In the market for a W140 and wondering what (if any) were the last years for the evaporator core issues and engine wiring harness issues? I was told that the later models were much more reliable. I was also told that by 1995-96 that MB stopped using the biodegradable wiring harnesses on the W140... is this true? I was also told that the later W140s (from 96-on) also had a much more reliable evaporator core. True?

I found two W140s that I like. One is a 96' S420 and the other is a 97' S320. The S420 has a new transmission and blower motor listed as two major repairs. It has 125K. The major concern with this one is that it is in California and I am in Tennessee. Shipping will be $$$$! I can get the car for about $4500.

The 97' S320 has nearly 260K, but stated to work perfectly in everyway. It near Washington DC... not as nearly as far as the S420. I can probably get this one for around $4K. I am not looking for a show car... just something to drive around town and on trips.

Thanks.

I believe that ALL years can have evaporator problems, but the wiring harness issues were resolved in '95 and later models (side mirrors can still have problems though). Your best bet is to review the maintenance records and find out if these repairs have been done. If they haven't I would suggest negotiating a better price or buying an aftermarket warranty. The evaporator swap will cost you about $5,000 because the monumental amount of labor involved. The wiring harness is almost a DYI job. In fact, someone over at Benzworld.org actually re-built the wiring harness on his S600 by hand!

__________________
"It's not about how fast you can go, but how well you can go fast."

Bob in Richmond

'97 S320 (LWB), Ruby Red Metallic, 73k miles
'97 S420V, Smoke Silver Metallic, 155k miles

Thanks Bobs for that info! It cost my uncle $2400 to have the evaporator core done on his 1992 S320.

Good news about the wiring harnesses.