Wanting a 98-99 S420 Please help answer a few questions
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2006 Volvo S40 T5 AWD 6spd
Wanting a 98-99 S420 Please help answer a few questions
Hello, I've mostly dabbled in the W202 and W203 forums on this website but it was the W140 I saw as a young boy that is responsible for my love of Mercedes and cars in general. I've had an 1985 BMW 5 series, 2002 Audi A4 (big mistake), and now a 2004 Saab 9-5 (even BIGGER mistake). I need to get back in a German car because no other auto maker comes close. I've been searching and studying for a few days and I think I've determined that a 98-99 S420 would fit my desires the best. This way I can get many of the options from the S500 without the headache of the air suspension.
Despite my research efforts, I still have a few easy questions that remain unclear. I hope you fine people can answer them quickly and concisely.
1. I generally know about the problem areas the W140 carries but I'm curious to know if they have been rectified in the 98-99 MY. Were the following weak spots improved by the 1998 production year:
*5-speed Automatic transmission
*AC system (evap box in dash)
*Window regulators
*Bose stereo
*Wiring harness (engine problem?)
*Catalytic converters prone to failure
*Mass airflow sensor
Also, what is the 0-60 acceleration time for the S420?
If I've forgotten any significant weak areas, please let me know.
I really love these cars as they have literally changed my life since I was a little boy. I hope to be able to own one soon. Thank you for any input you provide.
Despite my research efforts, I still have a few easy questions that remain unclear. I hope you fine people can answer them quickly and concisely.
1. I generally know about the problem areas the W140 carries but I'm curious to know if they have been rectified in the 98-99 MY. Were the following weak spots improved by the 1998 production year:
*5-speed Automatic transmission
*AC system (evap box in dash)
*Window regulators
*Bose stereo
*Wiring harness (engine problem?)
*Catalytic converters prone to failure
*Mass airflow sensor
Also, what is the 0-60 acceleration time for the S420?
If I've forgotten any significant weak areas, please let me know.
I really love these cars as they have literally changed my life since I was a little boy. I hope to be able to own one soon. Thank you for any input you provide.
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From: Socal, Chino
E55 2006 / CLS55 / S450 / Jag XKR2011
From my previous experience W140 S320 I had problem with Mass air sensor $500 easy DIY job. I had Check engine light ON. I had some engine oil leaking which need Head gasket seal. Finally the major reason i sold it because transmission kinda slipping ($2K to fix)
S320 and S420 should be very similar and in my opinion they are under power. However, if you are looking for a freeway cruiser, this is a great car. Before you purchase it, take to a shop for fully inspection specially for oil leaking. Good luck !
S320 and S420 should be very similar and in my opinion they are under power. However, if you are looking for a freeway cruiser, this is a great car. Before you purchase it, take to a shop for fully inspection specially for oil leaking. Good luck !
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2006 Volvo S40 T5 AWD 6spd
Hey, thanks charly.
I've youtubed some bids of the S420 acceleration and the engine does seem to be laboring a bit more than a V8 should. I would love an S500 but I want to avoid those pesky air struts at all costs. I was hoping the W140 wouldn't have tranny problems like the 7 series and Audi A8 but I guess that's asking too much.
I am also considering a late MY C43 but I hear those have a high tranny failure rate also.
I've youtubed some bids of the S420 acceleration and the engine does seem to be laboring a bit more than a V8 should. I would love an S500 but I want to avoid those pesky air struts at all costs. I was hoping the W140 wouldn't have tranny problems like the 7 series and Audi A8 but I guess that's asking too much.
I am also considering a late MY C43 but I hear those have a high tranny failure rate also.
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Joined: May 2011
Posts: 12
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From: Unionville, Ontario
400 SEL
Hello, I've mostly dabbled in the W202 and W203 forums on this website but it was the W140 I saw as a young boy that is responsible for my love of Mercedes and cars in general. I've had an 1985 BMW 5 series, 2002 Audi A4 (big mistake), and now a 2004 Saab 9-5 (even BIGGER mistake). I need to get back in a German car because no other auto maker comes close. I've been searching and studying for a few days and I think I've determined that a 98-99 S420 would fit my desires the best. This way I can get many of the options from the S500 without the headache of the air suspension.
Despite my research efforts, I still have a few easy questions that remain unclear. I hope you fine people can answer them quickly and concisely.
