hey guys am planning on purchasing a w140 benz, i have been hearing a whole lot of negative and positive things about the car. the thing is ever since i drove a 1992 600 sel which was owned by a friend of mine. None of the other cars, even 2012 cars appeal or interest me anymore, i fell in love with the car. i have done some research and found out that the s500 is the way to go. now its time to get some feedback from people who actually own W140s. thanks ( found a 1992 500sel 160k under $4000) HElp!
Looking to buy a w140, need some input about this car
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88 Mercedes 300SEL/15 Hyundai Sonata/91 Cadillac DeVille/72 Caprice Estate/73 Pontiac Grand Ville
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I am new to the W140, but two things I recommend is to be sure that the engine wiring harness has been replaced (1992-1995 models) AND the A/C evaporator all 92-99 W140's.
Good luck!
Good luck!
wiring harness is 91-96 (in Germany and it might be other parts that the w140 was released and sold as 1991 in 1991.
For OP: Also get a lot of service records and consult the buyers Guide and tell us about the cars you find, any abused car can be expensive fast especially when it's an abused Mercedes.
how do you know if the wiring harness and ac evaporator has been replaced. and i found a 92 500sel 160k. under 4k. it looks clean, but the thing is its in another province so am getting a full inspection done on it, and if all is good am hoping to ship it.am gonna upload a couple pix later on. do you guys think a full inspection would do it?
Depending where you live ? (Petrol expensive or cheap)
Depending if you have good Mechanics ?
Depending if you have spareparts for our beloved W140
A lot to consider, but the main thing is, don't let your heart fall in love with the car without inspecting it or else, you will pay a lot on maintaining it, [buy cheap, buy twice !]
Else than that, i have driven the 300, 500 & the 600, and nothing is better (In my opinion) than a V12 S600, and i would prefer after model 1995, so check the 1996 -->>>
And Good Luck, and well done for the choice
Depending if you have good Mechanics ?
Depending if you have spareparts for our beloved W140
A lot to consider, but the main thing is, don't let your heart fall in love with the car without inspecting it or else, you will pay a lot on maintaining it, [buy cheap, buy twice !]
Else than that, i have driven the 300, 500 & the 600, and nothing is better (In my opinion) than a V12 S600, and i would prefer after model 1995, so check the 1996 -->>>
And Good Luck, and well done for the choice
hey guys so i just got images of the s500. please let me know what to exactly look for other than the engine wiring harness and ac evaporator, as am already investigating those 2 things. i dont have much spare parts but am planning on budgeting about $500 a month just for the car if it breaks or not. i have good mechanics around the area, but not much parts, information on were to get parts for reasonable prices would be appricaited.
and its tooo late MBs600v121998 am head over heels for this car.
thx
and its tooo late MBs600v121998 am head over heels for this car.
thx
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Don't buy anything yet nor do not have your heart set on it because there maybe many hidden things in this car or any that seem clean, one mistake will easily cost you thousands, right now im in school so I don't have lots of time to write but I'll help you and so will other members most likely after their work and school if applied. Many things to watch out for too.
hey thx Mercedes>Bmw am in school to, and i just got some under carriage pix and engine pix. i requested from the guy to record a video of it running showing all lights on dash upon turning it on. and on top i am going to book it in for an inspection, any reccondations on the nature and what kind of inspection to get done on it.
thanks for the help guys appreciate it!
thanks for the help guys appreciate it!
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Oil pan or front crank seal leak is possible. Look at the oil on the crossmember. Looks freshly wiped.
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$500x12= $6,000 a year, are you planning on restoring because that's almost 3x the normal/average others pay for maintenance. Also is this going to be your daily driver? If you are going to restore it you need to get classic Insurance but you can't drive it as much and it'll be around the same or less pricier.
Get a Mercedes Indy that you can trust for an inspection, one that that worked with W140's and knows them inside and out. If you can't find one then at least take it to a Mercedes dealership, better then spending thousands later on something that isn't mechanically sound as I've said before. Usually a mechanic that doesn't work on w140's won't suffice, its as if he's not a mechanic in the w140 field. Be patient as you may have to skip many w140's but that one looks clean, what about records?
