I have had my 92 300 SE for 11 mos. and it has 51,000 miles on it and I now have 65,ooo miles. I have had several electrical repairs made and the head gasket replaced. Even though I purchased the extended warranty good to 100,000 just over two more years of ownership, I feel I need to make some decisions on how long I keep this car. My question is, are the parts that are being replaced any better than the originals? Has Mercedes recognized the much discussed "electrical Gremlins" and what have they done with their R&D? I would appreciate any advice and discussion!

In reply to your S-class query....I can second your case of gremlins...I have a 1992 300SD...in the last 10k miles I have had a new evaporator core,blower resistor,AC push button unit,closing assist pump and front end bushings replaced. To the tune of about $7200.00 .all but 900.00 was covered by warranty thank goodness

Don't know if you realize that original 1992 S-class car owners filed & won Class-action law suit on problems with this car. MB also had to pay for all maint & repair items on these cars for 4/50. The 1992 models are to be avoided as many problems were design problems. Many of which you are finding out about. Seeems that this car was rushed to market.

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MERCEDES BENZ MASTER GUILD TECHNICIAN
ASE MASTER TECHNICIAN
27 YEARS DEALER M.B. Shopforeman
190E 2.3 ITS RACECAR
1986 190E 16V

The early 140's were plagued with problems. I purchased a new 1992 500SEL. It was a nightmare to say the least, had to my estimation OVER $20,000 worth of warranty repairs the two years I owned it. It is my understanding that many of the items can bu updated and improved. But I would NEVER own one without an extended warranty. I recently sold my 1996 S500. It was significantly less troublesome than the 1992.

To make a correction on what the "DOC" stated above: The class-action lawsuit was for the "front-end shake" the 1992-93 models exprienced. In 1992 and 1993 ALL S-Class models came STANDARD with a 4/50 maintenance agreement. I have never heard or known anyone to receive any "maintenance agreement" AFTER the fact, it certainly wasn't part of the class-action settlement. that I know of.

Good Luck

I currently have a 1992 500SEL that needs an evaporator core, closing assist pump, transmission (will not go in reverse)rear window regulator and radio repair. The evaporator job goes for $4K, trans. probably another $4K, radio will be $600 for the 7 channel amp,$120 for the head unit and $250 to fix the rear window. I hope that the repair CD will address and resolve many of the electrical problems. I know that I can never leave my keys in the car because I never know when the car will lock itself. BTW, just spent $3K on timing chain, guide rail and power steering resevior replacement.
Outside of warr. repairs are expensive unless you are Bill Gates.

Thanks for the info. and discussion. I'am wondering what experience "Doc" and other Benz techs have had with the quality of the replacement parts. Has there been any concerted effort by MB to improve reliability of these electrical componants?

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The 1992 models all came with Maint Plus that included all services on these & some 1993 W140 cars sold before sept 1992. Yes class action was for front end but the W140 value to commitment program included many other problem areas.
Most of replacement parts on these cars have been modified, in 1 way or another.
DON'T think I mentioned reason for class action suit!
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MERCEDES BENZ MASTER GUILD TECHNICIAN
ASE MASTER TECHNICIAN
27 YEARS DEALER M.B. Shopforeman
190E 2.3 ITS RACECAR
1986 190E 16V

[This message has been edited by M.B.DOC (edited 07-11-2000).]

Hello DOC and all,
DOC could you elaborate on "the W140 value to commitment program included many other problem areas" and the Maint Plus program? What did this entitle the owners to? Where can I find information about which replacement parts have been modified and the part number for the new part?

Thanks
Fred

Since all affected cars are way out of warranty I don't think MB will help you. But you might ask local dealer(retail center) to run VMI (vehicle master inquiry) to see what all warranty work was done to your car. The maint plus program covered most all service work that these cars needed(ex/tires). Value commitment program inc. front end mods, computer replacement(only a few cars), rear vanity lamps & other minor repairs. Most cars got new tires (Michelins). You might find a old svc bulletin on subject. On many 300SE/SD's we installed the brakes from later 1992 models as early ones were too small & would warp rotors quickly. This was phased in as std as of chassis "A 050000 +-".