500 Sel
 

my parents are looking at buying a 1993 Mercedes 500 SEL. has any had experience with these vehicles that would steer them away from purchasing it? Any major problems? They are just curious on the reliability of these vehicles and how this car rides.

Do a search on the 140 chassis, that will get you started. Some problems, but overall a great car!
B

That car has probaby the worst record of any MB that is old enough to have a record.

The real problem now days is that there are numerous problems that cost more than owners are willing to pay. Just the wiring harness issues with that car are worth half its value (engine harness on the motor, engine harness on the body, alternator/starter harness, and the harness that is part of the throttle assy).. Evaporator leaks usually put the car on the market now days. Who is willing to pay $2500+ on AC on a 10k car. Just fill it and off it.

It is a marvelous piece of equipment that just has too many expensive faults.

so pretty ´much steer clear of this model? what about the same years of s600 and s500?

steve, those prices you gave, is that at the dealer? if so any idea inwhat the parts alone would cost? my dad does all his repairs by himself.

An AC evaporator is about $400. Factor in the cost of the items you usually replace when you service the refiregerant system like the dryer and expansion valve. Then there's purging and charging the system. It takes an experienced hand something like 20 hours to take the dash apart to replace the AC evaporator. I don't know if special tools are involved. Unless your father has replaced the AC evaporator on a W140, don't get a fixer upper.

The problems with early W140s are shared by all W140s. The basic advice is to get the latest model W140 you can afford. Hopefully you'll find one with Starmark warranty. Experience fixing cars, even the S-class that preceded the W140 will count for very little when dealing with a W140. The systems that go bad are systems a reasonable mind wouldn't expect a car to have.

Sixto
95 S420
87 300SDL

I have always found the early 140's to require a large pocket book
I love the car, just wish I could find a starmarked one so I could drive one with peace of mind.

The 500 sel/600 sel were designations used in 92 and 93. I t was changed to S500 and S600 in 94. The 600 has the same problems and everyting is crowded in and more expensive. The 600 engine is two 300 engines sharing a common crank if you want to draw an analigy. I think Steves quote for the AC is conservative, the dealers are worse, and even at my dealer the people who do the AC are a selected few.
They are wonderfull cars I still have one (12years) and have spent a lot on it, the later ones are better!