Hi W140 folks!

I have been attempting to educate myself about the W140 through your posts as I've been looking for something relaible, but a bit newer than my 94 E320 W124 for my Dad. I'll be turning wrenches for him too...so I may become a contributor to your board soon. Seems the W140 is a great car when properly looked after.

Anyway, I'm hoping to find a trusted and experienced shop in the Ormond Beach FL area for a pre-purchase inspection. Mostly to pull any stored codes as I have read that the A/C and Trans can be crucial to be clear of faults. Another set of eyes on the typical mechanical items can't hurt either.

FYI, the car is a very clean one owner 1998 S320 with 39,000 miles. Owner is asking $16,000 and I know it needs a set of tires soon.

Any advice from you W140 folks would be highly appreciated!!

Thanks,

Steve
South Carolina

 

No help on a shop for you, just a couple comments.

I picked up my "96 S320 5 years ago and with the aid of this forum has been the best vehicle I've ever owned. (New or used) I hear some people talk about the cost of upkeep but I have not found that to be true with mine. With a little TLC & keeping on top of the little things you will have a great car if it checks out. The price sounds good to me -
Good luck on your purchase, sent some pix if you can

 

The 98 should be pretty well sorted out, the early cars had their share of issues, I can testify. Tires are not a problem, they are dry rotted anyway, nothing should jump at you. A nice ride, order the service DVD
http://www.startekinfo.com/StarTek/o...stedDocId=8002

 

Thanks for the input guys!

I will def order the DVD!

I'll be picking up the S320 Saturday and will get to my usual used car acquisition once-over in the next few weeks. All fluids and filters and t-stat, maybe the drive belt/rollers and plugs. I'll also take a look at the coolant hoses as well.

Also plan to detail it...and I'll get some pics up!

Looking forward to contributing here as well for many years to come.

Thanks again!

Steve

 

Well, I picked up the car and it's a beauty! 1998 S320 Long, 39,300 miles, white w/ grey interior, one owner and in a very clean and shiny…always-garaged condition. The wheels don't even have any curb rash.

The only cosmetic issues are the carpeted panel under steering column (drivers side knee pad) was cut to facilitate the installation of a hand-operated brake. That carpeted piece will need to be replaced…assuming I can find one. Also the grey paint on the rear most section (hinge portion) of the center armrest has some paint peeling from abrasion. The PO (80+) had a fused left leg and he used the armrest to help exit the car that caused some abnormal wear. Hopefully I can find that paint….or source another armrest.

The only mechanical issue is a weeping cam chain cover and slight vibration on the hwy. I'll take it in to the tire guy, but if there are no bad tires or bent rims and tire balancing does not take care of the vibration, I will replace the front lower control arm bushings as I've read they are often the culprits. The front lower control arm bushings were the culprit on my 94 E320 with a similar vibration.

The A/C evaporator has been done at the dealer as well as a blower motor done at dealer. All other services seem to be there. I’m pretty happy with it and feel it should serve my dad well for many years. I just ordered ~$800 in good German parts to get it ready to hand over to him.

FYI, I plan to do the following:

Oil & filter (Mobil-1 ext performance)
Air cleaner
Spark Plugs (non resistor)
Transmission filter/fluid (w/MB 722.6 fluid-001989210310)
Serpentine belt and both rollers
Cam chain cover seal and o-ring
Fuel filter
Brake fluid flush/bleed (ATE Super Gold DOT4+ type 200)
P/S filter and fluid (MB fluid-0004661604)
Thermostat (87 degree)
Coolant change (MB Coolant-Q1030002)
Front lower control arm bushing kits (L&R)
Cabin filter
Recirculation filter
Paint will receive a clay bar treatment and polishing with the full range of Zano Brothers products.
Leather to be cleaned and conditioned


Hopefully this should help keep this car trouble free for a while longer.

Steve