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

Hatterasguy · #1 10-31-2004, 09:23 PM

I just did a search on them and they all seem to have the same problems. For example the wireing harnes, evap core, vacuum problems, and the amp.

Other then that as long as you stay away from an S600 are they really any more money to keep going then the W126 is? I mean the I am a W126 fan but they are no bargin to keep going parts prices seem to be about the same.

It seems to me if you buy a nice say mid 90's S320/420 with a new harness, evap core and a good maintaince history it will probably be a reasonable car to keep on the road. By MB standards anyway.

Also none of the problems seem to be to terrible $$$ wise at least for the diy. The evap core can probably be done in a long weekend or over a vacation. The wireing harness seems to be around $400 and can't take more then a day. The door close and trunk close assit problems are an optional fix. I look at that as a neat little feature that is nice while it lasts!

But vac problems tend to be a pita to find but cheap to fix. The amps I'll give them that I don't know what they cost but their probably not cheap. But how often do they break? Every 10 years? Other then that no one seems to have major driveline or suspension problems.

Am I wrong here?

psfred · #2 10-31-2004, 09:37 PM

Well, it all depends.....

I've heard of people dumping them as soon as the factory extended warrenty ran out because they were on their third $4000 engine computer and the $2500 climate control unit had just puked again.....

$10,000 a year in electronics to keep it running just isn't reasonable.

MB has admitted that there are electronics problems with these cars (including severe harness problems --DO NOT move the wiring harness, even for troubleshooting, if you don't want to replace the whole blasted thing -- even unplugging the six or so computer connections will cause havoc because the insulation will shatter, crossing all the wires up).

Add to that the "convience relay" package ($2500 or more) so you can open and close windows and sunroof (croaks pretty regular, too!), argon filled windows (I can only guess what they cost!), etc.

NOT an economical car, if truely one of the best quality build machines Benz every made. You do in fact not need to care how much it costs to have one of these, unlike the W126 or W116 -- or the W108, for that matter.

That said, you may get one that runs and runs with no major expenses, but I cannot afford to fix one.

Peter

Kebowers · #3 10-31-2004, 10:32 PM

I suggest you check the parts prices again. Many parts have doubled or more in the last year alone. main engine compartment harness on my car (94 sl-600) went from $900 to $2900 in one year. Electronic throttle actuators went from $3500 a pair to $6400 a set. Gonna sell the ***** if I can get it running. Getting a 'heater hose' was 8-10 working days from Germany--and the part is a 120 model part (from 78?) None in stock in USA.

Do yourself a big favor and go drive a good 1998-2000 Infinity Q45.

deanyel · #4 10-31-2004, 10:46 PM

So what's so special about a "1998-2000" Infinity Q45? I'm looking for insider tips - why would a fool buy a 97 or and 01?

oldsouth · #5 10-31-2004, 11:11 PM

Body wise on my W140 I have replaced the evaporator core and the vacuum pump in the trunk. Also rear window regulators go out often and two of the four door checks have broken. I repaired the rear view mirror using the fix on this forum. Not too bad for 9 1/2 years and 269,000 miles. Drive a 124 or 126 and then drive the 140. Pretty easy decision in my opinion.

Knight Rider521 · #6 10-31-2004, 11:31 PM

YES!! When compared to the cost to maintain a w126. The parts of on the w140 are outrageous!! Common problem is for the ac evaporator to go out. You don't even want to know how much that costs to have fixed. The entire front passenger compartment gets disassebled. All you see is thosands of wires!!! They are great to look at, but I know I wouldn't want to pay the repair bill after taking it to the shop.

Timlewak · #7 09-21-2008, 04:35 PM

I had a 1995 S500 with 172k on it when I traded it for a newer Mercedes and I loved it. Didn't cost that much to maintain.

deanyel · #8 09-21-2008, 04:44 PM

The 140 bodies shouldn't be lumped all together. Some of them have multiple complex and/or troubled systems - ASR, ADS, ESP, automatic door closers, electronic transmissions, etc. - and others have none of those systems.

86560SEL · #9 09-22-2008, 01:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deanyel

The 140 bodies shouldn't be lumped all together. Some of them have multiple complex and/or troubled systems - ASR, ADS, ESP, automatic door closers, electronic transmissions, etc. - and others have none of those systems.

Well, I did not get that 93' 400SEL, but still looking at a 1995 S500 (175K) and a 1996 S420 (161K). The 96' has a CEL light that the owner says has been on for a year, but the car runs perfect and has a new cat converter. A/C leaks down after 2 months - may have the dreadful e-core problem. I am not sure the signs of a bad core... if they are bad, would the A/C not be cold ever?

Also does the 96' S420 have those complex systems (ASR, ADS, ESP, automatic door closers, electronic transmissions), or are they limited to the S500 / S600?

JimF · #10 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 · #11 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!

sixto · #12 09-21-2008, 04:51 PM

They all have AC evaporators...

Sixto
87 300D

JimF · #13 09-21-2008, 07:42 PM

I also think they get a bad rap. My '94 has been the 'best' MB and cheapest to maintain of all MBs I've owned.

Not counting tires, brakes and a battery, here's what been replaced:

1) DI module: $225 . . used from a NYC junk yard
2) Water Pump: . . . new, about $100
3) ETA: $750 . . . replaced w/ new one (got a price break!)
4) Motor Mounts: $45 . . bought from eBay . . new
5) Oil tubes: $50 . . replaced 6 that were bad.
6) Belt extender: $20 . . . used some old gears.
7) Headrest extender: $40 . . . replaced w/ new one.
8) Door Closing Assist: $45 . . . replaced w/ new one.
9) Spheres: $160 . . . replaced w/ new ones

But as sixto says. . they all have 'evaporators' and if you keep the car, you will have to replace it.

10) Evaporator: $2100 . . included labor and parts (new compressor, exp valve, evaporator, fittings, refrigerant.

In 11 years, I'd say that was pretty good. .

oldsouth · #14 09-21-2008, 10:31 PM

Jim, do you think you will only have to replace the evaporator once? I have replaced mine, but is it a recurring problem or has the weakness been fixed?

suginami · #15 09-21-2008, 11:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldsouth

Jim, do you think you will only have to replace the evaporator once? I have replaced mine, but is it a recurring problem or has the weakness been fixed?

How many miles do you have now? Is it over 300,000 yet?