Thinking of purchasing a 98/99 s20or320 if youhave one are you happy with it?

[mat kean]

If anyone has a 280/320 98/99 W140 S class tell me what you think of it? What should I look out for I have heard they are cheaper than the V8/12 to maintain. If you live in Australia are you interested in selling one if you own one I love the 140 but I can't afford the upper models I would be content with either six cylinder model, were the hipcups ironed out by the 98/99 vintage?

[rusper]

Hi
I'm in UK not Aussie, but if were in Aussie I would not sell you my S280 because I love it so much. I bought it new in 1997 and apart from an ESP sensor failing it has been faultless. It does not set the tarmac on fire but it is fast enough and supremely comfortable.
Buy a good one and you will never look back. Best of luck.
Rusper

[lcmlee]

My perference is a 6 cyl. engines for smoothness. I think they are smoother than 8 cyl. However, in an W140...a 4500 Ib car, I am not sure if it's the best choice. Before I bought my 93 400 SEL, I was considering a 95 Jaguar XJ6. The Jaguar's 6 cyl. matched the car very well. When I stomped on the gas...I think I got whiplash in the Jag. (ie. lots of torque). The 4.2 liter V8 in the MB did not generate as much excitement. (but what the hell, I didn't buy it primary for excitement...if I did, I would have picked a 600 SL two seater)

The inline six is smoother then V8 because the cylinders are all in a row. Only the V12 is smoother, but the cost to tune a V12...lots of bucks, and not all machinics can tune a V12.

But for the MB...I think a V8 is a better match. The MB cars are heavy. An inline 6 maybe ok in a Jag, but I suspect in an MB it will be much more sluggish than I would like...so, to compensate for the weight difference, you'll need a bigger block. If I had a choice between a 4.2 liter to 5.0 liter V8...I would go for the larger one...but, I'm not un-happy with my 4.2....it does accelerate very well on the highway, enought to feel it pushing you into the seat...but the 5.0 would have generated a little more excitement[:)]

[trancer]

[:)]I love my S320 so much that I smile every time I drive it!
I feel priveliged to own such a well enginered car, and after driving many much newer prestige cars I have no problem with advising anyone to go for it (after having your prospective purchase checked out by a competant mechanic)