Considering w140 any tips? - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

JimF · #16 03-24-2006, 11:03 AM

I've been driving a '94 S500 Cpe for 8+years and it's been the most reliable and least expensive car to maintain of all the MBs that I've had! The wiring harness is as good as new and the A/C is still running fine. Original evap!

So with that statement as a backdrop, then I'd suggest an early model b/c they seem to be very trouble free! Yes, I know that many will say the later models are better since the many electronic modules have been repplaced and combined. . so that automatically means a more reliable car.

Howver in my experience and that of my tech (Pat @ Exclusive Motors), it's a car that hasn't come repeatedly through his shop.

If you are 'handy' (as you said), then you can fix the problems yourself.

benzboy87 · #17 03-24-2006, 11:18 AM

The earlier cars had more "substantial" electrical items - more expensive to replace when they go bad - however, the elect. items are cheaper to replace in the newer 140s. I still say to go with the '94-'96 model cars (except, of course, the diesels).

If you do replace an evaporator core - replace with one that is all copper. It is more expensive but will more than likely last the rest of the life of the car. The originals were copper/aluminum combination and they are junk IMHO.

A. Rosich · #18 03-24-2006, 07:03 PM

Hi Jim! Haven't heard from you in a while.

I definitely have to agree with Jim about the W140 reliability, and I would like to share with all of you the following:

1/ The other day, talking with the service manager at the local M.B. dealer (who is a great guy) he took a look at my car and said: "You know, from all the cars we service here (and we do service all kind of Mercedes'), the W140 have proven to be one of the most trouble free and reliable models. It is amazing how well put together these cars are."

2/ Those words kind of tick in my mind and just for fun I carefully compared repair and service bills from all of my previously owned T-series and my S 500 L. By far, the W140 have been much much cheaper to run year to year, no contest! Fuerthermore, the Ts had at least one visit to the shop once a month for something (minor or major), the S holds strong for months without even blinking.

Now, there is one real issue to take into account: I am comparing carefully mantained cars here. An abandoned S would brake anyone's bank account. Hence, it is smart when buying one to be sure about its service record.

andersbenz · #19 03-24-2006, 11:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

personally, i have driven a 140. it was a six. i found it to drive just like a 126. to me all mercedes drive pretty much the same unless they have parts that are shot. folks who say the 140 is light years ahead of the 126 haven't driven a good 126.

imho.

tom w

I have been driving 126 cars on and off since since 1985 ('84 500SEL). My main car now is a 1981 300SD.

I have driven S420's, S500's and a S320.

They are light years ahead of a 126.

Still love the 126 cars though.

cbdo · #20 03-25-2006, 09:04 AM

I've always been attracted to the 140, but can't see doing it. As has been mentioned above, it'll always get you home, but the "little stuff" issue as evidenced in this thread:
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=148900

$1400 for a windshield wiper drive?!?!?!? I'm stickin' with my 107...

t walgamuth · #21 03-25-2006, 09:19 AM

in what way?

tom w

rchase · #22 03-25-2006, 11:19 PM

Hmmm,

Little stuff does not really bother me at all even if its expensive. My 126 is about 24 years old and I have learned to live with some of the issues that the options throw at me. I have replaced power window motors and had to overhaul my sunroof and do other small things.

My 126 would remain my daily driver and the 140 would act as a long trip and backup vehicle. It probably won't be driven much at all except for highway driving and for pleasure driving. I want to get a 140 now while they are still in good condition and then not use it as an everyday driver until the parts prices start to drop a bit. While they probably won't drop to the price of 126 diesel parts when the 126 was a newer car its parts were outrageous as well.

As for some of the repairs mentioned in the previous posts I have a rather weird philosophy on car repairs. I tend to buy cars that I really like regardless of mechanical issues. While it might be expensive to repair I know that it was actually repaired and it was done right and don't have to second guess a previous owner's service decisions. Every part that goes into one of my cars while it might be expensive will make it more reliable and make my driving experience more enjoyable.

Hatterasguy · #23 03-26-2006, 10:40 AM

Most people who bash 140's either don't know them or want dirt cheap cars to run. S class are the best of the best and cost accordingly to keep on the road. For a cheap A to B ride look elsewhere.

S320's are nice cars, very simple to work on actually not all that different then my SDL. Very light learning curve going to one. They have more electronics but thats ok, if they break a scanner will tell you whats wrong. After that its basic part replacement.

They drive much better then a W126, ride better, feel lighter, and handle better.

S320's are quick enough, they lack the punch of the V8 and V12 but will move right along. My friend had his up to 100 last week, got their nice and fast will leave the SDL behind thats for sure.

They are very good cars and in todays market you can get real nice ones for $15k or less if you shop. I don't see how you can go wrong really if you buy a good example.

As far as quality, they are equal to if not better then the W126 in many areas. As you start pulling things apart you can tell MB put a lot more money into building them.

rchase · #24 04-04-2006, 06:30 AM

I bought the car I was looking at on Friday.... Its a 1999 S320 SWB Black/Parchment with 99K on it..... The carfax was clean and it has a good dealership service history..... The car has never been smoked in and looks great..... The car was traded in at a BMW dealership on a new 7 series. My short test drive did not do the car justice at all...... Over the weekend I have really grown more and more fond of the car....

Now Im considering doing some refurb work on my 126. I have several projects that I have not addressed on the car that I can now approach. Ironically my attraction to the 126 has not gone away at all..... While not as sophisticated the 126 has a style and charm all its own..... I will continue to drive the car for short trips and on weekends....

While people might complain about the costs of repairs there's nothing quite like the ride of the 140. Factor in the much more powerful A/C than the 126 ever dreamed of and the Bose audio system and the higher repair costs are not as much of an issue.

Dave Horvath · #25 04-04-2006, 09:19 AM

I love my 96 S320. It is quite different to drive from my 84's. It has real power steering and pick up. Like any Mercedes you will have to put time and money into it. I always have a list of things to do. My S320 needs the passenger mirror repaired and the air pump for the front seats fixed. The only big repair so far has been a failed cable from the key switch to the transmission this did leave me stuck on the side of the road. This was the only time in 21 years that a Mercedes let me down.

voz1 · #26 04-04-2006, 10:59 AM

I must agree with Jim F. I own a 95 S-500 Coupe. The pride of owning this car is unsurpassed. Sure I have had a few maintance issues but nothing out of line with a highend auto. Also not only is this car unique but I have found the repair to be strightfoward. By that I mean that the car has been easy to repair and maintain. I do research this site before attemping any new repair and I approach it with a relaxed attiude. I always make my time and never rush or manhandle any repair. Best car I have ever owned by far.