JimF,

I think you took what I was saying out of context...and Warren's post confirms what I'm thinking. You're right, if built to the same standards and materials quality as the W140, the updated car might well have to sell for over USD150,000 (for the S500). And reference Warren's post and mine above re total cost of ownership. If a car is expensive to maintain, the customer has to pay somehow (either up front so the mfr can bear the cost of a lot of warranty work, or pay for it themselves down the road). Either way, the marketplace has reacted by saying:
1) We prefer a lower total cost of ownership, even in an S Class.
2) The higher total cost of ownership of a W140 has to be reflected in its used purchase cost, which is why (IMHO) the late model 140's, even low mileage, sell at such big discounts to both their own new prices and the 220's.

I looked seriously at both, and the value proposition on the W220 was better. To me. For my money. That doesn't mean I disrespect my business partner who leased a Starmark 1999 S500 recently. But I'll tell you they gave him a *helluva* deal, including warranty for the full length of the deal.

You're 100% right, you can't get something for nothing.