[Playdrv4me]

Almost got into that S Type R but just decided I like money so I wanted something on the cheap again. Then I realized you can get a nice clean example of a 1995-ish Mercedes Benz S Class (W140) for around 7-8k. It has to be 95 or newer because most of the parts are interchangeable between those years, particularly the headlights, which can be converted to Xenon with a swap from a 99. I have to admit, these things have some pretty luxurious amenities in them, like carpeted knee bolsters and vanity mirrors in the ceiling for the rear passengers.

Ive seen many between 75-145k in very very well kept condition. And not having a car payment ill be able to easily afford the maintenance costs. I was really wanting to go with the Mark VIII, but for the Mark VIII I want itll be at least 9 to 10k no matter what, and I dont want any high mileage Lincolns or Cadillacs. BMWs of that age I trust even less... sorry BMW.

Heres a couple I was looking at:

Heres a 95 with 144k miles S420

Heres another 95 with 72k miles S320

Those are on ebay for about 6500 and 8000 respectively.

 

[Ralph]

My neighbour has one similar to that, but it is a silver 1992 diesel. He's had no trouble with it and it has well over 150 K. Nice looking car, a tank really.

 

[Playdrv4me]

Oh yea a Diesel would be great, but those are very very tough to find. I looked at a couple but they were the old body style. Those things really are tanks.

Its interesting, 1980 to 2000 really seemed to be the best years for Mercedes, the two generations of S Class of that era probably being the height of their product offering, but after 2000 Mercedes went downhill and BMW kind of took their place.

 

[mccombie_5]

Oh yea a Diesel would be great, but those are very very tough to find. I looked at a couple but they were the old body style. Those things really are tanks.

Its interesting, 1980 to 2000 really seemed to be the best years for Mercedes, the two generations of S Class of that era probably being the height of their product offering, but after 2000 Mercedes went downhill and BMW kind of took their place.

Ian, Im looking into buying a W140 myself, i have almost certain on it (see my thread in the Cadillac Vs Section), i had a 1994 320SEL and it was the most reliable, and most bulletproof indistructable auto i have ever owned. I got an S500 in the new style in 2000 and it couldnt compare, im currently looking for a 1999 S600L.

Good luck with whatever you decide and i am certain if you do get a 320, you will be very, very happy with it. If i had bought a 600 back in 94 i am certain i would still own it today and wouldnt need to be looking.

Keep us updated on whether or not you buy one of these incredible limos. Best of luck and happy hunting.

 

[Playdrv4me]

I figured they were pretty bulletproof. Another member on here, Leloz, has a 1998 S600 AMG which he really treasures and I believe other than a leak somewhere the car has never had any problems.

With gas the way it is right now, Im actually preferential to the 320 over the 420, 500 or 600 as well as I am almost certain the 320 being a straight six is probably very trouble free, much like the 3.0L straight six I had in 330i BMW.

 

[mccombie_5]

I figured they were pretty bulletproof. Another member on here, Leloz, has a 1998 S600 AMG which he really treasures and I believe other than a leak somewhere the car has never had any problems.

With gas the way it is right now, Im actually preferential to the 320 over the 420, 500 or 600 as well as I am almost certain the 320 being a straight six is probably very trouble free, much like the 3.0L straight six I had in 330i BMW.

If youre running it as a daily i would recommend the 320, i had mine for four years and i never had one complaint with ANYTHING (no squeeks or rattles, no broken interior trim, no nothing, it was good on fuel too) i would reccomend the 320 to anyone, they were about £50k UK new and IMO were worth the same as a 600 (about £100k), its a great strong engine, i spoke to Leloz and his is real nice. AS it is im just buying the 600 as a pleasure car, so im going to get the V12, but the 320 is economical, and it is a smooth enough engine.

Im looking for my 600 as we speak, these things are so damn cheap!!!

Yipee a 99 for £15k UK (about $25 US) is great value for money, considering they were 7 times that new.......

Also, at youre age it is a good idea to be changing cars frequently it gives you a flavour of almost everything (my list is over 60 cars long in 29 years......

 

[Jesda]

Parts prices are insane, but reliability is excellent. Enjoy the ride!

 

[Randy_W]

Almost got into that S Type R but just decided I like money so I wanted something on the cheap again. Then I realized you can get a nice clean example of a 1995-ish Mercedes Benz S Class (W140) for around 7-8k. It has to be 95 or newer because most of the parts are interchangeable between those years, particularly the headlights, which can be converted to Xenon with a swap from a 99. I have to admit, these things have some pretty luxurious amenities in them, like carpeted knee bolsters and vanity mirrors in the ceiling for the rear passengers.

