Thinking of buying W140, s320,500,600? - Benzworld.org

1badmbz · 03-15-2006, 07:11 AM

Hi everyone. I am considering buying a W-140 due to rapidly expanding family, and was wondering which model to get. I have looked around several dealers, and they have s320, s500, and 600. the prices are almost the same.around $10-13K with 90-100k miles. 1992 model year.
I wanted to find out how reliable is 500, and 600, and how difficult is it to service them.
I am planning to keep my car for a while.
Also what's the gas milage, of 320-500-600, with the price of gas going up every day:(
Thanks for your recomndations.

ehizon · 03-15-2006, 08:17 AM

go for it. youll love it. its a nice, unique 4 seater car with plenty of space for everyone. if you are going to use it for everyday driving then go for the 320 instead of the 420 or 500 as they have 8 cyl. im am particular with gas mileage too but i got a 500 since i travel 15 miles everyday.

dantefr · 03-15-2006, 08:27 AM

Personally I would go with a 500 over a 320 and a 600. The 500 has more than enough power, is easy to service (Although any Benz is expensive), and gets about 16 MPG over all. I get 21 on the highway and about 14 in the city. No matter what W140 you get, you won't be sorry! Just make sure EVERYTHING works properly! The AC Evaporator, Shocks, Door Closing assist, etc. Also, be sure to buy one with all the service records! It is far better to pay more for these cars and be sure they are perfect than pay less and get screwed on repairs. My 93 500SEL is still for Sale and is PERFECT! I have all the service records, and have put over $18,000 in repairs since I bought it. It finally works perfectly! I'm hoping to get $16,500 for it because of all the money I put in to make it PERFECT....

1badmbz · 03-15-2006, 11:22 AM

Thanks for your replies, Does anyone have a W-140 Diesel, I heard that 350 turbo diesel engine has some problems.
Also have there been any upgrades from early years to later years?
Thanks again.

rib · 03-15-2006, 11:40 AM

well i recently purchased an s320 and im very very impressed with the power for such a big car, also fuel economy on the motorway with cruse at 65mph is very impresive. The diesels had a problem of bending rods, although i think they were replaced under warrenty in some cars so check the car your looking at. all in all i think i picked the right engine for my needs

Destroyer · 03-15-2006, 01:20 PM

I asked the same question in other forums when I was buying the W140. The general consensus was that the S320 is the best way to go in terms of economy/reliability and maintanence. The S500 if you want more power. I was told to steer clear of the S600 because its problematic and the most expensive of the 3 to fix. I went with S320. Its a lot quicker than the power to weight ratio suggests. I hate saying its been reliable cause I feel I'm jinxing myself but it has in the last 8 months of ownership. I dont regret getting the S320 as opposed to the S500 or S600 cause I dont beat on it anyway. Only once in awhile do I "nail" it. I have gotten as much as 440 miles on a tank of gas. All in all I could not be happier with my purchase.

Friendly Ghost · 03-15-2006, 02:24 PM

I have had a 1995 S320 for only three months. I'm up to only 73k miles, trouble free. I knew the three previous owners and have nearly all the records back to day one. I know it has been well maintained.

I can tell you it is a pure pleasure to drive. Not quick to speed, but an excellent cruise once you get there (drive it too hard and you may experience the blown head gasket some have had with the 320). Yes, it is stronger than one might expect from a six-banger pulling all that weight (plus my big butt!)

Just checked my mileage last night. I drive conservatively and have an even mix of city and highway driving. I think I could have reached the 500 mile mark on one tank, but I filled up right after the light came on. Result was 21.59 miles per gallon.

This is my second car, but I have to say this: if there were some reason I no longer had this car, I would be looking for another to replace it, probably from the 1997-1999 vintage.

There's good advice here in the forum. Pay particular attention to finding a car with a history that shows it was maintained on schedule, and that repairs were executed promptly and properly. It will prove to be a pleasure to drive, and having read this forum, you shouldn't be surprised by cost/frequency of repair. It will be worth it.

Classic_wong118 · 03-15-2006, 06:23 PM

[:)] If $$$$$ is not a problem,go for year 96 to 99. most of the common electrical and mechanical faulty problem is being solved.S320,420 or 500 is good consideration. Good luck.[:D]

Classic_wong118 · 03-15-2006, 06:26 PM

[:p] SOME TASTY "DURIAN" ON YOUR PICTURE,,,Hmmmmmm....[8)]

rsullivan222 · 03-15-2006, 07:20 PM

Based on your profile you're no stranger to Mercedes products and the service that goes along with them. Not to pry into your personal affairs, but if I had a "rapidly expanding family" I would not be looking at 7-14 year old mercedes cars. I personally don't have the financial resevres, time, and patience to balance a career, family and a W140. If you can pull it off, however, you'll be buying one the finest machines of all time. Best of luck in your future automobile purchase.

-RS [:)]