Mercedes-Benz W140

[shivayash]

Hello,

I have been offered a very clean and tidy W140, 320 5 speed auto with the usual features. The important bits are: FULL MB dealer service history, and low mileage, 109k.

Its a 1997 on a P plate, dark blue with grey leather. All the electrics work etc.

My questions are therefore these:
What is the 'normal' spec of these cars? It shows an AMG badge on the bootlid, which the seller assures me 'extras' but I cannot see them. The AMG badge appears to be properly attached, and not simply a Halfords stick on.

What should I be paying for a car in this condition, in this current market?

What will this car give me in terms of economy? Its a 24v, 3.2L, 6 cyl. My driving is mainly weekends, a mix of urban and country. I live in London, zone 2 and about once a month drive into the City of London.

What things should I look out for when buying?

Many thanks,

 

[television]

These things are selling now for £1000 and up, re the AMG badge, if it is not an AMG car, then should be no badge even with an AMG body kit,, still no badge

 

[shivayash]

What should I be paying for a car in this condition, in this current market?

What will this car give me in terms of economy? Its a 24v, 3.2L, 6 cyl. My driving is mainly weekends, a mix of urban and country. I live in London, zone 2 and about once a month drive into the City of London.

What things should I look out for when buying?

And any answers in response to my other questions? I am unable to find anything but scrappers at the £1000 mark. Where should I look?

What tyres fit this car? How much for a full set, of cheaper Korean branded ones?

Thanks,

 

[television]

The 3.2 V6 is a great engine,, though the CATs can cost £1500 if they fail, therefor the straight 6 is much cheaper to own and run as the CAT never goes wrong,,up to32 MPG is possible on a run, with 25 easy to get around town,, many of the parts are common to the 129 re the electrics so many parts around

 

[100%Bitch]

These things are selling now for £1000 and up, re the AMG badge, if it is not an AMG car, then should be no badge even with an AMG body kit,, still no badge

Malcolm, didn't I see one of those badges on your car?

 

[Alex M Grieve]

Malcolm, didn't I see one of those badges on your car?

Hey Helen,

Having studied your new signature, as a mere driver of German cars, can you talk me through this fear factor? Is that just after drei but before funf, or is it trickier than that? AMG

 

[100%Bitch]

Hey Helen,

Having studied your new signature, as a mere driver of German cars, can you talk me through this fear factor? Is that just after drei but before funf, or is it trickier than that? AMG

It's a quote from Warren Buffett. It means buy when others are selling and sell when others are jumping on the band-wagon.

 

[television]

Malcolm, didn't I see one of those badges on your car?

No AMG badge for some months

 

[deejaybee]

S320 Information

Shivayash, I bought a similar but later car a few weeks ago, so you may find the following information useful as a comparison.

'98 S reg S320, Silver with blue interior, 98k miles, 2 owners, full service history, 1 year MOT - I paid £2900. The car is in very good condition and has been maintained to a high standard. It drives like new as you would expect.

It certainly wasn't the cheapest car I saw, but it was one of the best around £3000. There are quite a few S-320 W140 on the market at the moment and the better ones seem to cover quite a wide price range from about £2500 up to £5000. In the current market there are quite a few sellers that have vehicles advertised at premium prices, but If you can't negotiate the price down then go somewhere else as there is no need to pay top price at the moment.

Take your time to look around and get a good one - you won't be disappointed.

For the car you mention, I would think a fair top price would be around £2500, but possibly lower if it needs a service or any other significant maintenance - you mentioned tyres. The size, which is 235/60/R16 (assuming it has standard wheels), is not that common and the range is more restricted. You shouldn't really put the cheapest tyres you can get on this car as it heavy (nearly 2 tonnes with fuel and a driver) and needs to be able to stop Ok with wet roads. It wil cost around £400 for a reasonable set of tyres (e.g. Falken or Khumo) or around £550 for Continental Sport Contatct 2 which would be the premium choice.

As regards economy, I have only done about 600 miles so far, but I would say that realistic economy is around 19-20 mpg in London commuting driven sensibly and anything between 25-30mpg on a run depending how fast you want to drive.

Good luck with your purchase.

regards,

Dave