126 vs. 140 - Benzworld.org

K&C124 · 08-21-2005, 01:40 PM

I'm considering a 140 but have no experience with this model. Anyone ever own a 126 prior to the 140?
Which one seems to be more problematic.
Thanks,
Curt

mpayne · 08-21-2005, 03:44 PM

I have owned both (at the same time) and I can say that the 126 is a much more reliable vehicle. I had my 126 for probably 6-7 years and really never had any major problems. When I sold it it had 176,000 miles and going strong. I currently have two 140's and while they are great cars, something is always going wrong and the repairs are more expensive to correct, but I were you I would lean toward the 140. My two cents.

SSL · 08-21-2005, 04:00 PM

Think most will tell that the W126 is easier to work on yourself than a W140 which often requires specialist diagnostics to identify problems.

For my part I have run two W140s and done over 100,000 miles in them and neither has ever let me down. They are not cheap to service and maintain and you must keep on top of the schedule otherwise things can go from bad to worse.

As to the driving experience, the W140 is in a different league to the W126 and whilst the older car may be a better looking the W140 has unprecendented road presence and makes every journey a pleasure.

I think you should post your question on the W126 forum as well. They will have a slightly biased view but they can definitely alert you to the pros and cons of W126 ownership.

Hopefully others here can share their views.

Chris.

**Nimrodthewombat** · 08-23-2005, 09:09 AM

I've owned both, a 1984 300SD and now an S500. The 126 definitely was more reliable and also MUCH cheaper to fix. For instance, a door check strap on the 126 was $20 for the part and I was able to replace it myself. The 140 I couldn't fix myself...was $295 at the dealer. If you have the cash the W140 is a MUCH more luxurious and in my opinion more beautiful car. Again though, you have to have the cash for maintenance. The W140 is NOT user friendly to the begining mechanic! You also need to look at the costs of filling up. At almost $3 a gallon filling up my S500 is not for the faint of heart![:(!]

nomada · 08-23-2005, 04:28 PM

I absolutely love my 126 and yes they are incredibly reliable, however, I'm not a fool, it's an old car and I know it cannot compete on many levels with a 140, although I've never owned one, so I can't comment on reliability, I have driven a few(S280, S320, 600SEL) and can say they are most impressive, more refined and luxurious, not to say that the 126 isn't but, they are different

The W126 is one of the most perfectly engineered machines ever but just remember it is a 1970's car, whether it be a '79 or a '91 it's still a '70's car

96 s class · 01-12-2006, 11:14 PM

My first benz was at 18 champane on champane 1990 500 sel with 18 inch mono amg rims cost 17000 at dealer with 18 percent interst rate, sold 4 years later for 1500 bucks.. after getting into a fight with a dear and keep in mind i purchased all of the parts to fix but never fixed.
My second at 22 96 s320 with 18 inch mono amg chrome rims.. purchase 16500 6 percent interest.
I deff miss the w126 cause it was very heavy on the road and as so is the w140 it just seemed like it was more solid. The interior of the w140 is much better and if i had to choose over the 2 I would deff pick the w140

syljua · 01-13-2006, 02:50 AM

Quote:

DaimlerChrysler - 8/23/2005 5:09 PM
The 126 definitely was more reliable and also MUCH cheaper to fix. For instance, a door check strap on the 126 was $20 for the part and I was able to replace it myself. The 140 I couldn't fix myself...was $295 at the dealer.

OT,
I have only changed the checkstrap on a W140, but I
wonder why you could not do it? Should be no
different than the W126?

I followed GregÂ´s writeup;
http://www.baxnet.com/merc/doorchecks/story.htm

br,
syljua

**Nimrodthewombat** · 01-13-2006, 05:45 AM

My Dad tried to do his and he broke a piece of the wood trim. The replacement cost was well over the cost of the dealer replacing the strap.

My diesel on the other hand was MUCH easier to take apart without breaking things. I had no problem taking stuff apart and fixing it ( I once took the seat adjustment switch apart because it quit working. Took me a whole day but I finally got it working!) My W140 is just in too beautiful a shape for a klutz like me to do anything to it!

I will say however that neither car has left me stranded. There's just more to break on my S500. right now the door closing assist isn't working right on the drivers door. It's not the pump, something internal with the latches I suspect, and I'm having some problems with the blasted ETA and (or) wiring harness. Again the car runs and is EXTREMELY impressive, but it's just the picky stuff that makes me crazy! But as my Dad always tells me when I complain...."It's an OLD car, you're gonna have things that you have to put up with".

Sigh[8)]

1996_S500 · 01-13-2006, 04:36 PM

i too would have to say that the w126 is more reliable, but both these cars are just so great. I especially love looking in my garage and seeing both of these very beautiful cars.

Destroyer · 01-13-2006, 08:55 PM

I owned a 560 SEL and thought it was a great car and definately more distinguished than the W140. There is no mistaking a W126 whereas the W140 needs a double take to make sure it is a W140 and not one of its smaller siblings. From a driving standpoint I'll take the W140. In my time with my W140 (about 6 months and 67k on the odo), it has been reliable and I have not experienced the nightmare repairs everyone is talking about but it is kind of scary.