In praise of the w140 S class - Page 5 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

C280 Sport · #61 11-15-2011, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MBeige

If you really want a W140 but don't want to spend too much on the "toys" then an S320 (or earlier model 300SE) would be a good candidate. But at the same time it defeats the purpose of having a W140. That's like ordering a nice 10oz steak but stopping short only because the mashed potatoes ran out - you can't really enjoy it by itself, the W140 has to have those extras.

The options, extras (and eventual problems) go up the list with the S420, S500 and S600.

Perhaps the most applicable quote for W140 owners, is "You have to pay if you want to play"

True. But however the 140 with a 6cyl is gear more towards a person who wants the large luxury car with a engine that sips the gas a little less. Doesnt really defeats the purpose. Just a different engine option. Not as amazing as the S600 but for one who loves a large soft luxury car without getting 10mpg the S320 was a nice choice. My neighbor has one.(30k or something on it) Mint condition garage queen.

tjts1 · #62 11-15-2011, 02:08 PM

You're all wrong.
Top Gear - Mercedess Cottage vs S-Class - YouTube

Hatterasguy · #63 11-15-2011, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MBeige

If you really want a W140 but don't want to spend too much on the "toys" then an S320 (or earlier model 300SE) would be a good candidate. But at the same time it defeats the purpose of having a W140. That's like ordering a nice 10oz steak but stopping short only because the mashed potatoes ran out - you can't really enjoy it by itself, the W140 has to have those extras.

The options, extras (and eventual problems) go up the list with the S420, S500 and S600.

Perhaps the most applicable quote for W140 owners, is "You have to pay if you want to play"

Yeah, I can't really think of them as beaters too since they are such world class cars. Mercedes spent a billion dollars developing the W140 back in the day and the Maybach is still based on it.

I prefer to think of them as a bargain buy on one of the best sedans ever made.

TylerH860 · #64 12-04-2011, 09:47 PM

Oops. I went back up to Kansas City Saturday after selling the 190D at the Mecum classic car auction later this week. Didn't plan on buying anything, but after all the prime time cars went everybody went home. Nobody seemed to be paying attention to this S420.

The miles were high (140k) but it was in excellent condition. No oxidation on any of the surfaces, paint was exceptional, interior like new. Under the hood was very clean, wiring did not look nasty, no obvious leaks. Newer BFGs all around. All the electrical bits seemed to work. I chose to sit and wait for this one since it was selling no reserve, and I'm ecstatic that I did.

1995 Mercedes-Benz S420 for sale by Mecum Auction

Drove it 200 miles home today. Pretty much flawless. Brake pad wear indicator kicks on under braking, 1 brake light bulb worn out, and the front right strut makes a noise under hard bumps.

Turns out it was a California car, which would explain the lack of rust/oxidation that inevitably consumes cars in this longitude and higher.

I'm in love. Being my first 140 I was blown away. Miles ahead of the tons of 220s I've driven, and I was more comfortable in it than my 2004 E500.

The Clk Man · #65 12-04-2011, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TylerH860

Oops. I went back up to Kansas City Saturday after selling the 190D at the Mecum classic car auction later this week. Didn't plan on buying anything, but after all the prime time cars went everybody went home. Nobody seemed to be paying attention to this S420.

The miles were high (140k) but it was in excellent condition. No oxidation on any of the surfaces, paint was exceptional, interior like new. Under the hood was very clean, wiring did not look nasty, no obvious leaks. Newer BFGs all around. All the electrical bits seemed to work. I chose to sit and wait for this one since it was selling no reserve, and I'm ecstatic that I did.

1995 Mercedes-Benz S420 for sale by Mecum Auction

Drove it 200 miles home today. Pretty much flawless. Brake pad wear indicator kicks on under braking, 1 brake light bulb worn out, and the front right strut makes a noise under hard bumps.

Turns out it was a California car, which would explain the lack of rust/oxidation that inevitably consumes cars in this longitude and higher.

I'm in love. Being my first 140 I was blown away. Miles ahead of the tons of 220s I've driven, and I was more comfortable in it than my 2004 E500.

What are you going to do with the $900 you had left?

compu_85 · #66 12-04-2011, 10:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TylerH860

..Miles ahead of the tons of 220s I've driven, and I was more comfortable in it than my 2004 E500.

Can you list some specifics? I've always loved the style of the 220, but I've never been in one. I've watched prices and they seem to be very cheap... probably for a reason

-J

Jim B. · #67 12-04-2011, 10:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TylerH860

Oops. I went back up to Kansas City Saturday after selling the 190D at the Mecum classic car auction later this week. Didn't plan on buying anything, but after all the prime time cars went everybody went home. Nobody seemed to be paying attention to this S420.

The miles were high (140k) but it was in excellent condition. No oxidation on any of the surfaces, paint was exceptional, interior like new. Under the hood was very clean, wiring did not look nasty, no obvious leaks. Newer BFGs all around. All the electrical bits seemed to work. I chose to sit and wait for this one since it was selling no reserve, and I'm ecstatic that I did.

