Ever since I saw my first W140 (a '93 600SEL), I have been in love with the cars for all the reasons stated above. It did epitomize the cost-no-object approach to design and build which was both MB's greatest strength and its greatest weakness (because it compromised the overall cost of ownership, not just the up front price of the car).

Nevertheless, until the last 2 weeks, I agreed with those above who thought the 220 cars were a "sellout" or even a POS, and no where near the 140 in "MB values."

Then, my MB salesman called and said they had just got 2 140's in off lease - '99 and '98 S500's. I took the 98 (in near perfect shape with only 28k miles) home for an overnight test drive. Compared to my 2000 E430W4, it was like driving an aircraft carrier, though the ride quality and acceleration were fantastic. My wife and kids, however, thought it was "way too big" and "drove like a Grand Marquis". My wife said no way would she let me trade the E4304Matic for that car, based on either the appearance or the fun-to-drive factor.

Just out of curiosity, I decided to drive the 220's. Drove a 500 and a 430. I was totally won over by the new car's ease of maneuvering, more efficient use of space, and the presence of standard Airmatic, ESP and EBP. The gizmos (navigation, 14 way seats, etc.) were not the selling point for me - the car simply feels and drives the way a Benz ought to, IMHO. Wife and kids thought the 220 looked "awesome" and drove much better than the 140. In the end, I began to agree.

External looks - the 140 is still the king.
Interior and driving experience - give me the 220.

Picked up a black/charcoal '01 S430V w/Xenons, F/R heated seats, CD, and rear side shades on Friday for an unbeatable year-end closeout price. It's the nicest MB I've ever experienced.

Now, when I go to buy a "classic" MB as a toy, give me a 1979 450 SEL 6.9....