ALNiKO-W211

Hi!

I recently started hunting for 97-99 benz in W140 body with 420, 500 or 320 engines. Have couple questions to forum fellow members.
1) Are there any differences in these engines besides fuel economy and acceleration? AFAIK head gasket issue were only in place on 6 cylinder and before 95-96.
2) Do I have to look for low mileage vehicles (80-110k Mi) or if it's more than 100k miles car it means that some stuff are already serviced and/or replaced by previous owner(s)?

Currently trying to get in touch with owner of this car:
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...standard=false

Also if anyone in South Florida willing to sell his W140 for around 7000$ please pm me.

Thanks for all your answers!

oldsinner111

I bought one with 128000 on the odo.Best car I've ever bought.If I was going with a 8 cyl.I'd pick a 500.I have nailed 420s and S430s.

ALNiKO-W211

oldsinner111
When did you buy it and how much do you approx spend on service/repairs every 2-3-6 month? I know every car has a different story and one can be used without any significant investments while the other one will be pain in the butt.

Any comments on my autotrader's link?

oldsinner111

I change oil 3 times a year.5w40 diesel sync oil in winter.15w40 diesel in spring thru fall.Brake pads inspection or change once a year. I do all my work,I trust no mechanic (I used to be one). So maybe $190 a year.I like to use Yahoo's search for cars.Did buy one.

ALNiKO-W211

How come others are crying they spend 3-4k once in a while for some major stuff here and there? Your "190 a year" is far more less I spend on 05 mustang V6. Had 211, 203 and 215 before - drove them before anything major came up and than sold them. Basically didn't even think about maintaining cars but this time is different. I want to have 140 and take care of it. That's why I'm asking about regular maintenance cost and how to avoid big troubles when buying this "legend".

oldsinner111

All I know is the 98,an 99 were the best built.

deanyel

You should stay away from the later years. Very little changed, other than company wide implementations - electronic 722.6 transmissions, ignition switches and keys, and proprietary diagnostic systems - but literally EVERYTHING they changed went sour on them or was unfavorable to DIYers. It was a really bad time for the company and the beginning of hostility to the DIYer.

If you're looking for a low maintenance 140 you will never do better than a SWB 1995 S320. It's a hydraulic transmission, both OBDI and II diagnostic systems, $25 keys instead of $250, and no vacuum door close assist, an absurdly frail and silly system. 94s and 96s are OK but 95 SWB 320s are the sweet spot of 140 low maintenance.

That they "worked the bugs out" of the later 140 models is one of the all time great Mercedes myths - often repeated (by owners of same) but never supported. Literally, you can check a half dozen Mercedes forums for the last 10 years and you will find no support for it. It is pure myth.

ALNiKO-W211

and

oldsinner111

People who can't afford later years,talk about them like a dog.You could get a early model cheaper and deal with the rotten engine wiring.But a older model will be ready for front end work,flex disk,and about everything that has rubber or plastic.

ALNiKO-W211

Just looked at S420 97 86K. Pretty good inside and out except some things:
1) Doors cannot be opened using the button on keys.
2) Rear passenger window doesn't go up. Didn't even try to lower it.
3) Electrical mirrors also don't work. Can be set up only manually.
4) Near sunroof there is a small (about an inch) spot half rusted half painted. Could be a stone fallen from top or something from the road.
Besides that car drives very good, acceleration, tranny shifts, kickdown, AC and so on.
According to carfax - first owner was from CA and then the car has been sold to second owner in Florida. No accidents, problems etc. Been serviced only at dealerships. Has about 30 detailed records.

Anyone can share how much will be to get rid of all those problems mentioned above? Are they like normal and common troubles of these vehicles?

gt1680

1. Doors cannot be opened by remote, could be the anti theft module, around USD 315
2. Rear passenger window not working, could be the window regulator, around
USD 130
3. Electrical mirror, could be the motor or the module. motor around USD 150 each side, module around USD 600
My suggestion, go to a near MB dealer or MB specialist near by and do a PDI using the star diagnose system to see what kind of fault stored and must be fixed. Hopefully this will help you find the right W 140

oldsinner111

1. Doors cannot be opened by remote

I had too first get a new battery for key (Dealer),.then to make it work long distance.I used tooth paste on electric eyes on door handle to polish them clear again.

ALNiKO-W211

Unfortunately, I can't take this car to a dealer. Seller only allows me to bring my own mechanic as the car has no plates on it.

Still thinking is it worth to buy this car and put about 1000$ to fix all this small defects or find the other one without problems. The only thing is carfax - for this vehicle it's probably the nicest I've ever seen for 14 years old car.

oldsinner111

I'd pass on that one.

ALNiKO-W211

Also found another one in good condition (according to photos, didn't have a chance to see it myself yet) but it is S320 1999. It has 127k Mi and as stated by owner "The car has been well taken care of. Super clean, just did routine changing of belts and spark plugs through Mercedes-Bens (not a mom&pop garage) It Has 127,700 miles original. The windows are bulletproof and I average 28 Highway miles this is a great car, but I need to down size. The shade for sun roof does need replacing, it has 2 new tires".

Is 320 enough for W140, because I felt a little difference between S500 and S420, though I'm not a big fan of speeding, accelerating from every traffic light?

Both cars cost pretty much the same (97 S420 86K and 99 S320 127K).

Are windows literally bulletproof?

oldsinner111

The windows are double pane glass for insulation.My S320 is fast enough stock.But I like blowing away s430s,with my modded engine

ALNiKO-W211

Thanks all for comments.
Finally bought 1999 S320 SWB 134K Mi. All electronic works, steering wheel is wooden and new, armrest and other stuff are all look untouched. I replaced o2 sensor, serpentine belt, changed oil and replace transmission bushings. Recommended by mechanic replacing of transmission plate within next month or two.
Next problems still exist:
1) Rain sensor doesn't work - looks like someone who installed windshield (not genuine) didn't connect it. Anybody knows other possible solutions?
2) Gloves compartment can not be opened - when I press the corresponding button it just doesn't open and I don't even know what's inside.
3) Gas gauge shows 3/4 even when the tank is full or next time when car is started 4/4 - I think gas gauge sending unit is a problem.
4) Auto button on AC always has a red led on it even if I choose to set blower manually. Looks like it works as it should though.

Other than that I totally agree with all w140 owners about this MB masterpiece.
I used to drive W203('04 C230), W211('04 E320) and W215('04 CL500) and w140 stands above all others mentioned. Can only say w215 is close to ride quality and cabin silence and comfort.

oldsinner111

I can't help you with issues,keep us informed.Welcome to W140 world.