What's the difference between a pre and post facelift W140?
mb_uk_2002
Postfacelift models present these changes:
1/ New bumpers and new plastic lower side flanks
(New design to make the car look less bulkier)
2/ New rear lenses (softer edges, and if you buy them at the parts dept.: much, much cheaper compared to pre-95 models).
3/ Deletion of rear parking assist antennas (a great design touch ommited because of high-cost and the introduction of the new "Parktronic" -extra cost feature in most markets, as opposed to the antennas that were standard everywhere-).
4/ New A/C electronic center dash panel controls (much cheaper to manufacture than the previous unit).
5/ New interior door panel design. It deletes the very useful storage compartment pre-95 models had, although it addresses a problem that the armrest was too thin and people's elbows would not reach it comfortably (the new armrest is much thickier, although it reduces seat space a little). This change also ommitted several internal parts in the doors (including some electric wiring) which also saved them a lot of money.
6/ New headlight lens design (much cheaper to make, although it is said to be 30% brighter, which I would say it is!). Remember that the new Xenon lights (much more expensive) were optional in most markets and introduced until March of 1996.
7/ Ride height was lowered an average of 1.5 inches, depending on model and extras fitted. This was done mainly to reduce bulk look and to favor airflow (read: more mpg).
8/ Mechanically many systems were changed in the engine compartment and the chassis. Bits and ends mainly to reduce costs, improve fuel consumption and improve maintenance costs.
9/ The infrared remote lock system was changed by a more reliable (and cheaper to manufacture) system.
10/ Some interior materials were cheapen also, the standard leather for example. But, the new more expensive and softer Nappa leather were then made available.
I feel that the post-95 facelift did not significantly reduced the quality and presence of the W140, although it definitely saved M.B. a lot of bucks in terms of production costs.
At the same time, 98 and 99 models made in several markets had more standard equipment (to make the car more appealing in its last two years of its life) available.
Also, if you ever get a chance to get a hold on a German Options List, U.S. buyers will be amazed at the myriad of extras and peculiar equipment you could order for the W140 (pre and post facelift models).
1/ New bumpers and new plastic lower side flanks
(New design to make the car look less bulkier)
2/ New rear lenses (softer edges, and if you buy them at the parts dept.: much, much cheaper compared to pre-95 models).
3/ Deletion of rear parking assist antennas (a great design touch ommited because of high-cost and the introduction of the new "Parktronic" -extra cost feature in most markets, as opposed to the antennas that were standard everywhere-).
4/ New A/C electronic center dash panel controls (much cheaper to manufacture than the previous unit).
5/ New interior door panel design. It deletes the very useful storage compartment pre-95 models had, although it addresses a problem that the armrest was too thin and people's elbows would not reach it comfortably (the new armrest is much thickier, although it reduces seat space a little). This change also ommitted several internal parts in the doors (including some electric wiring) which also saved them a lot of money.
6/ New headlight lens design (much cheaper to make, although it is said to be 30% brighter, which I would say it is!). Remember that the new Xenon lights (much more expensive) were optional in most markets and introduced until March of 1996.
7/ Ride height was lowered an average of 1.5 inches, depending on model and extras fitted. This was done mainly to reduce bulk look and to favor airflow (read: more mpg).
8/ Mechanically many systems were changed in the engine compartment and the chassis. Bits and ends mainly to reduce costs, improve fuel consumption and improve maintenance costs.
9/ The infrared remote lock system was changed by a more reliable (and cheaper to manufacture) system.
10/ Some interior materials were cheapen also, the standard leather for example. But, the new more expensive and softer Nappa leather were then made available.
I feel that the post-95 facelift did not significantly reduced the quality and presence of the W140, although it definitely saved M.B. a lot of bucks in terms of production costs.
At the same time, 98 and 99 models made in several markets had more standard equipment (to make the car more appealing in its last two years of its life) available.
Also, if you ever get a chance to get a hold on a German Options List, U.S. buyers will be amazed at the myriad of extras and peculiar equipment you could order for the W140 (pre and post facelift models).
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