S-Class 91-99, advice/guidance needed please

[chodecz]

Hi guys,

I was always looking to buy an E-Class, but have always liked the mammoth old S-Class 1991-1999 and the current prices have prompted me to search for a S Class.

I looked it up on Parkers, and it says the running costs are sky high! Are they really that expensive to run (the smaller engined models)?? Parkers tech figures don't seem that reliable, as there only seems to be 3mpg difference between the s280 and the s500!

Does anyone know where I can find a full list of tech figures (0-60, max speed, mpg, etc.). It would be most appreciated.

Maybe some people who own/have owned one could tell me what model would be best to go for, what the running/servicing costs are like, etc.

Please, any advise will be greatly appreciated.

 

[jibcl500]

Go for the S500, 1995 onwards or as close to 1999 as possible, corrosion on the front wings is a problem but easy to fix, mechanically very good, gearboxes have issues so a good road test is required,
check body work condition, look for crash damage, fresh paint, new panels and corrosion.
look at condition of leather and interior, check all switches do something.
Road test car for noise, whining, knocks or thuds, check wheel and tyres.
Check engine for oil, noise rattles on cold start etc, check history, easy car to clock.

Parts are cheap enough I buy mine from MB Cambs, servicing can be done with indie or anyone with an understanding or MB. Tech help here (Malcolm).
If not sure get a proper inspection, research common faults on the W140 S Class and try to find these faults, no how much they are lickly to cost to repair and use this to drive the price down.

Coil springs break, £80 each + vat, usually at the bottom on wish bone.
Shocks can rust out before they leak, £80 + vat Easy to replace 10 mins each side.
Disks and Pads, check for lip on disk, if more that 2mm then will need disks, on rear also, £100 as a guess each.
Exhaust check for corrosion, filler, black soot on joints, hanging, £1000 for complete system. (guess)
Knocks from suspension, theres many joints on the suspension front and rear, will be expensive.
Gearbos problems, £1500 roughly if a new one is required.
Egines are pretty good and will last with proper services, engine rattles from cold start then walk away, before you do anything when you arrive to look at a car put your hand on the bonnet to see if its warm, if so then the seller has had it running before you arrived, good sign if the car has stood all night in the cold, cold starts so up faults, book early morning veiwing!!!
Fuel is good I get close to 30 on a calm run on motorways, when in a hurry 12-15 possible less.

jib

 

[eric242340]

Hi guys,

I was always looking to buy an E-Class, but have always liked the mammoth old S-Class 1991-1999 and the current prices have prompted me to search for a S Class.

I looked it up on Parkers, and it says the running costs are sky high! Are they really that expensive to run (the smaller engined models)?? Parkers tech figures don't seem that reliable, as there only seems to be 3mpg difference between the s280 and the s500!

Does anyone know where I can find a full list of tech figures (0-60, max speed, mpg, etc.). It would be most appreciated.

Maybe some people who own/have owned one could tell me what model would be best to go for, what the running/servicing costs are like, etc.

Please, any advise will be greatly appreciated.

You have two options here, as far as I see it. Go for the S320 with 104 engine or the S500 with the 119 engine. The only difference between the two is the power. Repairs wise, both cars are getting old now and parts are cheap. But the 104 engine has six cylinders and the 119 has eight, so more cylinders more expense. ie eight spark plugs as apossed to six and the 104 has one cylinder head as opposed to the 119s two. Its simply cost versus power. Both have the 140 chassis and threrefore can be fitted with the same extras.

 

[42864]

I Have the S 320 L (long Wheelbase) version, the best car that I have ever had. Have just last weekend done close on 1000 miles (pembroke to London 250 mls, London to Birmingham area and return 280 mls 100+ mls around London, and Return to Pembroke 250mls) Average M.P.G = 30.8 with Cruise on at 70Mph. Even her indoors commented on how comfortable it was and how relaxed she was at the end of the journey. As for Acceleration I can out power a friends Jaguar that he swear is the fastest thing locally-- he's as sick as a pig now -- One thingthat I must admit to is that i spent2 days trying to find the Radio Ariel only tofind that it is in the rear window (alternate wires with the heated rear screen) altogether a geat car.

