W126 or W140 ?

[GradyService]

Well my 86 560 has developed a bad front main trans seal leak (probably been there all along), and now I am seriously thinking about trading up to a 92or up W140. I know of a few for sale from 4k-7k, and am wondering, which model is the best (i.e. most reliable). V8 or 6 cylinder? Pre '96 or Post '96?
All ideas appreciated.
Dave

[A. Rosich]

This topic has been discoussed endlessly on this forum. Do a search and you will find tons of information.

Basically get the lastest production year possible (97-98-99) with the lowest mileage (less than 100k) and with a PERFECT maintenance service record, including new evaporator and everything in working order (including self closing doors/trunk).

Anything besides that is asking for BIG trouble on a W140.

[Will_w202]

main seal = $1500 maybe, 140 unexpected repairs = $5k easily

think long and hard

[Hatterasguy]

Totaly different cars, the W140 drives many times better than the W126.

The best W140 is a super low mileage 1999. Paying top dollar for a perfect example is money well spent.

[t walgamuth]

for myself i would prefer finding a perfect 126. the 140s are too massive and too complicated for me.

and when i drove a 320se (140) it felt pretty much like a 126 to me.

tom w

[DslBnz]

Since I've recently started driving a '92 300SD around for a bit, I see no big difference (mpg gauge is a nice feature). Maybe a wider center console, and more headroom.

I once thought the W140 was massive in comparison to the W126, but they are virtually no wider than the W126 (the American bumpers are bulky even on the sides). I lined my 350SD up with it and took measurements. They sit an inch or two higher though. They have a nice supple ride, and less interior road noise and a tight turning radius. Definitely a solid ride, and not such a big car after all.

They sure don't handle like a near 2.5 ton car. They are very light on their feet, and I have a lot of trouble believing the car weighs 4600 + lbs.

The W126 is a much better looking car, IMHO. But the W140 is not terribly bad looking either.

Not enough of a difference between the two. An S-Class is an S-Class.

[86560SEL]

Me too. My next MB will probably be a super low mileage 1986-87 420SEL or 300SDL. I love the looks of the W140 however.

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

for myself i would prefer finding a perfect 126. the 140s are too massive and too complicated for me.

and when i drove a 320se (140) it felt pretty much like a 126 to me.

tom w

[sixto]

Originally Posted by DslBnz

Since I've recently started driving a '92 300SD around for a bit, I see no big difference (mpg gauge is a nice feature).

Heat from the center vents. Well worth the price of admission

IMO, 126 steering wheel is big yet steering effort is high, 140 steering is one hand light yet stable into triple digits (I have no interest in what the road feels like, that's why I'm in an S); at 250K miles, 126 seats need new pads, 140 seats still pretty comfortable.

Per MB specs 140 has ~5.5" more front and rear shoulder room. Crate dimensions are comparable but 126 greenhouse has more taper. 350SD has a rated highway range of ~600 miles, S350 has a rated highway range of ~740 miles. Maybe drivers with really broad shoulders have really big bladders

You have to drive them to feel the difference then let your preference decide. I got through college putting in fewer hours each evening than I do learning to keep a 140 on the road.

Rule of thumb = each individual MB of a specific year and model costs the same. You either pay for a good car up front or pay what you thought you saved to bring your bargain back to spec. Pay for a good car - you'll enjoy it sooner and longer.

Sixto
93 300SD

[Hit Man X]

The trans front seal is a common issue with the 722... it's about a $7 and will spend about a day swapping in your driveway or 3-4 hours on a lift @ $80/hr so maybe $350 tops by my numbers.

You can't really compare a 140 to a 126, the suspension is FAR more advanced on the 140...