94 W140
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Sacramento, CA
ML350
94 W140
Hello All!
I’m look to buy my first W140 after a bad experience with a BMW740il and an Infiniti Q45. I’ve always wanted an S class. My brother in-law says In Japan it’s considered the “Boss” car, if you will. Anyways, I’ve found a woman selling one. A 94 320 with 143k on it. She has had the AC serviced, new brake pads, new front rotors, new tires, oil and air filter changed and spark plugs. While on the test drive, it drove like a champ, but no rocket due to it's weight, no?
I did notice a few things and was wondering if they were red flags. The check engine light was on. The speedometer wasn’t working. At about 40 MPH the cruise control was engaging. When I hit the brakes on the right side of the dash a yellow light stayed on, wasn’t sure if that meant a taillight bulb was out or not. I also notice when I went to put it in reverse it took a second.
Other than that I found everything else inside the car, windows, seats, powered rear view mirror (nuts), I saw a button that had a picture of a tire but it didn’t light up. The heated seats worked. Is there anything else I should be looking for or listening out for? Questions I should be asking this lady? The Items I’ve named that are obviously bad are they an easy find or high dollar i.e. over $1000 to replace? Should I stay away? She's asking 3.
Please Advise..
P
I’m look to buy my first W140 after a bad experience with a BMW740il and an Infiniti Q45. I’ve always wanted an S class. My brother in-law says In Japan it’s considered the “Boss” car, if you will. Anyways, I’ve found a woman selling one. A 94 320 with 143k on it. She has had the AC serviced, new brake pads, new front rotors, new tires, oil and air filter changed and spark plugs. While on the test drive, it drove like a champ, but no rocket due to it's weight, no?
I did notice a few things and was wondering if they were red flags. The check engine light was on. The speedometer wasn’t working. At about 40 MPH the cruise control was engaging. When I hit the brakes on the right side of the dash a yellow light stayed on, wasn’t sure if that meant a taillight bulb was out or not. I also notice when I went to put it in reverse it took a second.
Other than that I found everything else inside the car, windows, seats, powered rear view mirror (nuts), I saw a button that had a picture of a tire but it didn’t light up. The heated seats worked. Is there anything else I should be looking for or listening out for? Questions I should be asking this lady? The Items I’ve named that are obviously bad are they an easy find or high dollar i.e. over $1000 to replace? Should I stay away? She's asking 3.
Please Advise..
P
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 455
Likes: 1
From: Fl
92 500sel/01 320e wag
I would worry about the check engine light, it could be many things. If the A/C was serviced is there a leak? The evap job (very, very) common on this car is in excess of your purchase price since the entire dash needs to come out. If the tansmission takes longer to engage in reverse when warm, be prepared for a trans job which is as large as your purchase price. I would take it to a MB dealer for an inspection before agreeing to buy it
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,071
Likes: 2
2007 S600
As far as the engine light issue, it might have been just beyond it's service mileage limit and the mechanic (if there was one) didn't reset it. I'd be more worried about the speedometer not working and the cruise control issue. That sounds at least like a $1500 repair bill. Overall, I'd avoid this car. Demand service records if they exist.
