An overview of common issues on these cars and what to be aware of when purchasing an S-class between 1991-1999. Add the issues you've encountered below Common issues doc: docs.google.co...
From experience I don't see VAG/BMW equivalents being as prone to rust. For example I have a 20 year old Golf that hasn't been cared for throughout its life yet all four arches don't even have a spot of rust and that's a £12-15k car vs a £60k+ car so you'd at least expect similar paying that sort of money. I've also had an Audi D2 but that was Aluminum so it can't be compared to that!
Tbank you for the detailed presentation of those models issues. For others who are interested that was the top of the firm in its time of production. The firm spent 1 bil. for it. We all, now come after 20 or 30 years to buy (!) the nbr 1, of that era, paying, 6.000 to 15.000 some times 20.000. That car new had a purchase price around 120.000, or even 200.000 in the best extras scale. We cannot buy sometng in the 5% to 15% of its initial value, and forget the maintenance costs. With a "newc one in hands, you could easily spend thousands in the 1st decade of its life cycle in the dealers workshop, it is the top corresponding fto strong wallets! Or top mechanics!
Thanks for very good info !... ( I still love them ! 2 w140's Diesel 300sd/ 350sdturbo ,.. and the s500 ' 95 ,.. I did replace a few things on all of them ,.. but Not yet Major problems ,..Thanks anyway )
Here you go: www.ebay.co.uk/itm/153796572601?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=EpDee18VQrW&sssrc=2349624&ssuid=QGi2OdwmTGO&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
Window regulators are another common issue, especially drivers side. Replacement is not difficult, and in general the motor is fine. Had this on 2 out of 3 on mine. Another MUST, although more service related is to change transmission fluid and filter at least every 35/40K miles or 60K km's (or directly after purchase if history is unknown). Steering damper and idler arm bushing are things to check when steering is a bit wooly. Relatively simply to DYI and inexpensive. Greatly improve ride quality.
I might do a PT3 video on essential maintenance once you have purchased one. 99% of the time there's a lot of items of that won't have been done unless the previous owner has been absolutely meticulous with their maintenance, usually, that's only the case if the previous owner bought this car new and there's hardly any of those about!
@@2broken2rusty That is absolutely true. It is best practice to buy the best one you can afford, unless you are already knowledgeable and familiar with these cars fixing years of neglect is not economical in most cases. Before my current one (1998 S300TD) I had a 1996 S500 which was in fairly good order and got a good offer on it which made me sell. I also have a 1995 S124 300D (OM606 as well) which is very practical but started missing the comfort on longer journeys, since I migrated from the Netherlands to Lithuania, 1000 mile trips (one way) are pretty frequent. I have searched for over a year to find a suitable replacement and ended up flying to Italy to buy my current one which was owned from new by an MB dealership and was used by the CFO. It had 168.000 km's when I bought it, with obviously full service history. Currently almost 5 years in I am close to 300.000 km's. I probably spent a little more on purchase, but with no depreciation and being able to maintain the car myself it has been the or close to the cheapest car to own and operate I have had.
Great video. Absolutely love the w140 especially as I was a teenager in the 90s. It was years ahead of its time and clearly the best car in the world during the 90s. However I think I’ll stick to my w126 until I’ve got enough money and time to get a really solid w140.
So many issues to look for. Apparently you cant check for all faults because they dont show up all the time. So basically you should count in that these faults could come across you later after the purchase so therefore you should bargain for the car even if its in a very good shape at the time of buying.
Thanks for watching, yes I'd certainly budget for certain things going wrong in advance. Where you can see that there is an issue developing or it already has the issue then certainly bargain with the seller. Difficult to negotiate with a seller on issues that don't exist at the time and obviously all cars will have that unless they've already had the work done.
...Всем владельцам MERCEDES здравия и благополучия ! Были W201, W140, четыре года на W124, 1985г.(2.0, 4 - ст.ручка, pierburg, самоблок). Я заглянул в Вечность.
I can’t find a new key fob for my 99. All I get from Mercedes is that they are no more available. I check about once a month. Any ideas on that? Thanks for the excellent video.
They are, or at least were currently available again in Europe (since end of last year), I ordered and got a new one (3 button) in February of this year although you have to find a dealer willing to do the legwork as the order goes through MB Classic center as far as I know. Word is that they will be made available for US in the next year, I can check next time I will be at my dealer, although that could take a month or 2 as we are currently all locked down.
Yup, this is an issue which I've come across too and it's actually the reason I scrapped one of the cars. The house was burgled and the only key fob was taken and no locksmith could help us to a new one. The car was then just uneconomical to repair with some of the other issues it had, it was only an S280 so it wasn't worth spending massive amounts on it. The only way to fix it was to get a new key/locks/ECU from another car etc and it just wasn't worth it.
@@2broken2rusty Yes without at least a fob it is a hassle. If you still have a fob with transponder there are workarounds, by placing the transponder in close proximity to the lock and getting aftermarket replacements for the key made. You will not have the same functionality, but at least the car can be kept on the road. My car although one owner before me came with only the hotel/valet key and one fob, so when I heard they were being available again I ordered a second one. And yes, with a 280 it would have to be pristine to warrant such an operation.
I have never seen rust in a w140 tbh even from abandoned ones. Never seen suspension problem, never seen leaks on feet pulling out dash ffs. The only problem of w140 is not making water powered vehicle haha
