high mileage to avoid on second hand mercedes?
If it's got a full history, then not really. Bigger engines and diesels will handle the mileage better. Depends on the use, e.g. motorway cruising, urban bimbling, towing, etc.
Sounds like you have a car in mind. What model are you looking at?
Sounds like you have a car in mind. What model are you looking at?
140K is nothing for these as we know, BUT its gotta have those stamps and service bills...
And remember that when its done 140K its about half the price of one thats done 60-70K..
With your recent luck though, i might be inclined to go for something a little lower mileage for peace of mind!
And remember that when its done 140K its about half the price of one thats done 60-70K..
With your recent luck though, i might be inclined to go for something a little lower mileage for peace of mind!
mayoga
Active Member
- Joined
- Oct 14, 2003
- Messages
- 111
- Car
- CLK 320 & Elise LB RT
Marc,
Had a new E200 in 96. 3 years later and 150K on the clock it was still perfect and in all the miles the car didn't miss a beat
As I left the company I handed it back but I wish I had bought it instead of a BMW 523 (broke down 5 times in 36K).
Gav
Had a new E200 in 96. 3 years later and 150K on the clock it was still perfect and in all the miles the car didn't miss a beat
As I left the company I handed it back but I wish I had bought it instead of a BMW 523 (broke down 5 times in 36K).
Gav
Was chasing a 1995 S320 limo. All the toys etc and up for £5495.
Too good to be true? I think so. Two different advertisers (with seperate numbers) were selling the car, everything that could sound wrong was (changed plates, no original history, imported etc).
I'm not touching ANYTHING without a full main dealer service history. My intended £5500-ish budget seems extremely fanciful so I'm now looking at £6000-£6500 at a push.
I know zero about C and E class Mercedes BTW, so if anyone wants to regale me with tales of a 1995-ish model that my budget suits feel free to educate me! I like the W140 a lot for both size and extras but appreciate I may be £2k too poor to get one!
The hunt continues! (as ever, thanks for the help)
Too good to be true? I think so. Two different advertisers (with seperate numbers) were selling the car, everything that could sound wrong was (changed plates, no original history, imported etc).
I'm not touching ANYTHING without a full main dealer service history. My intended £5500-ish budget seems extremely fanciful so I'm now looking at £6000-£6500 at a push.
I know zero about C and E class Mercedes BTW, so if anyone wants to regale me with tales of a 1995-ish model that my budget suits feel free to educate me! I like the W140 a lot for both size and extras but appreciate I may be £2k too poor to get one!
The hunt continues! (as ever, thanks for the help)
Ian B Walker
MB Enthusiast
- Joined
- Jun 7, 2003
- Messages
- 7,668
- Location
- Freckleton
- Car
- 300-24, saloon and coupe, E300 24 valve diesel estate
This weekend just hit 200,000 miles in the 260E. Still pulls 120mph (chickened out at that as it has more to offer) Got 3 bar oil pressure at 1500 rpm. 1 bar at 500rpm (bit low but is ok) regular oil changes. Gives me about 26 mpg. Accelerates like a bat out of hell and the kick down is a scary thing to use. So at 140,000 I wouldnt worry, as long as you have a history with it.
janner
MB Enthusiast
- Joined
- Oct 13, 2003
- Messages
- 2,816
- Car
- E320 Turbo Technics
Hi Marc,
Here's my advice to buying a W140. Just my opinion.
Buy a June '96 or later.
Avoid 280 & 600
Avoid white or red ones
Avoid ones with more than 2 or 3 owners.
Avoid ones without alloys, leather, electric seats, full merc history.
Be suspicious of very low mileage ones. (no one buys an S-class for popping to church on Sundays)
I would have the LWB as it's almost impossible to park either SWB or LWB!
Check that everything works, especially aircon (evaporator is £2k+) & electric seats
Make sure the gearbox doesn't slip between changes.
Check for oil leaks at rear of headgasket on S320 (£1k)
Haggle big time as the W140 is always hard to sell.
A C280 or E320 might suit you better at £5500-£6000. A W140 is not really the car to buy on a tight budget.
Like I said, it's just my opinion.
Here's my advice to buying a W140. Just my opinion.
Buy a June '96 or later.
Avoid 280 & 600
Avoid white or red ones
Avoid ones with more than 2 or 3 owners.
Avoid ones without alloys, leather, electric seats, full merc history.
Be suspicious of very low mileage ones. (no one buys an S-class for popping to church on Sundays)
I would have the LWB as it's almost impossible to park either SWB or LWB!
Check that everything works, especially aircon (evaporator is £2k+) & electric seats
Make sure the gearbox doesn't slip between changes.
Check for oil leaks at rear of headgasket on S320 (£1k)
Haggle big time as the W140 is always hard to sell.
A C280 or E320 might suit you better at £5500-£6000. A W140 is not really the car to buy on a tight budget.
Like I said, it's just my opinion.
Thanks Janner, very much appreciated.
Will look into the two other models as it seems I'll get newer in those models for my cash.
