|
Herr Schrempp recently admitted MB have had quality problems.
My 2000 E430W4 had major service issues in the 19 months I owned it (steering rack replaced, etc.), leading me to trade it in for a 2001 S430, which has been basically trouble free. Our 2000 ML320 has had numerous faults (steering angle sensor, power seats, cracked bottom plate on 3d row seat, various electrical gremlins). OTOH no problems at all on the '01 SLK320. I believe any problems with 220-series cars are more the result of MB's recent execution issues than any design-specific flaws. Overall, the car looks and feels more nimble and much better executed than the 140 (to me), without sacrificing any space. I love driving it. The 140 was perhaps the pinnacle of MB *damn the costs, do it right* engineering, but to me the 220 is much more fun to drive and much more practical to own and maintain. |
My 2000 S500, does not even have any minor faults. It is due for service A this wednesday. The car has been great and fun to drive.
|
My 2002 S430 has been trouble free. Great Car!
|
At the risk of extending this thread longer than it is, read this from Consumer Reports and weep!:
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/off-topic-discussion/33540-consumer-reports-vs-mb.html |
Seems to me the only real "experts" on this thread are those that owned both or currently own both...we all know how a 10 minute test drive is not truly representative of living the car day to day
Warren 1992 300SD Columbus Ohio |
I might not owned the W140, but I have driven that car for a week(98 S420)
This is what I like: 1. Less noise on highway 2. Feel stable and heavy 3. Big seat.(Bigger than the LX470) This is what I don't like 1. It is too huge to park(longer than my LX 470) 2. Old style interior with a not really good leather material(like my 97 e420) 3. Gas mileage!!(not as worse as my LX470) 4. Nimble(like SUV) Just an opinion...:D No offense After driving that car and then drive 00 S500, is different. Its all about technology and sportiness. I can push W220 hard on a corner, not to mention the performance of the engine. Of course it feel smaller inside. But, it really fit me right. Easy to park, good gas mileage, less maintenance, styling. |
Maybach: the real W140 successor!
Looking at the new pictures available of the soon-to-be-released new Mercedes-Benz Maybach limo, it is obvious that this car is what definitely M.B. must have used as a proper replacement for the W140, and not the controversial W220.
The W220 is due for a facelift at the end of the year. Maybe some of the major faults mentined could be corrected, although I doubt it. Mercedes needs a fresh new page to start with. A. Rosich S320, 1998 E320T, 1995 |
I also love the W140, but the Maybach does not play in the same division of the W140 W220, does not even play in the same sport!!!
I truly think that the W140 was a much better car than the W220, but everybody knows that! but for the value/money the w220 is simply a better choice. I have a 93 S500 and today with almost 150 kmiles it drives like new and more quietly that most cars available now, just don't ask me how much did I pay for this!!! See what I mean... Folgado 93 S500 |
Boy Gilly You are scaring me
Gilly you are scaring the hell out of me i`m about to purchase a W140 S420 in a couple of days and somehow you got me wondering. This car has an original 60,000 miles on it what am i in for ?
|
Well,
It's been said before, but I'll say it again anyway, The W140 cars are expensive to maintain, both in maintenance and repairs. Especially when repairs are required. The AC evaporators fail, and it REALLY expensive. When you see what's involved in changing one, you'll see why the bill is so high. Things like door-closers, PBU's, intrument panels, and so on, can add up over time. Don't think that because you can buy a used W140 S-Class for $20,000, that it costs the same to maintain as a $20,000 Corolla. These cars were never meant to be sold into a demographic that cared about running costs. They were "damn the torpedoes, full steam ahead" kinda cars. Not to say that running an S-Class can't be a great experience. They can be very relaible cars, giving year after year of top service to the owner. But, when something does go wrong, or age creeps in, you're not getting a bargain on the repair. V-8 engines are not inexpensive for things like head gaskets or timing chains. The electronics on these cars are numerous and complex. Diagnosis can be expensive, and repair costly too. Even things like cabin air filtration systems are much more complex and costly to maintain than on the C or E Class brethern. I've seen few indie shops with the experience or tools to effectively look after an S-Class W140. Only dealerships or major MB repair centres have the facilities to do it, and that means you've got to pay top labour rates to make sure they have the right gear. Things like Self-Levelling rear suspension can give years of trouble free service, but when repairs are required, it ain't cheap. It's just that the S-Class cars have ALL the gizmos, and then some. And the 60,000 miles is just a number. I've seen cars with half that mileage that are not worth buying. Mileage is a poor indicator of care. Look for a car with meticulous service records, including oil and filter changes. Has the car sat for an extended time period? If so, I'd be careful. Non-driving-time is VERY hard on MB's, and can cause all kinds of problems. These cars need exercise. Has the car changed hands lots? It could be a big headache if so. Who is the original owner, and the current owner? I like to find cars where the owner has the resources to truly care for the car. Do they let their teenager drive the car? Don't be in a rush to own an S-Class. Take your time and buy the right car. Set aside a reasonable budget to care for it, or be prepared to be unhappy. BTW, this is not just true of the MB products. A 7-series BMW, LExus LS, Inifiniti Q45 or Audi A8 are the same. Expensive to buy, depreciate enormously after five years, and are costly to operate when compared to their smaller siblings. |
