S-Class (W140) 1991-1999: 300 SD, S 350TD, 300 SE 2.8, S280, 300 SE 3.2, 300 SEL 3.2, S320, S320L, 400 SE, S420, 400 SEL, S420L, 500 SE, S500, 500 SEL, S500L, 600 SE, S600, 600 SEL, S600L, 500 SEC, 600 SEC
View Poll Results: Which S-class has more presence?
W126
7
9.21%
W140
43
56.58%
W220
8
10.53%
W221
18
23.68%
Voters: 76. You may not vote on this poll

Rate the S-class for presence?

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Old Nov 30, 2006 | 01:25 PM
  #26  
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ah yes yes MB truly has returned to it's roots

I envy you W221 owners
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Old Nov 30, 2006 | 01:41 PM
  #27  
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I think the W221. It has as stated above returned to it's roots! MB has built another classic S Class fully capable of representing the history of the line. Just a great looking and riding automobile

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Old Nov 30, 2006 | 01:52 PM
  #28  
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Originally Posted by Chucky300
W126, W140, W220 and W221 have presence in different ways.

W126 looked very "majestic" in appearance. W140 looked very "grand" The
W220 had more of a refined, sweet, smooth look which definetly was a departure from the W140. The W221 totally goes back to the aggressive, "STANCE" look. It most resembles the W140 in its sheer GIRTH, but not in that "fat" way.
Its so hard to get the right words, but those of you that know these cars know exactly what I mean.
When you look in your rear view Mirror, only the W140 and W221 basically SHOUT at you to get the F out the way, while the W126 and W220 politely tell you that you are not as good as them, so won't you be so kind as to move over to let me pass............. he he
100% agree
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Old Nov 30, 2006 | 02:53 PM
  #29  
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The only thing I don't like about the 221 is that huge plastic looking compartment in the centre of the dash below the AC controls, but that would not be enough to stop me buying one of these cars just like that if I had the cash...I have to finish uni quick so I can start saving for one
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Old Nov 30, 2006 | 03:08 PM
  #30  
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Originally Posted by NZ_Benz
The only thing I don't like about the 221 is that huge plastic looking compartment in the centre of the dash below the AC controls, but that would not be enough to stop me buying one of these cars just like that if I had the cash...I have to finish uni quick so I can start saving for one
That compartment is the CD Changer and card slot.

Start with a C and work your way up...someday it will be obtainable...
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Old Nov 30, 2006 | 04:59 PM
  #31  
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Originally Posted by Nevada Jack
That compartment is the CD Changer and card slot.

Start with a C and work your way up...someday it will be obtainable...
I think I'll just drive my W140 till the wheels fall off and then buy one, I'm torn between buying one thats 2 years old as here cars lose 45-50% of their value within the 1st three years, or to work really hard and buy a brand new one, that would feel good to buy a brand new S class,
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Old Nov 30, 2006 | 05:04 PM
  #32  
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Originally Posted by NZ_Benz
I think I'll just drive my W140 till the wheels fall off and then buy one, I'm torn between buying one thats 2 years old as here cars lose 45-50% of their value within the 1st three years, or to work really hard and buy a brand new one, that would feel good to buy a brand new S class,
I didn't notice your stable of cars in your profile...it won't be long and you will have your new S. It is well worth the money and the pleasure of driving it.
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Old Nov 30, 2006 | 05:36 PM
  #33  
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Originally Posted by Nevada Jack
I didn't notice your stable of cars in your profile...it won't be long and you will have your new S. It is well worth the money and the pleasure of driving it.
Haha, I only have one I'd hardly call it a stable, that slash is so people don't get confused that I have a 126 or a 140 because 93 was the last year where the cars were badged SE and SEL, I might change it to be just 93 300SEL W140 so as to not be misleading.
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Old Nov 30, 2006 | 05:47 PM
  #34  
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As wonderful as the W221, I'm still in love with the W220 in so many ways. So hard to choose!
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Old Nov 30, 2006 | 05:53 PM
  #35  
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Originally Posted by AsianML
As wonderful as the W221, I'm still in love with the W220 in so many ways. So hard to choose!
Haha, 1996_S500 and I both know your pining for a W140
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Old Nov 30, 2006 | 05:57 PM
  #36  
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Originally Posted by NZ_Benz
Haha, 1996_S500 and I both know your pining for a W140
Shhh....that's a secret love affair. No ones supposed to know.
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Old Nov 30, 2006 | 06:06 PM
  #37  
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220s blow. The only 220 I would ever consider again is a 2006 S55, 600 or 65.

I vote 140. I think the 140 defines the flagship luxury sedan. Big, heavy, and if it hits you, it will kill you. Too bad there weren't any very poweful versions (even the V12 600 was fairly slow for the power it made).
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Old Dec 1, 2006 | 02:53 AM
  #38  
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Originally Posted by newton22
220s blow. The only 220 I would ever consider again is a 2006 S55, 600 or 65.