Is the 96+ cosmetically different or do you just feel a newer car is a better option?
FWIW I have seen two...
1. "1993(L) MERCEDES S320 Private number plate, 98000 miles, £6,995, metallic Blue, Beige Leather, Automatic, ABS, Sunroof, Cruise Control, Air Conditioning, Stereo, Electric Windows, Alarm, Central Locking, Power Assisted Steering, Alloy Wheels, Remote Central Locking, Electric Mirrors, Immobiliser, Full mercedes service history, just serviced, parking aid, electric lumber support, double glazed,folding mirrors, totally mint condition throughout."
Have spoken to the owner (by email) and he is furnishing me with more info tomorrow (our first conversation confirmed a recent service.
2. "1995 M MERCEDES-BENZ S CLASS S320 Auto [5] 4 DoorSaloon
Azurite blue, 91000 miles, Remote Central Locking, Electric Windows, Electric Sunroof, Electric Mirrors, ABS, Power Steering, Drivers Air Bag, Passenger Air Bag, Cruise Control, Alarm, Immobiliser, Alloy Wheels, Contrasting sand leather, double glazed, soft closure to doors and boot, CD multi changer, rear parking aid, complete Mercedes service dealer service history. In original condition, a real pleasure to drive and a credit to its previous owners, just lovely."
Thoughts?
PS I intend taking out a warranty for £550 a year that covers almost everything and has unlimited £5k claims (reading the small print of course!).
Usual thanks apply
Will look into the two other models as it seems I'll get newer in those models for my cash.
Is the 96+ cosmetically different or do you just feel a newer car is a better option?
FWIW I have seen two...
1. "1993(L) MERCEDES S320 Private number plate, 98000 miles, £6,995, metallic Blue, Beige Leather, Automatic, ABS, Sunroof, Cruise Control, Air Conditioning, Stereo, Electric Windows, Alarm, Central Locking, Power Assisted Steering, Alloy Wheels, Remote Central Locking, Electric Mirrors, Immobiliser, Full mercedes service history, just serviced, parking aid, electric lumber support, double glazed,folding mirrors, totally mint condition throughout."
Have spoken to the owner (by email) and he is furnishing me with more info tomorrow (our first conversation confirmed a recent service.
2. "1995 M MERCEDES-BENZ S CLASS S320 Auto [5] 4 DoorSaloon
Azurite blue, 91000 miles, Remote Central Locking, Electric Windows, Electric Sunroof, Electric Mirrors, ABS, Power Steering, Drivers Air Bag, Passenger Air Bag, Cruise Control, Alarm, Immobiliser, Alloy Wheels, Contrasting sand leather, double glazed, soft closure to doors and boot, CD multi changer, rear parking aid, complete Mercedes service dealer service history. In original condition, a real pleasure to drive and a credit to its previous owners, just lovely."
Thoughts?
PS I intend taking out a warranty for £550 a year that covers almost everything and has unlimited £5k claims (reading the small print of course!).
Usual thanks apply
janner
MB Enthusiast
- Joined
- Oct 13, 2003
- Messages
- 2,816
- Car
- E320 Turbo Technics
Hi,
I'm no expert on the W140. I was going to buy one last year and did a lot of research and looked at a lot of them. (before buying another W124!)
The '96 models had a slight facelift, a lot more standard kit, more reliable aircon and no engine wiring harness problems on the 320.
The difference in price between a 95 and 96 is often small.
As for the ones you highlighted, 1) seems at least 2 grand too much. It's also a very old one. It had it's first facelift in '94. The '92 & '93 were very unreliable and best avoided. 2) sounds OK, long list of standard bits 'n bobs, except aircon? Also check the gearbox as the early 5 speeds are less reliable than the 4s and very expensive to fix.
A quick look at autotrader brought up this..1997 MERCEDES S320, R reg. met black/beige leather, all extras inc, d/glazing, a/c, e/seats, traction, above average mileage, but in excellent condition throughout, £50,000 new!!. £6,995 . Oakdale.
Tel: (01354) 692634
Same price as your 93! and I'd still be offering £6K! Remember, mileage is less important than condition and history.
Good luck.
I'm no expert on the W140. I was going to buy one last year and did a lot of research and looked at a lot of them. (before buying another W124!)
The '96 models had a slight facelift, a lot more standard kit, more reliable aircon and no engine wiring harness problems on the 320.
The difference in price between a 95 and 96 is often small.
As for the ones you highlighted, 1) seems at least 2 grand too much. It's also a very old one. It had it's first facelift in '94. The '92 & '93 were very unreliable and best avoided. 2) sounds OK, long list of standard bits 'n bobs, except aircon? Also check the gearbox as the early 5 speeds are less reliable than the 4s and very expensive to fix.
A quick look at autotrader brought up this..1997 MERCEDES S320, R reg. met black/beige leather, all extras inc, d/glazing, a/c, e/seats, traction, above average mileage, but in excellent condition throughout, £50,000 new!!. £6,995 . Oakdale.
