W140 vs W210
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Joined: Dec 2001
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W140 vs W210
I've poured through as many old posts as possible, but haven't satisfied my curiousity:
I've been shopping for a '97-98 E320 or E420 for awhile and recently came across a few '95 S500 (W140) with around 80,000 miles in the same price range. I know the later S500 (W220) are more desireable, but they are out of my price range. Can anybody give me some strong points to help me decide? Were there any major changes to the W140 before the W200 kicked in?
I think I would be happy with the E320 or E420, but if the earlier S500 is a good buy I would be in heaven. Would I be better off buying a 320/420 with a few toys or finding a solid S500? I realize that some of this is personal preference, but I would appreciate your input.
Thanks in advance.
I've been shopping for a '97-98 E320 or E420 for awhile and recently came across a few '95 S500 (W140) with around 80,000 miles in the same price range. I know the later S500 (W220) are more desireable, but they are out of my price range. Can anybody give me some strong points to help me decide? Were there any major changes to the W140 before the W200 kicked in?
I think I would be happy with the E320 or E420, but if the earlier S500 is a good buy I would be in heaven. Would I be better off buying a 320/420 with a few toys or finding a solid S500? I realize that some of this is personal preference, but I would appreciate your input.
Thanks in advance.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,332
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From: Bloomington, IN
1997 Toyota Tacoma 4x4
If you find a 140 that you can afford, and it comes with a Starmark warranty, buy it. Otherwise I'd tend to stay away from higher mileage 140s, unless you have deep pockets. Even simple things can be outrageously expensive to fix on a 140.
The 210 on the other hand, is an extremely reliable car. You can't go wrong with a nice '96 or '97 E420, even if it is out of warranty.
The 210 on the other hand, is an extremely reliable car. You can't go wrong with a nice '96 or '97 E420, even if it is out of warranty.
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Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 6
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From: Sequim, WA
1984 300SD
W140 vs W210
I've had my W140 (an early '92 300SE) for 7 years now and I've driven several W210's (all E320s) over the last several years whenever I've gotten the urge to get a new model. As you can tell I still have my W140. Why?
The W140 is the last model built to the "old rules" where the engineers did their thing the way they wanted to. There was little if any regard for cost or marketing. The result is the penultimate "S" Class, but no cup holders.
The W210 was designed to address the alledged shortcomings fo the W124 (mostly bigger) and to compete with the Japanese. This meant the company had become market-driven and cost-conscious like never before.
The result is that the W210 is more agile than the W140 (every new model is more agile than the previous model) and has more of what most consumers expect (cupholders) but certainly less substance. Drive a W210 and a W140 back to back to back and the difference is clear. My observation is the the W140 will hustle very well if you ask it to, especially considering its bulk.
Every time I drive a W210, I love the car. Every time I get back into my W140 I realize instantly that I love it more.
As for age & solidness, realibility, etc. I have 156K on my W140 now and it is still very strong and reliable. Sure, stuff occasionally goes wrong. I figure about $1000 for repairs a year, plus maintenance. If that bothers you then the W210 would make more sense.
As for power, the S320 is surprisingly adequate. One of those things that you have to try for yourself. Since the S320 costs less to buy, get a better fuel economy, etc, there is more money left for other things in life--or more money to pick up a newer one than the same $$ will get an S500 for.
Steve
The W140 is the last model built to the "old rules" where the engineers did their thing the way they wanted to. There was little if any regard for cost or marketing. The result is the penultimate "S" Class, but no cup holders.
The W210 was designed to address the alledged shortcomings fo the W124 (mostly bigger) and to compete with the Japanese. This meant the company had become market-driven and cost-conscious like never before.
The result is that the W210 is more agile than the W140 (every new model is more agile than the previous model) and has more of what most consumers expect (cupholders) but certainly less substance. Drive a W210 and a W140 back to back to back and the difference is clear. My observation is the the W140 will hustle very well if you ask it to, especially considering its bulk.
Every time I drive a W210, I love the car. Every time I get back into my W140 I realize instantly that I love it more.
As for age & solidness, realibility, etc. I have 156K on my W140 now and it is still very strong and reliable. Sure, stuff occasionally goes wrong. I figure about $1000 for repairs a year, plus maintenance. If that bothers you then the W210 would make more sense.
As for power, the S320 is surprisingly adequate. One of those things that you have to try for yourself. Since the S320 costs less to buy, get a better fuel economy, etc, there is more money left for other things in life--or more money to pick up a newer one than the same $$ will get an S500 for.
Steve