Ive seen many between 75-145k in very very well kept condition. And not having a car payment ill be able to easily afford the maintenance costs. I was really wanting to go with the Mark VIII, but for the Mark VIII I want itll be at least 9 to 10k no matter what, and I dont want any high mileage Lincolns or Cadillacs. BMWs of that age I trust even less... sorry BMW.

Heres a couple I was looking at:

Heres a 95 with 144k miles S420

Heres another 95 with 72k miles S320

Those are on ebay for about 6500 and 8000 respectively.

What's the matter, you been out of the headlines too long??:histeric:

Just teasing, but buy a damn car already!!!

 

[Playdrv4me]

What's the matter, you been out of the headlines too long??:histeric:

Just teasing, but buy a damn car already!!!

I know I know... I think we can all agree regardless of what I get, its gotta be better than this lima bean im driving right now.

 

[Jesda]

What the heck -are- you driving now, Ian?

 

[davesdeville]

I'm not sure he even knows.

*cough markviii cough*

 

[addison_ii]

I thought the S-Type was a done deal. The MBs look nice, I had a 1980 280se about 5 years ago. Very nice car. No problems whatsoever besides a blow out. Keep us posted on what ride you will be in next.

 

[Playdrv4me]

Im driving the hyundai right now. I am ready to get that done and over with as soon as possible.

 

[ShadowLvr400]

On the benz, I would NOT get the 320. The V6 just can't move that huge benz well. Go with the 420 or 500, unless... You were thinking get th 320, and swap the motor.

 

[Playdrv4me]

Nah Im not worried about the speed issue. Before I might have been but I prefer the rock solid reliability of the 320 to the 420 and 500. That is not to say I wont get a 420 or 500 if the price is right, but they certainly are not first on my list. First on my list would actually be an S350D.

 

[mccombie_5]

The 320 is plenty good for pulling the weight of the car around, believe me, its the 280 thats crap.

The 350D is okay, just not as refined as a 320, it was the most luxurious German taxi, really go for the 320 already.

The 500 and 600 are great, but the fuel costs are silly, im only getting a 600 because its a pleasure car, i chose the 320 as a daily driver back in 94, and now they make even more sense.......

 

[Leloz]

When I used to take my S600 for service at the dealership, they used to give me a S320 as a loaner. I was surprised how well the engine pulled the big car, especialy the SWB version. You have less to worry about with the S320 because it lacks the expensive air suspension and sensors. Also, the inline 6 cylinder parts are MUCH cheaper than the 8 or 12 (plus there are so many used engines available because it was used throughout the MB lines). I think you should go with a S320, put a S600 grill, AMG Monoblocks, and enjoy it! Try to go for a 1997-1999 if you can.

The W140 has depreciated greatly and they are an excellent buy. I cannot see them getting cheaper than what they are now. I just looked at KBB value for my car and it makes me shiver just thinking about what I paid for the car back in 2000.. then again cars are not an investment unless they are antiques.

Goodluck!

 

[AirJigga25]

Almost got into that S Type R but just decided I like money so I wanted something on the cheap again. Then I realized you can get a nice clean example of a 1995-ish Mercedes Benz S Class (W140) for around 7-8k. It has to be 95 or newer because most of the parts are interchangeable between those years, particularly the headlights, which can be converted to Xenon with a swap from a 99. I have to admit, these things have some pretty luxurious amenities in them, like carpeted knee bolsters and vanity mirrors in the ceiling for the rear passengers.

Ive seen many between 75-145k in very very well kept condition. And not having a car payment ill be able to easily afford the maintenance costs. I was really wanting to go with the Mark VIII, but for the Mark VIII I want itll be at least 9 to 10k no matter what, and I dont want any high mileage Lincolns or Cadillacs. BMWs of that age I trust even less... sorry BMW.

Heres a couple I was looking at:

Heres a 95 with 144k miles S420

Heres another 95 with 72k miles S320


Those are on ebay for about 6500 and 8000 respectively.

get the 95 with 72 k....that is the ill SH1TTTT!

 

[Playdrv4me]

Im still looking at those and W126s. Im supposed to go look at a 93 400SEL today with only 80k miles on it. They are asking the moon for it but it might be worth it depending on the condition.

 

[mccombie_5]

Im still looking at those and W126s. Im supposed to go look at a 93 400SEL today with only 80k miles on it. They are asking the moon for it but it might be worth it depending on the condition.

They have those small ariels that slide out of the trunklid when you engage reverse.....so you can see where the end of the car is

They were replaced on later models with distance sensors