buying an S class
 

I'm a bit new to Mercedes. We currently have a ' 92 400 E (my brother's car). I've decided to look for an S class and would prefer an S500. Not to rag on the 320's, but it seems like a car that size would need the V8. Of course, I haven't driven a 320 so I wouldn't know. Does anyone have suggestions for checking these cars out and/or recommendations for which years to buy? I like the '95's really well.

I'm also a long time Volvo owner and do most of the work on them myself. How do these compare for ease of maintenance?

Thanks in advance.

Dave

RE: buying an S class
 

A 1995+ W140 S-Class is way better suited and fit with a V-8. In my opinion, as far as being new to Mercedes and wanting a W140, 1995+ is the way to go. Not that prior ones are bad, it's just that by then the kings and the "new body style" bugs have been pretty much all worked out by then. An S420 is nice or an S500 is pretty good buys. If you want to really go for the throat the S600 is the top dog (but remember it's a V-12 and with that comes V-12 maintanence and prices.)
Now as far ease of maintence, I hope you are good with wire diagrams and electronics. The W140 has so many electronics and features and wires, which tend to be reasonabily very reliable, but when something just happens to go wrong, lots of times it's electronic and these cars are not as simple to work on as prior S-Class but some stuff is doable as a DIY and alot more stuff require just special tools or a wire diagram would be highly encouraged, and some stuff you might just have to take to a specialist. The W220 uses more modules on the other hand and have a lot more stuff combined while the W140 has a lot more wires. Just make sure you pick up one with the service records, highly very highly recommended for this car. If it was maintained and continue to be maintained, it's not that expensive in compare. But one that is poorly maintained will easily become a money pit to keep running right. What year of Volvo you have?

RE: buying an S class
 

Thanks, that helps a lot. I really like the S500's. I drove a new S600 twin turbo the other day. Man that thing will fly! Our Volvos are: a 2000 S70, '97 850, '93 960, and '84 760 Turbo. We've only had the E class for about a year and love it. It was one with all of the records, one owner, and only had 45K miles.

Another vehicle I was considering was a series II Land Rover Discovery. Everyone is telling me that the MB would be a wiser choice.

Many thanks,
Dave

RE: buying an S class
 

dont get a land rover...Please...1 st of all...I have one...its a piece of crap....2nd no one wants to buy one now...(NO RESALe value) since gas prices are outrageous.. Ill sell you mine really dirt cheap. AC STill has problems ..till this day...look into motor trends articles....

.I got a S550...its a real nice car...v12 for me is over kill..since the car is limited to 130 mph by the cars computer....anyways..S550 has a lot of power for me.

hope this helps
Lemon

RE: buying an S class
 

yeah that 130mph limited thing really sucks. my 1989 560SEL can easily go 150 mph and can cruise at 140 mph all day no hassle (Because I just recently did it.) I think the S600 should at least be limited to 160 or something at least if it's gonna be limited at all. Geesh, most 6 cylinder mustangs can go 130 mph.

RE: buying an S class
 

Anybody figure out a hack?? for our car

btw...last night ....i took the car 130 mph...It has more to give....just got finished 1250 break in...thought i push the gas in...smooth at 130mph...


Lemon

RE: buying an S class
 

I would love to say yeah, but I can gurantee that the gov. is spidered into many vital components. Wait, doesn't the AMG versions go faster? So there must be a way around it. I believe most AMGs go up to 155 mph.

RE: buying an S class
 

let me know....? Am a screw driver away from the dashboard......ehehhehehe..


Lemon