I had a 95 S420 that was dead reliable even if there was a stream of little problems. It would have required a visit to the shop almost monthly at a cost of $500-1000 per visit if I weren't a DIYer with time to spare.

Question to you - are you a DIYer with time on your hands? Do you have a relationship with a good independent MB shop or will you take it to the dealer each time the check engine light comes on?

Start talking to knowledgable technicians in your area so you know where to take the car for a pre-purchase inspection. That $150-200 buys a lot of peace of mind. It either helps you negotiate a final price or avoid a money trap.

I give the edge to an S500 because of the M119's robustness compared to the M120. The M119 seems more forgiving and less temperamental. Chances are any service on the S500 can be completed in a day rather having to wait for parts.

Or maybe I read you wrong and you've had good experience with an XJ-S and 750iL.

Sixto
93 300SD