I was supposed to be in Germany next month and I was going to pick up an E-class at the factory. That trip has now been put off for a few months, so I am looking at buying a 1995 or up W140 since I have some serious driving to do between now and then here in the US.

I will not be considering a 600 or 300SD, so what are the pros and cons of everything in between?

I know to check the A/C and the wiring loom. Anything else?

And how long do the engines of that era last? I know it depends on the care they receive, but is there a limit to the mileage I should consider?

Be brutal. I am also thinking of a 400 E from the same era if the W140 is just not the way to go, so comments on it are welcome as well.

By the way....

I am looking for something I can drive and then just give to one of the kids. While I am in Europe I will have a driver; I was just going to pick-up a car there to save the 5% or whatever it is.

Therefore if what I buy lasts until about, say, June of 2011 I will be OK. After that the kids can drive it.

I'd seriously consider a W210 E320, but if you want an S I'd look for the nicest S320 around, 1997+.

The trick with W140's is buying the best example you can find.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

I guess you don't love your kids very much?

I'd hunt for an '89-91 W126 300SEL if it were me. The updated interior is very modern and comfortable, yet its still a simple, solid and dependable chassis and drivetrain. Plus they don't bring a whole lot of coin compared to the 560SEL and 300SDL.

If you're shopping for W140, better make it 96 and up at least. You don't want the wiring harness issues on top of everything else that goes wrong.

There have been alot of them at my local dealer auction as of recent. I look at every one but have found something seriously wrong every time.

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1985 500SL Euro w/ AMG bits 130k
1984 300SD Turbodiesel 192k
1980 240D Stick China 188k
2001 CLK55 AMG 101k
2007 S600 Biturbo 149k Overheated Project, IT'S ALIVE!!!

The w140's are not so bad, just escrow about $10k to handle problems...

You only live once, and it's only money.

AC evaporator core....be prepared.

Also the 600 or the 300SD/S350? Why not an S500 or 420?

(The first two are the most expensive to maintain but for different reasons)

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1982 300GD Carmine Red (DB3535) Cabriolet Parting Out
1990 300SEL Smoke Silver (Parting out)
1991 350SDL Blackberry Metallic (481)

"The thing is Bob, its not that I'm lazy...its that I just don't care."

I like your philosophy. But sometimes the rational, frugal, careful consumer in me spends too much time thinking!

It might not seem like it but these comments are very helpful. Knowing a bit about the subject at hand as I do plus these comments, as short as they are, was just the type of input I needed.

I also knew that if I asked this question I would get honest answers. In the oil biz we used to tell people we did not care what the facts were as long as they were accurate, because without accurate information how can you make an accurate decision?

The 90-91 126 is something I have not considered. I had a 82 300SD years ago and liked it a lot except the wife hated the back seat due to legroom. I considered the LWB 87 300SD but I hear there are turbo problems. I also don't know about the 6-cyl diesel vs. the 5-cyl that came before and after it.

So... Any 126 comments are welcome as well.

PS.. One of my sons is suggesting a 92 500E. I told him 'maybe'.

It has been said here a while back from a respected source that a W140 as a daily driver you can expect to spend $5K a year on mainentance. Guess its something to consider.

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BENZ THERE DONE THAThttp://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/...c/progress.gif
15 VW Passat TDI
00 E420
98 E300 DT
97 E420 Donor Car - NEED PARTS? PM ME!
97 S500
97 E300D
86 Holden Jackaroo Turbo D
86 300SDL
(o\|/o)

W140's are not bad if you buy the right one, base S320's are fairly simple cars lacking a lot of features that tend to break.

Although a 500E is always a good option.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

That's counterintuitive. Most Americans will borrow all a lender will front them to buy what they want on installment payments. My neighbor across the lane learned what happens when doing just that - foreclosure.

You can only do three things with cash; save it, spend it, or give it away. I like ALL three, so my mantra is if I want it, I buy it. I don't hold back on spending anymore.

It's only money.

That's a safe number, to stay in the bounds of reality. A mint condition S320 with low-miles would be a dream.

My number historically has reached as much as $3,000 to $3,500 many years on my Benzes. But then again - I actually drive my Benzes....

Don't ask what the annual reality of out-of-pocket for a diesel motorcoach is - IF you are actually using it, and keeping it up-to-snuff, but it can easily dwarf the $5K figure.

To me, it's worth it - because it's only money. And I love spending money!

different strokes for different folks, but to me, a W126 is a far better looking car than a W140. maybe because mercedes hired a world class designer to design the body for the W126. the 560SEL has been reliable, sure there have been some maintenance issues, but overall it is a very reliable car. to me, the W140 looks like a box, especially the trunk/rear area.

I've always liked the W140 and think it's one of the best M-B models when engineers built the car. I think it has aged well too. It's size and stoic design (if one can describe it as such) gives it an austere elegance to it.

A few years back I really wanted to get one but after doing some research I realized I probably couldn't afford to keep one even though I could afford to buy one. I'm sure you can find one that is well maintained and may be trouble-free for many years, but when it starts to have problems, then it can get real expensive.

I say go for it, but keep maintainence cost in consideration. Also, don't forget gas cost.