1995 Mercedes-Benz S420 for sale by Mecum Auction

Drove it 200 miles home today. Pretty much flawless. Brake pad wear indicator kicks on under braking, 1 brake light bulb worn out, and the front right strut makes a noise under hard bumps.

Turns out it was a California car, which would explain the lack of rust/oxidation that inevitably consumes cars in this longitude and higher.

I'm in love. Being my first 140 I was blown away. Miles ahead of the tons of 220s I've driven, and I was more comfortable in it than my 2004 E500.

that is a very nice one. How much you pay for it (if you don't mind my asking).

Post up the VIN or pm it, and I will give you the smog test history, which will give more clues about WHERE in California it lived.

140k is nothing for those, it has a long life ahead, and it looks like one of the nicely kept up ones.

So many are trashed because when they descended to 4th or 5th tier owners, they could not keep up with maintenance or repairs, and just let them go.

They actually are the last of the really super good build quality S class cars.

And the seats are sublimely comfortable.

But I hope the AC works on yours. Book time to fix that is 22 hours. It is a horror.

TylerH860 · #68 12-04-2011, 10:38 PM

CLK man... What are you talking about?

Quote:

Originally Posted by compu_85

Can you list some specifics? I've always loved the style of the 220, but I've never been in one. I've watched prices and they seem to be very cheap... probably for a reason

-J

Compared to the 140, I feel it looks cheaper on the inside. The seats were stiffened up quit a bit more like BMWs as well. I like cushy seats.

I've never owned a 220. See too many of them with bad air struts and transmissions at the auction.

The Clk Man · #69 12-04-2011, 10:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TylerH860

CLK man... What are you talking about?

Compared to the 140, I feel it looks cheaper on the inside. The seats were stiffened up quit a bit more like BMWs as well. I like cushy seats.

I've never owned a 220. See too many of them with bad air struts and transmissions at the auction.

The $900 you had left from the sale of the Benz you sold after you bought the S 420?

Hatterasguy · #70 12-04-2011, 10:47 PM

Oh that's a pretty S420, once you get the W140 bug it attaches to you. If you decide to flip it next year let me know, I had a big hard on looking at a pair of CPO W221's at MB of North Haven last weekend and have been bitten pretty hard by the MB bug. But at this point $40k is just a bit much, but that car now...

Hatterasguy · #71 12-04-2011, 10:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by compu_85

Can you list some specifics? I've always loved the style of the 220, but I've never been in one. I've watched prices and they seem to be very cheap... probably for a reason

-J

The W220 is my least favorite S class, they are somewhat cheap for what they are. The W221 is fantastic and the older ones are great, but I would avoid that generation.

Tyler now you need a good W140 S600, they are oh so good.

TylerH860 · #72 12-04-2011, 11:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim B.

that is a very nice one. How much you pay for it (if you dnon't mind my asking).

Post up the VIN or pm it, and I will give you the smog test history, which will give more clues about WHERE in California it lived.

140k is nothing for those, it has a long life ahead, and it looks like one of the nicely kept up ones.

So many are trashed because when they descended to 4th or 5th tier owners, they could not keep up with maintenance or repairs, and just let them go.

They actually are the last of the really super good build quality S class cars.

And the seats are sublimely comfortable.

But I hope the AC works on yours. Book time to fix that is 22 hours. It is a horror.

Sale price is on the mecum site. There were $300 in fees on top of that.

Lot F26 1995 Mercedes-Benz S420

Sold Price: $2,500

Kansas City, MO Auction
December 1-3, 2011

Yes, the AC works.

Original owners were form Burbank according to the maintenance book which was stamped to 82,500 miles. Carfax shows 2 owners, the second purchasing in 1998 with 60,000 miles. It came to live in Colorado in 2009 after spending its whole life before that in California.

TylerH860 · #73 12-04-2011, 11:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Clk Man

The $900 you had left from the sale of the Benz you sold after you bought the S 420?

Oh, it was a bigger difference than that.

PaulC · #74 12-04-2011, 11:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TylerH860

Sale price is on the mecum site. There were $300 in fees on top of that.

Lot F26 1995 Mercedes-Benz S420

Sold Price: $2,500

Kansas City, MO Auction
December 1-3, 2011

Yes, the AC works.

Original owners were form Burbank according to the maintenance book which was stamped to 82,500 miles. Carfax shows 2 owners, the second purchasing in 1998 with 60,000 miles. It came to live in Colorado in 2009 after spending its whole life before that in California.

Well, you definitely bought it right.

Jim B. · #75 12-05-2011, 12:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TylerH860

Sale price is on the mecum site. There were $300 in fees on top of that.

Lot F26 1995 Mercedes-Benz S420

Sold Price: $2,500

Kansas City, MO Auction
December 1-3, 2011

Yes, the AC works.

Original owners were form Burbank according to the maintenance book which was stamped to 82,500 miles. Carfax shows 2 owners, the second purchasing in 1998 with 60,000 miles. It came to live in Colorado in 2009 after spending its whole life before that in California.

He runs,

He jumps,

He shoots,

HE SCORES !!!!!