1. I generally know about the problem areas the W140 carries but I'm curious to know if they have been rectified in the 98-99 MY. Were the following weak spots improved by the 1998 production year:
*5-speed Automatic transmission
*AC system (evap box in dash)
*Window regulators
*Bose stereo
*Wiring harness (engine problem?)
*Catalytic converters prone to failure
*Mass airflow sensor
Also, what is the 0-60 acceleration time for the S420?
If I've forgotten any significant weak areas, please let me know.
I really love these cars as they have literally changed my life since I was a little boy. I hope to be able to own one soon. Thank you for any input you provide.
Despite my research efforts, I still have a few easy questions that remain unclear. I hope you fine people can answer them quickly and concisely.
1. I generally know about the problem areas the W140 carries but I'm curious to know if they have been rectified in the 98-99 MY. Were the following weak spots improved by the 1998 production year:
*5-speed Automatic transmission
*AC system (evap box in dash)
*Window regulators
*Bose stereo
*Wiring harness (engine problem?)
*Catalytic converters prone to failure
*Mass airflow sensor
Also, what is the 0-60 acceleration time for the S420?
If I've forgotten any significant weak areas, please let me know.
I really love these cars as they have literally changed my life since I was a little boy. I hope to be able to own one soon. Thank you for any input you provide.
I have a 93 W140... I love my car...A/C fixed, all windows regulator work, my Bose system works great, all new wiring harness, engine runs awesome...I just drove from Markham to Waterloo and back...measured fuel used and mileage...got almost 21 MPG...and that's going above speed limit...won't say how much...but enough to make you grin...enough said...the W140's are awesome cars..regardless of year....as long as the owner takes care if it and put in the necessary money to maintain it.
Here is a 1998 S420 for sale....looks to be mint...so, call the person up and get it before someone else does...
http://ontario.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehi...AdIdZ299162527
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1998 Mercedes S420
Hey! That is my car on KIJIJI. Thanks for referencing my link. The ad is correct, the car is near mint, I'm the second Owner and really NEVER winter driven.
I have had the car since March 2010, I just added up what I have spent on maintenance, just over $1500 since ownership.
I had the plastic oil tubes changed, the front suspension links and the cam magnets to solve an oil leak (from an Ottawa MB Dealer).
I have owned a 1997 S500 coupe as well. I really think the W140's are built like tanks, just like these forums state.
I have 4 cars in the stable and want to thin one out. I plan to store the car by end of October with a trickle charger on the battery.
If there are any W140 lovers out there, reply to the KIJIJI link.
I have had the car since March 2010, I just added up what I have spent on maintenance, just over $1500 since ownership.
I had the plastic oil tubes changed, the front suspension links and the cam magnets to solve an oil leak (from an Ottawa MB Dealer).
I have owned a 1997 S500 coupe as well. I really think the W140's are built like tanks, just like these forums state.
I have 4 cars in the stable and want to thin one out. I plan to store the car by end of October with a trickle charger on the battery.
If there are any W140 lovers out there, reply to the KIJIJI link.
Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 230
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From: Toronto, Canada
99 C43 ///AMG
I live in Toronto, I just bought a 98 S420 with 279K off of a good friend for 3k. EVERYTHING in the car works, shifts great however there is a small oil leak which I will be checking into this week. What could the leaks be on a S420?
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2006 Volvo S40 T5 AWD 6spd
Benzonline, your S420 is stunningly beautiful. I love a Mercedes in black, it looks almost exactly like the W140 I saw as a boy. What kind of fuel economy do you get in your S420? Are you satisfied with the power? How fast is your 0-60 and does it have adequate power for overtaking on the highway?
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Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Toronto, Canada
99 C43 ///AMG
Benzonline, your S420 is stunningly beautiful. I love a Mercedes in black, it looks almost exactly like the W140 I saw as a boy. What kind of fuel economy do you get in your S420? Are you satisfied with the power? How fast is your 0-60 and does it have adequate power for overtaking on the
highway?
highway?
The W140 is a heavy car and utterly smooth. You don't notice the power but if you look at the speedometer it's gaining quick. It's not a car you feel like speeding in anyways.
I wouldn't worry about loss of power in a 420. I didn't take the 500 due to leveling suspension and S320 is one thats the underpowered one.
For a fun fast time I'll take my C43!
