I agree with you Warren, the W140 was not a perfect car.

But which car is???

Even the bullet-proof W124 had a myriad of nightmares the first two years of production. Americans may not be too familiar with hundreds of cab drivers blocking the main streets of Stuttgart complaining about the horrible original build quality of the W124.

Even my 1995 E320T (last year of production) had four major fixes from production problems (steering wheel gear, engine cylinder gasket, the infamous engine wiring harness, and the A/C evaporator).

While attending college in the U.S. I bought a brand new Lincoln Mark VII LSC. Four months after delivery I recieved an urgent notice from Ford saying that the fuel filler piping needed adjustment because there was "eminent danger of fuel explosion". I felt like I bought a leather upholstered V-8 Pinto!

For such an overengineered vehicle the W140 did not do too bad. Yes, the evaporators still failed until the last day of production, and yes they eat tires like crazy, but at almost 5,000 lbs. of gross weight, who wouldn't?

I can agree with that...and I also would say that my personal example suffers from two things
1. more problems than the usual car
2. my obsession that everything work as it should

but somethings bug me...the evap going out twice,the engine going south,and the shorted out dashboard

those speak of poor quality control..something that I don' t think is expected in that class of car AND rather the failures being wear related ..they were design related..in a car " engineered like no other car in the world" that causes me concern

my personal example had about 20K in repairs paid for by the extended warranty co(much to their dismay)
I have had a few heated conversation with the MB zone rep..but I ASSURE you if it had been my money I would have been livid and probably dumped the car long ago


Warren
1992 300SD 158K
Columbus Ohio

The last of the great Mercedes.......
 

were the W126 models. You can keep the W140 and newer models. Those things are money pits. I'll take a '90 or '91 SDL /SEL over any of the newer models.

probably a good decision if you can live without the newer creature comforts/amenities


Warren
1992 300SD 160K
Columbus Ohio

I don't find the new amenities much to talk about. After all, one would only need the basic ride/road handling, reliability, comfortable sitting and driving position, enough leg room, and smooth riding.

Then again, the later 126 models had many options which were already quite up to date, i.e. electronic seat adjustments.

In reality, much of the equipment offered on the W126 series was up to today's expectations. In most markets you could even order a W126 with a fridge installed on the trunk, individual rear bucket seats (fully electrically operated, with lumbar support and heated), front coupe-styled sport seats, etc, etc, etc. The only thing I would say was a little out of date were the sound systems.

On the other hand, most of the new amenities offered on the W140 were clever and useful, but someone could really live without them (like self-closing doors, parktronic and double sided windows).

Although, there is no contest on the ride and handling qualities between a W126 and a W140. The W140 definitely feels more tight and refined.

Interesting..I really like the much improved stereo and additional airbags,the greatly improved seat controls that allow additional seating comfort and the additional trim/wwodwork that the car has

I really would like to have the ESP and headboard airbags that my car does not have because I think the safety feartures are very important

In regard to driving the 140 over the 126....better ride and handling,no question


Warren
1992 300SD 160K
Columbus Ohio

A. Rosich-
Let me ask you a question........If you had a w 140 and a W220 in a lot for sale and both were S 500's with the same equipment except the newer one comes with the navigation system and the price was the same........which one would you buy?

That's a silly question in that they would never be the same price. Unless the guy who owned the lot would be a total moron.

To clarify my post about W126's being a nice choice, I just want to point out that the W126 was a design that was acclaimed worldwide and that it's a stellar vehicle even today. In talking to my mechanic who is a MBZ specialist, he basically told me to run far away from any W140 older than a '96 and that he'd rather have my car than any W140 !! That's just his opinion but he says they're high maintanence and he would know. I'm sure they're nice, but I prefer the older lines of the W126. The W140s look too "boxey" to me and to own a W220 is moot point since I can't afford one.

I don't need GPS, self closing doors, microwaves or refridgerators when I drive somewhere. I do like the dual airbags, ABS brakes that my car has. Comes in handy when you're doing triple digits on some deserted highway. :D

You can toss a new stereo and a tasteful set of W140 style 8 hole wheels on a W126 and you get this.:) Take the $40K or so you save on new one and buy some stock or something.

122K miles. Midnight Blu/Blk leather
Kenwood MPV 619 CD/CDR/MP3/Sirius SAT radio

Tabasco, here's my two cents . . .
 

the question is not 'realistic'! But if you added one other modifier: ". . .if the two cars had the same milage", then I buy the W140!

BTW, my W140 has a navigation system!

Dear Tabasco:

Based on all my views expressed throught this thread, you may think you are throwing me a "trick question" in which I should answer: "The W140" (based on your assumption that both, the W140 and W220 are both equipped with identical engines and features). This way, I will be truthful to my convictions and also "look stupid" for making such a choice (monetary wise).

Well my friend, in such an scenario, my real answer would be:

I will buy the W220, SELL IT inmediantly (making a nice profit). Then, I will COME BACK to the lot and BUY THE W140 and use the left over money to take a long vacation either in Nepal or Mozambique with a nice new set of Gucci luggage. I may even have some money left to fit an aftermarket GPS system to the W140 (or I could always ask for directions, no shame about that).

This way, I will end up with the REAL GROSSER MERCEDES (not the CHEAP spin-off) and have the opportunity to take a vacation for free in one of the most exotic places on earth.

S-Class Icon !!
 

Here's the real deal S-class. This thing is to DIE for !!:)

interesting point..as I have heard the same thing about the 140,124,210..etc..etc

the self closing doors are nice..as the 140 has some very heavy doors..are they absolutely necessary..?....no..but they are nice to have..as are the reversing rods and the electric fold in exterior mirrors...and while you are doing triple digits I am suer you would enjoy the ride and handling if the 140 over the 126 hands down

as for the 8 hole wheels, I personally don't like those on a 126 and the stereo mods will not match the the interior lights etc of the 126...as I like to have my car remain looking very stock



Warren
1992 300SD 160K
Columbus Ohio

you got me there the 140 only lasted for 9...as for repairs yes indeed more expensive..as there is a LOT more to the car than the 126..so it stands to reason..but with that same rationale(of cost of repairs) you could always buy an accord...has ALL the features that you have(plus a much better stereo) and what your car would have lost in resale the first few years would have paid cash for the Honda

ANYONE would tell you the 140 is a better handling car..not a BMW by any means..but better than the 126...and the 220 btw is even better handling than the 140...as with Mercedes tradition the newer generation typically is more refined


why did you update the wheels...was there anything wrong with the stock design of the 126?

as for the stereo I like to keep the factory look..which is one of the reasons I like MB so much anyway..the finish and look of the interior..I don't want to mar it with something that doesn't fit the look...as for the CD changer my 10 disc doesn't take up much room at all..its in the left area in its own compartment and franky I like CD quality music much more than MP3..while its takes more space to store..the sound quality and clarity make a HUGE difference to me

I am not crazy for the 140..I think its a great car...does it have issues..yes..but the ride,solidity,attention to detail and handling make it in a class by itself..I have owned a 126,124 and now a 140...I actually think I preferred the 124 to the 126...based on its handling for the most part
And as for repairs...franky the 124 could not be beat..much better than the 126
but you know I have driven the 220..great car..almost handles like a BMW with the ride of a MB


just my .002

Warren
1992 300SD 160K
Columbus Ohio