
Formerly: 300TD, S600, E55, 560SEL

---= The forest breathes, listen.
-Native American elder

Do a "search" and you will find a number of threads.

Things to look for; (beside ALL records)
1) Wiring harness
2) A/C condition. . . Evaporator
3) Elec Throttle Actuator

Those are the big "three". If you want to look at the electrical systems along with problems, check out my web page in my signature.

Personally, I think they are great cars but be prepared to spend some $$$ to keep it that way.

__________________
Regards . . . . JimF
-------------------
'94 S500 Cpe

Visit my Mercedes Web Page

Jim and Ted

Thanks for the feedback.

Jim - that's a great website you have, and I can see the love you have for these vehicles.

There seems to be a (small) number of these cars with used car dealers in the area. My experience has been that service records will be non-existant and often they will be off lease with unknown ownership. Correct me if I'm wrong, but shouldn't I be avoiding those, and wait until I can buy one from a single owner with full records? I'm not in a rush.

Also, with the S600 coupe failing into the same price range, should I step up?

Finally, the CL500 seems to be in the same price range as well. Thoughts?

Has anybody had both a S500 coupe and a 560SEC, and do you have a preference?

Thanks
Al

I would steer clear of that vintage 12'er. Some of the problems have been mentioned over the years on this site, one that comes to mind is the cylinder de-activation system.

I'd go with the V8. I don't think the performance diff is worth the money and grief of that era 12. '03 and newer, different story- due to the turbos.

Records, records, records. You'll find a good one eventually.

__________________
'07 Yukon 2500
'13 Subaru Outback 3.6R
'13 Orbea Carpe 9-speed

Currently Benzless
Formerly: 300TD, S600, E55, 560SEL

---= The forest breathes, listen.
-Native American elder

The big Mercedes coupes have always been insanely awsome cars. From the 560SEC to the S500 coupe, and now the CL500's.

Think of owning one like dating a super model, they perform and look great, but are not cheap dates.

__________________
2016 Corvette Stingray 2LT
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

Just for laughs (and if anyone cares), I decided to check to see if the S500 would fit in my garage BEFORE I wasted too much time thinking about it. Comparisons to my SLC:
S500 vs. SLC

L: 199.4" vs. 196.4
W: 75.3" vs. 70.5
H: 57.3" vs. 52.4
Wheelbase: 115.9" vs. 111

I am SHOCKED that the length is so close, although the 5mph bumpers on the SLC add a lot of useless length.

So it will fit. Now all I've got to do is find an S500.
Or a CL500.
Or a 400E.
Or a 500E.
Or a CE.
Or a C36.
Or a 450SLC 5.0.

I hate decisions.

I know what you mean, Jim. No, eight cylinders is enough for me.

__________________
" We have nothing to fear but the main stream media itself . . . ."- Adapted from Franklin D Roosevelt for the 21st century

OBK #55

1998 Lincoln Continental - Sold
Max 1984 300TD 285,000 miles - Sold
The Dee8gonator 1987 560SEC 196,000 miles - Sold
Orgasmatron - 2006 CLS500 90,000 miles
2002 C320 Wagon 122,000 miles
2016 AMG GTS 12,000 miles