S/CL-Class (W140) Coupe 1994-1999: S500 Coupe, S600 Coupe, CL500 Coupe, CL600 Coupe

..:: 1993-96 vs. 1997-99 ::..

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Old 12-02-2012, 02:57 PM
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Mercedes
..:: 1993-96 vs. 1997-99 ::..

What are the pros and cons of the 1st vs. 2nd generation 140 coupe? I am comparing a 1994 S500 and a 1997 CL500 and engine reliability is a deciding factor.

Also, what performance upgrades are available?
Old 12-06-2012, 03:04 AM
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1994 E36, 1995 E36, 1996 C36, 1999 CL500, 2015 GL 63
ENGINE IS THE SAME, 98-99 comes with patronik
Old 12-06-2012, 04:06 PM
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Originally Posted by akuma4me
ENGINE IS THE SAME, 98-99 comes with patronik
Thank you.
Old 08-17-2013, 03:11 PM
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MB W140 CL500 1999
can i asking you ..... what is (( patronik )) coz i have CL500 1999 and i want to know that .
Old 10-14-2013, 10:23 AM
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1st generation had the dreaded wiring harness that falls apart to 95 cars and some 96s.(96 to 99 better transmissions,good wiring in engine,except for 5. liters.Seems on the V8s vibration messes with crank sensor wire,it breaks.Interior cheaper in newer cars,leather thin and tears.Plastic breaks up.
Old 10-17-2013, 06:50 PM
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Where to start? The Italians or the Germans?
Originally Posted by eye_ON_me
can i asking you ..... what is (( patronik )) coz i have CL500 1999 and i want to know that .
Parktronic, meaning parking sensors.
Old 10-17-2013, 06:56 PM
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Where to start? The Italians or the Germans?
Performance upgrades are all but non-existent. Nothing cheap either. Supercharger kits and the occasional set of AMG cams. If you don't like it out of the box, buy a different car. W140's are some of the most expensive cars on the planet to modify.
Old 11-11-2013, 01:43 AM
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The early cars have the wiring harness problems

If its already been replace then its ok
If not it will fail soon most likely
Old 11-18-2013, 03:12 AM
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1995 s500 coupe
I just acquired a 1995 s500 coupe, 79,000 miles:

1. Is it a given that I will have wiring harness problems?
2. I need a new ac blower regulator. Should I install a $330 OEM regulator or is a $50 ebay ok
3. Car comes very close to overheating with ac on in traffic. Axillary fans will click on momentarily and click off. Any suggestions?
4. Are the ebay cd repair manuals worth it?
Thank in advance
Old 11-18-2013, 12:48 PM
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Where to start? The Italians or the Germans?
Originally Posted by BobbyBoucher
I just acquired a 1995 s500 coupe, 79,000 miles:

1. Is it a given that I will have wiring harness problems?
3. Car comes very close to overheating with ac on in traffic. Axillary fans will click on momentarily and click off. Any suggestions?
It's not a given that you will have wiring failure. I had a 140k mile 1992 500sel that did not suffer from the wiring curse. On the other hand, I've had the harnesses fail in three of my (past and current) V12s. With that said... If it's overheating, then yes you most likely need to start replacing the wiring. Rule out that it's not just cooling system related before dumping money into the harnesses.
Old 11-18-2013, 08:25 PM
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1995 s500 coupe
Thanks MB Fahrer. It's encouraging that it's not a given but sounds like the probabilities are stacked the other way.

It doesn't quite get to the overheat stage but scary enough close that I turn off the ac. My plan is to change the ac regulator and then get help tracking down the axillary fan issue.

Appreciate your response. I'm getting very fond of this car very fast but trying to keep a level head.

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