bradeer

I need some advice from the Forum... I'm in real estate and today I went on an appointment and in the garage was a 98 S500. It has 43k miles on the odometer and appears to be in cherry condition. The owner died this year and his son is selling his house and asked if I would be interested in the car. I said I would think about it and give him an answer next week. I know he is the only owner and driven it locally. The son just had it serviced and wants 12k. I think its a pretty good price and would like your opinions on what I should look for and what my expenses in the future could be. It sounded great when it started up. Is this a good year from your experience?

Peter Guenther

It could be a pretty good deal, probably needs tires, the later 140s were better than the early. I would gpay MB for a pre-purchase inspection unless it was serviced by MB where they usually note issues as they see them.

trumpet1

With that mileage, GRAB IT!!!!! I had a 1996 S420 and loved it. Bought it new and that car was so well built. In 1997, they had a final refresh of that series and those cars were so well built, solid, and had a ride that is unmatched in its time. It still is a fine auto. If I could , I'd buy that car. If you do, post pix.

bradeer

Thanks for the responses, I checked it out through Carfax and looks great. It's Smoke Silver with Parchment. It does need tires which is no big deal, ac blows cold. My only concern could be the catyltic converters, I had an 01 e320 and that car went through 2 of them in the 4 years I had it. This car is CLEAN CLEAN. I'll let you all know this week... I really like the look of this year as opposed to the newer body styles. They really came back in looks with 07 and current...But that way out of my budget..

trumpet1

I've been around the block when it comes to owning Mercedes cars. I would avoid the W220s altogether (except the 2005s and 2006s). I have a 2007 S600 and it is built well like the W140s (especially the W140s from 1996 through 1999). All cars from every make will have certain years to avoid and the one you're looking at is a good year to consider , as well as 1997 and 1999. All 3 years were virtually identical except that the 1999 model had the special edition model of which only around 500 or so were made for the US market, best of my memory recalls, and even it wasn't reallly all that special to be honest. It just had a special woodgrain interior.

The W220 from 2000 -2003 was an embarrassment for Mercedes Benz as Chrysler killed their image and quality.
I had a 1990 W126 as well, and it was not a bad car as this was one of the classiest cars of all time. I still wish I could take a low mileage W126 , spend a few thousands dollars on a terrific paint job, update the leather and carpet, fix up the engine and drive 'er awhile as these cars have a really gorgeous appearance.

RichardM98

There was a nice article in the 04/2008 issue of Mercedes-Benz Classic about buying a used W140. Maybe the quintessential MB sedan.

Get a thorough inspection by a professional mechanic who knows this model. Sit down with the owners manual and check every bell and whistle to make sure they all ring and toot.

According to article top examples go for as much as e15000 (about $21,760). If it checks out, jump on it.

Note: Check out double glazed side windows.

Good luck.

gyrate

Do it!

But beware that at around 80-90k miles you will be in a boatload of repairs. Cannot be really avoided unless you let the car decay.

rajah996

I have a 1997 S500 with 95k miles. I got it from the first owner, and am putting
it on the market for $10,200. Just had the front suspension re-done (the sagging
front, new springs and struts) and it has brand new tires. All services up to date.

vdubpower

nice, hey where did they have it serviced, was it in ft lauderdale area?

our 98 has almost 200k onit
careful with vacuum stuff, always leakes

hawk25

Don't take personal just stating facts:

Chrysler did not kill any image or quality.... Mercedes killed its own image and quality... what does chrysler know about building or making a mercedes???? NOTHING!!! Remember mercedes went to chrysler not the other way around...wanting to hook up! You want to point fingers... point at mercedes... they were in the driver seat the whole entire time...i mean why does a wealthy company like mercedes need to merge with anyone??? Kinda silly isn't it... makes you think twice about mercedes. Chrysler focused on making affordable luxury cars at the 30,000 price range....by knowing this what is to be expected from this merger.....honestly. Not to long ago Mercedes went knocking to BMW saying hey lets plan on sharing platforms and parts bins to save money....lol ok now I want my Eclass to similar to 5 series...mercedes is really making me wonder heavily with all these mergers and hook ups.

CharlyE500

Hi,
Need some advises, I am looking to collect a W140 and found a dark gray 1996 with already 141K miles. Asking $4450 but can drop to $4k. Clean title according to the owner, did u have any electrical problem with your 96 ? How long u had it and how many miles when u sold it ?

Thanx