bzliteyear

hi guys,

i'm checking out a silver/grey 1997 S320 with about 101k miles...i think it's two-owner car...he bought it starmarked a while ago.

the car drives great and it's very clean. minimal minor scratches and one removeable dent. all the doors shut nicely, and it looks well cared for.

there's some vibration at 50 mph - could be wheels out of balance or bad tires up front. rear window regular getting replaced by owner.

i saw vasir owns a 97 S320 on prior post...if any of you could advise on your experiences w/ S320, i'd be very appreciative. the car seems to drive very comfortably and it's the SWB.

thank you.

Vasir

You cant go wrong with an S320..economical, comfortable, big, and its still an MBZ!!!

bzliteyear

it was a very comfy car, but after doing some thinking, decided to keep our E320 wagon for our nanny...and swapping my 2001 E55 to a 2002 S55.

surprisingly, for the money the S55 was a much better buy than the S320.

Vasir

yeah, the newer body style S class is unusually cheaper in terms of year and milage vs price when put up against the w140. i still havent figured that part out as to why.
im glad you like the new cars!

NZ_Benz

The W140 was more costly to buy new than a W220, in nominal terms so when you factor in infaltion it's an even larger difference. And the W140 is built to a higher standard.

The W220 S55 is still a great car though congrats.

bzliteyear

i totally agree that the older MBs are built better and have superior workmanship. the challenge is that structurally many of the newer body's chassis are better designed and handle better. therefore, it's a constant battle between a trusted old friend vs a flashier new flame.

Rod Spohn

Bought my '96 S320 with 98k 5 years ago. 60k later it is still the nicest car I've owned. Very minimal repair cost. I have been able to do 99% of repair work myself. ( so its easy to work on ) I have no reason to think it won't keep running as strong as it ever has. I would always advise someone who finds a good deal on a well taken care of w140 to buy it. I have never kept a vehicle this long before and don't think it will be going anyplace soon. No one would pay what I would want for my baby. I know

NZ_Benz

So true with the S55 you get the ABC suspension and whilst a W140 might feel as good in a straight line you will feel it when you start to drive the car in a tight road, I'd think it would have not been so bad with a SWB but the W220 is lightyears ahead of the W140 in terms of handling.