Get a Mercedes Indy that you can trust for an inspection, one that that worked with W140's and knows them inside and out. If you can't find one then at least take it to a Mercedes dealership, better then spending thousands later on something that isn't mechanically sound as I've said before. Usually a mechanic that doesn't work on w140's won't suffice, its as if he's not a mechanic in the w140 field. Be patient as you may have to skip many w140's but that one looks clean, what about records?
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I purchased a 1995 S600 two years ago for $4,000.00 us with 73,000 miles. Went to Mercedes and got service history before I boiught the car. It has been great very little repairs.
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I paid about $4000 in repairs first year. Mostly labor. Then $650 in tires is included in that number.
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I just got my '95 S500, a couple of days ago.
It's in decent shape, but MX records stop at about 87k miles. (It currently has 126k)
It has several issues, but given what I paid for it, I can get it up and running without getting upside down in it. Parts can get pricey, but I have parts resources that most folks don't have, and can do all the labor myself.
It needs tires, but the spare is the one that came with it, and has never touched the ground, Even when I took it out to look in the well.
But the tool kit has been molested, and all the useful stuff is missing. (pliars, wrenches etc.) Surprisingly enough the first aid kit is intact and un-molested.
Now all I needa do is replace all the "Bean wires".
It's in decent shape, but MX records stop at about 87k miles. (It currently has 126k)
It has several issues, but given what I paid for it, I can get it up and running without getting upside down in it. Parts can get pricey, but I have parts resources that most folks don't have, and can do all the labor myself.
It needs tires, but the spare is the one that came with it, and has never touched the ground, Even when I took it out to look in the well.
But the tool kit has been molested, and all the useful stuff is missing. (pliars, wrenches etc.) Surprisingly enough the first aid kit is intact and un-molested.
Now all I needa do is replace all the "Bean wires".
i just bought the car, getting shipped, its going to take about 2 3 days to get to were i live. i found a mechanic in my area that works on w140s. hope its a good buy. i had the owner send me all kinds of pictures. and a video starting the car driving.
Hey Guys thanks for all your past replies. i thought i was getting the car in a couple days at least thats what the shitty shipping company told me. which was supposedly sept 15.16 max, but i have been waiting and having minor heart attacks from the hard time that these guys gave me. Anyways i JUST recieved that Beast 30min ago at the dealership, drove it straight to the mechanic. Did an out of province inspection on it.
Now for the Evaluation. body is in very good condition for the year, engine&transmission very very clean. from what the mechanic is saying. Now the Bad:
Tackleberry you were right man. there is an oil leak and he said the cause of that is a little rubber seal thing that goes between the engine and the transmission. cheap part, expensive labour.
- needs rear brakes
- Brake lines dont need to be repaired right away but he said theyre rusty, therefore am planning on finishing that job up.(any idea whats the cost associated with it would be appreciated, and of theres ways for me to lower my repair bill).
thats all he said needed to be changed. but i was at the shop when he had it on the hoist. and i noticed that the rear "control arms" that the springs sit on are rusty as well as the springs themselves. so i guess am gonna replace those to.
other than that theres is minor things like the electrical mirrors are not working. and the central lock and unlock doesnt work, but these are things that i would enjoy fixing as i develop a relationship with my baby
Now for the Evaluation. body is in very good condition for the year, engine&transmission very very clean. from what the mechanic is saying. Now the Bad:
Tackleberry you were right man. there is an oil leak and he said the cause of that is a little rubber seal thing that goes between the engine and the transmission. cheap part, expensive labour.
- needs rear brakes
- Brake lines dont need to be repaired right away but he said theyre rusty, therefore am planning on finishing that job up.(any idea whats the cost associated with it would be appreciated, and of theres ways for me to lower my repair bill).
thats all he said needed to be changed. but i was at the shop when he had it on the hoist. and i noticed that the rear "control arms" that the springs sit on are rusty as well as the springs themselves. so i guess am gonna replace those to.
other than that theres is minor things like the electrical mirrors are not working. and the central lock and unlock doesnt work, but these are things that i would enjoy fixing as i develop a relationship with my baby
Yeah, shipping can be a bitch...Hey Guys thanks for all your past replies. i thought i was getting the car in a couple days at least thats what the shitty shipping company told me. which was supposedly sept 15.16 max, but i have been waiting and having minor heart attacks from the hard time that these guys gave me. Anyways i JUST recieved that Beast 30min ago at the dealership, drove it straight to the mechanic. Did an out of province inspection on it.
