jetblk328i

Hello everyone, Some of you may remember some of my threads about being interested in a S320. Well that never worked out as I was afraid of all the head gasket issues on those models.

After a few months of waiting, another opportunity has arrived, this time, its the real deal.

I'm looking at a 1999 S600 that has 129,000 miles.

Looking at the carfax, Its pretty clean and it looks like the car was owned twice and the last owner was a local one getting work done at the BMW/Audi/Mercedes shop where I service my BMW.

Here is a copy of the carfax:

http://www.carfax.com/VehicleHistory...&partner=HMN_0

Anyways, I have some concerns, especially as it is a 600.

1. How reliable are these V12 engines/cars in general? I know the power is there and I plan on using it as a daily driver(only about 5 miles a day if i dont take detours) and wonder if i have to worry about it breaking down on me.

2. Anything i should check specifically on these 600s or W140s?(aka really problem prone parts)

3. How are the insurance costs? Are they very high? being it a v12?

4.How are these in snow? I can imagine that the big V12 may have some traction issues.

5. I hear bad things about the prices of service for these W140s. I am not a skilled DIYer and unfortunately would need help. Will i have to go into the repair shop 3-4 times a year and have repairs cost me THOUSANDS at a time?

Any additional insight or questions are welcome and preferred.

Thanks in advance!

MB_Fahrer

Not to scare you off, but my mother's 500sel is horrid in the snow with all season tyres. She has no grip at all and its very bad. Also, she spent just over $10K on her A/C about two years ago as it wasn't functioning properly. The wiring harnesses in the W140's have been known to melt due to excess heat from the huge engine (but that is just a rumor i heard so take it lightly). The W140's don't seem to be prone to breaking down frequently so i'd assume with only 5 mi per day that you shouldn't have too much trouble...

MB_Fahrer

Another rumor I've heard is that the V-12 is simply more expensive to maintain than the V-8 and does not offer any significant performance boost, but i highly doubt this.

CharlyE500

I am also in market looking for a W140 but not the S600
I am more in S320 or S420 and they are really reliable. I just want to collect. I love this boxy classy car. I dont want a big engine because having a E55K. I am not sure about S600 V12 so you better do some research because V12 in snow ... I dont think its good idea. Some people say over heat, thats because the Fan Clutch needed to get change thats why get over heat.

If you want a bigger engine, you can find the S500 instead. And try to find 97 to 99

Good luck with your purchase !

MB_Fahrer

The fan clutch eh? I can believe that. A V-12 in the snow isn't any more difficult to drive than an 6 cylinder. What makes driving in snow hard, is having the wrong tyre compound as well as having too much contact patch. For racing the more contact patch the better, for snow its the opposite. The smaller the contact patch the more weight is pressing down on a smaller area therefore more grip. At least that's what I've heard. How much snow do you get in your area?