To all the W140 owners bemoaning how your overblown luxo-tank wasn't recreated in a new incarnation for the W220 series:
Drive a 1990 or 1991 560SEL in exemplary condition. Note connection with road and lightness on its feet, not to mention totally decent power from the 240 hp SOHC 5.6 liter V-8. Also note reasonable repair costs (AC repairs definately not as expensive) and how tossable the car feels compared to the "barges". Then repeat three times: "Why the hell am I bemoaning the W140's demise?" If only the W140 had been an evolution of the W126 design. I feel like the W220 car brings back the spirit of the original W126 car (Think of how technologically advanced the W126 was in 1979, with ABS, aluminum OHC V-8 engines with high redlines, 4-speed automatic transmissions, and double-wishbone suspensions). -Sam |
MBZ380SE, I can NOT agree with you........more! You hit it right on the head. The 140 is an anomoly at best. Everybody hated it when it came out, now everybody loves it and think the 220 is some freak 'o nature. Compared to the 140 when it came out, the 220 is solid GOLD.
Ronald, I also agree with blackmercedes comments wholeheartedly, so read them carefully. You didn't state the year, I assume a 420 isn't too old. No matter the year, one thing blackmercedes didn't comment on was leaking steering gear boxes, so watch for that. I'd like to double up on the warning about leaking A/C evaporators, this is a big big job if it needs to be done. Is the car new enough to get a Starmark warranty? I think about the only way i'd buy is from a dealer under the Starmark plan. I do love the 140, don't get me wrong on this, just be careful. Gilly |
I agree with you Gilly and disagree with mbz380....I have owned a 126 in the past and now own a 140....I don't even think the cars are comparable....the 140...although much heavier feels more nimble than the 126 by a long shot...and I actually think the 220 evens feels more nible than the 140...in regard to repairs...yes the 140 is very expensive and I would even consider one that had sketchy records
It has many creature comforts INCLUDING a great stereo..one of the things that has NEVER been a MB strongpoint The 140 is quieter,faster,rides better and is more nible than the 126...and they way I figure it driving everyday with all the extra creature comforts is worth something especially since the original owner took the lionshare of the depreciation so the purchase price for me was FAR lower that what the orginal owner paid Warren 1992 300SD Columbus Ohio |
I see a lot of debate between owners of the 140 and 220 S cars, but it seems that no one ever has bad things to say about the 126. The problem is: the newest 126's are almost 12 years old they are starting to get a little dated looking, and most of the ones I see for sale (and on the road) are "finished." I define finished as in a state of neglect and disrepair to a point whereas repair costs exceed the value of the car if it were in a respectable condition.
To the 140 owners: For someone potentially looking to upgrade sequentially to the next s-class body style (ie: me, upgrading to a 140, someday) are the later years of the cars (1997-1999) significantly improved on a reliability basis? For me to buy a 140, I would probably budget at least $30,000 and try and find something with less than 40k miles. How reasonable would it be for me to assume that a 1997 S420/500 would make it to 100k over the course of approximately five years without thousands spent in repair costs? |
Gilly & Blackmercedes
Gilly & blackmercedes for what its worth its a 93 S420. I do know a little of the background. It was a crash that was fully repaired and aproved by a Mercedes Benz Dealer here in N.Y.(I saw the car being rebuilt with my own eyes) The previous owner bought it crashed with 25000 on the meter. It looks physically intact a real cream puff, But gosh i don`t know I had a 87 300E that was so problem free i figure i can`t go wrong with another Benz. I would have bought another E class but i grew out of it they are a little small compared to the S. I can`t go back to a small car. As for a warranty i don`t know if i can get one, How old does the car have to be for Mercedes to warranty it ?
|
Ron and Rich: I would buy the newest example of a 140 that I could find. Ron, I have to review how old the car can be and still have Starmark warranty, I think a 93 is too old, I wanna say 7 years, but let me check, unless someone else knows for sure. There is more than likely info at the MB website, I'm not fond of jumping around on the net looking for answers you can find yourself with a little button-pushing.
