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

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?

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

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

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

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.

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96 SL320
W140 Owner sold
95 SL500 sold
89 560SEL sold
94 190E sold

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.

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A. Rosich
CL 500, 1998
S 500 L, 1998
E 320 T, 1995 [Sadly sold ]

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...

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

__________________
[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

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 ...

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A. Rosich
CL 500, 1998
S 500 L, 1998
E 320 T, 1995 [Sadly sold ]