What to do with my 96 S420
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 70
Likes: 4
2013 S550
What to do with my 96 S420
2nd owner of a 96 S420 purchased in Dec 2006 with 85k on the clock. Today, 10 years later, 182k miles.
The motor is strong, transmission plate service recently completed and body is good save for a small crease on the driver side front fender and some rust on the same area. I don't believe it's ever been hit.
The seats are worn and steering wheel needs to be replaced. It's got some other issues...as in the antenna needs to be replaced, needs brakes, AC needs to be charged and possibly a new seal kit (if it exists).
I love the car, but the time has come and I'm in the market for a CPO S550, circa 2013.
But what to do with the W140?
Is it a good platform for a restore, for someone so inclinded? I'm not that guy.
It still runs and I couldn't fathom a part out sale.
Do I just dump it for short change?
What say you forum?
The motor is strong, transmission plate service recently completed and body is good save for a small crease on the driver side front fender and some rust on the same area. I don't believe it's ever been hit.
The seats are worn and steering wheel needs to be replaced. It's got some other issues...as in the antenna needs to be replaced, needs brakes, AC needs to be charged and possibly a new seal kit (if it exists).
I love the car, but the time has come and I'm in the market for a CPO S550, circa 2013.
But what to do with the W140?
Is it a good platform for a restore, for someone so inclinded? I'm not that guy.
It still runs and I couldn't fathom a part out sale.
Do I just dump it for short change?
What say you forum?
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 535
Likes: 44
From: Pottstown, PA
'97 S500 Coupe, 2016 AMG S63 Coupe, 2007 Audi Q7
Not many choices considering the condition:
1. Sale for $2k obo
2. Donate to charity for a tax deduction
3. Trade-in with firm price negotiated
The best option is to sale for parts if you don't keep.
1. Sale for $2k obo
2. Donate to charity for a tax deduction
3. Trade-in with firm price negotiated
The best option is to sale for parts if you don't keep.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 390
Likes: 26
From: USA
Mercedes-Benz 2007 S550, 2012 S550 4-Matic, 2014 S550 (Traded), 2015 GL450
I'd sell it or trade it in on a newer model S-Class. If you keep it, you won't want to drive it as much once you've driven a later model S. Once you experience the airmatic suspension, comand, bluetooth, and cupholders 
, there's no going back. I speak from experience.
, there's no going back. I speak from experience.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 70
Likes: 4
2013 S550
Thanks for the comments guys.
I love the car but its time to upgrade. Would love to see someone buy it and do a restore job. It's in sound condition and would make a great collector car.
I love the car but its time to upgrade. Would love to see someone buy it and do a restore job. It's in sound condition and would make a great collector car.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 70
Likes: 4
2013 S550
Traded in on Thursday for a CPO 13 S550. Oh. MY. GOD!.
What a great car.
Heart strings tug a little for my W140. Was my first benz and a body style that I lusted after when they were new. I bought it second hand with 80,000 miles in 2006. Love that car.
The new one however makes me feel like an 18 year old again, only with money in the bank and an appreciation for good scotch. What a car.
What a great car.
Heart strings tug a little for my W140. Was my first benz and a body style that I lusted after when they were new. I bought it second hand with 80,000 miles in 2006. Love that car.
The new one however makes me feel like an 18 year old again, only with money in the bank and an appreciation for good scotch. What a car.
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Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 390
Likes: 26
From: USA
Mercedes-Benz 2007 S550, 2012 S550 4-Matic, 2014 S550 (Traded), 2015 GL450
Traded in on Thursday for a CPO 13 S550. Oh. MY. GOD!.
What a great car.
Heart strings tug a little for my W140. Was my first benz and a body style that I lusted after when they were new. I bought it second hand with 80,000 miles in 2006. Love that car.
The new one however makes me feel like an 18 year old again, only with money in the bank and an appreciation for good scotch. What a car.
What a great car.
Heart strings tug a little for my W140. Was my first benz and a body style that I lusted after when they were new. I bought it second hand with 80,000 miles in 2006. Love that car.
The new one however makes me feel like an 18 year old again, only with money in the bank and an appreciation for good scotch. What a car.
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 18
Likes: 3
1991 300sel
2nd owner of a 96 S420 purchased in Dec 2006 with 85k on the clock. Today, 10 years later, 182k miles.
The motor is strong, transmission plate service recently completed and body is good save for a small crease on the driver side front fender and some rust on the same area. I don't believe it's ever been hit.