This is plain and simple: A smart person would wait until a product has matured before buying it. That's my philosophy, always will be. How many examples do you want? About the only real exception that comes to mind is the 202 chassis, although even with that there were definite benefits to buying say a 2000 over a 1994, the engine, etc, were upgraded. The 140 is the "grand" example of this. I know I mentioned this earlier, I think in this thread, about the "value commitment program" for the 140. In otherwords, they were such a problem that they instituted this program to fix the cars, they were THAT bad. You're ALWAYS better off buying the last year of a MB model rather than the first, IMO. Now dammit, everyone go out and buy a 2002 210 chassis before it's too late! Gilly |
The oldest Starmarked car you can buy now would be a 1995(7 model years old)
Rich.....I have heard that the 1997+ cars are actually pretty reliable...but TRUST me.....the repair costs in comparison to the 126 are VERY much different as the car is a lot more complicated and has a lot more systems involved in it....really watch out for AC work..it can be very expensive...although some people have never had problems...my tech me that the most problems came from cars that were in warm humid climates You also might want to budget more than $30,000 if you want a starmarked car with mileage that low good luck Warren 1992 300SD Columbus Ohio |
Quote:
|
Yeah John, we average I would say 2 a year, and we're only a little 4 stall dealer. New trend this year though, as we've already done 2. Well, one was repaired at another dealer and for some reason (?) was brought to us to do the proper repair, which is replacement. Not an real good thing to repair in the field, IMHO, there are quite a few special tools required to properly repair it. Some guys just try winging it without the proper special tools, with the expected results. Plus you have a warranty on the new or reman box. We also have diagnosed another leaker, owner is balking on the price, can't blame them.
Gilly |
No doubt about it: if you want a relative realiable W140 you must go for the 1997-1998-1999 model years and preferable an S320 (the V8's are O.K. until they start giving problems, then hang on to your wallet...)
Avoid at all costs 1992-1993 model years, any model. Those are the real lemons!!!! Although, as commented before, I have yet to see a W140 that hasn't require some type of A/C work, from an easy-fixed filter clogging to the infamous evaporator change ($$$$). As for the W126 issue: the W126 and W116, design wise, are the nicest designs M.B. have yet perfomed on the S-class theme. The W140 is nice but not to die for, although, in terms of size and comfort features, it wins hands down (even over the W220). In terms of driving experience, the W140, the more your drive it the more it "shrinks" (it feels much smaller and agile than its size would let you beleive). In terms of buying used: get a rencet '97-'99 model, with a FULL history, NO accident damage (even if it was repaired by an authorized dealer) and definitely low mileage -certified- (less than 40k). A. Rosich S320, 1998 E320T, 1995 |
Well, not to start fanning the flames again, but after paying too much for repairs on my 140, I'm getting a W220! I'm sick and tired of paying too much on repairs for it. The comfort-fit feature on the seatbelts keep going out, I'm on my 4th pump for the door closers and have already had to change the evaporator on the car. Enough is enough for me. After 125K miles and 9 glorious years of ownership, it's time to move on!!
I just test drove the '03 S500 and must say that it is indeed quieter than the 140 and they've finally upgraded the interior trim quality to match the previous 140 chassis. I definitely fell in love with the car! My only debate now is whether to go for another S500 or get the S600! With the turbocharged V-12, I'm quite tempted to take the plunge! :D |
I agree
If i had the money, my W140 would be in a used-car parking lot, and a new 496HP S600 would be in my garage. LOL Sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do.
|
1 Attachment(s)
Not sure if you guys have been looking...but I have noticed in the last few months several 97-98 S320 and S420 vehicles in the 22-26K range...miles usuallly in about the 70-80K range
but I also noticed the diesel 140's(if running properly) seem to be demanding a premium over the S320 cars that were the same price when new......but in any case a 140 of the 97-98 vintage would be a great car to have at that price range I think Warren 1992 300SD 151K Columbus Ohio |
In our parts, the word must be out about the 92-93 W140 cars. I've seen a few priced lower than same year 300E cars...
