Considering w140 any tips?
 

I have been considering a w140 sedan for quite some time now. I currently drive a 1982 300SD and love the reliability and road feel of the car. I have read conflicting information regarding the 140's. Some sources indicate build quality that surpasses my 126 and some sources indicate lots of problems and expensive parts. Im not afraid of spending money to keep a quality car running but I am wondering if the upgraded features and comfort level are really worth the added expense. Since I drive a diesel every day Im not concerned with power or performance so I am considering the 320 or the 300 engine. I like the styling of the late 97 and on sedans but also would like to avoid the complications of the OBDII emissions system in 96 and later cars if possible. Which would be better a late model S320 or an early S300 or 300SEL/SE Any tips from you veteran 140 drivers out there?

Here are some photos of my 126 http://beostar.paunix.org/newmbzpics

diesel 140's
 

Also I wanted to add. I have read about the issues with the 3.5L diesels and really was sort of scared away by that. I like my OM617 engine because its bulletproof. Have they come up with a "solution" for the problems with the 3.5 other than constant overhauls?

for me
 

the 140s are way to complicated. self closing doors and trunks give me the willies.

i have a 90 350sdl. i think that the problem with the 3.5 liter motors is caused by the block losing rigidity from the boring out to make the 3.0 liter motor a 3.5, causing too much flexibility and hence head block sealing problems. and then fluid getting in the combustion chamber and hydrolocking the cylindrer and bending the rod.

so i dont think the stronger rods will solve that problem. several folks have had rod bending issues with uprated factory shortblocks.

my solution is to watch the fluids carefully for any traces of head gasket leaks. also, keep the crossover cleaned out of the tar that builds up there as another possibility is the lumps of tar causing the bent rods.

the third possible source of bending rods is metal fatigue.

if i develop a rod bending isssue i will rebuild with a 3.0 liter short block.

good luck in whatever you choose.

tom w

Hmmm
 

For a long time I thought the same about the 140 chassis cars until I started reading about the build quality. Perhaps I read a bunch of %($)$&*#$& somewhere. That's why Im asking. While they might be a bit more expensive to maintain the resale values indicate they are not a nightmarish like the BMW 7 series cars.

Its really a shame that Mercedes could not have actually fixed the 3.5 engine. It seems as though they are not very good at admitting their mistakes and fixing them :(

w140 nightmares
 

I would buy something else! The problems with the ASR and various wiring harness and sensors issues will be both irritating and expensive. You may want to search the tech forum regarding this. If you do move forward a mechanics inspection including a check of the OBD is a must. I would buy the absolute best one I could find rather than a project. The problems seem to spiral out of control. I would also stay clear of the dealers and find a good independent mechanic. The dealers (at least mine) have no inexpensive repairs for this vehicle. They like to just replace parts rather than do minor repairs. I replaced my own shocks, wheel bearings, brakes, clutch fan etc. for the price of internet parts alone. However the electronics are well beyond my skill level.I do enjoy driving the car, but not owning the car. Mine is an 94 S420.

Interesting because a 93-95 4.2 is about the best you can do in a 140 body - the 119 motor is more reliable than the 104 six and the V8s had the 4 speed transmission through 95. There never was a 3.0 liter six, the 92-93 300SEs were actually 3.2 liters. I think 94-95 3.2 or 4.2 is the way to go - similar mechanically but actually slightly different styling in 95. I personally prefer the styling of the 94. To me the ideal car would be a 94 S420 - but that's the very car that idcleve has and doesn't like.

I have heard that the '94-'96 s-class are the most reliable of the 140s. Be sure to check the wiring harness and the evaporator. If not done - walk away or negotiate what it would cost to replace either or both. Front suspension issues were a problem with the early models.

Check out these two posts:

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=19772

and

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=134501

I do love both the W126 and the W140. There is no denying the W140 is years ahead in terms of technology, ride comfort, sheer size and equipment. Although, I think in terms of design the W126 is a much classier statement.

If you really don't mind spending a few thousand bucks a year for maintaing probably what could be the best car ever mass produced, go ahead and get a W140. You will definitely not regret it.

Thanks for the info
 

Hey,

Thanks for all the really good information. The car that paticularly got my attention was a 1999 S320 with less than 100K on the clock. I have yet to test drive it. I drove and almost bought a 140 with the 3.5 diesel and loved the suspension and vault like interior. That is until I started reading about the horrors of the 3.5 engine.

When you find one, I will buy your SD...

My trusty SD
 

I think Im going to keep it around for a while. In fact I don't know if I could ever really sell it. Its been one of the most dependable reliable cars I have ever owned in my entire life and I have owned several brand new Japanese cars. The 140 would be a garrage companion for my SD. I even looking for a black/parchment one to match the black/palomino on the SD :)

Thanks for the compliment though :)

Good thinking..
Then you can leave the 140 in the garage and use the SD when you have to go somewhere Important without the breakdown fear factor...

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

you dont have to fear the w140 breaking down, you fear its express windows, air conditioning, headlight wiper, or close assist breaking down.

I've had a 97 s320 for a year and a half now
I replaced the evaporator core which took a month (a slightly laid back schedule =) )
Power antennae won't roll all the way down
Power window switches broke and collapsed through console
Clunk in the rear end
Headlight wiper sprayers stopped up
Headlight lenses cracked (rocky roads around here)
Windshield wiper axial extension function broken (still wipes fine though)

It's really a fine car though, nothing better for vacation or extended drives.

Just make sure you dont have to replace an evaporator because it'll cost you 2 or 3k and if you do it yourself you'll commit suicide.

Breakdown fear factor? I have yet to meet someone that have had a breakdown on a W140. They are one of the most reliable creatures on the road. Yes, yes, they are expensive to fix. et.al... ... ...

But most, if not all, of the Achile's heels of W140s will come apart and still let you drive the car without any trouble (at least until you reach a repair shop or your house). You may temporarily be without A/C (evap), you may have to slam the doors (servo assit closing pump) but still the big beast will get you were you are going. Oh, about the engine wire harness: good maintenance will avoid let you being stranded, this fault provides plenty of good warnings ahead of its meltdown.

Cannot say the same about many of the new M.B.s ...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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...

andersbenz
 

in what way?

tom w

Little stuff
 

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.

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.

New 140 Owner
 

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.

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.

agree
 

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.