Considering...
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Indiana
1998 Cadillac Catera
Considering...
Hey! I'm new here and am considering buying a good used benz. I'm thinking possibly an S420 or S320. What are the things i need to know? What tends to go wrong? Are they fairly trouble free?
Keep in mind that I'm transferring in from Cadillac so you can be brutally honest...I've gotten to know the dealer quite well as of late!
Keep in mind that I'm transferring in from Cadillac so you can be brutally honest...I've gotten to know the dealer quite well as of late!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,057
Likes: 341
From: NJ
2009 SL63 AMG
The W140s are surprisingly reliable and excellent automobiles.
General Info
http://auto.consumerguide.com/auto/u...x.cfm/id/2327/
Troublespots
http://auto.consumerguide.com/Auto/U...ewreliability/
General Info
http://auto.consumerguide.com/auto/u...x.cfm/id/2327/
Troublespots
http://auto.consumerguide.com/Auto/U...ewreliability/
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 348
Likes: 60
From: SoCal
3phase-4pole
what I have learned from my read in the other forums is this : if you want piece of mind, this is not the car for you.
then again no mercedes owner ever had practicality as number one priority when buying a car
even with all the horror stories about the W140, I still chose to get one. and should I ever regret getting it, at least I tried to own one anyway
then again no mercedes owner ever had practicality as number one priority when buying a car
even with all the horror stories about the W140, I still chose to get one. and should I ever regret getting it, at least I tried to own one anyway
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 393
Likes: 2
From: Mesa, AZ
2011 E350 Bluetec, 1996 S320 & 2006 E320 CDI Sold to my son & 2017 GMC 2500 Diesel Pick up
'96 S320
BenzAMG I have had my S320 going on 4 years& 50K+ miles of driving. I have had very little problem or cost with keeping this car up. Other than normal things like Brakes & fluid changes I have spent maybe $600 on other repairs. I do 99% of the work myself with the aid of the great advise received in this forum. My opinion is I would do it again in a heart beat. I have been thinking about getting a SLK320 but keep thinking - do I want to sell my S class to aford it... The people on the forum seem to have a wide range of issues with there S class. But I think that would be true with any car. Some have problems some don't. I would research this forum for what years are best etc. Good luck 
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: Dallas
1996 S500 Sedan
Be prepared for a love-hate relationship with your W140 if you buy one. Nothing else drives like one, but you have to use a "Chevy factor x 4" when estimating repairs:
A Typical japanese car or Caddy will cost 2x a Chevy's repair cost
A Lexus, VW, Audi etc. will cost 3x a Chevy's repair cost
A Benz will cost 4x a Chevy's repair cost
A Bentley/Rolls will cost 8x
Get to know a mechanic at a good non-dealer shop that specializes in benzes, and get to know your internet parts dealerships... but also get used to heads turning, people asking you just how rich you are, and a big ole smile as you drive it!
A Typical japanese car or Caddy will cost 2x a Chevy's repair cost
A Lexus, VW, Audi etc. will cost 3x a Chevy's repair cost
A Benz will cost 4x a Chevy's repair cost
A Bentley/Rolls will cost 8x
Get to know a mechanic at a good non-dealer shop that specializes in benzes, and get to know your internet parts dealerships... but also get used to heads turning, people asking you just how rich you are, and a big ole smile as you drive it!
