dnthomas

Just bought myself a 1989 560SL, and wife wants a sedan. We had a 1991 560SEL that she loved but Hurricane Katrina stole it.

I have been looking for a 1999 S-class and have been offered a clean 99 S420 with 103,000 miles for $8500. don't know anything about them accept what I can read, always gotten great info here.

Can someone give me the low down on the 99 S420, is this the 99 model I want or do others have a distinct advantage over it? How is this price?

All info appreciated... ( BTW, his original price was $9995)

oldsinner111

All I can say is the w140s are good cars.Well worth the BlueBook price.

philip29

hey before u buy the car be sure to get a vin# check and then take it to a mb shop to give u a pre buy lookover . to make sure your are not getting taking avantage of.

zsm722

As with all W140's get a Pre-Purchase inspection. Also, meticulous service history is very important. These cars rack up mileage, and it can safely be said that a W140 with 200,000 miles that has been maintained and serviced properly runs better than a lower-mileage W140 that needs some work. In a sense, you want to buy the car knowing what needs to be replaced and what has already been replaced.

C280 Sport

Get yourself a PPI(Pre Purchase Inspection)
Check all records
Long propor test drive-No clonks or rattles or thumps
Look out for body rust
Make sure every damn little button on that car works propor
Look out for leaks in the engine bay area
Make sure the air suspesnion is working as should otherwise it can cost $$ to fix.

zsm722

No W140 has air suspension from the factory. W140's either had a normal suspension set up or a self-leveling system.

The S420 does not have air Self-leveling suspension standard, but could be an option. Check to see if you have it, and that it works, otherwise it is $600 per strut.

Also, I forgot to mention that 96 and up W140's have the 5 speed auto transmission that is known to have issues and need rebuilding after a while. Make sure the car shifts smoothly in all gears, and doesn't jolt when changing from reverse to forward gear.

-Z

vsandvs

Mint s420 1999 with around 100k ml can go up to $8500.

99 model should have transmission fluid changed (forget about lifetime fill). If it wasn;t then change fluid few time withing first month to be safe. Check up on transmission main connector for fluid. They are known for fluid contamination and killing transmission computer ( i have same tranny in my ml430. I changed my plug full of transmission fluid. Part is $25, labor $100).

A/C MUST work. If it doesn't there might be an evaporator leak that cost $2000 to fix.

Seat gears fail sometimes. Other then that 99 S420 is best w140 S-Class out there. I would LOVE to have one of them. Good power and gas mileage, updated interior and exterior )color coded everything), no harness and rear leveling shocks problems as older models have. I would totally recommend one

Here in NYC there are few for sale. Prices $5000-$8000 and up. They all depend on condition.

Pre purchase inspection is a must. You can spend Tons of money on fixing little things in those cars. Trust me, I went through them all on my S500s and still going with 94 S500.

Good luck