I guess I don't understand why most on this post are bashing the 220...I think for the price its a great car...actually a less expensive car(factored for inflation) than the 140 was.
And having owned a 140 for several years at one point in my life..I can tell you they were no gems int erms of reliability and costs associated with repair.
I have test driven a couple of 220's and they drive great..great ride..great handling..does it have the "heavy" feel of 140..no...however I took curves in the 220 that would have run from.
And I saw something in a publication about the amount of lease business that both MB and BMW do on that type of car...and the figure is 60-75%.
So basically you have a car that most people want to drive for 36 months ,with no maintenance then turn it back in. Then the car is certified and sold again. After the car is sold to the second owner and gets more than 6-7 years old I think the manufacturer cares a lot less about the car.
I think the person that bought the S Class 20 years ago and kept it for 10-12 years is a rare specimen anymore

my .002

Warren
2000 BMW 740/with full sport package
1992 300SD(sold)
Columbus Ohio