S class W140

[mancub]

Can anyone recommend a W140, i.e. S320, S500 etc
I heard the S320 has the best engines and S500 plus has the most complex and also thirsty as well which is obvious
Not sure if S320 has enough muscle to drive something that big
I realise S320 depreciates less than it's bigger brothers
Looking for T Reg if possible

 

[pascal]

It all depends on what you want from the car at the end of the day. I never heard any complaints about that 3.2 engine. I think it's got 18valves, three per cylinder. It is by no means a slow car. It should reach the 60mph mark in a tad under 9 secs. its about 231bhp (more than V6). S500 around 7 secs though.

 

[Sullivj]

Can anyone recommend a W140, i.e. S320, S500 etc
I heard the S320 has the best engines and S500 plus has the most complex and also thirsty as well which is obvious
Not sure if S320 has enough muscle to drive something that big
I realise S320 depreciates less than it's bigger brothers
Looking for T Reg if possible

I've just bought a 1998 (S Reg) S320. I don't think it's underpowered at all. Before purchase, I also drove a S280, which I thought was comparativly gutless. The S320 roars when you activate the kickdown and by no way seems underpowered for its size. For comparison, I paid £10k for my S320 with 27,000 miles. Unless you're a superb parker, DON'T get one without Parktronic - It's amazing and helps you squeeze the beast into a tight spot.

Happy Hunting!

 

[mancub]

Thanks Sulli and Pascal
Initially had my heart set on S500, which is the only one I have driven once, brand new (P Reg)
Normally I go with what my heart tells me. Just thinking of an S500 gets me weak at the knees.
I hope common sense prevails and I do go for S320. Prices for S320 are more than S500/S600

Currently have 300E (1988). Just love the shape of W140. wicked.

 

[guydewdney]

theres always the 420 - 21 mpg i get.. 22 if i fill with super unleaded or whatever..

the 420 is 275 bhp and isnt slow.

 

[Gary Joseph]

I previously owned a 1994 S420 (Azurite) and traded it in on a 2000 S430. I missed the W140 shape so much I recently bought a 1996 S500 (Midnight Blue) which I will never sell.
I found the S420 was a bit sluggish up hills though. Very pleased with the S500, bit more grunt and a LWB. Before I bought the S420, I test drove an S320, didn't like the noise when the accelerator was kicked down. Powerful enough for around town driving, but I prefer the V8's.


2004 BMW 325 CI
2000 S430 Brilliant Silver
1996 S500 Midnight Blue