I own a W140 ('95 S500). From what I have read, and from what many knowledgeable Mercedes Benz enthusiasts tell me, this is one of the last quality products MB has put out. Having said that, I have had more than my share of problems with the car. However, it pales in comparison to my friend and his one year old S500. He says he will never buy another Mercedes. Hopefully, MB is working to get back on track. If not, their short term bubble of higher volume than ever sales, will no doubt burst.