Brian is spot on as regards to the high maintenence cost of the 140s. The 140 is highly prized by Mb enthusiests and MB shop owners. The average MB ocassionally needs expensive repairs so the owner of an MB repair facility needs X number of clients to stay in business and pay his bills. Now if all those clients own a 140, he can take his family to Hawaii for vacation instead of camping. He can buy that boat he has been dreaming about.

Now you say," I do all my own work". So when the CEL comes on, you go to the local parts store and scan your codes for free. You get two codes so now what do you do with them? There is a problem with a CAN bus, but what is the problem? Somehow you find out you need a new module. OK so the module is only $2200, and you buy it and install it. Car still has same problem and may need to be towed to the dealer to have the car programmed to accept the new module. Do you think the dealer will loan you the tool? Guess again, buddy. You're going to take it in the shorts. Then a few months go by and the wife calls to tell you there is something wrong with the car. Hopefully your 140 reserve fund has built up enough for this round. Ask any professional mechanic and he will agree that the 140 is one of the finest to come from MB and also the most expensive to maintain.

In my opinion the 126 is an incredible car and still doable by a DIY. Who needs a remote control switch to adjust the rear view mirror anyway?

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