Hi Jim! Haven't heard from you in a while.

I definitely have to agree with Jim about the W140 reliability, and I would like to share with all of you the following:

1/ The other day, talking with the service manager at the local M.B. dealer (who is a great guy) he took a look at my car and said: "You know, from all the cars we service here (and we do service all kind of Mercedes'), the W140 have proven to be one of the most trouble free and reliable models. It is amazing how well put together these cars are."

2/ Those words kind of tick in my mind and just for fun I carefully compared repair and service bills from all of my previously owned T-series and my S 500 L. By far, the W140 have been much much cheaper to run year to year, no contest! Fuerthermore, the Ts had at least one visit to the shop once a month for something (minor or major), the S holds strong for months without even blinking.

Now, there is one real issue to take into account: I am comparing carefully mantained cars here. An abandoned S would brake anyone's bank account. Hence, it is smart when buying one to be sure about its service record.

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A. Rosich
CL 500, 1998
S 500 L, 1998
E 320 T, 1995 [Sadly sold ]