Tel: (01354) 692634
Same price as your 93! and I'd still be offering £6K! Remember, mileage is less important than condition and history.
Good luck.
Again, fantastic response that has educated me no end
Here's the supplementary info...
Mercedes S320 Auto, 1993 L reg with private plate.
Dark Blue Metallic with Magnolia leather.
98,000 miles with full Mercedes
service History and serviced @ 2,203 , 9,253, 17,550 , 26,910, 34,468,
45,684, 54,273, 62,889, 68,589, 80,492, 89,276 and I just serviced it @
97,665.
The spec includes:- double glazing, electric steering weel height adjuster, full closure alarm, rear parking aid, removable radio facia, electric lumber support, rear ceiling vanity mirrors, alloy wheels, electric
sunroof, folding mirrors.
The vehicle has 3 previous owners and the current MOT is until May 04.
The price is 6,995 with the number plate or 6,500
without.
Here's the supplementary info...
Mercedes S320 Auto, 1993 L reg with private plate.
Dark Blue Metallic with Magnolia leather.
98,000 miles with full Mercedes
service History and serviced @ 2,203 , 9,253, 17,550 , 26,910, 34,468,
45,684, 54,273, 62,889, 68,589, 80,492, 89,276 and I just serviced it @
97,665.
The spec includes:- double glazing, electric steering weel height adjuster, full closure alarm, rear parking aid, removable radio facia, electric lumber support, rear ceiling vanity mirrors, alloy wheels, electric
sunroof, folding mirrors.
The vehicle has 3 previous owners and the current MOT is until May 04.
The price is 6,995 with the number plate or 6,500
without.
"1997 MERCEDES S320, R reg. met black/beige leather, all extras inc, d/glazing, a/c, e/seats, traction, above average mileage, but in excellent condition throughout, £50,000 new!!. £6,995 . Oakdale."
No service stamps last "few thousand miles", covered 160,000 and only a 2.8.
Too good to be true ;-)
Worth a call though, so many thanks.
No service stamps last "few thousand miles", covered 160,000 and only a 2.8.
Too good to be true ;-)
Worth a call though, so many thanks.
janner
MB Enthusiast
- Joined
- Oct 13, 2003
- Messages
- 2,816
- Car
- E320 Turbo Technics
It's this kind of advert that made me give up looking for a W140. There are very few genuine ones out there. I lost count of the number of 'Limos' that turned out to be SWB and 'fully loaded' ones that had hardly any extras at all. I recon I looked at about 15 W140s and all had something major wrong with them. I guess about half had faulty aircon. Ask loks of questions before you set off to look at them.
A 2.8ltr, S320 though, that's just naughty!!
A 2.8ltr, S320 though, that's just naughty!!
Exactly... "it's a 2.8"... click.
Also today had "it was imported from Japan hence no history for the first two years", also had "been garaged for last 2 years" on another and then the best one, the same car advertised by two different "dealers" both with different tales to tell re the number plate being swapped so an HPI "may give you duff info".
Hmm.
Exchange & Mart day tomorrow... here I go again!
(may well give up on a W140 but know zero about other saloons - want a big car - as in roomy and powerful - not necessarily quick off the mark IYSWIM!).
Also today had "it was imported from Japan hence no history for the first two years", also had "been garaged for last 2 years" on another and then the best one, the same car advertised by two different "dealers" both with different tales to tell re the number plate being swapped so an HPI "may give you duff info".
Hmm.
Exchange & Mart day tomorrow... here I go again!
(may well give up on a W140 but know zero about other saloons - want a big car - as in roomy and powerful - not necessarily quick off the mark IYSWIM!).
hi mark, looks like i bought the L reg s320 you were talking about, had it checked out by rac. mecanicly a1, ac needs re charging, great condition for age, broken off side wing mirror inner casing( have improvised repair) rear window heater not working( pos relay i hope). other bits and pieces that need a little and not expencive looking at, drives like a dream. am basicly (so for) very happy with car. how did you get on ????
The a/c could be a more serious affair than just a recharge. Common on the 140's and about 33 hrs labour to repair.
Good luck though, hope it just needs a refill.
Jay
Good luck though, hope it just needs a refill.
Jay
Marc,
Dare I mention it here but have you considered a 7 series? Most would agree the sportier driver appeal is very good and for that money you would get a good un.
Be aware though from my humble experience with all beasts like these is that even the best ones (especially BM) will need a fair bit to get it just right.
I would now budget around £1500 extra for tyres/ suspension bushes/ shocks etc.. as a matter of course.
Oh the joys and lack of bills with a C180 !
Dare I mention it here but have you considered a 7 series? Most would agree the sportier driver appeal is very good and for that money you would get a good un.
Be aware though from my humble experience with all beasts like these is that even the best ones (especially BM) will need a fair bit to get it just right.
I would now budget around £1500 extra for tyres/ suspension bushes/ shocks etc.. as a matter of course.
Oh the joys and lack of bills with a C180 !