Arnie

Hi there. I had three different W124 in the last 10 years. My current car is a '94 E320. Once all the bug were out (oil leaks, head gasket, wiring harness), the car was excellent. But it's time to move on. I want to stick with MBZ, but the reliability issues of W210 or W220 are scaring me. Looks like Mercedes quality is no longer there. From what I understand, the W140 is the last Mercedes that was decently built.

So, W140 crowd, I need some education. I narrowed my field to two models: '98-99 S420 and S500. Which one is better that the other. Extra HP are irrelevant, I am 42 years old. So, I am after features and quality, not the extra performance. Also, what are the common problems on W140.

And the last one: what do you think about this one:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=4603841539

Thanks for your input.

Phoenix

the w140 is one of the best MB had build, i went from a 420 to a 500, i like the 500 much better, the 500 has more refined interior, better leather and more power, the 420 on ebay looks good, very low K.
the w140 hase its share of problems as well. you have to get it checked by a good mechanic and make sure all service records are available.
good luck

BenzKid24

yeah go with the 500 if at all possible..the 420 is still a very nice car,but you wont get heated seats front and back or even the power back seat(i believe the 95-99 didnt make that standard)my car is in the shop for a few things which i will post whats that all details.

Arnie

Thanks for the replies. Now, what about the long wheel base vs short what is the difference and which one is which.

BenzKid24

the s320 i think it the only SWB unless you special order for a shorter wheelbase...LWB is much more classy looking and looks more legit for a S class....just my $.02!!

nimski62

S500 has HYDRAULIC suspension in the back which will give you a better ride, and the 420 does not

tbilisi79

The HP difference is not that big between 420 and 500. 275 vs 315.
But with 420, you dont have to worry about the rear shocks, as they are not hydroulic, and they will not cost $500 each, plus accumulators $190 both.
I own a 82 500 SEL, and I love the power of a 325HP motor, but I think the S420 is a better buy for the money.
96-99 S420 and S500 have a 5-speed tranny which helps a lot around town and on the freeway.
If you are on a budget and want to get a w140, I think the 420 is the way to go, just cause it lacks the air shocks in the back.

Arnie

Thanks again for replies. Tbilisi79, I hear you. I agree that staying simple will pay off in a long run.

BenzKid24

good debate, but since when did Mercedes owners "stay simple"? isnt that why we ride in these beasts to be "more" then just "simple". I understand budgets come and go but i was told along time ago if you cant afford the up keep of a benz,then dont buy one.

Arnie

Well, that's exactly why I decided to stay away from W210 and W220, because I want to enjoy (means "drive") the car, instead of "affording keeping it up".

BenzKid24

the w220 wasnt very well thought of,poor marterials and well the rest is history...i hope you find the car of your dreams,the w140 is the best sedan ever.....ever.

EdzBenz

Maybe I'm wrong, but mine does not have hydraulic shocks in the back. It might be different because it came stock with 18's, but I guess I'll have to check.

stickygreen

w210 is not an unreliable car by any means. I have almost 180k on my '97 E320 (inline-6) with no major problems and the car still runs good as new. Even the later v6/v8 motors have proven to be VERY reliable. The things to check for on those cars are rust (not common, but there are some cases of premature rust), head gasket leaks (inline-6), and that the crank hub recall was done, if applicable (v6/v8).

The w140 is a very solid machine, but some auxiliary items are known to fail and are VERY costly to replace (i.e. HVAC, hydraulic shocks, etc.). If low maintenance costs are your goal, I'd pick a w210 over a w140.

I have been thinking about upgrading to the w140, simply because of it's presence and feel...my personal preference would be a '97-'99 S320 SWB, but anything w/o an active rear suspension would do.

Raj

mercedesauto

Hello,

I have for sale a nice 1999 S420, Black on Black, with 80K miles. If you choose to go with a S420 instead of the S500, and interested in the car, call me at 213-700-4447. The car is available for a full inspection and test drive.


P.S. Last 30K miles are mostly freeway miles between Los Angeles and Las Vegas, and were put on a car within a year, after i bought a home in Vegas.

vulpro

These were great cars. I have a carbon copy car of the one that was on ebay. A smoke silver 99 S420 with 36,000 on it and the car is flawless. I still feel like I'm driving a $100,000 car whenever I'm in this automobile.

When stuff goes wrong however, it can be costly. AC evaporators are a common issue from what I hear, although I have had absolutely zero problems of any kind with mine.