Looking at a 93 500SEL

Hello, I'm looking at a 93 500SEL with 146k miles on it. I drove it yesterday and the ride and suspension seemed just fine, there were no leaks anywhere and it tracked straight; exterior is good, interior is good, all systems are functioning...rear brake pads recently replaced but due to a fualty sensor the brake wear signal light flashes sometimes, even when not braking...must be rattling around a little.

According to the sellers he has reciepts for recent work done which includes new cap, rotor, wires. As far as I know, no valve job has been done. I ran a carfax on it and it had two PO's, the second having had it from 49k to its current state. I met the guy when he traded it in for a 97 S500 and he turned in an extensive set of service records, and from the looks of it (he was an elderly gentleman in the Air Force) it seemed as though he took good care of the car. It has 19" AMG monoblock wheels with new tires mounted.

Anything I should know/ look for/ ask about before I make a decision? I've read about the 92-93 recalls so I'll have to find out if the front suspension has been touched or not. When driving it, it tracked straight as an arrow with no noticeable "shimmy."

If anyone that's familiar with the used car business and MB's feel free to throw out some numbers as well...they were asking 29 but I said 25. Going back to check it out again monday, will take it to an independent mechanic to have it checked out. What's the most mileage you techs have seen on 5.0 140's? Thanks for any help you can provide.

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Chris Singh
1983 300D 200k+ (stopped odometer)
1990 300E 123k
1999 E430 12k

http://benz.mp3car.com
http://stormworks.max3d.com

[BmwTek]

the early w140's have a bad ac evap. microscopic mites seem to eat through the evap. creating leaks.. the close assist pumps also go bad.. do the doors get sucked in while you shut the door..??? how about the water pump.. I thought that a modified water pump was avail. to help cool down the big 8 more efficiently.. thats about all that I have encountered,,

the w140 is the ultimate highway cruiser.. i get about 750 miles a week on mine.. trying to get to 300k miles on the 300se.. good luck.. the price seems a little high..

The price is slightly high... I can get a 94' 600 with 140k KM for 23.000 $ but well this is Europe

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WEB Site : http://www.adamou.dpn.ch
A.S.C. 1999
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Well, I am the proud owner of this "new" 500SEL!! And I must say, after two days, I am very happy with it...the levels of fit and finish even over my 1990 300E are unbelievable and what with the cost cutting of the w220 it makes me wonder if there will ever be a benz as big and bad as the 140...not that the 220 isn't a wonderful car, mind you!! The car pulls so well and is so smooth and actually handles much better than I expected, especially with the 19" AMG monoblocks and Pilot Sports...(looks like tire replacement will be pricey!! In a way maybe it's better that the ASR is stuck "on" so I won't be tempted to burn the tires!)

The car "sneaks" you from 0-60....the feeling of acceleration is almost washed out in the state room of an interior but the muted 5 liter mill still sounds good, and the smoothness is unreal...60-110 is where the car shines to me, eating up asphalt with a vengeance and tracking as stable as a train on tracks...

I just pulled fuse 3 and 9 and my door/trunk close assist work now, the AC pumps hot and cold, and there seems to be no shimmy...I guess for now I should knock on (burl) wood and hope that none of this develops...from the look of the paint I'd say it was garage kept, and the PO took great care of the car mechanically...I have a work order for rear break pads and a oil pan gasket seal that has a tiny leak which will be taken care of this weekend...after that hopefully I should be worry free!!

I'll post some pics of the car soon...oh and btw, one of the PO's (there were two)rebadged the car as a 600SEL V12 which I rebadged S600 (the magic of dental floss and "goof off" residue remover)...I don't think I feel the need to do the "true" badging yet but maybe one day my nose will start growing and I'll be forced to do it

Anyway, thanks guys and especially Fred Berry for the tips on what to look for on the car...hopefully I'll enjoy it for years to come.


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Chris Singh
1983 300D 200k+ (stopped odometer)
1990 300E 123k
1999 E430 12k

http://benz.mp3car.com
http://stormworks.max3d.com