Hello W140 drivers. I'm 18 years old and drive a W126 420 SEL. Ever since I was 5 and sat behind the wheel of my dad's 123 I knew I was going to buy a Mercedes one day. Got my 126 a little more than a year ago as a Christmas present and I have been taking excellent care since. Anywho I have a few questions for those of you who would be kind enough to respond.
First question: I know that the W126 V8 engines will easily go 300-400 k if properly maintained and cared for. My question is will the W140 engines go as long or even longer?
Second question: I hear from many dealerships that the W126 was the last real Mercedes that is a "Genuine" German Mercedes Benz. Is the W140 as reliable or more reliable than a W126?
Third question: As far as paint job goes, most W126's have superb paint even after 20 years. With rust proofing and all. When I bring my car to the dealer, it shines more than most of the other Mercedes. Don't know if it's the wet wax look or not...But do you all think that W140 paint jobs will look as good after 20 years without rust or cracking?
Fourth: In the years of the W126, after about 6 years it was facelifted. Did the W140 have a similar facelift at all? And what is a fair price for an earlier S500 with over 150 k miles?
I don't plan on trading my W126 in anytime soon since I'm departing for basic training in The United States Air Force this March. I just want to have a better understanding of the W140 so when I do make money it can be a consideration. Any opinions on the W220 as far as reliabilty and the engine?
BTW here is my ride...
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Come to me, son of Jor-El! KNEEL before ZOD!!
First question: I know that the W126 V8 engines will easily go 300-400 k if properly maintained and cared for. My question is will the W140 engines go as long or even longer?
Yes, but understand, 300-400k is no big deal for an engine these days. Many cars do that. I have seen a hyundai with that mileage.
Second question: I hear from many dealerships that the W126 was the last real Mercedes that is a "Genuine" German Mercedes Benz. Is the W140 as reliable or more reliable than a W126?
I think they are equally reliable mechanically. Electrically they are a different story.
Third question: As far as paint job goes, most W126's have superb paint even after 20 years. With rust proofing and all. When I bring my car to the dealer, it shines more than most of the other Mercedes. Don't know if it's the wet wax look or not...But do you all think that W140 paint jobs will look as good after 20 years without rust or cracking?
W140 paint is better than W126 any day. I see many 126s rotting and rusting. I have yet to see a rotten W140.
Fourth: In the years of the W126, after about 6 years it was facelifted. Did the W140 have a similar facelift at all? And what is a fair price for an earlier S500 with over 150 k miles?
W140 facelift came during the 1995 year.
I don't plan on trading my W126 in anytime soon since I'm departing for basic training in The United States Air Force this March. I just want to have a better understanding of the W140 so when I do make money it can be a consideration. Any opinions on the W220 as far as reliabilty and the engine?
W220 is a mechanical and electrical nightmare. So much so that the Toyota NA chairman announced, as a slap in the face for MB, that 6 year old Lexuses with over 75k miles, something the company would not even sell as certified pre-owned, are more reliable than brand new W220s just driven off the dealership lot!!!!
Vehicle: 500 SEL (W140- the King of the Road!) SL500 (My new baby!)
Location: Lexington, Kentucky
Posts: 710
RE: Engine question
Ditto what he said. Just had to comment thought...what a beautiful car! When (if) you get a W140 keep your W126. I love my S500 but I wish I still had my 300SDL!
The W140 was built with a "cost is no object" attitude (Mine was $93,000 in 1993- no I bought it used) so you have tons of "convenience" things that earlier Benzes didn't have- door closing assist, power inside mirror, etc.
Yes the W220's were (are) nightmares. I had a friend that bought one. The suspension collapsed so regularly that he started making service appointments whenever he'd pick the thing up at the dealers from the last service.
I paid $8950 for my S500 with 150K on the clock from a dealer.
Look with caution however. Especially the wiring harness and the ETA (electronic throttle actuator). The repair bills for these 2 items alone are not for the faint of heart.
Budget for repairs. When I get my income tax refund I put half into my savings account for house maintenance and the other half into an account for the car!
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1993 500 SEL (W140-the King of the road!)
1992 500SL (My New Baby!)
You know you're German if:
You went to school in a Gymnasium
You check your shoes for candy on December 6
You have real candles on your Christmas tree
You know a Frankfurter is a person not a hotdog
Schnitzel with noodles is your favorite meal, not a song in a cheesy musical!
You drive the Autobahn in a Mercedes-Benz at the speed of sound!
Thanks a lot ychachad and daimlerchrysler. This information has really helped me a bunch. And thanks for the comments on my car, I would feel bad giving away my 126 since it's pretty much mint inside and out..maybe I'll just give it back to my dad as a christmas present this year when I buy a 140 for myself. [8D]
the only problem i have that worth mentioning is the ASR and ABS that i am yet to fint out what causing teh problem...other than that, everything else is wear and tear issues...regular maintenance takes care of these issues..
i really like your W126 BTW, keep taking care of her, not so many left in such beatiful shape...
Here is a picture of my new ride 97' S420, got it at 123,000 miles back in august and now it has 129,000 miles. Last owner rebadged it though... only thing I've done is give it new s class rims and tinted the windows 5 % all around. Bayhas just recently the ASR and ABS light came on, have you figured out what the problem was on yours?
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