W140 S320 or S500

mancub

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I am in the market for the S class W140. Some of the S500/S600 I have seen have black leather which is off putting. I have seen some S320 with cream interier which i like.
I have my heart set on S500 but but dislike the black learther seats etc. Whereas the S320, although probably more economical does not have the power as the S500/S600

Any one who has S320, can you advise this is sufficient power for these large beasts?
I just love the W140, where have they all gone?

Do they all have traction control?

Thanks

Praf
 

WG M-B

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While the 320 lump is an adequate performer, I would wait and get the 500
The v8 is fantastic!!!
 

mikestrivens

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The V12 is even better
 

brandwooddixon

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I don't recall there being much difference in mpg in going from a 3.2 IL6, to 4.3 V8 and my current 5.0 V8.
In actual fact my more recent V8 is more economical than my previos one, but that's probably more to do with the 7G gearbox rather than the 5G before.
I'd say wait and then go for the 5 litre, avoid the V12 as it will drink substantially more petrol than the V8 and servicing costs are a lot more to boot.
 

JEZ.S320L

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I am in the market for the S class W140. Some of the S500/S600 I have seen have black leather which is off putting. I have seen some S320 with cream interier which i like.
I have my heart set on S500 but but dislike the black learther seats etc. Whereas the S320, although probably more economical does not have the power as the S500/S600

Any one who has S320, can you advise this is sufficient power for these large beasts?
I just love the W140, where have they all gone?

Do they all have traction control?

Thanks

Praf

Hi, I have a LWB W140 (S320) and I can certainly vouch that the engine has enough grunt to whaft along at 100mph+

Whilst a S500 or even a S600 are quite desirable machines - there's a slightly lesser risk of license-loosing with a 320.! :lol:

I must admit I have a liking for V8's - hence the Navigator. But that can hardly be classed as a license-looser..!!
 
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deejaybee

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Now - W210 E320cdi
Hi, I have owned an S320, S500 and Cl420 in the past and they are all very nice. I understand where you are coming from on the black interior as I much prefer a lighter colour myself.

I found the S320 I had more than adequate for all normal use and I was very happy with it. I only changed because it got written off in an accident! You do need to use more revs on a 320 as it doesn't have the tourque of the larger engines, but performance is always more than you need under any normal driving conditions. In the greater London area i got around 19mpg in everyday use and on a longer run at normal A-road / moroway pace it would easily do mid-20's - nearer 30mpg if you drove for economy.

There is not much difference in economy between the 420 and 500 engines, but the 500 does have quite a bit more tourque in the lower rev ranges so subjectively it does feel quite a bit faster if you use all the performance. If everything else is equal go for a s500, but you should buy on condition and therefore a good 320 or 420 will be much better than an average 500. As regards economy you will only 16-17mpg in a large city environment with the V8s, but on a run they can be suprisingly economical at constant speed on fast roads, its the braking and acceleration that will kill the consumption.

Good luck with your search.
 

television

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Like you Dave, I find the 420 has almost enough power, but it is quick enough, as you say they are heavy cars and they will roll a long way, driven normally I have achieved some 28 mpg on runs and 25 ish around town, not thrashing it
 

47p2

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The 320 has ample power to push the car along at a reasonable pace, just don't get a 280 though as it's a bit of a slug
 
OP
M

mancub

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  • Thread Starter
  • Thread starter
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Thanks all for the heads up.
I did see a S320 Business edition but did not like the interior.
S600 i know the repairs will burn a hole in my pocket
S280 defo a slow horse
So will look for an S500, luckily enough just test drove one yesterday (1998 R Reg) and it did feel heavy. Last one I drove was 15 years ago (P Reg) and it did not feel that heavy. Or am I mistaken? The engine was very quiet for a MB that is 14 years old. Obviously I would have preferred an S or T reg but the one I drove comes closest
Still salivation about how quiet it is.

If any members have a W140 S500 they want to sell please contact me

Regards
 

television

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I am selling my CL420 1998
 

television

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How come, you love that car? Well looked after too.

I just cannot drive 3 cars Steve, sure I have done a lot of work on it, but I do need an estate hence the V70R and this will go through any snow as it is
 

turbopete

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someone will get another lovely motor then Malcolm. if my situation was different, i might have been tempted myself. i always was a sucker for a V8!

i must admit though, im surprised you still need the estate!
 

television

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someone will get another lovely motor then Malcolm. if my situation was different, i might have been tempted myself. i always was a sucker for a V8!

i must admit though, im surprised you still need the estate!

I have to put a hand rail up in the staircase for Lilian, over 4 metre long, I cannot do that without one, I have had one all my working life Pete, also I can taker the garden rubbish away easier in the summer
 

turbopete

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i must admit, there are occasions i miss my old focus estate for those very sorts of reasons.

then i look out the window at the 203 saloon and forget about such problems, smile to myself, and borrow Isla's car instead!
 

television

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Malcolm - how do I get in touch with you as your mailbox is full?

Bill

My email is [email[/email] I will leave this up for ½ hour
 
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television

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I have sent a pm with my address :D
 

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