mickey13

So I am going to look at a S600. It has 133k miles an the asking price is $4600. Looks like it is fully loaded xenon, etc and all original equipment. I had actually set on buying a w220 s600 or s55 (2004+), but came across ths car and ALWAYS loved the w140. The fact that it is black on black and what looks to be in very good shape makes it hard to resist. I also believe the w140 is a larger car than the w220 which also makes it desirable. Looking over the specs, I am impressed by the high torque but a little dismayed at the low HP (in relation to the w220 s600/s55).

What do I need to be on the look out for? Disclaimer: My C43 had an oil consumption problem (consumption through the cylinder) and I am weary of buying another used car without performing a compression test.

Any quick chap performance mods? I'm guessing opening up the intake and exhaust would help!

Advice and thoughts on what I need to be looking for as far as pre-purchase inspection?

IgorE350

To tell you the truth W140 is sooo much better than W220. Just take your time and check every bit of the car.
I Own a 1996 S320 and had 1994 S500. and went to see and test drice W220 i didnt like it at all quality is just not there. i might look little better here and there but if you drive it it feels like benz quality is not there anymore plus W220 look is crappy, dont like it myself personally.
take ur time, look around theres many cars keep coming up and try to stay away from dealer cars look for original owners. good luck

dan87951

If the car checks out go for it. At this price I'm not expecting the car to have a huge service history. With a car like this make sure try and find out as much as possible about its history. Were fluids changed at regular intervals? How long has the previous owner owned it? Is this a craigslist car flip? Best advise I can give you is educate yourself on this model and make sure to play with every button and switch. Be reasonable in your expectations as this is a old car that is price below $5k.

IMO the w140 is a much better car than the w220.

vee12

I have owned a W140 S600 for 16 years, and here are my thoughts. The engine wiring harness was made with bio-degradable plastics which do not have a long lifespan under the hot and cramped 600's engine compartment...budget $1100. It will need replacing eventually. The hvac evaporator located in the dash will eventually fail in all W140s, and it's a pricey repair as the entire dash has to come out..budget $3-4K. Vacuum pumps (there are 2 in a 600) that operate the door locks, hvac and other accessories are prone to failure over time...budget $700 each. Transmissions can last 160-200k+ miles with proper servicing....without....budget $3K. The 600's engine has two of everything...MAF sensors, throttle bodies, filters, etc. These are heavy cars, and suspension bushings and engine/tranny mounts need regular servicing. The rear self-leveling suspension will need accumulators eventually, and the rear hydraulic shocks can leak and get noisy. These are very complex cars, but if you are mechanically adept many of these items can be handled in your own garage. I love my 600, and I don't want to scare you away from V12 ownership but you need to make sure the car you buy already has many of these items addressed by the owner. Service records are king when looking at a 600. Fortunately, most 600 owners had deep pockets and maintained their cars accordingly, but a car that has made the "car dealer" circuit with no service history could be a potential money pit.

dan87951

Vee12, since this is a 98 he shouldn't have to worry about the bio-degradable wiring harness. I believed they switched from using this type of harness in 1996?

mickey13

Thanks guys, I may consider it down the line but I've already passed. I'm going to focus on one project at a time which means throwing money at my W202 C43 for now.

A big bodied benz is in my future though.