Now for the Evaluation. body is in very good condition for the year, engine&transmission very very clean. from what the mechanic is saying. Now the Bad:
Tackleberry you were right man. there is an oil leak and he said the cause of that is a little rubber seal thing that goes between the engine and the transmission. cheap part, expensive labour.
- needs rear brakes
- Brake lines dont need to be repaired right away but he said theyre rusty, therefore am planning on finishing that job up.(any idea whats the cost associated with it would be appreciated, and of theres ways for me to lower my repair bill).
thats all he said needed to be changed. but i was at the shop when he had it on the hoist. and i noticed that the rear "control arms" that the springs sit on are rusty as well as the springs themselves. so i guess am gonna replace those to.
other than that theres is minor things like the electrical mirrors are not working. and the central lock and unlock doesnt work, but these are things that i would enjoy fixing as i develop a relationship with my baby
From what you said, sounds like little is wrong...
Enjoy! :thumbsup:
PS - what did the pre purchase inspection say?
"CHRIS" Merc 92 600SEL / Sold > 93 600SE / 93 S500 / 89 560SEL / 413CDI / B180-CDI /A170-CDI
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here is some more for you & congrats on the purchase,lol .:thumbsup:
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w140-s-class/1484464-w140-s-class-buyers-guide.html
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w140-s-class/1484464-w140-s-class-buyers-guide.html
88 Mercedes 300SEL/15 Hyundai Sonata/91 Cadillac DeVille/72 Caprice Estate/73 Pontiac Grand Ville
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540 Posts
Sounds great! Hope it turns out to be a great automobile for you!
I was very leary purchasing a W140 and approached with high caution. I had done alot of research on them over the years and pined over one for a long time. I ended up bypassing and buying W126 Mercedes, which served me very well. One, we still have, its my mothers car (1988 300SEL). I wanted one with alot of service records (and that was a task) and the one I purchased delivers. It was also local, which was also very unusual, as there are not many W140's in these parts. I had started looking for ones out of town, then ran across mine. It was a 1-owner car and had a stack of service records 2 inches thick! The owner had replaced the engine harness in '01 and the A/C evaporator (which also included the heater core, dryer, receiver) in '08 ($3200 repair), which were two big things I were looking for to be replaced when I purchased a W140. Two other pluses were that valve cover gaskets were recently replaced, as well as the blower motor for the HVAC not too long ago, as well as complete new brakes at every wheel (rotors and pads), as well as brand new Michelin tires. Also a few other things, the P/O had the actuator replaced (whatever that is and it wasnt cheap) as as well as the rear door window regulators, steering damper, struts, as well as many other steering/suspension parts.
Only some minor issues with my '93 400SEL right now, one being the engine mounts are in need of replacement (which the Mercedes mechanic that has serviced the car for years told me before I bought it) and my power antenna needs repair. Also my "auto door closer" is on the fritz, but I really dont care much about this, the doors close regularly and I have closed car doors like that all my life, so I will not perish because of it. lol. I had the engine mounts quoted at a local Mercedes shop for $748, this includes parts and labor, as well as parts and labor of the transmission mount, which the shop said he recommended doing just to get everything setting back the way it needs to be. I plan on having this done before the end of the year.
Hoping my car serves me well in the years to come and hope yours does as well. You will have to post some exterior photos of the car when you can and let us see!
Good luck!
I was very leary purchasing a W140 and approached with high caution. I had done alot of research on them over the years and pined over one for a long time. I ended up bypassing and buying W126 Mercedes, which served me very well. One, we still have, its my mothers car (1988 300SEL). I wanted one with alot of service records (and that was a task) and the one I purchased delivers. It was also local, which was also very unusual, as there are not many W140's in these parts. I had started looking for ones out of town, then ran across mine. It was a 1-owner car and had a stack of service records 2 inches thick! The owner had replaced the engine harness in '01 and the A/C evaporator (which also included the heater core, dryer, receiver) in '08 ($3200 repair), which were two big things I were looking for to be replaced when I purchased a W140. Two other pluses were that valve cover gaskets were recently replaced, as well as the blower motor for the HVAC not too long ago, as well as complete new brakes at every wheel (rotors and pads), as well as brand new Michelin tires. Also a few other things, the P/O had the actuator replaced (whatever that is and it wasnt cheap) as as well as the rear door window regulators, steering damper, struts, as well as many other steering/suspension parts.
