Tuesday, May 5, 2015

Mercedes Benz W140 S Class Review! 1992-1999











This may be considered a very bold statement in the automotive world but in my most sincere opinion, the Mercedes-Benz W140 S-class would have to be one of the best built, and most over-engineered vehicles of all time. When this barge of understated opulence went into final design stages in the late 1980's an unprecedented c. $1 Billion dollar development budget went with it. That figure is not adjusted for inflation either. That kind of money was utterly unheard of in vehicle development back then and still commands a jaw drop even by todays standards. What that princely sum yielded was a limousine so refined that even today, with the oldest examples pushing 24 years old, was a car that rode like no other before it and very few there-after.  Designed by Bruno Sacco it is clearly kin with the W124 and the previous generation W126.

The W140 S class was a significant departure from the coveted and supremely brilliant W126 S-class that ran from 1979-1991 and was to many the last true nut, bolt and wrench Mercedes. The enormous, engorged and boxy proportions of the W140 polarized opinions initially, as it was designed to really crack open the American and Japanese market for Benz and it exceeded in doing so with flying colours.

The car was built using early supercomputers and as a result is highly complicated with a plethora of wonderful features that also require vigilant upkeep lest cataclysmic vehicular failure overcome the vehicle. To begin, Mercedes being the forward thinking company it is, decided to use a biodegradable engine wiring harness. This had the tendency to disintegrate and is a costly repair, make sure it has been attended too. Post 1995 models should be cured. The model line-up received a minor facelift for 1995 which saw a minor headlight and grill adjustment as well as rear lights and the addition of a new 5 speed automatic box, as well as some minor interior refreshments such as dashboard buttons, wood grain selections and cup holders.

Debate is rife on the W140 forums wether the pre or post facelift cars are better. Obviously the 5 speed automatic is superior to the 4 speed but many are of the opinion that the earlier 1992-1994 cars have higher quality interior materials. I am inclined to agree since I own a 1992 300SE that is currently my rolling restoration project and seems better finished to some 1998 models I have come across, although they drive better.

Model line-up was originally 300SE, 420SE, 420SEL, 500SEL, 600SEL. After 1993 it was changed to S320, S420, S420L, S500, S500L, S600. 1995 also saw the introduction of an S280 promoting the 300SE/S320 to middle range.

Carrying on, the W140 is all about the ride, so much so that Maybach used components of the W140's frame and suspension right up to the end of the 57/62 model range. Speed is irrelevant when travelling in the W140, one can look upon the speedometer and receive a startling surprise or a hefty ticket, the vehicle travels on a different plain of speed to normal cars. This is the pinnacle of Autobahn cruisers. With such a heavy accelerator the vehicle becomes a little laborious in stop-start traffic and will eat through the brakes due to it's girth, fuel too. It was born for the open road and consumes miles unlike any other car.

On a personal note I have a love hate relationship with my W140, every time I drive it I lament leaving the throne of a driving seat but on the other hand the beastly car can consume an entire savings account every time it visits the mechanic. The double glazed glass windows (which under popular belief are not bulletproof.....maybe a .22) isolate the occupants completely. I work at a European prestige dealership and have yet to find a quieter ride even in newer S classes, although I am as yet to drive a W222.

The factory Bose stereo has 11 or 12 speakers including an amp, which is superb coupled with the Becker Mexico and the 10CD stacker. Mine is still operational although age is catching up with it and it has become somewhat crackly and emits a high pitched hum every time I turn it on. The air-conditioning blows a gale when called for but is another point to look out for on these vehicles. They have a temperamental evaporator core that has two metals that react to one another and corrode, only on some, leaving the climate control completely un-operational. To remedy this the entire dashboard needs to be removed which is 30 man hours of labour minimum. Make sure the car you are looking at blows cold air. Fortunately mine blows very cold but the heater does not work, this is most likely the blower regulator which is an easy job but worth checking nonetheless.

Accommodations within the W140 are cavernous and superlative, leather, wood trim and space abound. I believe it was the first car with electric thigh extension support too. Two large men can sit abreast of each other without coming close to touching, even with elbows out. The rear seat is just the same, affording backseat passengers with climate control and their own vanity mirrors too. The long wheelbase models even offered seat adjustment and rear seat lumbar. Speaking on the topic of lumbar the air bladders in most W140s are rotten with age and have leaked so lumbar does not operate, although it is not necessary as the seats are sumptuous.

