Purchase advice needed, AGAIN!! - Page 3 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Hatterasguy · #31 10-30-2004, 07:54 PM

What options were deleted in 95? It still has those stupid antenna things that pop up when you reverse, and about every other option you can ever dream of needing. Frankly I find the seats too adjustable, thats the only thing I don't like about the W140 I don't need or want 14 way seats.

The air suspension is nice but I don't think it is any better then the S600's. Remember the 600 has different suspension then the other models. It is fully hydrolic(sp?) all the way around. The W220's are nice I can't really find fault with them, the air suspension rides ok but you have to bring it to the dealer to get it alighned.

But really what S class doesn't ride awsome? If I had the money I would have a W116, W126, W140, and W220. Their all great and I want to collect them all!

braverichard · #32 10-30-2004, 08:34 PM

I'm currently not thinking straight now, and would be glad to get more information for you later on if you wish, but I remember that on the sedans, the rear seat head restraints could no longer be raised AND lowered by means of a button mounted on the rear seating area. The total number of seat adjustments for the rear seats in cars with the four seat package was reduced. I can't quite remember all the options, but I do remember the sharp drop in base prices from in 1995 despite an increase in the level of standard equipment.

I know the S600 has a hydraulic suspension, however the air suspension was much better. I know this from experience. The S-Class I drove with the air suspension had a much unforgettable ride quality. And I do agree, all of the S-Class automobiles are awesome. I'm currently obssessed with the W126 because that's all I can afford to have/maintain right now. But soon I'll be searching for my dream W140 and then my dream W220. Once my BMW is paid off early next year, I'll sell it as well as some other cars from my fleet and get my W140. Can't wait!!

You think 14-way power seats is excessive? Well, try the new Audi A8. It has 20-way power seats!! Hey, since we're both W140 lovers, did you know that the W140 is the ONLY vehicle in M-B history to not post a profit during its existence? Interesting stuff. They over-engineered that car to shut up Lexus, Infiniti and Acura who had all come on the scene to steal M-B's business. M-B obviously succeeded, as every Acura and Lexus made since its creation has been a direct rip off of it in every aspect: styling, feel, power, etc. However the car was costing way too much to build. Even after the "cheapening" of 1995 and the slight price increases in 1998 and 1999, the W140 Benz never made a profit. I wasn't surprised to read it as that car is better in all aspects than many Bentleys and Rolls Royces cost hundreds of thousands more.

Hatterasguy · #33 10-30-2004, 08:48 PM

I like the W140 a lot and am thinking about maybe replacing my SDL with one if it doesn't stop needing constant work. I am seeing a lot of very nice 1994 and 1995 S420's and 320's for sale in my area at great prices. I would like an S320, I6's are simple to work on and I don't really want a lot of options because I have to fix them when they break!

A base S420 or S320 with about 100k miles on it with a full maintaince history is looking pretty good now.

braverichard · #34 12-05-2004, 10:49 AM

An S320 wouldn't be a bad choice at all. I know a guy who owns one and even with a lead foot he averages 20 mpg. Not bad at all for such a heavy car. Just be aware of the fact that everything related to the W140 chassis is much more expensive than you're used to, with your W126. I truly can't wait to be rolling around in a W140, regardless of the engine under the hood and the options included in the vehicle assembly. I just don't want to get one that will be a money pit, and in order to avoid a money pit, I'd probably have to pay significantly up front at the purchase. Not quite ready for that yet. I just have to be patient.