1997 Mecedes S420

[stricklybojack]

.
AKA my new ride.
Certainly the best car i have ever owned, and it's 20 years old! Just bought it from the original owner with 99k on the clock for a very reasonable amount. I was the first (and only one) to look at it -arriving two hours earlier than the ad stated it would be available to view- to be ahead of the crowd.
Has Michelins with 85+% tread, new battery and an owner who stayed completely on top of the maintanence schedule.
From an area here in San Diego that is dry and far from the harmful (to cars/metal) sea air of the coastal region.
Will be getting some sheep skin covers for the front seats and i'll be good to go.
So glad i missed, or turned up my nose at a few other cars i was considering, this one is spot on.[this post was last edited: 11/26/2016-23:56]

 

[luxflairguy]

You lucky cuss!  Watch out for the sheepskin!  You are going to get a damp butt!  I had them in my '73 Lincoln!

 

[gyrafoam]

Better slap a lengthy Maintenance Contract onto it

because without it even the most simple repairs are going to be EXPENSIVE!

I have had a number of them over the years and whether they are good ones or bad ones the end result is the same: EXPENSIVE up-keep!

Mazel Tov!

 

[vacerator]

Some say

these are the best S Class ever made. Double glazed door glass make them very quiet. Yes, a Mercedes can be expensive to maintain and repair, but this one looks like it has been well cared for, so not needing a very costly restoring, as some have. The underbody components are more heavy and robust than successor ones, which adds unsprung weight, thus a boulevard smooth ride. Bushings can always be replaced.
I happen to love the styling. Some don't.
Don't get me wrong, the 2007 models I also love. Ein S klasse ist spitzenklasse.

 

[cam2s]

Lovely vehicle...

I have had the pleasure once of driving a 1985 500 SEC and I would say thats the best car I driven. I intend to buy one of that vintage when I get the means to do so. The W140 S classes like yours was supposedly the last of the "over engineered" Mercedes, it should be built like a tank. Maintaince can get expensive, but as long as you stay on top of things it isn't so bad. If you can do any repairs yourself that will help save money and fortunately there are lots of very knowledgable forums on the internet regarding these vehicles and pretty much any sort of maintence issue you could have with it. My W203 C230 has been rock solid reliable since I"ve had it, I try and do as much as I can by myself or otherwise have it serviced at the dealer. Make sure you put high quality 91 octane gas in it and always always always use OEM parts and fluids when doing maintenance and repairs!!! Hopefully it will bring you many years of enjoyment!

Cameron

 

[mieleforever]

Mercedes Maintenance

Yes, a Mercedes can be costly to maintain, I own a 2008 w204 320cdi, and there have been some issues I will admit, radiator fan going belly up, and it was rather expensive to have it fixed, BUT the joy of driving one of the best engineered cars (my opinion)one of the safest, and a car that never will tire you during those long journeys is just awesome.

Their designs is usually timeless and I think that you will definately enjoy your purchase for a very long time.

Happy motoring!!!

 

[askolover]

OOOOOOOOO

that's my favorite S Class Mercedes!! We had the next one in S500 trim and it was a fabulous car, but that is by far my favorite body. I wish I had a diesel one.

 

[stricklybojack]

.
been slowly working through a punch list of to-do's, like finally cleaning it on the outside (see pic)! Drove down to the airport this morning....such a highway cruiser this w140! (body style number as mentioned earlier).

There are still 5(!) switches on the dash i'm not sure what it is they do...gonna have to get busy with the owners manual.
The big thing left on the list is an O2 sensor that is apparently bad and triggering the check-engine-light. It will not pass smog otherwise. May try to remove it myself, clean it up and see if that works. I do know which of them is the culprit (the car has multiple) thanks to finally having a chat with the previous owner who had it diagnosed and decided to buy a newer car instead of paying for the repair. I bought the car from the niece who put it on Craig's as she had the required internet known how.
There is always the possibility it may need catalytic converters as well and that would be a real problem $$ wise. Although the previous owner said the code was for just the one O2 sensor.
Wish me luck.

 

[combo52]

Good Luck With Your New Ride

One of my employees has a C320 and he replaced the C with a $ on the rear, LOL.