Dave

 

[jibcl500]

200 bhp S280
217 bhp S320
286 bhp S420
315 bhp S500
408 bhp S600

jib

 

[NewMB]

200 bhp S280
217 bhp S320
286 bhp S420
315 bhp S500
408 bhp S600

jib

Well, the 1999 S600 has 396 bhp.

My father has one..... a beast. Had it since new. Extremley expensive to maintain, not fuel (get about 25 mpg mixed) but all parts. Unfortunately, the -99 model year does not seem to be the best of MB.

Other than that, comfort is great, fantastic engine with so much power it certainly gives the Porsche driver to think twice when he can't outrun this particular de-badged S600...

 

[chodecz]

Thanks for the info guys!

I'm probably looking to buy a S320 and get a LPG conversion. What does anyone know about this???

NewMB: You say 'extremely expensive to maintain', can you give examples of this please.

Thanks again.

 

[NewMB]

Thanks for the info guys!

I'm probably looking to buy a S320 and get a LPG conversion. What does anyone know about this???

NewMB: You say 'extremely expensive to maintain', can you give examples of this please.

Thanks again.

Well, silly things keep breaking on it. It has only 80000 Km on the clock (about 50000 miles) and has needed new front shocks, computer, exhaust (!) and having to deal with CD-changers not working, various bulbs for the dash warning lights, brakes, catalyser etc etc etc.

Dad's still hanging onto it as he does very little mileage. But the computer went for approx £1100, a bulb for £200, CD-changer £400 each etc etc. Sure, it's a 600 and sure, MB in Sweden are asking for fantastyland prices.

The best is to check with a specialist I think, in the UK. The previous S600 he had (a 1990 S600) with no problems except the CD-changer thing and a boot waterleak).

If I didn't do the miles I do, I probably would aim for a used S-class. Maybe even a S600. Just for the neighbours looks.... It is a very special feeling with the sound, the power and cheer size of it that makes this car so special. Never mind the nice 3-pointed star at the front and the badge at the back.

 

[chodecz]

Shoot, thats a lot of costs.

Also, about the LPG what's this about having to provide a certificate to the insurance company??? Is this for a reduction, or just to be covered!?!!

Is there reduced insurance rates for LPG cars (more environment friendly)????

 

[NewMB]

Shoot, thats a lot of costs.

Also, about the LPG what's this about having to provide a certificate to the insurance company??? Is this for a reduction, or just to be covered!?!!

Is there reduced insurance rates for LPG cars (more environment friendly)????

Wouldn't have a clue. Sorry.

 

[chodecz]

Anyone?? (^^)

 

[sl3204me]

1995 S320 Lwb

A wonderful car.Lots of room,built like a tank,smooth,quiet,and plenty of power.A really good DIY car because most everything is accessible.Parts are very reasonable.As with all MB cars,routine maintenance is a must including all fluid changes on schedule.My brother's 1995 S320 now has 120,000 miles and purrs like a kitten.For what you pay for a used one,it is an excellent buy.Just make sure it has excellent records showing it has been well cared for.Good Luck!

 

[OZ420SE]

Shoot, thats a lot of costs.

Also, about the LPG what's this about having to provide a certificate to the insurance company??? Is this for a reduction, or just to be covered!?!!

Is there reduced insurance rates for LPG cars (more environment friendly)????

Over here (I know it is a long way away - but we do have many similar laws) insurance companies require an engineers certificate to say the car has been modified correctly.

 

[Hibbo]

The certificate is just to say the huge tank of propane in your boot and all the pipes that squirt the stuff around are safe - they won't insure you otherwise.

Why on earth would an insurance company give you a discount for being (supposedly) environmentally friendly?