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.