W140 S320 or W126 300SE

macker64

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Evening folks,
I would the like to hear your opinions on the following two s class mercs.

Both have documented service histories, 200k on both cars with more electrical toys on the w140!

Everything works on both cars.

Are they similar in terms of reliabilty, fuel consumption etc...

Regards, :D
 

The Swede

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Not everyone will agree a 140 is reliable. Fact is, the 126 is a very simple car with much less to go wrong and cheaper parts for maintenance.

They both drive very differently however. The 126 really feels from a different era compared to the 140.

That being said, it's one of the most beautiful Merc's ever made. I'd have the 300SE any day of the week.
 

WG M-B

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I'm on the fence here as I love both of them! The 126 is a fantastic car, as is the 140. Don't go into ownership with either without money for maintenance, as they are both hefty on repair bills.
200k is not gonna be a massive problem if they have been looked after. Corrosion, however, may be an issue!!!!!!!
 

three pointed star

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126 for me. Brilliant cars even given their advancing years. 140 can be troublesome in so many areas (electrics, rust etc), I've been there and never again!
 

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how will you use the car?

The 140 is probably the more practical daily driver but there is no doubt that the 126 is a beautiful car and in my view more of a ''week ender''.

I think my C140 is beautiful and in the 16mths. of ownership it has done 9k miles......no problems worthy of note.

Mic
 

ianrandom

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Depends on your budget for maintenance probably. Just because there are more potential bigger bills on the W140/more complex.
I can just about manage my 126 obsession, personally I wouldn't dare try a W140, as nice as they are. Not on my income anyway.
 

stevieb15

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Depends on your budget for maintenance probably. Just because there are more potential bigger bills on the W140/more complex.
I can just about manage my 126 obsession, personally I wouldn't dare try a W140, as nice as they are. Not on my income anyway.
I'm upto 37k miles in just over 18 months in my W126, the only costs I've had are servicing and tyres.
Long drives down to Sussex most weekends, alternating with the SL, are an absolute pleasure, I think the trick is to bide your time and buy something in great nick, no rust and a comprehensive service history.
In saying all that I'd still buy a C140 if I could find a good one, as well as rather than instead of though!
 
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macker64

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Thanks for all the replies to date lads, very much appreciated!!

I will use the car for weekends and special occasions so something with prestige, presence and pedigree is required.

In terms of engine build which one would you go for considering both have 200k on them?

I like the look of the W126 even though its the more expensive of the two.

The W140 was used as a limousine and everything is electric and working.

Regards, :D
 

r129co

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As has been said they are worlds apart.....W126 is pretty if not riddled with rot.

The w140 S Class is the finest car ever built...it will do everything it can not to let you down but has to excercise its built in safe guards now and then.
So many woefull ownership stories result from spanners in the wrong hands.
There are brilliant mechanics in this country...look at F1 !....so use the best.

A well maintained w140 will take you round the world and back in greater luxury and performance than most cars on the road today. The coupe is as chic as they come and a perfect foil for those that deride the saloon.
 

mikestrivens

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^^^^^^^^^^^^

Couldn't agree more, and the V12 is the perfect W140 to do it in.
 

three pointed star

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The w140 S Class is the finest car ever built...QUOTE]
I'd hate to see the worst. Perhaps I was just unlucky, but my C140 (S500) Coupe was the worst Benz if not car I've ever owned. Rust which just kept coming back, faults that stranded me at the roadside and something packing up every time I would use it...which was rare. And this, Not from some mega mile old bus but 72000 miles with full MB/specialist history and 3 owners.
 

r129co

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probably most of those problems through lack of use.
Cars in use rarely have rust problems other than the front wings....
Sometimes around the front inner wings but again i usually only see that on low lileage cars.
 

r129co

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Brake lines and fule lines are exposed i admit and need attention paying to their condition
but thast about it...any thing else?
 

grober

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Given that they are both the same condition BODY WISE the W126 every time. Even better if its a pre 91/92 car= better paint.
 

syncropaddy

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Hi Macker64. What part of Ireland are you in? I have a pristine 1990 W126 300SE with a mind boggling 67k on the clock which owing to the weather has only done about 3k this year. Youre welcome to come and visit it and talk nonsense over a cuppa ......

But first ......

IMG_2312a.jpg


.... a little teaser
 
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macker64

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Hi Syncropaddy,
I might just take you up on that offer of tea and sticky buns!!

The w126 looks impressive any chance of a few photos to whet the apetite!

Regards, ;)
 

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