i would like to know pros and cons of a 1999 s500 or s600. what to look for , what to pay , the cost of ownership? thanks steve

The 1998-99 S500 was the BEST W140 chassis that was made!

Stay away from the S600 unless you enjoy spending $$$$$$.

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MERCEDES Benz Master Guild Technician (6 TIMES)
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190E 2.3 16V ITS SCCA race car (sold)
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1. This is a Mercedes forum, so u won't hear much negatives, even if they exist sometimes

2. I found a great batch of info for you. See here
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?threadid=22806

On looks, I love those cars. Mechanically, I have no clue, lol

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1995 E320 smoke silver / parchment

I love the W140 and definitely 1999 is the best year (most things that were wrong were taken care of, except the infamous A/C evaporator which always gives trouble sooner or later and is a very expensive fix if not cover by a warranty).

I have an Euro S 500 L (last year of production for the W140 in Germany and the worldwide market except the U.S.).

All articles I have read on the S 500 and S 600 always have one thing in common: performance wise the difference between the two cars is almost negible unless you tend to drive constantly over 120 m.p.h. But, in terms of maintenance and owner's cost, the S 600 can empty your bank accounts very fast, unlike the S 500 which is less of a monster in those terms (although is not cheap either).

I would recommend you a low mileage well mantained 1999 S 500, even better if you can get a Special Edition. Then just simply enjoy one of the most over-engineered and best-built cars in the world.

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

Our fellow readers are correct sfogle. The 500 has got to be easier and cheaper to repair than the 600. Take your time, and find one that was taken care of. It took me two years to find the one I finally purchased. Look for corrosion at the front lower control arm attachment points on the body. If there is severe rust there, pass on the car. Also, on a 600, listen for a clanking or loose-sounding timing chain. Pass on the car if you hear that. I have a 95 S600, and the thought of what could go wrong with this car breaks me out in a cold sweat every once in a while. But having said that, there's nothing like seeing that gleaming V12 emblem on the side of the car.