|
1 Attachment(s)
Now that is something I haven't seen....I have seen 92-93 300E's priced at about $7500(US)...never seen a 140..no matter how old or at what mileage under 12-14K
Warren 1992 300SD 151K Columbus Ohio |
Gentlemen... an interesting read of experiences and feelings.... the significant other and myself are fortunate enough to have both a sl and sel, 600 (93's).. our past mb's have been 190's, 300's and an e420, and a 300td. after nearly a year with the 600 sel, i understand why some individuals find the car overwhelming.. it does not suffer fools well.. the combination of weight, size and power will bite you for even a moment of inattentiveness (nearly got me;my own fault). the car is so deceptively fast that you can be over your head in a second, and the weight, well, we all know about momentum and inertia. the sl on the other hand feels like a toy compared to its sibling and does not exhibit a propensity to bite quite as quickly (less mass?). As far as running costs, both of these 600's have been less expensive and less demanding than my departed 97 sho('lectrics by lucas, self destructing camshafts)
indeed either of these 600's could be called monsters, but when you need to do a 6 hour trip in 4 hours...... and boys, size really does matter... mithra |
I agree with those who feel the W140 is a better car.
This last weekend, we had some friends over, and among the cars that our friends own are a brand new 2002 W220 S500 (with 2k-3k miles on the odometer), a '97 W140 S500 (about 80,000 on the clock), a 2001 Lexus ES300 (about 33,000 miles). I have a '93 E320 with almost 141,000 miles. We got to talking about our cars, got into a heated discussion about quality ,etc,, and we left the women in the kitchen and went out to test drive all of our cars. Needless to say, the owner of the W220 got his feelings hurt. Nobody liked his car the best. Nobody. With the exception of him, everyone thought the W140 was a better riding car, quieter, better built, doors closed with a thud. That W220 rattled when going over rough pavement. It was worse than my W124. Everyone agreed but the owner of the W220 (a wealthy doctor, by the way). It was obvious to me. My W124 with almost 141,000 miles was rattle free over expansion joints, rough pavement, etc. Yes, the W220 was quieter and smoother than my car, but didn't feel close to being an $80,000 car. If this is the best that MB can do, they're in deep trouble. It was also nearly unanimous that the Lexus ES300 was smoother and quieter than the W220. The interior felt much better and expensive. It seemed clear to all of us that Mercedes is trying to copy the "feel" of a Lexus with their interior design and materials, but are failing miserably. I personally don't like the Lexus ride as it is damped too softly, but it felt like a much more expensive car than the W220, which costs more than twice as much. Plus, I have never driven a car that has the "King of the Road" presence as a W140. I have never felt the same sense of power, security, and refinement as I did in the W140. I know owners have complained about the cost of ownership, but I got to get me one someday, and it has to be an S500. :D |
That's funny because I went through the same discussion with some of my buddies here. While I was at his house with our friends for a "co ed" book club meeting that our ladies pretty much made us join in with them last month, the guys ended up outside talking about our cars.The contenders were a brand new 600 that the host just bought a month ago glistening in the garage, a Clk, a 300 sedan(W140), my 560 (126) an S Type Jag, NSX and my other car, 250 C (I had to drive because I didn't want to pick the wife up from the hair dresser so she took the 560). Another partner that has an ML has had sooooo much trouble with it its a shame (interior and exterior lights going out, his engine locked on a long distance trip over the summer and his wipers act up at times-probably only when it rains).
We ended up driving each other's cars too (some of them anyway) and for some reason I went with the 140 ( I just love the look of em too) with the 600 a close 2nd, the 140 owner,the NSX owner,the CLK and even the host liked my 126's ride better than theirs to my shock:eek: The jag owner loved the NSX ride better than his and the ML owner would pretty much take anything (its his wife's car and the CLK is his so he hears it!) I guess it all depends on what kind of ride you want. Although I love the ride of my 560, I guess its just that I'm used to it and I think that's what the other guys experienced also. My 126 is very roomy and thats the first thing that anyone says when they get in it. Some even prefer to ride in the back for that "limo" feel :) Everyone loves my 250C's and they appreciate that baby sitting still and they've seen it or ridden in it when I open her up so that wasn't an issue. :) I guess any and everyone will have an opinion on this one but I sure did enjoy myself comparing different vehicles and appreciating each for its own qualities. Have fun with it fellas! Alan |
Having driven both a 126 and 140 for considerable amounts of time, they're both great cars. The 220 I have only sat in and not driven so I cannot make a comparison to that one.
