I have a problem with the trunk closing assist on my 1994 S500 Coupe...when I close the trunk, it pulls down fine, then I hear a slight air release noise, and the trunk moves back up about a quarter of an inch. This looks just a little corny, and it is not 100% water tight. My door assist works just fine. I'm not sure if something has come loose or....

Any suggestions would be welcome! Thanks...

http://www.n-s-n-e.com/500/coupe/coupe.jpg

PS - on a different note...just DESTROYED what looked like a 99 Lexus SC400 (xenons) on I-95...man this monster really kills from 80-120. And HE STARTED IT! I didn't wanna pick on him :)

It is normal for the system to release a little and for the trunk to come back up a little. There is an adjustment for the final rest. It is the bottom latch. Two 10mm head bolts.

'Mac,

Thanks! Turns out the bolt on the bottom had come nearly all the way loose and was letting the trunk go. I tightened it down and the trunk now closes flush. Appreciate the help!

I'm actually in the market right now for an S500 coupe (W140) and was wondering what you think about yours?

Love it, love it, love it. I used to have 300E which I customized the hell out of...then I got into a 1993 500SEL which IMO is the last great super luxury benz...but a great deal on this coupe combined with my sedan getting up in miles, combined with the fact that I'm no where near a family man convinced me to snap this coupe up. I love it! I can go two weeks without seeing another 140 coupe on the road, while I'll see 5 or more sedans if I drive around for more than an hour on any given day. Plus a buddy of mine has a WICKED CL600 with renntech/AMG engine and exhaust mods and a FAB sport kit, and it is a sight to be seen when we hit the streets together. The shorter wheelbase makes it sportier than the sedan as well...and you can't beat that big star in the grille...i'm thinking of subtly backlighting it to make it even more menacing ;)

Just make sure you do through research. As Akry said, it's best to look for a 97 as it won't have any evaporator core problems or lower end shimmy (I don't have the evap core problem but I do need to replace my lower control arm bushings). I had the benefit of knowing the complete service history of the car...it was very well taken care of, it had the rear hydraulic shocks redone as well as a $5000 (!) paint job by mercedes simply because the previous owner didn't like the pin stripe. Also, a '97 will have xenons and the smoother electronic transmission.

That said, you will pay much much more. I love my 94 and am willing to deal with the small issues it has. Keep us posted!! There don't seem to be many 140 coupe owners on mercedesshop, so I'd love some company :)

Right now I'm looking at a '97 S500C with 48,000 miles on it. The dealer is asking $68K for it. I'm also looking into the S/CL600 coupe as well. I'd love to get one of the C215 coupes but I just can't stand the COMAND module in the new cars and they just don't have the solid "feel" of the 140's. My 94 S500 (bought new) is approaching 100K miles and its time for something different. . .

1997+ Coupes definitely is your best bet. That is, if you can cough up couple extra grand for one. You will definitely be happier with revised tailights, bumpers, Parktronic, Xenon, and eletronic 5-speed auto tranny. But neverthless, C140(as well as C215) is still my favourite MB so far, with V12 R129s tie with E55 and E500 for second place.. :)

If you can have that 1997 S500(assume it as full record, and no claims)for $60K +/- 2000, grab it!!! :)

Good luck, and keep us informed
Andy Kuo

Fuel ecnomy on S500 coupe
 

Hey,

Wondering what you fuel economy numbers are for you S500 coupe? I'm considering one (1995) and see the predicted values from autotrader.com put the car at 15 city, 20 highway. What do you really get?

What else commonly goes wrong on these cars? I'd like to know a little more of what to look for before purchasing one...

Thanks much!

-m