Only some minor issues with my '93 400SEL right now, one being the engine mounts are in need of replacement (which the Mercedes mechanic that has serviced the car for years told me before I bought it) and my power antenna needs repair. Also my "auto door closer" is on the fritz, but I really dont care much about this, the doors close regularly and I have closed car doors like that all my life, so I will not perish because of it. lol. I had the engine mounts quoted at a local Mercedes shop for $748, this includes parts and labor, as well as parts and labor of the transmission mount, which the shop said he recommended doing just to get everything setting back the way it needs to be. I plan on having this done before the end of the year.
Hoping my car serves me well in the years to come and hope yours does as well. You will have to post some exterior photos of the car when you can and let us see!
Good luck!
the pre purchase inspection listed that it needed brakes, and e brake done to pass and a couple other things that the past owner replaced about a month before selling it to me. but there is a lot other things like the brake lines, control arms, shocks,springs,and couple other things that i dont really know the exact name of, all that is rusted out. am gonna be repairing a whole lot in the under carriage. and like i mentioned before engine and tranny are real good condition with 160km.
-Any idea how to work on the power aspects of the car like electric mirrors.(i have no idea were to start) all 3 are not working, maybe its the joystick, am not sure u guys would know more.
am dealing with the becker stereo to now it keeps telling me to "WAIT", called the benz dealership they advised me to keep the the ignition on for at least 1 to 24 hours depending on how long does it take to prompt me to put in a code that is associated with my car.
-my driver window goes all the way up except it stops at the last 1 inch and it doesnt close mechanic told me it has something to do with the last past of the teeth like rod that brings the window up.
-my rear passenger side headrest doesnt work either
-central lock button doesnt work, i have to lock each one manually.
-and finally the sunroof i really need some help on how to dissassemble the sunroof, i took the cloth part of(only the visor), and all i can see is a peice of metal that isnt connected to anything which is supposed to move it back and forth, it seems like the past owner didnt use the sunroof and had this metal peice sealed with silicon.with no connections whatsoever to it. but on the other hand when i click the button of the sunroof a vertical iron rod comes out and goes back in, so the motor is working, am guessing i have to get a whole sunroof with the rail things. (this is the biggest challenge for me currently as again i have no idea were to start.)
***i have access to very cheap parts, not mechanical but all the electrical that i mentioned above, there is a w140 in my area were i can get them off**
thank you guys
i hope one day ill have the experience to start giving other members the advice you guys are offering
-Any idea how to work on the power aspects of the car like electric mirrors.(i have no idea were to start) all 3 are not working, maybe its the joystick, am not sure u guys would know more.
am dealing with the becker stereo to now it keeps telling me to "WAIT", called the benz dealership they advised me to keep the the ignition on for at least 1 to 24 hours depending on how long does it take to prompt me to put in a code that is associated with my car.
-my driver window goes all the way up except it stops at the last 1 inch and it doesnt close mechanic told me it has something to do with the last past of the teeth like rod that brings the window up.
-my rear passenger side headrest doesnt work either
-central lock button doesnt work, i have to lock each one manually.
-and finally the sunroof i really need some help on how to dissassemble the sunroof, i took the cloth part of(only the visor), and all i can see is a peice of metal that isnt connected to anything which is supposed to move it back and forth, it seems like the past owner didnt use the sunroof and had this metal peice sealed with silicon.with no connections whatsoever to it. but on the other hand when i click the button of the sunroof a vertical iron rod comes out and goes back in, so the motor is working, am guessing i have to get a whole sunroof with the rail things. (this is the biggest challenge for me currently as again i have no idea were to start.)
***i have access to very cheap parts, not mechanical but all the electrical that i mentioned above, there is a w140 in my area were i can get them off**
thank you guys
i hope one day ill have the experience to start giving other members the advice you guys are offering
Pics? :eclipsee_steering:
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