The 140 is a boat. My parents own a S350 which is the diesel powered SWB version of the car. It's nice, but of course we have had major problems with the car (engine failure but everybody knows about that engine's history). The 126 was received in not so great shape but I still appreciate the way this car drives. My friends absolutely love the car simply because of the size and the presence this car has. I would love to someday own a 99 S500 grand edition, but I think that at some point I have to let go of these old cars. By the time I will be able to afford them, they will be well over 6 or 7 years old. Wonderful cars, but who knows what the future holds. People will stand by their cars till the end of time and there's nothing wrong with that. I'll just simply say this: if you have a Mercedes S class, you can't go wrong. |
W140 spawned maybach???+
I agree that the W140 was a MB designed by engineers,
not marketers. I also heard that the Maybach is an updated design of the W140 platform instead of the newer S-Class, because the body was so much more rigid than the new S-class. Does anybody else have more info on this? texasrad |
Yep, I suscribe to about 5 or 6 different car magazines, and in at least one of them in the review of the Maybach mentioned that the Maybach sedans are built on an updated version of the W140 chassis, and that it had to be lengthened (obviously) and strengthened.
I think this is but another case that clearly shows the weakness of the W220 car and platform. |
Quote:
|
Wow I didn't know that the Maybach was built on the W140 platform. Interesting.
|
1 Attachment(s)
Interesting that it shares the chasis of the 140...BUT I think those magazines that one of the listers read should also point out that it shares many of the features of the 220 also(electronics,switchgear etc).....so maybe the best of both worlds?
Warren 1992 300SD 158K Columbus Ohio |
I have said it a thousand times: the SWB Maybach is what the W220 should have been. Not the joke M.B. erupted from the production line, which it thinks have "updated" with the last facelift.
If you still doubt this theory, look at the Maybach from the back and look at the rear tail lights. A clear and logical evolution from the 1998/9 W140 rear lamp setup. By the way, in all P.R. features and press releases Mercedes-Benz stresses the fact the new facelifted W220 "has better build quality and better plastics throughout the interior". It is obvious that they are recognizing the fact that from the start the W220 suffered from a "cheap" interior and a non-MB standard of quality. Just my opinion... |
Did the Maybach spawn from the W140 because of deficiencies in the W220 series or because MB got started on the Maybach before the W220 was finalized?
My uninformed guess is that MB strengthened the W140 platform and called it the Maybach and lightened the W140 platform and called it the W220. Sixto 91 300SE 87 300SDL 83 300SD |
1 Attachment(s)
I assume that you all have spent some time driving the 220?..in my opinion a very nice driving car..VERY poised when driven through hurried situations..my driving experince was actually on a test track with cones and sharp curves where riduculous speeds were permitted...I will tell you that the 220 took turns and stopped in a manner that my 140 could never do(and of course the ESP was a big plus!!...gotta have that on the next vehicle
I agree the 220 has some cheaper materials inside...BUT it was the same price(sticker) as the 140 was 10 years before it I think MB had to build a car to a price(for profit reasons..lol) I think they seriously had to realize that for a mass produced model(like the 220) what price the desired market would bear..and then consider another vehicle for low volume market who are willing to pay up the huge bucks..... enter the Maybach The 140's(believe it or not) were considered WAY overpriced by many...take a look at what some of the actual transaction prices of the cars when they were new and you will see that many people paid 10-12K off the sticker.I persoannly know of a friends parents who paid $78K for new $93K S500 in 1997 Even more look the used car market(especially for the S320) and see what a 97-98 vehicle is worth...the usual is about 35-40% of the sticker that should say something about how the car is percieved and what people think its actually worth Warren 1992 300SD Columbus Ohio |
Quote:
One of the car magazines this month reviewed the new VW Taureg, and also in the same issue reviewed mid-sized sedans, including the Passat, Mazda 6, Camry, Accord and Altima. In both cases, the magazine marveled over the incredibly high quality of the interior of the VW's, and wondered how the lowly VW's can have notably higher quality interiors than any of the Mercedes. |
1 Attachment(s)
Quote:
the magazine didn't say the VW interior was better than benz(benz wasn't part of the competition)..it was simply saying the VW 's have nice interiors period Look at the prices of the VW's and MB's(the difference actually) and then form opinion on how much better one should be than the other In the past 10 years VW's has moved their market upscale and the prices have followed..MB prices are where they were 10 years ago( they actually cost less if you factor in inflation) |
Yeah, you're right - the V6 Passat with leather is right up there at the cost of a C240, but the interior quality is still much higher.
