One key phrase that George used is something "different". George lives here in the Washington DC area as I do. This place is crawling with high end Bimmers, Mercedes, etc. One thing you will NOT see is many W140 coupes.
I think in the years I've had mine I've only seen two others around here and I drive about 140 miles a day. They are unusual and "different". I've had folks at traffic lights ask me what kind of car it is. Had a cop stop me this year just to tell me it was a beautiful car and could he look at the interior. When buying gas a year ago, an older 240D pulled up behind me at the pump (somewhat strange cuz they don't sell diesel there), the driver was wearing a polo type shirt that bore the Mercedes star marked with "Mercedes Service" underneath. He said he was driving by on the main road, had seen my coupe, and turned around so he could look at it. Said he'd never seen one in person before.
Yep, they're unusual. And given their production numbers, they'll always be that way.
Of course the best part is letting it stretch its legs on the freeway and enjoying the comfort of a W140....
Downside is indeed the price of some parts. Want a shock? Call the dealer and price one of those sexy headlights. or a hood. Despite the fact that they "look" like a W140 sedan, they don't share any of the exterior body parts.
No matter. Worth every penny when a brand new Bimmer 7 series stops beside you in traffic and the driver's trophy wife is eyeballing your car.

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KenP

1996 S500 W140 Coupe

I really like the W140 sedans but I just can't love the coupes. I don't know why it must be just me. I don't dislike the way they look they just don't give me the same feeling that looking at a mint C126 does. I think the C126 is one of the best looking MB's ever, but I also really like the way the currant CL coupes look.

I think of the C140 was a little lower and sleeker, or had more chrome... I don't know they just never had much appeal to me.

btw I am amazed by how cheaply W140's are these days. Mid 90's examples that are mint (ie service records, perfect shape ect) are in the low teens! My friend is looking to buy one because they are such a big bang for your buck. Where else can you get such a nice car for $15k? So what if it costs you a few grand a year to maintain they are worth it. At this rate mint W126's will be worth more then W140's in a few years, go figure.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

The thought, as you predict, that mint W126s will cost more than w140s in a few years had entered my mind a few times. And it seems very possible.

The reason? Simple: people are just dead afraid of getting into a W140 and its out-of-this-world maintenance and running costs. That is why they are selling, in most markets, even cheaper than W124s.

And it is not that for the moment a well taken for W140 will run your bank account dry, definitely not (for the moment!). But as the W140 age, it will not age gracefully. Electronics, unlike wine, do not mature well.

Most of the overly complicated computers, relays and electrical systems in the W140 will start to play havoc sooner than later on most owners. My hope is that somehow, as used prices on whole cars deteriorate, prices on parts will lower somehow too.

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A. Rosich
CL 500, 1998
S 500 L, 1998
E 320 T, 1995 [Sadly sold ]

Thanks very much to all for great survey comments ... been off line for awhile ...

A black on black S600 blew by me the other day passing the Pentagon - I like it! But, I gave a feeling the S500 might be a more reasonable direction ...

KenP - I will likely start looking in next few weeks - may give you a yell. Thank you for the kind offer.

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George Stephenson
1991 350 SDL (200K and she ain't bent, yet)
former 2002 E320 4Matic Wagon - good car
former 1985 300 CD - great car
former 1981 300 TD - good car
former 1972 280 SEL - not so good car
a couple of those diesel Rabbits ...40-45 mpg

I own one of these and you MUST have money to throw away to maintain this vehicle! Otherwise, it will go to hell and someone else who could afford it missed out on a great car! I love it, just expensive to maintain!

WOW, after checking out the comments by fellow users and myself on this eight year old post, I must update this issue, more so after reading this phrase on one of my posts:

"But as the W140 age, it will not age gracefully. Electronics, unlike wine, do not mature well."

The W140 (both the sedan and the coupe) are still expensive to main properly, cheap parts are not as widely available as for other older M.B. models, but the electronics are not as horrible as I thought they would be. At least they are not such a nightmare as the electronics you have to deal with on a W220 or a W215.

If a computer on a W140 breaks down, it would render inoperative the system it manages, period. W220 or W215 computer faillures usually render the whole vehicle inoperative, regardless if its an engine system or just the radio. Also, from many independents I have talk with, they say the W220 and the W215 electronics are more sensitive to humidity, heavy usage and/or neglect than the W140 electronics.

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A. Rosich
CL 500, 1998
S 500 L, 1998
E 320 T, 1995 [Sadly sold ]

I agree with that 'modified' statement. However, not ever having a W220, I can't actually verify your statement. Since the car's ECUs communicate on a more complicated and inter-related bus, I believe that you are correct.

As many know, my '94 S500 cpe has been a model of reliability. Nothing major has failed in the last 6+ years in the car's "electronics". And as I've written, this has been the cheapest Mercedes I've had to maintain.

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Regards . . . . JimF
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'94 S500 Cpe

Visit my Mercedes Web Page

I agree with you Jim, actually the W140, along with the W124, are one of the cheapest Mercedes to mantain, EXCEPT for the dreaded Vacuum Assistance Pump for the self-closing doors and trunks!!!

My S 500 L is on its SIXTH pump and my coupe on its third!!!

I have had all the lines and locks checked on both cars and everything is perfect, is just the pumps that fail constantly (and they are expensive to replace, even the OEM spec).

My tech tells that he believes they are extremely sensity to the tropic huminidity here in Costa Rica. Who knows? But my humble opinion is that the system is really to complicated and that M.B. really did not do a good job dialing realibility into the pump design.

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A. Rosich
CL 500, 1998
S 500 L, 1998
E 320 T, 1995 [Sadly sold ]

I will have to agree with Jim F on the C140. I've had mine only since the first of this year. The previous owner let the maintenance go so I spent money on maintenance items. Replaced a few oil tubes and the MAF (he used silicone sealant on the valve covers)
I have a problem with the soft close system but may not fool with it as everyone who gets in the car slams the damn door. Other than that it is a dream to drive. Just finished a 4300 mile trip without a hiccup. If there is a downside to this car CL500 it is the gas mileage. I averaged 22mpg on the trip but around town it is pretty grim. However I do drive it daily.
Anziani
'95 E420 132K
'97 CL500 142K