The seats are worn and steering wheel needs to be replaced. It's got some other issues...as in the antenna needs to be replaced, needs brakes, AC needs to be charged and possibly a new seal kit (if it exists).
I love the car, but the time has come and I'm in the market for a CPO S550, circa 2013.
But what to do with the W140?
Is it a good platform for a restore, for someone so inclinded? I'm not that guy.
It still runs and I couldn't fathom a part out sale.
Do I just dump it for short change?
What say you forum?
The motor is strong, transmission plate service recently completed and body is good save for a small crease on the driver side front fender and some rust on the same area. I don't believe it's ever been hit.
The seats are worn and steering wheel needs to be replaced. It's got some other issues...as in the antenna needs to be replaced, needs brakes, AC needs to be charged and possibly a new seal kit (if it exists).
I love the car, but the time has come and I'm in the market for a CPO S550, circa 2013.
But what to do with the W140?
Is it a good platform for a restore, for someone so inclinded? I'm not that guy.
It still runs and I couldn't fathom a part out sale.
Do I just dump it for short change?
What say you forum?
Then write what will be he pro's of keeping the car. Then do the same for what will be the cons. Do the same exercise for purchasing a another car.
For me, I have yet to drive a car that day in day out, month in month out gives me the satisfaction that driving my 1997 S500. I take impeccable care of it. I have kept it in showroom condition. I never never get tired of driving this car. The pros and con list will answer you question. If you having this much thought about letting it go it sounds like you really want to keep. Let us know waht you decide, CHEERS Paul in PORTLAND OR.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 287
Likes: 74
From: Colorado
2004 W240 Maybach 57
I had a 1993 300SE (S320W) from new for 13 years. Sold it 2006, and regretted losing it for the last ten years. I sold it locally, and would see it from time to time. Still looks timeless. But, we have been stalking a W240 Maybach 57 for the last several years, and now that we have it, I don't think about the W140 anymore. So, I'd say your new-to-you W221 will do the same for you. Enjoy the new car. It's amazing how much Mercedes DNA carries over from generation to generation.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 1,381
Likes: 32
Acura TL 2008 - Acura MDX 2012
Traded in on Thursday for a CPO 13 S550. Oh. MY. GOD!.
What a great car.
Heart strings tug a little for my W140. Was my first benz and a body style that I lusted after when they were new. I bought it second hand with 80,000 miles in 2006. Love that car.
The new one however makes me feel like an 18 year old again, only with money in the bank and an appreciation for good scotch. What a car.
What a great car.
Heart strings tug a little for my W140. Was my first benz and a body style that I lusted after when they were new. I bought it second hand with 80,000 miles in 2006. Love that car.
The new one however makes me feel like an 18 year old again, only with money in the bank and an appreciation for good scotch. What a car.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 639
Likes: 36
From: Cleveland OHIO
01 ML55AMG 04 ML500 03 ML350 08 ML63AMG
2nd owner of a 96 S420 purchased in Dec 2006 with 85k on the clock. Today, 10 years later, 182k miles.
The motor is strong, transmission plate service recently completed and body is good save for a small crease on the driver side front fender and some rust on the same area. I don't believe it's ever been hit.
The seats are worn and steering wheel needs to be replaced. It's got some other issues...as in the antenna needs to be replaced, needs brakes, AC needs to be charged and possibly a new seal kit (if it exists).
I love the car, but the time has come and I'm in the market for a CPO S550, circa 2013.
But what to do with the W140?
Is it a good platform for a restore, for someone so inclinded? I'm not that guy.
It still runs and I couldn't fathom a part out sale.
Do I just dump it for short change?
What say you forum?
The motor is strong, transmission plate service recently completed and body is good save for a small crease on the driver side front fender and some rust on the same area. I don't believe it's ever been hit.
The seats are worn and steering wheel needs to be replaced. It's got some other issues...as in the antenna needs to be replaced, needs brakes, AC needs to be charged and possibly a new seal kit (if it exists).
I love the car, but the time has come and I'm in the market for a CPO S550, circa 2013.
But what to do with the W140?
Is it a good platform for a restore, for someone so inclinded? I'm not that guy.
It still runs and I couldn't fathom a part out sale.
Do I just dump it for short change?
What say you forum?
i will take a good care of it restore things and make it nice Thanks
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 535
Likes: 44
From: Pottstown, PA
'97 S500 Coupe, 2016 AMG S63 Coupe, 2007 Audi Q7
Plastic tubes prone to failure with age, you can replace with aluminum tubes.
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w140...placement.html
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w140...placement.html
