W140 running costs

[BarcelonaLewis]

I'm a huge fan of the W123 and love the comfy, barge like handling. I've tried a couple of modern E and S classes and didn't like them at all, the steering felt light and lacked precision. I realise the 123 is less precise but it has a relaxed, wafty character which the modern benzes don't.

Could anyone tell me what a W140 S class would be like in comparison? Both in handling and maintenance costs?

Any help would be much appreciated.

[chazola]

I'd skip the W140 unless you really love the shape and get yourself a W124 or W201- even the designer of the 140, Bruno Sacco said it was 'too big'... and they look a tad silly on our roads these days imho. They are cheap though, but not to run I'd imagine.

I've had 123s and 124s and I've found the 124 is an easier to live with version of the 123- much more modern feeling/looking and easy enough to drive daily but interesting enough to be different and feels like a 'proper' Merc still, fairly economical, cheap to insure and easy to work on.

[tobinen]

I've driven a W123 but never owned one. I have a 140 Coupé. Night and day difference, as you would expect as it's not really a fair comparison in size, class and price when new.

I don't know what handling you want from a two tonne saloon (or coupé); mine is wafty but with controlled damping. It's not a sports car and nor will the saloon be.

It's very quiet and smooth so I would expect the saloon to be similar.

Running costs are pretty good but as with older cars now, it's when something goes wrong it can be pricey. I've not had any huge bills, check out my reader's ride thread if you want to review what I have spent in just over three years. I have some expensive outstanding repairs if I want it to be perfect.

If you find a good one, I think you would love it. They really are very refined.

[BarcelonaLewis]

Thank you both for taking the time to reply here - beautiful pillarless coupe there Tobinen!

I'd seen a low mileage W140 S320 with a very good MOT history (I don't know if that's something rock solid to go on, but when you check the MOT history of the other W140s for sale they certainly put me off!), but unfortunately when I called the dealer this morning it'd been sold. I'll keep looking, possibly a little earlier as suggested Chazola.

thanks!

[ruhall]

You really need to drive one to see if it suits. Any car you look at will be c20-years old and the drive quality will depend on how well it's been maintained, tyres fitted etc etc. I suspect you'll find it quite different to a 123 or 124 but whether you like it or not is purely a personal thing.

A bad one can be very expensive, but that's also true for any poorly-maintained 'expensive when new' car.

[r129sl]

I ran a w140 for a few months. I enjoyed it but found it a little too big and heavy for spirited driving. They are not that big compared to modern stuff, however. The steering is very light, although mine had the parametric steering. They still feel like a traditional Mercedes. The refinement is incredible. Mine had double glazing. Even at 150mph it was very quiet. The ride comfort was superb. See if you can try one.

Edit: mine was cheap enough to maintain. Everything is conventional (eg suspension). They are very easy to work on: changing the plugs on the m119 V8 was a joy, it felt designed to be maintained.