Are W140's as expensive to maintain as everyone makes them out to be? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

JimF · #1 09-22-2008, 02:24 AM

deanyel may give you better advice but personally I wouldn't touch the '96 with a CEL *and* leaking A/C.

You are guaranteed that the evap is bad . . . . *and* the '96 was the start of OBDII. I found a similar problem on a '96 with the identical problem at my tech's shop.

Problem was plugged (carboned) egr lines on the passenger side and not too-bad on the driver's side; it was plugged enough that the OBDII would NOT allow it to get to the "ready" state. The EGR makes an "emission" fault so it must be fixed. Had to remove both heads and clean the ports . . .

You can tell by using a good scanner and reading the OBDII status. Betcha a dime, that's the problem.

So between the evap and EGR, you'd be an unhappy camper unless you could do this yourself. You'd probably still be unhappy but have some $$ in your pocket!

86560SEL · #2 09-22-2008, 09:27 AM

Thanks... so basically the 92-95 have their share of problems and the 96-99 have another share of problems? Get shed of one and get another?

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimF

deanyel may give you better advice but personally I wouldn't touch the '96 with a CEL *and* leaking A/C.

You are guaranteed that the evap is bad . . . . *and* the '96 was the start of OBDII. So I'm going to tell you what's wrong. I found a similar problem on a '96 with the identical problem at my tech's shop.

Problem was plugged (carboned) egr lines on the passenger side and not too-bad on the driver's side; it was plugged enough that the OBDII would NOT allow the OBD system to be "ready". Had to remove the heads and clean the ports . . .

You can tell by using a good scanner and reading the OBDII status. Betcha a dime, that's the problem.

So between the evap and EGR, you'd be an unhappy camper unless you can do this yourself. You'd probably still be unhappy but still have $$ in your pocket!

86560SEL · #3 09-22-2008, 08:40 PM

Well I emailed the seller to see if he knew why the CEL was illuminated. Has a new converter, so I guess thats ruled out.

I was told that the 4.2L was basically a bulletproof engine. Too bad about the "plugged" EGR lines on these cars that makes the heads have to be removed. I had never heard of that before.

Do you know how many miles that one had with the clogged EGR lines? Seems like there are so many things that could set off a CEL, so I am hoping it could be something else.

I warned the seller that I needed a tight car, because I run a tight ship!

BTW - I think I can get the car for about $2500. Nice overall and since its a 1996, I am assuming it will not have the bio-degradable wires?

JimF · #4 09-22-2008, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 86560SEL

I was told that the 4.2L was basically a bulletproof engine. Too bad about the "plugged" EGR lines on these cars that makes the heads have to be removed. I had never heard of that before. Do you know how many miles that one had with the clogged EGR lines?

Both V8s (5.0L and 4.2L) engines have been shown to be very reliable. The plugged EGR lines is due to lots and lots of city driving.

Hey, I could be wrong ., . it could be a O2 sensor . . . Have him read the codes . . then you'll know!

Quote:

Originally Posted by 86560SEL

Seems like there are so many things that could set off a CEL, so I am hoping it could be something else.

As Hatterasguy said, he KNOWS what's wrong but since it runs ok (it will), doesn't want to spend the $$$ to fix it.
Ask him to get the codes read . . . BEFORE you will consider buying it.

'96 cars don't have biodegradable wiring harness.

86560SEL · #5 09-22-2008, 09:05 PM

Thanks Jim... I emailed him back and asked if he knows what the problem was showing. If he will not tell, its probably a $$$$ problem and I can safely pass.

I have found some nicer 1995 S500 models, but then its back to the wiring harness issues, because NOT ONE I have been interested in, does the seller know if the wiring harness have been replaced. Thats a problem.

Thanks again!

Hatterasguy · #6 09-22-2008, 09:06 PM

Your never going to find a perfect W140, more so in the price range and mileage you are looking at.

86560SEL · #7 09-22-2008, 09:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hatterasguy

Your never going to find a perfect W140, more so in the price range and mileage you are looking at.

No, not unless I buy the $22K 99 W140 you posted.

I guess I will settle for a $2500, or a nicer W126 (I have been looking at 86-87 300SDLs and 88-91 300SELs), but ever since I drove my uncles W140 I have wanted one and his is only a 93' 300SE, but wow its nice. It was his dads, bought it new and I think it has like 73K miles. Like new new new. A/C evaporator did go out- imagine that - lol. That was a $2200 repair.

I found a local 86' 300SDL for $4900, but its in excellent original condition and has 139K original miles. Tempting for sure.