W140 Really Larger Than a W126? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

beaulieub · #1 11-05-2006, 09:02 PM

Was just reading the following article about the S-Class.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_S-Class#Origin_of_the_S-Class

I'm not sure about anything I read on the Wikipedia site but Im really interested in the statement that the W140 was much larger in size that the W126. Now I've never sat in a 140 and I do own a 126. But from looking at pictures, the 140 just looks considerably smaller than the 126. Also the 140 has that Japanese jellybean shape indicative of a Mazda. From looks alone, I don't know that Id ever purchase a 140. But, we're all different! Anyone got anything to say about the size though?

Bert - NH

#2 11-05-2006, 09:05 PM

It's slightly larger from the ones I've seen.

pawoSD · #3 11-05-2006, 09:18 PM

I've stood next to a 600SEL W140, they're enormous. Probably 15% bigger than a W126 overall. They also weigh like close to 6000lbs or something in the V12 model/trim.

Hatterasguy · #4 11-05-2006, 09:36 PM

I forget the specs. About the same length, a little taller, and maybe an inch or two wider.

The W140 has a bit more mass, and feel larger inside. Rear seat leg room is about a wash. I am comparing LWB to LWB.

They do weigh a bit more, I think an S600 weighs just under 5k pounds.

They also ride better, handle better, are quiter, and perform better all around.

beaulieub · #5 11-05-2006, 09:45 PM

I'm gonna have to find one for a test drive!

Hit Man X · #6 11-05-2006, 09:49 PM

Longer and wider.

Ara T. · #7 11-05-2006, 09:49 PM

Yeah they are porkers for sure. Incredibly heavy cars, prolly a 1000 lbs more than a W126.

DslBnz · #8 11-05-2006, 09:56 PM

They have 500 lbs more heft than the W126.
Rear legroom is identical. But the W140 has a much more well-rounded cavernous interior (hip-room is unmatched by any S past and present).

The W140 has a very detached feeling from the road. Very isolated, and non-communicative. Although the car feels MUCH lighter on its feet than it really is. Doesn't have as grand a view of the large sweeping hood and emblem in the distance.

A W140 S is a few inches shorter than a W126 S (205 inches vs about 208 inches). They're about 3 inches wider, at LEAST, and are as slab-sided as a car can be. This is what makes them look so huge (and they are) compared to a W126.

IMHO, the W140 is an overgrown and somewhat complex W124. They're OK, but they do not stand out as well as an older MB due to conservative exterior styling.

Hatterasguy · #9 11-05-2006, 10:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beaulieub

I'm gonna have to find one for a test drive!

Not a good idea, afterwards your W126 will feel like a Model T!

They handle for such a large car! You can throw them around corners and forget its a darn near 5k pound car! The active suspension is also a treat in S600 trim, nice and flat all the time. No rolling or noise diving!

beaulieub · #10 11-05-2006, 11:06 PM

How bout the diesel?

pawoSD · #11 11-06-2006, 01:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beaulieub

How bout the diesel?

It has the "potential" rod bending 350 engine in it, some last, some don't, but it can be swapped for a 300 engine from an SDL if needed (or a new crate 300 motor

)

If I bought a W140 it'd be the 600 model, I think I could "allow" a gasser into my posession in that case.

I am just glad the one I saw in person was outside, as all my drool went on the ground instead of the showroom floor.

I looked at a '93, it had something like 84,000 miles on it, and the price was 18k (here at a local non-mb dealer, it must have been a trade in) The thing was immaculate. Inside and out. Someday. Someday I will own one. Its my life-goal.

Jim B. · #12 11-06-2006, 01:29 AM

If you want a real good one, look for one of the "one of 600" Grand Edition models, made to mark the model run finale in the USA in 1999. I had a brochure for them but sold it on ebay.

The Grand Edition, sold in the USA, was a LWB S500, obsidian black, with special "Grand Edition" door sill backlighting, unique wood interior trim, black and parchment interior, "Grand Edition" floormats, 18" AMG monoblock wheels, and other cosmetic upgrades.

There's one on ebay #250044638348

Might be an interesting alternative to the S600 LWB, if you can "live with" just a V8 motor

These big 140 cars feel very comfortable, quiet, regal, and nimble despite their size. They are incredibly spacious inside, and much more luxurious than the W126 sedans (which are great luxury cruisers too)

But they are not fun to park or maneuver in tight quarters, they weigh over 1000 lbs. over the 126, they are much more at home on the open road than in crowded cities. Last of the cost no object built S class cars, and the first of the technological nightmare cars.

sixto · #13 11-06-2006, 03:06 AM

Heated air from the center vents. If MB offered an S220 it would be worth it

W140 engine bay might be bigger but it has all sorts of stuff along the firewall so the oil filter cover needs that center nut deal like an 87 300D.

W140 cabin is wider and taller. Console is wide, seats are wide, and they still need a collector between the seats and console because you can lose a child in the abyss. I can't use all the seat travel so I don't notice that it's any longer.

W140 trunk is bigger but it doesn't have side pockets (W126 trunk holds gallon milk jugs nicley) since the battery is in one and the CD changer is in the other. Left side pocket isn't big enough for milk jugs anyway. Takes bigger and longer items because the license plate lifts with the lid.

W140 fuel tank will outlast your bladder even if you drive with a heavy foot.

Another point of comparison, the W220 is bigger than a W126 but smaller than a W140.

Sixto
93 300SD

suginami · #14 11-06-2006, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sixto

Another point of comparison, the W220 is bigger than a W126 but smaller than a W140.

Sixto
93 300SD

Exactly, which is why the Maybach sedans are built on a modified version of the W140 chassis, not the W220 chassis.