I'm Addicted!!!! - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

BenzOnline · #1 09-26-2003, 12:18 AM

I'm really addicted especially after tonight.....with the W140!

Me and a freind were driving and saw one for sale at this wholesale place....it was open and i sat inside. This car isnt a hot item on this board like the w124 or 123.......but after studying this car and opening those doors im like.....HELLO PEOPLE?? A w124?? C'mon!!

Yah yah...the car might have issues here and there and a bit boxy in the back but I would trade in my w126 for this thing in a heartbeat but money is stopping me. The doors are magnificiently engineered....my freind freaked...the feeling of the handles are unbeleivable....my doors on the 126....PUNEY!! When I sat in that drivers seat it was pure heaven....the seats I could live in....the Bose system pounded like a whore.....it was magic. The pneumatic doors are also something the 126's need bigtime! None of my passengers can ever close the doors without doing it 5 times.

I could go on and on....sorry needed to cool off in a good way.!

BenzOnline · #2 09-26-2003, 12:19 AM

oh ya it was a 98 S320!

#3 09-26-2003, 12:25 AM

I wouldn't be. I know some mechanics that ban W140's because of there horrendus electrical system.

BenzOnline · #4 09-26-2003, 12:39 AM

Forget about the issues with the car and just think about the build of it and the look.

I would be here all night typing the issues I had with my 126.

Holson Adi · #5 09-26-2003, 01:52 AM

I love the looks of the 140. If I didn't live in the city I would love to have one. Maybe when I'm older

hhmm.. S600

I agree with you on the build quality. That thing is amazing..

BenzOnline · #6 09-26-2003, 10:17 AM

There is no other car that attracts more looks than a w140. You put AMG Monoblocks on this thing and you're laughing.

sixto · #7 09-26-2003, 02:42 PM

The W140 brings a lot of things that appeal to my taste over what the W126 offers - softer ride with no loss in handling ability, heat through center vents, fully adjustable AC blower speed, lighter steering, smaller steering wheel, tilt steering, above average stereo, quieter cabin, bigger cabin.

The SDL is my daily ride so I haven't put more than 100 miles on the SE since I got the S420 4 months ago. The SE will not be adorning my driveway shortly.

The W140 is not for everyone and thankfully so. Makes them more affordable today than a comparable W126 was 3 years ago.

As far as looks, it's a discussion point, not a decision point. If looks really mattered to me I'd be driving a W189 or W109 with hubcaps and wondering what's wrong with everyone else

Sixto
95 S420
91 300SE
87 300SDL
83 300SD

blackmercedes · #8 09-26-2003, 03:02 PM

W140 six banger prices are LOW! I've seen 97-98 cars for less than $30K. We thought about one for about a second, then I remembered all the non-driveline potential wallet-busting bits the chassis has. However, for a full-boat luxury car, the S320 is one of my faves. I had a well worn (250K) example once from the used lot as a service loaner, and really enjoyed it. I found the six willing and the chassis amazingly agile for such a big car. Under the hood looks nice with lots of room to work, and the "low" cost maintenace of the M104 is a nice benefit.

The S420 and S500 cars have held their value WAY better, but that's only a loss to the original owner...

BenzOnline · #9 09-26-2003, 03:14 PM

I regret sitting in that w140 yesterday....going into the w126 now its so unrefined compared to that one and aint my cup of tea anymore cause the 140 is so much better. Im really considering one in a few years when money permits as I am only 20.

fahrgewehr2 · #10 09-26-2003, 05:17 PM

My father owns a '99 S320. I have probably logged about one thousand miles in it, and I agree - there really isn't anything like it. It really is better than the 126 in every way. Handles much better and feels lighter, despite weighing much more. The transmission alone makes the car an improvement.

As nice as it is, there still are some imperfections. The instrumentation is partially blocked by the steering wheel. The steering is so light that it feels unnatural and fails to recenter itself after a sharp (>60degree?) turn. The the sideview mirrors are not as good as the 126 cars', and the do not feel as sturdy.

And of course, there is that little issue of maintence costs. In a word: outrageous. I should note that my father's car is actually a company car, and therefor he does not truly own the vehicle. When he retires in the near future the car is gone, and he will be looking for something reasonable.

Sixto - selling the SE huh?
B.Online - If you want more refinement, consider a '89-'91 126 car. There is a world of difference as far as luxury goes.

Mike

BenzOnline · #11 09-26-2003, 06:24 PM

despite a few cosmetic changes in the later years of the 126......its still a 126 and a 140 is a 140!

sixto · #12 09-26-2003, 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by w126
... but I felt too removed from the road.

I'm of a different breed. The less I feel of the road, the better. I ride in a Lexus LS and wish my 126s could be as isolated.

Still not giving up the SDL, though

Sixto
95 S420
91 300SE
87 300SDL
83 300SD

BenzOnline · #13 09-27-2003, 02:03 AM

Besides cosmetic details....how much different is a late w126 compared to my early w126?

sixto · #14 09-27-2003, 02:37 AM

I think the cosmetics went downhill. The 81-85 126 looks styled. The 86-91 126 looks modernized... not modern but modernized. But that's just me.

Differences...

- stereo was improved a little but you have that covered

- factory alarm - both of mine have bad door handle switches. Not worth fixing

- memory seats with power headrests

- telescoping steering wheel

- manual AC recirc button, but on a timer

- central locking from passenger side and trunk (from 85?)

- IMO more comfortable seats in 88-90

- tilt mode in sunroof

- crappy aero headlights but with wipers

- outside temp display

- ABS (from 84?) and airbags (from 85?)

- other things?

You're not missing much.

Sixto
95 S420
91 300SE
87 300SDL
83 300SD

fahrgewehr2 · #15 09-27-2003, 03:31 AM

...

- different door panels

- Added instrumentation- oil level light - coolant - bulb warning

-time delayed dome light

- ASR option in '91

- Softer leather in '91

- Different overhead console (lighting selector)

- mini sunshade between visors (not sure is this was new)

- 15 inch wheels

- standard ABS (from '85)

- Knee bolsters for airbag-ed seats ( I hate these)

- updated climate control (looks basically the same)

- '89 on netting behind seats is replaced by leather pouches (MUCH BETTER and do not sag)

- '89 on steering wheel is leather (I know, cosmetic)

- sunroof switch moved to overhead switch console

- headlamp selector switch illuminated

- Engines all had increase in horsepower

- Bigger brakes on SDL and 560 models

- Different AC compressors used

- optional rear bucket seats (rare)

- redesigned window regulators

- illuminated cigarette lighters in both rear doors (perhaps pre 86 cars had them also)

- Standard rear headrests

- Some color options dropped '89- 91

- outside temp gauge does not read to half a degree

-------------------

I agree with sixto, that none of these features really matter.

Someone chime in if my list is inaccurate.

Mike