Bratman

Hello Forum.
I've heard about problems with the early 140s, like the AC/system and such.

My question is if this is not something that would be resolved by now. Would imagine that, if the owner has had the car for 10 years, he would surely have taken care of this problem?
I would really like to hear what our certified MB mechanic (Dave?) has to say avout this. I am really close to buying one, but I am hesitating because of what I read in this forum...

lrotondo

You are right. My S320 has 109,000 miles and this issue was fixed at 96,000 miles at a cost of $2,500.

mbtech208

No matter how long the previous owner has had the car, or what he has replaced, things will always fail no matter what kind of car it is. It's just age and mileage. And if you buy a 140, especially an early one, be prepared to shell out some big bucks once in a while.

Snowman

Yes the early W140's are notorious for their problems. Mercedes didn't get a lot of things ironed out until later.

My advice: buy the newest one with the lowest miles that you can afford. With W140's you want the newest.

300SE1993

Well, I got to see a good chunk of the service history on my 300SE before I bought it, and it has had everythign from a new tranny to a new front end, motor mounts, steering box reseal, etc etc. it has 186000 miles on it. The A/C works fine so no dount that was fixed and it doesnt leak any oil so no dount the head gasket was replaced. Hopefully that covers most of the major stuff for another 100K or so. By then it will be paid off

Jim Fitzgerald

Bought my 300SE 4 years ago with 10K. Now has 97K.Replaced a water gasket. Also replaced two ball joints but I think that is my fault for trying to squeese too many miles from a set of tires.

Never had a problem with the evaporator, although what I've read here scrares me.

My brother is about to buy a 92 500SE. He contacted the local MB dealer and asked them about the evaporator problem. They told him they never repaired one! He was not buying the car from the dealer, for whatever that's worth.

I like the car. First one I've ever owned longer than 18 months and still wanted to keep it.

Buy it, you'll like it.

mbtech208

I've never heard of a dealer that hasn't done a 140 evap. I do about 3 or 4 every year. What dealer is this??

Jim Fitzgerald

The local dealer is Concourse Motors. I think they have been in business over 50 years and have always been good to me.

What is it that causes the evapororator to fail?

mbtech208

It starts leaking refrigerant.