W202 vs W140 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

BenzOnline · #1 02-26-2007, 02:26 AM

Alright...this may be a stupid question but (and yes ive read and done many searches) how would a W202 measure up to a W140 (98-99) reliability wise and "joy" of ownership? Im 24 and the W140 is and was always my dream to own after having a W126 for 4 years. But the forums scared me away from the beast! I spoke to my indy one day and he says they arent bad and that people expect too much from an S-class so "over-rate" their issues.

All I can say is im confused and should I go for the jump one day?

Jim B. · #2 02-26-2007, 06:05 AM

If you are going to have one, be aware the upkeep WILL cost plenty, make sure all the electronics, and the climate control work perfectly, in addition to all the usual caveats for any used Mercedes. thw W140 is a very regal, imposing and stately ride. Very safe too.

The '99 "Grand Edition" (only 600 made) all of them in Obsidian Black, with the 500 engine and factory AMG wheels, special bird's eye maple trim and other exclusive upgrades, would be, IMO, the most desirable one to find buy and keep.

onesixthree · #3 02-26-2007, 08:20 AM

david vs goliath.
youre 24. just get the 202 and spend the money you would fixing the 140 on tuning up the c. I could imagine how many things can go wrong on a 140. quite scary. if anybody is like me, i cant stand to have something broken and not fix it.

softconsult · #4 02-26-2007, 08:47 AM

I have driven W124's for something like 220K miles. I can tell you they have consumed some serious maintenance dollars. I was faced with the "what's next decision " about 9 months ago. The '92 300E was at 242K.

I had labored under the internet based impression that the W140's were a money pit. They, no doubt, can be if you choose the wrong car. However, further investigation changed my mind. I decided to search for a '97 to '99 S320 in good condition with records. I might be more nervous about the V8 version, but that too might be a false assumption.

The one I found and purchased turned out to be a local car with 109K and full dealer records, $11,700. The car had a head gasket R&R, a MAS R&R, a Blower Regulator, and a few other things done over the years. The M104 engine has 228 HP and is bullet proof. The think is built like a tank. Normal maintenance service, if anything, is easier than the 300E. There is simply more room in that big engine compartment.

So I had the lower control arm bushings done. I replaced the front rotors and pads. Did the transmission service. Put in some new Bilstein front shocks just for the hell of it. Car is a dream on the highway! Seats are the best. Bose stereo with trunk CD changer is great.

The paint quality is excellent. Mine is Black Opal Pearl Metallic which translates to an almost blackish dark navy blue. If you look closely at some of the newer MB's you will see some orange peel. W140 has none. I also have zero rust issues even though the car spent it's first 3 years in New Jersey.

My conclusion is that it's simply a car with a proven I-6 engine, an electronic transmission, and standard rear suspension. So far it's been very reliable. Gets a little over 21 mpg on the highway at 75 mph. It's also plenty fast enough for any sort of normal driving.

Steve
'97 S320 116K
'92 300E 242K

Ali Al-Chalabi · #5 02-26-2007, 09:07 AM

Go with the W202. Reliable and much cheaper to maintain, repair, and modify.

BenzOnline · #6 02-26-2007, 10:45 AM

Thanks for the advice so far guys! Keep em coming....

And yes...I am one of those that cant sleep when sometihng is broken on the car

BrazBenz · #7 02-26-2007, 01:42 PM

I'd say we are dealing with so different cars that it is almost impossible to decide based on the potential service costs.
I'd compare the two listing what is relevant AND different.
In other words: knowing what I get with the S300.
Then estimate the delta in services maintenance.
Finally deciding if I want and CAN afford it.
In summary: find the price of the difference and decide if it is worth it.
Jorge
I'd say the C series are very likeable cars. But the S series is THE Mercedes Benz.
PS2: Also I'd say that if you quote de services with YOU either doing part of them or at least being the integrator and parts buyer you will reach enormously different figures.
Jorge

onesixthree · #8 02-26-2007, 07:18 PM

swb 140 could be a good compromise. what about a 124?

pastmaster · #9 02-26-2007, 07:34 PM

Marko, Here's one I saw on ebay, that is haunting me. It has had all the bad things replaced and repaired, the engine (rod bender), the evaporator, the HD $ items, and the others. Except for the green color, it's almost perfect except for the high price.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Diesel-Turbo_W0QQitemZ280085830584QQihZ018QQcategoryZ6336QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

The temptation is always there!

BenzOnline · #10 02-26-2007, 07:52 PM

Haha I clicked on the link and then refreshed it and bidding ended upon refresh.

