S-Class W140 Modern classics: the S-Class Saloons of the Mercedes-Benz 140 series (1991 to 1998)

[Merc1]

I can’t describe how it looks in spy pics. Just bizarre.

M

 

[Mick Briesgau]

Which gave birth to the mighty M120.
What an era for German cars eh?

Golden era…

I do think the 1990s was the era with the most intense BMW Vs Mercedes battle with some fantastic models from both sides. In my opinion BMW made the most ground, they over engineered their cars to come close to matching or even beating the equivalent Mercedes models. The E39 5 series in my opinion was the car that elevated BMW to a new level, it was their best car with a brilliant combination of class leading comfort and driving dynamics that gave the W210 E class alot of bloody noses in comparison tests.

Well said, Rolf. A girlfriend’s father owned an E39 528i speced with that interesting aubergine coloured leather.
Besides, if you ask me, the E34 5er already elevated BMW to that new level you’re referring to. What a car that was!

 

[Design FIRST]

I do think the 1990s was the era with the most intense BMW Vs Mercedes battle with some fantastic models from both sides. In my opinion BMW made the most ground, they over engineered their cars to come close to matching or even beating the equivalent Mercedes models. The E39 5 series in my opinion was the car that elevated BMW to a new level, it was their best car with a brilliant combination of class leading comfort and driving dynamics that gave the W210 E class alot of bloody noses in comparison tests.

Yep-BMW scored some BIG points in the 1990s with the E38 7er, E39 5er and E46 3er. And M-B began to fumble the ball a bit with the bug-infested W/S210 E-Class and W220 S-Class. Mind you, purely from an exterior design point of view, I found the W220 an absolutely gorgeous automobile. And the C215 which was presented in 1999...o la la !

 

[Rolf]

@Merc1 you will love this brochure of the W140.

 

[Merc1]

I actually have those brochures!!! That Spruce Green 500SEC is a classic.

M

 

[J.E]

How's this for a barn find?

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[Merc1]

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I don't think I posted this before?

M

 

[Rolf]

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I don't think I posted this before?

M

The 600SEC looks odd from the front head on, it looks like the wheels are too narrow in the wheel arches. The car has some heavy body roll in cornering and nosedive under braking. The V12 delivers good performance considering the car weight is over 5000lb (2270kg). Interior looks luxurious and superb.

 

[Rolf]

First drive of the 600SEL in 91.

 

[Merc1]

I had this issue. I remember when I first read this. Automobile was one of the best magazines going.

M

 

[Yaz]

Unicorn found:

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[Merc1]

I sooo want a S600 or CL600.

M

 

[hoffmeister_fan]

First drive of the 600SEL in 91.

Whoa, cloth/velour seats in s600/600SEL? Wild.
And if those online inflation calculators are anything to go by, US$125,000 is almost US$300,000 in today's dollars.

 

[Merc1]

Yep the W140 was eye watering expensive. The prices were a huge shock at the time, even for a Mercedes. So the W140 300SE was actually just under the 560SEL in price, I thought it was more expensive until I looked.


Per the 1991 and 1992 price cards I still have:

1991.....................................1992
W126....................................W140
300SE $53,900.......... $69,400
300SD $53,900.......... $69,400
300SEL $57,800
350SDL $57,800
420SEL $63,600........... 400SE $77,900
560SEL $75,100........... 500SEL $93,500
---------------------->600SEL $127,800


M

 

[sako97]

This reminds me of a family friend (RIP) that bought a 1992 600SEL in cash back in ‘92 when these just hit the market. When he told the story, we couldn’t believe it. Soo much money back the day. We thought he was in the underworld somehow.

Having a 600SEL back then was the equivalent to a Rolls-Royce when it came to street credibility in NYC. The V12 really meant a lot.

Adjusted for inflation, the W220 and W221 S600s were way cheaper since you weren’t buying into the $1B development costs.

 

[Yaz]

Another unicorn.
Not sure why Japanese W140 end up in the Gulf

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[Merc1]

M

 

[Yaz]

I love these restoration videos:

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[Rolf]

This CL70 AMG coupe looks fantastic with the large classic AMG wheels

 

[Rolf]

1993 Road and Track Test of the mighty 600SEC coupe