I'm Concerned: Purchasing A Used MB?

I am in the process of purchasing a 1995 S420. The vehicle has 56k miles and appears to be in great condition. I will have a local MB dealership inspect the vehicle before I purchase but is there anything specific I should be concerned about with this year/model?

Do they have a history of any specific failures/problem areas?

Should I have the body/frame inspected seperately (i.e. body shop) from the MB dealership?

[Lee Scheeler]

J2,
Not sure how this works with PartsShop Feedback but...

If your local dealer or competant independent is inspecting it then there should be no need to have a bodyshop look at it. The dealer or independent should be able to inspect any potential trouble areas. A prepurchase inspection by a top notch professional (dealer or independent) can be some of the best money you spend.

Good Luck...Lee

[akry]

Also, make sure that all the service/repair history can be found. Usually, if the car is serviced only by MB dealers, then they should have all history on data base. See what repairs have been done. Some of the components may be wear out and are not changed yet(distributor caps, wires, plugs, engine mounts). Also, some of the earlier W140s have close-assist failed pre-maturely, and it's big bucks for it.

Hope you enjoy your new MB....
Andy Kuo
'92 400SE
71,118 KM

What about problems with excesive front tire wear? Or were problems with the front suspension limited to 92 models?

[Bill Wood]

Be sure to find out if the A/C evaporator core has been updated/replaced.

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Bill Wood - Webmaster
MercedesShop.com, LLC

[akry]

I believe '95+ W140s have updated front suspension components. The steering vibration problem and/or any problems associated with front end should have been solved. Oh, and try to find out if it's a early 1995 or late 1995. Early 1995 still has the backup "guides" that comes up when put the gear in reverse, Late 1995(W140 build after August/Sept, 1995)don't have them.