Looking for a first merc
 

Hello, I saw this 95 S500 5.0 long wheel base for sale. 3200$
It seems to be in decent condition, leather looks great!
I noticed the bumper isn't completely aligned with the rest of the car and the headlight is loose. I'm wondering if it has been an a accident..
Anywho no one was around to talk to. Not sure of mileage. I hear good and bad news about these cars. Most troubling is the wiring loom. And having to replace it. And the plastic heater shield or something like that. The rest of the car looks great. Just not sure about the potential problems I will encounter. I also hear the 5.0 is a great engine and is bullet proof. You think it would be a good first Mercedes for me? Or would end up being a money pit? What exactly is the problem with the wiring harness? And how can it be fixed

Can't help you...sorry but will compliment you on your taste.
That is one nice looking substantial car.

The 400SE is a very nice car as well. Perhaps a second choice?

I just cannot believe money for value of these marvels?
Great for the buyer-Bad for the seller!

Luck.

If memory serves me well the wiring loom insulation dries out, cracks, and then comes into contact with other wires in the loom. I have a '97 S420 with 262,000+ miles on it and have never had a problem with the wiring loom. The heads have never been off the engine and the transmission has had nothing more than fluid replacement and a good flushing out about 2,500 miles ago. I take good care of the care and have a great mechanic who really knows what he is doing. That helps a lot. After my adverse experience in the service department at the dealership, I found my present mechanic through a referral and have never left him.

If it were me, I would contact the owner to see what you can find out and then have it inspected by a competent mechanic. While the mechanic won't be able to find everything he will have a pretty good idea of what to look for and what you might expect down the road.

The w140 models prior to '96 had issues with the Wiring harness because of the biodegradable materials used for environmental purposes. If the wiring harnesses were changed not an issue. Get a Pre-Purchase inspection (PPI) before you purchase from a qualified Mercedes dealer or independent mechanic. I would recommend you visit the Mercedes Source site and watch the videos on purchasing an older Mercedes.