400SE Money Pit However...
09-15-2005, 04:14 PM
#1
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
1992 400SE/2002 Ford Explorer Limited
400SE Money Pit However...
1992 400SE Obtained car from parents...car had only 43k in 2003, recently i have been driving the car alot and now car has 100K...just replaced the ac ($3000) -apparently mercedes used "water soluable" solder-and built the car around the ac- also rebuilt the tranny ($2200) and bose amp rebuilt ($500) and oil sender ($120) with labor and battery ($150) installed and bushing/alignment ect ($1300) with labor and brakes ($200) and alternator and of course full tuneup ($900) coils, plugs, caps ect. ooh and the vacuum pump.
But since i got the car for free i guess it is better to have a beautiful car like this restored like new. My father always used full synthetic (lubro moly) and had all scheduled tuneups. Cars interior is like new and car always was pampered though the list above are items that just go bad with these cars apparently. My dad says the car now drives like the day he bought it in 1992. Well i really enjoy the car alot and feel priviledged to own a beautiful car. I have really learned alot about the W140 series and would love to start a car club in bellevue or seattle. If interested please let me know. Any comments or suggestions welcome!
The car is 13 years old, and i was in my early 20's when the car was made...but unless you buy a rolls or maybach ect. it is hard to get this level of drivability and prestige. Ordered BOSCH genuine clear corners (clear with orange) and original 600 grill. Will keep the rims stock.
But since i got the car for free i guess it is better to have a beautiful car like this restored like new. My father always used full synthetic (lubro moly) and had all scheduled tuneups. Cars interior is like new and car always was pampered though the list above are items that just go bad with these cars apparently. My dad says the car now drives like the day he bought it in 1992. Well i really enjoy the car alot and feel priviledged to own a beautiful car. I have really learned alot about the W140 series and would love to start a car club in bellevue or seattle. If interested please let me know. Any comments or suggestions welcome!
The car is 13 years old, and i was in my early 20's when the car was made...but unless you buy a rolls or maybach ect. it is hard to get this level of drivability and prestige. Ordered BOSCH genuine clear corners (clear with orange) and original 600 grill. Will keep the rims stock.
Last edited by w140loyalty; 09-15-2005 at 09:21 PM.
09-21-2005, 01:42 PM
#2
Member
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Mexico/Houston Tx
Posts: 134
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
1 Post
Porsche, Mercedes & MINI
Very Nice
Wow, incredible condition for a '92 car. I guess it has to do with that old "built like a vault" Mercedes used to do.
I have a similar story, where my dad left this 1995 C220 to me, in reality I took it from him because resale value was just ridiculous... despite not really driving it much I have enjoy it.
The very last "built like a vault" Mercedes-Benz...
I have a similar story, where my dad left this 1995 C220 to me, in reality I took it from him because resale value was just ridiculous... despite not really driving it much I have enjoy it.
The very last "built like a vault" Mercedes-Benz...
09-21-2005, 06:16 PM
#3
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
1992 400SE/2002 Ford Explorer Limited
Very Nice
I agree...i rarely see a car made today with quality over features in mind. Your car is also very nice and in great condition. I have friends who think i am driving a dinosaur compared to the new mercedes, but i will choose price no object over price point any day. The build qualilty seems to have gone done in years. My colleagues with their new mercedes are always complaining about this needs fixing and that. Also thanks for the feedback. 
