Just out of curiousity what are the 0-60 and 1/4 mile times for the S500 coupe? My dad just bought a 96 and it is very nice. He is upset that it cut him off at about 130 mph I believe he said. Is there anyway to bypass the limiter? I know this car is not meant to be raced and it's a luxury cruiser, but has anyone gotten into any races in their S500? If so, what car was it?
My interest in this car has escalated and am contemplating one for myself to replace the old 560 SEC.
Thanks for the info.

 

MB's official 0-60 time for the '96 S500 coupe is 7.2 seconds. Not all that fast, but impressive for such a heavy car.

 

I think there is a thread at mercedesshop.com that discusses the speed limiter. Unfortunately, I don't think there is a work around. I have heard speculation that the limiters were placed on US cars b/c many MB owners put cheap or low speed rated tires on their cars, therefore, MBUSA reduces their liability when owners test the limits of their cars by installing the limiter.

I remember when I was in college one of my professors told us of a lawsuit brought against GM for an accident involving a drunk teenager who got a blowout at 120mph around a turn in a camaro (early '80s I think) who lost control and killed himself. As it turned out GM lost b/c the car was capable of speeds in excess of the speed rating on the tires that GM supplied as standard. Only in America can you drink and drive at speeds in excess of the century mark, kill yourself in the process and have your parents win a multi-million dollar lawsuit based on gross negligence on the part of the manufacturer of the car.

 

7.2 sec? Wow sure seems a little faster, that not too much faster than my 560 SEC. Are there any available mods to decrease those numbers such as a chip (looked at the Powerchip), exhaust, intake, etc?

 

Yes but it can get expensive. First you have www.performanceproducts.com. I recommend that you go and get a customized catalog as not everything is available through the web site. They have an air cleaner housing for $1000. Also a chip for $250 and an ASR defeat switch for $475.

Renntech still offers parts for the car. Though they are VERY expensive. Check out the web site here: http://www.renntechmercedes.com/spla...s/sw-140.html.

Good luck and enjoy the W140.

 

JBroad572-- An S500 (W140) is not a car that you would want to test your 0-60 with. It's heavy. It's a land-yacht for crying out loud. But it will certainly take you and four other friends to 140+mph ( persoanlly attest to that ) and stay there all day if you so desired. It's a very comfortable car to drive fast...but a quick car it is not. So if it's 0-60 performance that you are looking for....I'd say better spend your hard earned $$ else where.

Just my .02

Peace.

 

Good source for more info on C140's (and other models as well):

http://www.mbusa.com/brand/container...45678&menu=5_1

Z

 

Thats right but im scared to take mine tht fast will it do any damage to it

 

The w140 were built for speed.My 6 cylinder beat everyone up a mountain Sunday.This grade is like the California grapevine.