The multi-link rear suspension can emit squeaks due to age but is most likely just a bushing drying out and can be temporarily hushed with silicone spray, it is this complex rear system that gives the W140 is stunning ride qualities. Timing Chains are pretty durable, if you can afford to have them done along with timing chain tensioners they are a good thing to do but it is not uncommon for them to last over 200k miles without a hitch. On a final point of mention for things to keep an eye for, the W140 was fitted with two pneumatic pumps, these operated the soft close doors and trunk along with the central locking and rear parking guides. They can be temperamental with age.

With the primary check list covered I feel I can stop lambasting the negatives of this wonderful piece of excess and really get to it's merits. Since the car was designed in the 80s, a time of unabashed flaunting of wealth when the 90s hit along with the release of the W140, an attitude had descended upon the world that the car no longer fit. As a result the W140s are becoming quiet a rare sight on the worlds roads today since under 500'000 including coupe's were ever built. In my estimates we can eradicate 3 quarters of those due to age, crashes and gangster mods which leaves our planet with staggeringly few left. Most congregated in Russia, Japan and America with a few in Australia and Europe. I feel I am doing the world a service just keeping mine in some semblance of operation, mild seal weeps be damned.

I really am struggling to find the words that can accurately describe driving or riding in the W140 because it is simply not comparable to any other vehicle. Butter melting slowly on a very warm saucepan, 1980's Cadillac without the wallow, analogies fall short. Being so corpulent one would think the W140 would be difficult to steer or manoeuvre in small spaces, they would be wrong. Mercedes built in a "Parameter Steering" system which gives the car the turning lock of a significantly smaller vehicle and the weightlessness of the steering taking away any semblance of effort. Yet the steering firms immediately when cornering. The only downfall is the incredibly heavy throttle can be difficult to modulate when reversing, this can also be slow to engage in most examples, particularly the 4 speed.

The W140 S class is at the very bottom of it's depreciation curve and represents the pinnacle of Benz ingenuity and engineering prowess, to an extent that we will probably never see again, due to the necessity to compete financially with other auto makers. I suggest picking up one of these old dame's if you can afford 1-2grand a year to keep them on the road. The V12 is brilliant and was the most powerful mainstream engine Mercedes had produced when released but is also the most temperamental and costly to maintain. The two V8's are superb and low maintenance and the Inline 6 is also brilliant, torque-y, somewhat efficient and very robust, it can reach exceedingly high miles if looked after but probably with a head gasket change. Whatever your choice, be prepared to experience one of the last true "Motor Cars". After you have driven in this, most other vehicles are simply transportation.

*Most pictures in my reviews are taken by me, those that are not my property are the property of their respective owners and I lay no claim to them.

10 comments:

  1. Hi Mack, thanks so much for this most enjoyable review. It was a pleasure to read and your love for this somewhat unloved model is persuasive.

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  2. I have a W 140 1993 V8 and most of your comments are absolutely true. I have had over 35 cars or even more and definitely this is the most comfortable car ever built. You can cruise at 120mph without even noticing it. I am not exaggerating ( try it yourself). Recently we were driving up north and my sister was in the rear seat which is the best place to be due to the double pane windows and the suspension design. I was driving at 95mph and to my surprise she asked: "Why are you driving so slowly???"

    She saw the speediometer and said "I WANT THIS" !!

    No other car , even new Mercedes Benz ( I also own a V12 S600) has such a ride and even its fabulous A/c It really works and the temp controls are very sensitive and extrenely accurate. I have not had the problems that many owners claim about the A/C but it is one of the main reasons that I own this car. It is as good as you will ever see. You can cruise at any outside temp and inside it will be exactky as you want

    My original CD does not work anymore so I installed another one with fair sound but not as good as the original.

    Brakes are not that good but I did I install Brembo rotors which are much mich better that the MB´s

    Now, it looks so good as new and..... it still causes eye popping reactions and everybody thinks that is quite recent. A highway patrol that stopped me asked if the car was worth over 150K!!!! Materials are extraordinary ,unparallel. Painture is as new, period!!
    Leather is much better than my 2009 E350 MB or my BMW s or whatever

    If you want an impressive car that drives like NO OTHER ONE, with high Status, THIS is THE CAR!!! but........ you need more than 2 or 3k every year to keep it working without failure

    Vicente ( Mexico)

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  3. I live in The Netherlands and have a 1998 S280 with a manual transmission, leather interior and just over 100,000 km on it. You nail it on your description. The ride quality and ride experience are truly unique. By comparison, my father in Florida has a Lexus LS 600h and that car has such a bland ride compared to my W140. I just wonder when the market is going to recognise this and give the W140s some credit. Another aspect which I think is under appreciated is the fantastic visibility of the W140, particularly compared to newer model cars with sweeping rooflines and smaller windows.

