I recently sold my W126 and W123 in favor of a W140...Let me just say that I miss my W126 already (not the 123 tho, sorry guys! )...I still haven't formulated a specific opinion on what I think about the W140 as a whole, but I feel that the W126 is probably the better car, overall...

It seems like Mercedes had something different in mind when they designed the W140 than the W126, like they were more focused on being the most advanced, rather than quality and longevity (just my opinion, could be wrong).

So far my W140 has been trouble free, aside from the nightmarish Bose stereo (what you've heard is true...LOL) Definitely handles better than the W126, but doesn't feel as smooth or as solid (purely subjective)

Anyway, that's my abbreviated W140 comparison to the W126...

Feel free to interject!

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Current cars:
2000 ML55 AMG, 174k miles
2003 C240 T-Modell, 202k miles
1995 S320, 207k Miles

What's wrong with the Bose stereo? It sounds great on both of my cars.

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"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

92'-93' have the problematic 7 channel amplifier (old style) that goes bad quite commonly...along with the head unit, tuner box, and cd changer...all of which are bad on my car. Costs a pretty penny to fix, whether you go aftermarket or repair the stock equipment.

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Current cars:
2000 ML55 AMG, 174k miles
2003 C240 T-Modell, 202k miles
1995 S320, 207k Miles

Wow, nobody? I'm kinda surprised!

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Current cars:
2000 ML55 AMG, 174k miles
2003 C240 T-Modell, 202k miles
1995 S320, 207k Miles

Interesting. . . I didn't realize the stereos got changed then. I have the 11-channel units in my W140s and they both are still going strong (crosses fingers ). If you have that much stuff wrong, I'd say its time to go aftermarket unless you're trying to do a restoration project. Re-use the speakers & wiring harness where you can and enjoy the modern technology.

__________________
"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

Beware then, that both old and the newer version (which BTW, even with 11 speakers, is still a 7 channel system...), have 2 ohm speakers, not
4 ohm which is more common in the car stereo world.

br,
syljua

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1998 CL500 W140
1984 230E W123