S-Class (W140) 1991-1999: 300 SD, S 350TD, 300 SE 2.8, S280, 300 SE 3.2, 300 SEL 3.2, S320, S320L, 400 SE, S420, 400 SEL, S420L, 500 SE, S500, 500 SEL, S500L, 600 SE, S600, 600 SEL, S600L, 500 SEC, 600 SEC

What to do with my 96 S420

Old 04-02-2016, 05:23 PM
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96 S 420
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?
Old 04-04-2016, 10:53 AM
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'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.
Old 04-14-2016, 10:33 AM
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s320
I'd put another 100,000 miles if cam oilers are in good condition
Old 04-15-2016, 05:31 PM
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Keep it drive it until the ball bearings fallout!!
Old 04-17-2016, 03:16 AM
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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.
Old 04-23-2016, 05:29 PM
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96 S 420
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.
Old 05-06-2016, 07:54 PM
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96 S 420
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.
Old 05-06-2016, 09:39 PM
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Congratulations!!!pics?
Old 05-11-2016, 12:30 AM
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Originally Posted by KingsoverQueens
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.
Congratulations! You may glance back at the W140 once and a while, but once you've experienced the newer W221 sedans, it's hard to go back. I was a poor university student when the W140 first came out and I said someday I'd own one. Well, I did and it was a good car, but nothing like the W221. Eventually I will want another W140 as a collector car, but that time is not now. Enjoy!
Old 05-26-2016, 06:22 AM
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Thumbs up

Originally Posted by KingsoverQueens
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?
Take a piece of paper. draw a line down the center making 2 columns. At the top of the left write PRO'S and on the right write CON'S.

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.
Old 05-31-2016, 02:16 PM
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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.
Old 06-01-2016, 05:32 PM
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Originally Posted by KingsoverQueens
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.
Congratulations on getting the best S model in its primest year!
Old 06-04-2016, 08:57 PM
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Originally Posted by KingsoverQueens
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?
Best thing you can do is, Donate it to me i will take a good care of it restore things and make it nice Thanks
Old 06-04-2016, 09:03 PM
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2014 E63S; AMS 100 octane ecu tune; edok tcu tune; BB intakes; dyno tuned
Craig's list -- sell it
Old 05-16-2017, 09:53 AM
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1996 Mercedes-Benz S420
Originally Posted by oldsinner111
I'd put another 100,000 miles if cam oilers are in good condition
What are cam oilers???
Old 05-17-2017, 07:46 AM
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'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
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