Could be a sign?

Acutally looks pretty good of a car...the green isnt too too bad.

Will_w202 · #11 02-26-2007, 09:01 PM

I have a 202, love it, reliable and dependable. Runs the same every day, no surprises. 146k and counting

That said, my next purchase may be a "supplemental" 140. I love them. Like Softconsult, I agree that a 97-99 S320 is a great purchase. Most dependable, easiest to maintain, most economical, and lightest. Classy rides.

Mbz81 · #12 02-26-2007, 09:50 PM

well im 26 and drive a 99 s320 80k miles on it i know that the m104 is bulletproof just watch for the headgasket ,it has the 722.6 trany which i dont know that much about it has a small leak on it where some kind of wire goes into the trany on the passanger side.

so check for :

headgasket
evaropator
722.6 trany?

BenzOnline · #13 02-26-2007, 10:15 PM

Well I just got info in detail of a W140s life and it seems correct. It was addressed to me from a former Benz dealer owner.

12,000 klms its a lube a V8 takes an addtional 2 liters of oil the filters are the same price.

24,000 Klms its like an A service of today budget 350 on either car

36,000 klms another lube an addtional 2 liters for the V8

48,000klms oil - trans lube and filter - spark plugs - air filtre - budget an additonal 200 for the V8 car.

60,000 klms a lube again

72,000 klms brakes front discs probably gone on either car you budget an addtional 500 for the 140.

84,000 klms its another lube

96,000 klms the oil - trans lube and filter - distributor caps (2) - plug wires and so on - 202 that twould come up to 1000 to 1300 the V8 140 close to 2,000.

108,000 lube

120,000 minor maintenence the V8 140 by now needs a charcoal filter for the HVAC about 600.

132,000 another lube

144,000 another major maintenence budget 1500 - by now the front trans seal is leaking, the HVAC blower motor is acting up, the door assists are a little cranky. Brakes again, rear calipers are a little seized up, the gas lines to the filters and gas pump are a little rusted out.

156,000 a lube service, the cats are a little tired, the rear self levelling shocks are leaking, they have a broken front spring, the rear window regulators are tired 350 each plus labor

168,000 a minor service...

180,000 a lube -

192,000 a major service, the timing chains are looser, possibly a couple of lifters are noisy, the transmission is very tired, the cats are marginal (the car barely drive cleans), the differential cover is leaking, the wood paneling is lose and cracked on the console and the dash, the door assist vacuum pump in the trunk is tired.

Go to your very technical forum - tell them that you have a 1995 W140 S500 with a 192,000 klms with an impeccable spare no expense service record, you have a couple of noisy valves, the transmission flares up on the 3-4 shift, everything is rusted in the back to replace the gas filter, the vacuum pump for the door assist is acting up, the car needs another charcoal filter, the blower motor for the HVAC is making noise again, the brakes are not bad but they pulsate at 100 kph. the left rear shock is leaking, and when you sit on the edge of the trunk with the car running it no longer levels itself, the gas line is starting to rust, and one brake line is also rusted.

Don't forget to mention that you are an MBFanatic that you love old cars, and that you want this car back to factory specs, its a Mercedes that has been well maintained with only 192,000 klms.

I nit pick on the performance of the car "Das Beste Oder Nicht", look at any M-B on the premise of "das beste oder nicht" and that the car must perform to factory specs, with factory parts. That was always the old M-B tradition of "besser machen" when you service and maintain a Benz.

Its "das beste oder nicht" all the time, every time, with every Benz, you do reach a point where unfortunately "das beste oder nicht" no longer makes economic sense, and you need to know when to pull the trigger on a car.

Hatterasguy · #14 02-26-2007, 11:22 PM

I never liked the W202, it always felt to me dare I say "low rent". No offense to you guys, but you asked.

From what I have seen the W140 is as reliable as any other MB. Its interior and size are more to my liking.

A SWB S320 is most certianly more user friendly around town then a LWB version.

My view is you are buying at a discount, its a $12k W140 or a $21k Camry, Accord whatever. I'll spend the money on the W140 and just expect to have to put a few grand into it a year.

Heck my W126 eats a couple grand a year, its just the way high end cars are. If you don't want to fix a high end car buy new and get rid of before the warranty goes up. Thats just the way it is.

BenzOnline · #15 02-27-2007, 12:07 AM

Well a W202 would be like "low rent"...its still a place to stay but its underneath the W140 Penthouse in the same building.