1997 Mercedes-Benz S320L W140

[Onne]

Hello all,

Long time since I posted, but then again not much to report. Still have my 1990 Merc 300SE (W126), but have now also purchased a 1997 Mercedes-Benz W140 S320L.
As it goes a fairly basic spec car, in colour green black.

It does have electric seats front and back, grey leather, but alas no heated seats (how will I cope!)

I've done a few upgrades to the car since I got her nearly two months ago:
Change of wheels and tyres (it was on 18" wheels as per pictures, but they were only rated to 650kg a corner, likewise the tyres at only 600kg a corner, this car is a heavy one!)

I'll let the pictures do the talking

As purchased:


Add some original (if for the early type W140) gullideckel wheels:



Resulting in:



Bit of refrigeration added:



Under the bonnet/hood:



At a local show, it was even sunny!




Last but not least, of all supermarkets, the only spots even remotely long enough are Ze German discount Zupermarkets?

[HoTWire]

I do like a nice W140

[Onne]

They are so comfy... I thought the W126 was wafty, quiet barge, but the double glazing and enormous load of sound proofing really helps!

[bigsaloon]

Looks great on those OEM rims. A seriously huge car. I've been looking at W220s but most seem to have terrible rust issues, caused by the introduction of water based paint technology I've been told.

[Onne]

This one isn't rust free, needs a wheel arch, but other than that it's fine

Funny story about the size of these.

Apparently the only reason these have electrically foldable mirrors is because they were considered too wide to get on the transport trains!

[General Clem]

Jul 12, 2017 10:32:54 GMT bigsaloon said:

I've been looking at W220s but most seem to have terrible rust issues, caused by the introduction of water based paint technology I've been told.

Some say it's also because of the construction of the car itself, the different metals react with each other and end up accelerating corrosion, I can't confirm how true this statement is though. Regardless, W220s are rust buckets.

This S320 is seriously clean though, congrats Onne!

[edwardbear]

Whats the interior like???

[Mercdan68]

Looks stunning , I love mercs from this era

[Onne]

Meant to take some snaps of the interior... It's all there, no particular wear on anything. Will try and catch some snaps at some point today!

[Onne]

Jul 12, 2017 15:45:39 GMT edwardbear said:

Whats the interior like???

[Geordie]

Lovely thing.

Bookmarked.

[edwardbear]

Plush

[bigsaloon]

Outstanding interior quality and design

[dubbelduwwel]

Jul 12, 2017 10:52:50 GMT General Clem said:

Jul 12, 2017 10:32:54 GMT bigsaloon said:

I've been looking at W220s but most seem to have terrible rust issues, caused by the introduction of water based paint technology I've been told.

Some say it's also because of the construction of the car itself, the different metals react with each other and end up accelerating corrosion, I can't confirm how true this statement is though. Regardless, W220s are rust buckets.

W220's were mostly sorted from the 2003 face lift models - galvanised bodies etc, other issues also sorted. I'm in the market for a four seater S500.

[Onne]

Jul 14, 2017 11:40:21 GMT dubbelduwwel said:

Jul 12, 2017 10:52:50 GMT General Clem said:

Some say it's also because of the construction of the car itself, the different metals react with each other and end up accelerating corrosion, I can't confirm how true this statement is though. Regardless, W220s are rust buckets.

W220's were mostly sorted from the 2003 face lift models - galvanised bodies etc, other issues also sorted. I'm in the market for a four seater S500.

In retrospect I would have waited a bit longer, and found a four seater W140 with V8 or V12. How much worse can fuel consumption be?

[bigsaloon]

V12 urban MPG must be truly frightening. 10 MPG in city driving? Stick with your sensible six-pot!

[peter96]

I really liked your W126 and now a W140. Really jealous of your Mercedes collection. Definitely looks so much better on the proper rims. Much classier.

[Geordie]

Agree with Peter, original wheels look so much better.

[Onne]

I think I may need to sell the W126 though. Much as I love that vehicle (somehow it feels even more solid than the W140)

Realistically I only have one parking space, so if anyone is in the market for my 300SE, let me know!

[General Clem]

Jul 14, 2017 14:52:44 GMT Onne said:

In retrospect I would have waited a bit longer, and found a four seater W140 with V8 or V12. How much worse can fuel consumption be?

I imagine the V12 would be a financial nightmare from parts alone.
The V8 is probably more sensible in that regard, but they just can't be as well balanced as straight-6 or V12s; I feel like V8s don't really go with the spirit of a LWB S-Class.

In terms of engines alone, the M104 is the best you could get for a daily imo, especially since the S350 OM603 is a headache and some...

There's also a fair bit of aftermarket support if you ever want to dive into performance mods for your M104 or your W126's M103.