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Joined: May 2011
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From: Unionville, Ontario
400 SEL
A small oil leak, maybe head gasket or oil pan gasket. Are you running synthetic oil?
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2006 Volvo S40 T5 AWD 6spd
Okay chaps,
I just finished from driving a 1997 S500 with 94k miles. It was in mint condition and had impeccable service records. Everything worked beautifully and would seem like the obvious choice out of the three cars I tested today(01 740iL, 01 A8L, 97 S500).
But, I did not care for the ride. The majority of the time, the ride was heaven on wheels. However, when I drove over some sharp bumps the car would bounce up and down several times and I would do the same in the seat. The bouncing seemed excessive but I know the suspension was in perfect working order as I saw the receipt myself. All four corners were replaced. Is this ride quality specific to the air suspension cars? I just thought the ride would be much tighter and less Buick-like. Can anyone tell me if the conventional springs on the S420 provide a more planted ride?
I just finished from driving a 1997 S500 with 94k miles. It was in mint condition and had impeccable service records. Everything worked beautifully and would seem like the obvious choice out of the three cars I tested today(01 740iL, 01 A8L, 97 S500).
But, I did not care for the ride. The majority of the time, the ride was heaven on wheels. However, when I drove over some sharp bumps the car would bounce up and down several times and I would do the same in the seat. The bouncing seemed excessive but I know the suspension was in perfect working order as I saw the receipt myself. All four corners were replaced. Is this ride quality specific to the air suspension cars? I just thought the ride would be much tighter and less Buick-like. Can anyone tell me if the conventional springs on the S420 provide a more planted ride?
Newbie
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Unionville, Ontario
400 SEL
Okay chaps,
I just finished from driving a 1997 S500 with 94k miles. It was in mint condition and had impeccable service records. Everything worked beautifully and would seem like the obvious choice out of the three cars I tested today(01 740iL, 01 A8L, 97 S500).
But, I did not care for the ride. The majority of the time, the ride was heaven on wheels. However, when I drove over some sharp bumps the car would bounce up and down several times and I would do the same in the seat. The bouncing seemed excessive but I know the suspension was in perfect working order as I saw the receipt myself. All four corners were replaced. Is this ride quality specific to the air suspension cars? I just thought the ride would be much tighter and less Buick-like. Can anyone tell me if the conventional springs on the S420 provide a more planted ride?
I just finished from driving a 1997 S500 with 94k miles. It was in mint condition and had impeccable service records. Everything worked beautifully and would seem like the obvious choice out of the three cars I tested today(01 740iL, 01 A8L, 97 S500).
But, I did not care for the ride. The majority of the time, the ride was heaven on wheels. However, when I drove over some sharp bumps the car would bounce up and down several times and I would do the same in the seat. The bouncing seemed excessive but I know the suspension was in perfect working order as I saw the receipt myself. All four corners were replaced. Is this ride quality specific to the air suspension cars? I just thought the ride would be much tighter and less Buick-like. Can anyone tell me if the conventional springs on the S420 provide a more planted ride?
It sounds like this is your first experience in a W140...sorry to see it was not a good one. Keep on looking. You know, if you where close by to where I am...I would pick you up and let you drive my W140...and see for yourself what I mean...I mean it.
Last edited by lcmlee; Sep 21, 2011 at 03:28 AM.
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2006 Volvo S40 T5 AWD 6spd
Well I appreciate that lcmlee, I think I will keep looking because the rest of the car was perfection. The build quality was unlike anything I have ever come across before. Better than Audi IMO. Last night was my first experience in a W140 and I had a hunch that the bouncy suspension wasn't normal.
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From: Toronto, Canada
99 C43 ///AMG
From crawling underneath I inspected it to be oil pan/drain plug related. Going to the mechanic on Friday anyways
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From: Unionville, Ontario
400 SEL
Synthetic oil it has however no idea what its been having most of its life in terms of oil. Dealer did put synthetic but the records only end at a certain mileage.
From crawling underneath I inspected it to be oil pan/drain plug related. Going to the mechanic on Friday anyways
From crawling underneath I inspected it to be oil pan/drain plug related. Going to the mechanic on Friday anyways
Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 230
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From: Toronto, Canada
99 C43 ///AMG
Newbie
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 12
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From: Unionville, Ontario
400 SEL
