W140 300/400 - what to look out for ....

[charlesjs]

Hi, I wish to purchase a W140 300/400 version, about 91-93 vintage.

I wondered whether there are any specific key checks to do (above the usual buyer checks) for this make?

Speaking to a local owner he mentioned check by removing front plastic panel on the engine, leaks could be found, also ensure that reciepts match with history book.

Anything else?

Also, and from checking the previous posts I don't think there's a way round this, but I'll ask anyhow; can the pass air bag be switched off by anyother way than the MB baby seat, since we've got a rear facing seat of our own already?


Many thanks for any tips & tricks and watchfors that anyone can supply

Regards

Charles

 

[BMW 525i]

Charles
Are you the same charles of 535i fame?
If so hello
Your thinking of migrating to merc too ?
If not sorry to have bothered you

 

[charlesjs]

Yes I am. Bought the 535i, loved the car as regards drivability, however, it's not big enough to transport 2 adults plus 2 children in car seats with all their associated luggage. So the 535 went via e-bay and we purchased a 735i via autotrader. Love the car (had one before), however, we still hanker after an MB. My wife did want a W124 estate, however, after comparing the sizes of this and the W140, the W140 won on size & safety.

So here we are. Will be buying in 6-8 wks so doing my research now.

I guess remember we met up as such on the e34 discussion boards a few mos ago, ref early e34's if I'm right?

rgds

Charles

 

[BMW 525i]

Yes thats where we met up charles, if you remember the head had gone on my 525i.
Hows this for a tale of woe?
I had it rebuilt, recon head from northants head technology, as we had discussed, car was lovely, then 1 week later, yes just one week, an 18 year old idiot hit me head on, driving daddys car, with daddys permission, without insurance, my beamer is finished, and sonnys very well healed father has told me to "F" off, as I wont be getting any money from his family.
My solicitor says different, but says be prepared for a 1 to 3 year wait !
You couldnt make it up.
Wife , daughter and son slighty hurt, but out of hospital now, the car stood up very very weel, rather oddly we had been discussing how well the old E34 woukd do in a bump!
All injuries were seat belt related charles, and one last very interesting point I hadnt heard discussed anywhere on the beamer forum, the rear seat belts, and the strange way ther are mounted, opposite to anything else I'd seen, well thats to "fling" the rear seat passenger into the center of the car, rather than into the doors.