I've also read reviews on the Jetta and read heaps of praises on its interior, too, and how VW's materials are benchmarked by every other manufacturer, even Mercedes. MB's have gone down considerably when you factor in the cost of inflation. My 93 300E (3.2) had an invoice sticker price of $49,900. I could have bought a 2002 E320 for $46,000, and even close to $44,000 when they were blowing them out for the new W211's! By just doing a down and dirty calculation, if you add 3% to $49,900 to adjust for inflation, and compound that inflation anually for 9 years, just to have the same price of my 1993, a 2002 E320 would have to sale for about $66,500! |
1 Attachment(s)
Quote:
I think you are making the assumption that the 124's of the early 90's were bringing sticker...the one person who I knew well enough to tell me what he paid, bought a 1993 300D(sticker of 43K) brand new for $37 I think the markup(in the sticker) of cars during that period was VERY high so the dealers had tons of room to negociate..hence maybe the deep discounts of the cars defined what they were truly worth...if you recall a 560SEL of the early 90's was an 80K car..sticker wise anyway....I am very sure that realistically no one paid anywhere close to that..the actual transaction price was probably 10-15 less than sticker NOW..update to present day...I don't think the dealer(or Mercedes) makes near the profit per unit that they made 10-15 years ago...they have cut their margins and used somewhat more economical materials...cars are actually cheaper than they were 10 years ago... you get what you pay for?........my .002 Warren 1992 300SD 158K Columbus Ohio |
I think there is a small deviation on the real theme about this thread, which is the fact the the W220 is a platic toy compared to the real thing: the W140.
Everyone knows that the W140, when introduced and during its first 4 years of production was essentially a very expensive piece of over-engineered automobile. And that was the issue which forced Mercedes into making the facelifted W140 into an easier and cheaper car to build. Although, the mistake had already been made and the overbudgeted W140 always represented a nightmare for M.B. finances. And that is WHY the W140 is such a great car for its owners. Money was no object when it was designed, and it really shows. On the other hand, the W220 had to be cheap to manufacture, and cheap on sticker, so it would not scare potential owners like the W140 did at first. And that is WHY the W220 is such a looser for its owners. Cheap from its conception, cheap during its assembly, cheap to buy, and cheap to own. You don't need to drive a W220 three months to find it out. A week is more than enough. Some people even can spot it during a one-hour drive. Others simply by looking at both cars side by side can tell the difference. I am sorry for the actual and potential W220 owners, I really do not want to offend their egos, but it is simple arithmetic (like 2+2=4): W140 > W220. |
I dont know why Mercedes used the W140 chassis for the Maybah, but I do know why they made it. Mercedes' biggest two competitors just each bought a SUPER luxury brand. VW got Bentely, and BMW got Rolls Royce. Mercedes could not sit back and let them take that entire market to themselves. So...without too much extra thought, Mercedes jumped into the archives and pulled out the sstrongest thing they had.....The W140 chassis. Make since? And, now Mercedes has another dillema on its hands. BMW has Mini, and VW has...VW. The econobox wars! lol
|
Quote:
|
1 Attachment(s)
Quote:
ie..instrument clusters shorting out,AC evap cores,closing assist pumps,window regulators..steering shimmy..class action suits..etc..etc Quote:
Warren 1992 300SD 158K Columbus Ohio |
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? |
1 Attachment(s)
Quote:
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.
|
1 Attachment(s)
Quote:
Warren 1992 300SD 160K Columbus Ohio |
Quote:
Then again, the later 126 models had many options which were already quite up to date, i.e. electronic seat adjustments. |
| All times are GMT -4. The time now is 01:59 PM. |
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.7
Copyright ©2000 - 2025, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Search Engine Optimization by vBSEO 3.6.0
Copyright 2024 Pelican Parts, LLC - Posts may be archived for display on the Peach Parts or Pelican Parts Website