[julieturner99]

New member here. I'm looking to find a car that absorbs the bumps and potholes of midwest urban driving environments. My purpose is to minimize back pain, but to also do it with style. I've always dreamed of driving a Mercedes, and so that leads me here.

If I could afford it, I'd go for an S class w/ Magic Body Control, but I can't come anywhere close to affording that. To even get into a Benz I'll need to buy used, and don't I mind looking back to much older models if I can find one that's been cared for. (In fact, I've always been partial to the W126 body). I just want to be able to get one that is reliable.

I don't drive many miles/year (~5k) in case that matters. I'm good with coupe or sedan or even SUV.

Any suggestions for which models/features might be worth looking for? Which ones will glide over the crappy roads with the least disruption in the cabin?

-Julie

 

[Michael Pillay]

Julie,
I drove a w126 for about 10 years as my daily driver and it was very comfortable on Michigan roads. I am assuming the roads in your area are similarly damaged by the harsh winters and poor repairs. I will add that my wife drives a GL450 and it absorbs the bumps very well. I have read that the air suspension can be problematic. It has not been a problem for us so far but given your budget, I am certain you would be able to find something similar with enough set aside in case of repairs.
My vote would still go with the w126 though.

 

[cowboyt]

Been a while since I've ridden in either a W126 or a W140, but I remember them both as comfortable. The W140 (an S500) in particular felt like a mobile bank vault with gobs of torque. Before then, I'd had no idea Sherman Tanks could be so comfortable.

My Dad had significant back pain, and he loved his W220 S430 (year 2000 model). He always kept his AIRmatic suspension on the softest setting, and when I got the car, I drove it nearly 2,500 miles from Nevada to Virginia with that setting. Yep, very comfortable. For maximum comfort, it's best to go with 16" wheels and good 225/60-R16 tires like Michelin Premier A/S tires. My best friend's 2000 S500 has this exact setup, and ohhhh....you just don't want to stop driving it. Dad's car has Vogue CT Wide Trac A/S tires (225/60-R16 also) and is very nearly as buttery smooth. You can generally get into a well-kept S430 or S500 for around $8,000.

 

[oefvetw124lover]

w140 has an awesome suspension