I vote 140. I think the 140 defines the flagship luxury sedan. Big, heavy, and if it hits you, it will kill you. Too bad there weren't any very poweful versions (even the V12 600 was fairly slow for the power it made).
I don't know if I agree with that comment about speed that much, have a look at the times in this.

http://www.mercedesshop.com/s500.htm
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Old Dec 1, 2006 | 04:47 PM
  #39  
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Originally Posted by NZ_Benz
I don't know if I agree with that comment about speed that much, have a look at the times in this.

http://www.mercedesshop.com/s500.htm
I was talking about the 140. There are no quick 140s.
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Old Dec 1, 2006 | 05:01 PM
  #40  
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Originally Posted by newton22
I was talking about the 140. There are no quick 140s.
Yea I know they compare the 140 S500 to the 220 S500 the 0-60 time has less than 1 second between them.
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Old Dec 1, 2006 | 05:57 PM
  #41  
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Originally Posted by NZ_Benz
Yea I know they compare the 140 S500 to the 220 S500 the 0-60 time has less than 1 second between them.
No, I was saying Mercedes never made a quick W140. With the W220s, there have been the S55, S600 and S65. All other S-classes are slow.
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Old Dec 1, 2006 | 06:19 PM
  #42  
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I think what he's trying to say is that MB never made an S-Class dedicated to speed and quickness (AMG) until the W220. But that's not neccesarily saying the W140s weren't quick.
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Old Dec 1, 2006 | 06:55 PM
  #43  
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Originally Posted by AsianML
But that's not neccesarily saying the W140s weren't quick.
They weren't quick. The fastest 140 was what, the S600? That thing did 0-60 mph in just under 6 seconds and probably couldn't even break 13s.
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Old Dec 1, 2006 | 07:25 PM
  #44  
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Originally Posted by newton22
They weren't quick. The fastest 140 was what, the S600? That thing did 0-60 mph in just under 6 seconds and probably couldn't even break 13s.
That is faster than 95% of automobiles you will encounter on the highway. I believe the Brabus S 7.3 is the most powerful W140.
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Old Dec 1, 2006 | 09:50 PM
  #45  
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Originally Posted by AsianML
I think what he's trying to say is that MB never made an S-Class dedicated to speed and quickness (AMG) until the W220. But that's not neccesarily saying the W140s weren't quick.
I see, they did do an AMG W140 just not like today where they build a huge amount of AMG, mind you it depends on what you call quick, I think the W140 500 is pretty quick. But I don't think you really buy an S class for performance or "quickness" the C or E class is really what I would call a sports sedan.
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Old Dec 2, 2006 | 12:00 AM
  #46  
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Originally Posted by RobFrank
My "Big Blue Benz" (W140) will still bump a W220, any BMW, Jag, or anything short of a Bently or Maybach out from in front of a restraunt when vallet parked, so I'll vote for it. I guess the best feeling came, however, when my wife's ex pulled up behind me in his brand new long wheelbase Jag, stood between the two behemoths... and let out a little whimper.

Score one for "teutonic arrogance" he he he...

Ah... what a view!
I love the W140 but my guess is that there aren't a lot of nice cars at this restaurant. My dad still drives his mint condition W140 S500 and but the valets haven't parked itup front of any restaurant since the W220 came out.
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Old Dec 4, 2006 | 02:54 PM
  #47  
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Actually, My 96 S500 is in pretty awsome shape... and since I added the extra interior woodwork, it's a real head-turner... when I bring it into the dealership shop (which is too often) it always gets a couple extra people coming up to look and a comment along the lines of "Wow, we don't see many of these in this good fo shape." My wife says I am obsesive about it, but doesn't everyone spend 85% of their free time and $ on their benz? And This restraunt actually does usually have some W220's bentleys, and BMW 7's in attendance.

I'll add some picts when I get a chance.

Rob

p.s. - a gentle hint: bigger tips also help keep you up front... probabaly more than the car itself! LOL!
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Old Dec 4, 2006 | 03:03 PM
  #48  
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But all previous quotes included... the new W221 is pretty awesome! Especially with the extra woodwork you can get for it:

<drool>
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Old Dec 5, 2006 | 09:18 AM
  #49  
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You know, I mentioned this thread to my wife, who reminded me of the first time she saw a new W221 on the road...and this cleared in my mind what "presence" really is about. When I pointed out the new S550 on the road to her, she said "Oh, I thought it was a Lexus." Although Lexus copied the W140, nobody will mistake one for another. The W140 was the last of the "masculine" Mercedes Benzes - all of the newer ones look more "feminine" to me... reflecting the desire to appeal to a wider marketplace. I do love the look of the newer models, but do miss the massive, solid, smoke-a-cigar-and-drink-a-scotch presence of the W140's. (The W220 makes me think of a nice glass of Chardonay, while the W221 says "XO Cognac, please!")
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Old Dec 5, 2006 | 11:25 AM
  #50  
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Originally Posted by RobFrank
But all previous quotes included... the new W221 is pretty awesome! Especially with the extra woodwork you can get for it:

<drool>
In my humble opinion - the wood color is a bit strange with the leather color of grey. For Grey, id almost wanna see the car have a dark grey/black modeled wood look.... not an orange cast.

Plus - THATS A LOT of wood..... i'd tone it down a bit personally.
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