Buying A W140

[S500al]

Hello all I am new on here so a massive hello to everyone.
I have been thinking over the last few weeks of buying a 1999 (w140) S500 and was wondering if anyone in the know knows what to look out for?
My last merc was about 3 years ago and was a 1993 S500... a fabulous car that I really regret selling now (hence buying another).
I found the problems on the 93 model by owning one and some of the little problems cost a lot of money to fix.
This time around I have done the sensible thing I hope and joined a forum (I did this with the car that replaced my last merc... A caddilac STS and it proved to be worth it as I had technichal help all the time from good experts).
I hope you can help me out as I really need to own one of these beasts again as my last one so far is the best car I ever owned in my life.
P.S... if I buy one I think its gonna have to be a 500 or a 600 though. any info would be greatfully recieved.... many thanks in advance.

 

[jibcl500]

Personally the S500 for me, wished I'd bought the S600 when I bought the S500 but now pleased I didnt, 600 more complex and engines so ive read arent as reliable as the 500.

Power isnt that much better on the 600, just under 400bhp, 500 is 315bhp depending on where the figures come from, Torques the think 570nm and 470nm so planting the pedal would be impressive but watching the fuel needle drop wouldnt.

Either way your looking at one of the best ever MB's ever made. Hope you find what your looking for and post some pics when you do.

http://www.prestigemotorcompany.co.uk/product-list.asp?page=1

jib

 

[stumpy]

I agree with jib. The V12 is a complex car, and the engine suffers with the same maladies as the smaller sixes (which it is basically two of). IIRC it will have ADS as standard too which can be unbelievably tricky to have fixed. Nope, stick to a loaded 500 and try and go for the facelifted model if you can.

 

[television]

As Stumpy and Jib, keep to the 500

 

[S500al]

Thanks for your thoughts, my previous 500 was a 93 model and was abslutely exellent in the 2 years I had it.
Have found a 99 model I am thinking about at the moment which seems perfect in every and is a one owner from new car.
The only downside is that it has 215,000 miles on it but it is a good price for a 99 model.:-|

 

[S500al]

any thoughts on that one... anyone ever owned a 200,000 mile plus merc v8? The car is immaculate, has loads of history.
just wondering now if anyone knows how these engines wear once they start getting into spaceship mileage???
Any help appreaciated

 

[supercharger]

although never owned one i have heard of starship mileages and with regular serviceing i dont think there is a better engine out there..
some of the things to look out for are the folding mirros make sure they work, self closing pump needs to work properly be sure to check all four doors and the bootlid. have a good look at the springs as they are prone to snapping.just make sure you press every button and switch there is,interior mirrors also as some people jump in and try to adjust the mirror with there hand.
IMHO i would have a good look round try and find a lower mileage one these cars are an absolute bargain at the moment. good luck

supercharger

 

[jibcl500]

Check the paint work for any signs or repaint, if good then thats one thing, test drive for some distance and look for noise smells, knocks etc, make sure brakes pull up well, gear change etc. make sure all electrics work because the can be the expensive parts to repair on the 140.

if it ticks all the boxes go for it.

big V8's are not selling at the moment and it is a buyers market. look on autotrader, try to miss out the traders and go for the private seller, when you call them say Im ringing about the car, if they say which one then they are trade trying to pass themselves off as private.
Private sellers will take a deal, take the cash with you make them aware the cash is on you, if the cars 10k make sure you have 6k on you and another 2k in the car and another 2k if the seller wont budge but you prepared to go the full amount.
make the offer on the car and then dont say another word make them speak, dont take a women with you as this will hamper the deal.

best of luck.

jib

 

[S500al]

Looked at it today, alloys starting to flake, dent about the size of my thumbnail above the front grille, mileage was 221k and not 215 as stated, was not enough power in the battery to start it (even though the guy said he had started and moved it only an hour ago), managed to test most of the electrics but then the battery gave up completely.
Opened the boot and it was very damp and mouldy.
And service history only went up to 140k.
Even at 3 grand it was not what you expect of a 1999 car.
Wlaked away in the end.
Found a really nice pale blue 1994 locally which seemed perfect (less than 100k on it too) but its missing on at least one cylinder... oh and its baby blue lol (the missus liked it).
Looks like this is gonna be a long search but will be worth it in the end.
thanks for all the advice by the way... it is very appreaciated.