cap'n jasper

I've sold my 300E-24 and want a W140. I've more or less decided on a 320L but which year is best? I've read that the early ones (1991/1992) have lots of problems. Is this true? Are the 1993 models better? or should I hunt for a facelifted 1994 model? I can't afford anything newer! What faults should I look for???

suginami

The earlier W140's had tremendous quality problems and ought to be avoided at all costs.

'93-'95 S320's have bad engine wiring harnesses, so I'd look at 1996 and newer.

Early W140's also had problems with leaky a/c evaporators, and it is thought that this defect was also fixed after 1995. If the evaporator leaks, it is about a $2,500 repair (U.S. $) because the evaporator is buried under the dash and the whole interior needs to be removed to get to it. Shop time is 25.5 hours.

mbtech208

He's right, early 140's were abortions of cars and should be avoided. The evaporator defect was never fully resolved. The evaporators in the 140's leaked right up until the last '99 models rolled off the assembly lines. If you want an S320, keep an eye out for leaky head gaskets and cylinder head front covers. Also the transmission cooler hoses usually develop leaks. Lower control arm bushings tend to split open and cause a shimmy at highway speeds.

cap'n jasper

Sorry to bother you all again, but..
I drove 300miles yesterday to look at a late 95 s320. It was the best I've seen so far despite the 170,000 miles on the clock. The only problem was that it did not have electric front seats or soft-close doors.
Does anyone know what the extras list was for an s320 from 1995?
I could have saved myself a long drive if I'd asked him this before I set off!

PaulC

Are these items critical to you? The soft-close system is just one more system to fail at your expense.

suginami

Mercedes in the U.S. are sold with almost all of the options already on the car. I'm sure our options list would be quite small, and limited to things like heated seats or built-in cell phone. Every Mercedes in the U.S., even the old W201 chassis 190E's were sold with dual electric front seats.

Here is a link that shows the standard features on a U.S. S320:

http://www.edmunds.com/used/1995/mer...Mercedes-Benz*

I also agree that the close assist is a feature that you'd be lucky to be without. They are vacuum operated and are known to be a frequent and costly repair item.

PaulC

Have you considered a late w126? You can get a pristine later model that will be easier and less expensive to repair than a w140 for less cost.

cap'n jasper

Thanks for the replies.
I guess things are different in the UK. I think almost eveything was 'extra', even leather seats. I could live without door closers but I really don't want to be winding handles to adjust things, to me that's the whole point of paying more for an s-class. If I just wanted something difficult to park I'd buy a van
The w126's are looking a little dated, just my opinion.

internet_mafia

The soft close door system is a standard feature. That particular car probably needed a fuse or a new control module. Mine went out for a while, but when I inserted a new fuse, everything was fine.

Also, electric seats are standard also. Again, probably that car needed some electric work done to it.

EdS320

Buy any W140 you like, "with a warranty".....

lrotondo

I just bought a 1994 S320 with 108,000 miles for $14,000. I believe the critical factor is how well the car has been maintained and whether there are records to prove it. Any W140 of the age you are looking for will already have encountered all the normal weak points that these cars have, including the A/C evaporator, window lifts, etc. If the car was repaired properly, then you should be over those humps and not have anything but normal maintenance to worry about. The previous owner of my car spent $13,000 in maintenance, repairs and parts, not including free warranty work. That works out to 12 cents a mile, which for a car like this is pretty reasonable.

cap'n jasper

Thanks for all your replies.
I just got back after 2 weeks in Florida and bought my new car..
..an E320 coupe!
I'll look for a W140 next year when I can afford a newish one.

market000

If you like the 140 chassis....the later models seem to have a better service history. If you can swing a 1999...it was the last year for that body. All the bugs are pretty much worked out of them by that time.I just purchased a 99 cl500 and love every minute of it. Check out the july or august issue of Mercedes Enthusiast.....they talk about the 140 coupe.

Be mindful of cracked wood....extremenly expensive to replace OEM. Cars with heated seats in cold climates may need foam replaced if used alot.

J

lrotondo

I have a 1994 S320 with 117,000 miles on it and I would highly recommend it. The only major repair it has needed is the A/C evaporator and the fix cost $2,500. Find one that has already been fixed. I have the SWB version and if I had to do it over, I would get the long wheelbase version for the space and the looks. But mine drives great and handles very well. I get about 24MPG average with a lot of town driving.