On the edge of replacing the '82...

[airbus]

...with a '99 S420

There's a pristine '99 S420 with 120k for sale locally, they're asking 7 grant... Should I??? Will I be banned from the diesel forum?

Seriously, does anybody have experience with these? What should I look for?

[NJ300sdl]

Good idea if you wish to upgrade. Much nicer ride than a W126. I made the change 6 months ago.

AC evaps are known to fail which is a big job. Door assist air compressors sometimes need adjustment or replacement. Fuel level sending units break.

[Brian Carlton]

Yes, you will be banned from the diesel forum.

You should be looking foward to spending $3k per year to maintain it properly. There is always the alternative.................

[airbus]

Originally Posted by Brian Carlton

Yes, you will be banned from the diesel forum.

You should be looking foward to spending $3k per year to maintain it properly. There is always the alternative.................

Waaiiit a minute, as far as I remember, you have a bimmer in your stable... At least I'm sticking with the brand...

[Zacharias]

Originally Posted by airbus

There's a pristine '99 S420 with 120k for sale locally, they're asking 7 grant...

The good: will make everything else you've driven to date feel like an oxcart (unless you've driven an even newer Benz).

The bad: take a deep breath, it's many times more complex a machine than a 1980s era Mercedes.

At $7k you should check around. I know in my neck of the woods they aren't selling for much. Could just be the local market, tho.

[Brian Carlton]

Originally Posted by airbus

Waaiiit a minute, as far as I remember, you have a bimmer in your stable... At least I'm sticking with the brand...

You are absolutely correct. And, it's a GD primadonna as well. Sucks up $2K per year to drive it less than 3K miles.

I would have stuck with the brand, but the W140 is f'in UGLY. And, the fuel economy with the V8 is about 5mpg less than the BMW due to the weight. The 740 provides a better balance of fuel economy, looks, and handling when compared to the W140..........and I did quite a lot of comparing before taking the W140 off the table.

[chasinthesun]

Ox carts are nice rides ,you get a better breeze while cruising along and upper ride height visability are excellent.I would think cost in this way ,$7000. initial cost plus $7000 .in 5 years for service and parts ,not to mention down time before you sell it again for $3000. with 215k on the engine .If its not going to be a daily driver I would say go for it but have it completely checked out before purchase .

[airbus]

Originally Posted by Brian Carlton

I would have stuck with the brand, but the W140 is f'in UGLY.

Let's agree on "unique". Ugly is such an ugly word...

Here she is, couldn't help myself...



Paid 6 grant and had a MB mechanic check it out before I bought. The only thing we could find that doesn't work is one light bulb inside the CC unit.

Anyone interested in a '82 300D with 250k in perfect running condition? Needs paint but rust is minimal, $2500 OBO.

[Brian Carlton]

Originally Posted by airbus

Let's agree on "unique". Ugly is such an ugly word...

Here she is, couldn't help myself...



Paid 6 grant and had a MB mechanic check it out before I bought. The only thing we could find that doesn't work is one light bulb inside the CC unit.

Anyone interested in a '82 300D with 250k in perfect running condition? Needs paint but rust is minimal, $2500 OBO.

OK, we can agree on "unique".

I'm quite sure you will enjoy driving it............repairs on the other hand.......

Good luck with it.

[benzdude42]

there is nothing quite like a old w123! i would never give mine up and i can replace almost anything with out special tools, unlike the audi's my friends drive.