    On the other hand, one thing to note: agility. While W140s are extremely agile for their size and do very well of freeway and highway driving, the latest generation of new cars, such as Audis, are significantly more agile on an absolute basis, particularly in city driving — I notice them frequently driving circles around me, usually quite irritated and impatient. This W140 just can't be driven with such rancor as the new cars. I don't know if the W140 will be penalised in the market for that. When I drive in Germany, I feel it's a lot of work to push the car hard. Perhaps that is partially due to the engine option (193 hp 2.8 liter), but I feel it also in breaking. The W140 breaks well, but the body roll is not insignificant. If you're happy NOT driving like a total jerk, then you won't have a problem with the W140. But I don't sense people on the road are getting any nicer.

    Regards,
    Ryan (Netherlands)

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  4. Excellent review, I agree one 100%. I am a fan of Mercedes cars.I have driven since last thirty years only Mercedes. W140 S280 is the best model i had ever. i still own one, and want to pass on to my son. he likes very much this car.

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  5. Another aspect which I think is under appreciated is the fantastic visibility of the W140, particularly compared to newer model cars with sweeping rooflines and smaller windows. Used Mercedes S320 Cars For Sale

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  6. I have a w140 1992 300SE3.2 going to repair it as i bought it in so so state. Previous owner didnt look after it properly.. so gling to spend some money to refurbish it starting with the engine and engine compartment

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  7. I brought my 1993 400 SEL in 1997. 88K miles, now 317K. I love it do not want a newer MB. Impressive to drive, fantastic to look at, beautiful looking white model, gray lower cladding. Sirius Radio and Bose Sound System. Everything works, interior lighting, automatic closing systems, mirrors (rearview and side), rain sensing, etc.

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  8. Great review! I have an S320 1993 in Melbourne, Australia and the drive is so comfortable and inviting, I'm always tempted to drive to Sydney , about 12- 14 ? Hrs away.lol.

    The inline-6 is so powerful, it hardly breaks a sweat leaving bigger V8s in your rear view mirror.

    I upgraded to 20 in alloys and 255/35 Front and 275/30 rears, and feared the ride would suffer. To my surprise, the ride was more compliant than my kidney-jarring BMW E90 on 18s! The yuuuuge 20s added crispness in cornering (with some minor lean).

    The w140 being huge, the 20s only improved its proportionality. Sadly, the front just seems 1 to 2 inches too high, even with SLS. Cutting the spring is out of the question, and I don't want to deal with the hassles of air suspension. So, I will get some Bilsteins in the summer.

    This model is so stately and elegant, and even 28 yrs on, it figuratively (and literally) stands head and shoulders above every sea of modern Chris Bangle-d BMW- wannabe Japanese, Korean, and European cars.

    AND finally, why the W140? A sticker I saw answered it - "Because a Princess wouldn't be caught dead in a BMW in Paris". ;)

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  9. Great review! I have a 93 S320 in Melbourne, Australia and every time I drive to pick up an item or two at Coles or Aldi, I'm seduced by its kingly ride and comfort to go on and drive to Sydney, about 12-14? Hrs away!

    The muscle-y but gentlemanly inline-6 does not break sweat leaving V8s smaller and smaller in your (powered) rear view mirror.

    I upgraded to 20in Carlssons to preserve the OEM 8-hole alloys and Continentals, and feared the ride would suffer. Lo and behold, despite the 255/35 fronts and 275/30 rears, "The Beast" was more compliant than my kidney-jarring BMW E90! I even actively seek rail road tracks to float above them.

    The W140 being yuuuuge, it's proportionality only improved with the gi-normous 20s. So, away from other cars, it looks like a 190E 2.3. Nice.

    Its stately design by the genius Bruno Sacco is so timeless and elegant, it figuratively (and literally) stands head and shoulders above every sea of BMW-wannabe Japanese, Korean and European cars it finds itself in.

    And finally, why the W140 of all the S Classes? A sticker I saw in London answered it - "W140: Because 'The Princess' wouldn't be caught dead in a BMW in super-posh Paris"!

    'Nuff said.

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