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

[Mick Briesgau]

thanks to the contributors for providing such valuable content, on the development, miscellenious of these legend oldtimers. I absolutely yearn to see content like this.

The W140 is a true legend, ridiculously over engineered, though some of the design elements may be questionable.

At that time, I saw my first W140 in Provence (France). At first the side design was a bit awkward in my eyes. As years go by, I got used to it's sight and now I love it's design.

 

[mercpassion]

At that time, I saw my first W140 in Provence (France). At first the side design was a bit awkward in my eyes. As years go by, I got used to it's sight and now I love it's design.

I can't blame you, it would sure have been something of a culture shock, for everyone who was used to the discreetly elegant prowess of the W126 (and earlier generations) saloons. Probably the only S-Saloon ever which actually looked as big as it was, since all other generations have masterfully masked their actual large size - another typical S-Class design characteristic.

 

[Mick Briesgau]

I can't blame you, it would sure have been something of a culture shock, for everyone who was used to the discreetly elegant prowess of the W126 (and earlier generations) saloons.

Yes, it was, sort of. The sighting in Provence I mentioned, was rather funny, because the driver/owner was a small, little guy. The W140 was a battleship next to him. As if a 14 year old joyrided his father's car

 

[Rolf]

I actually like the pre FL W140 with the orange indicator lenses as well as larger back lights better than the FL version from 1994/1995, what do you think?

In my opinion the original version looks cleaner and more elegant with the smoother side door lower panels and larger rear lights.

FL:

FL

FL:

FL

 

[Mick Briesgau]

Agreed @Rolf. If memory serves, Mercedes-Benz tried to make the car look smaller with the FL/Mopf design.

 

[Kowalski]

While the W140 would demolish any Corsa on its path, it didn't have side curtain airbags so side protection against SUVs was not good, although side impact airbags were standard but only from 1996 onwards. Stability control was an optional from 1996 onwards as well; standard for V12 models, though.

 

[klier]

SUVs did hardly exist in Europe in the early 90's (or late 90's for that matter). The S class pretty much was the biggest car on the whole EU market.

And trying to make a car look smaller than they actually were definitely was a thing in the 90's! For both MB and BMW.

 

[Mick Briesgau]

And trying to make a car look smaller than they actually were definitely was a thing in the 90's!

True, but imo Mercedes-Benz 'overdid' it with the W220 (1998-2005). With it's length of 5,04 m/5,16 m. (S-lang) it was circa 7 cm shorter, 3,1 cm less wide, and 4,1 cm less hight than W140. The W220 S 320 was circa 300 kilogram lighter than an equivalent W140 S320. That's what I call saving weight.

 

[sako97]

Wow. I've always wanted a W140 Grand Edition; its so incredibly rare. Very few cars are as imposing.

 

[Kowalski]

Never challenge a W140 with an E28

To view this content we will need your consent to set third party cookies.
For more detailed information, see our cookies page.

Accept third party cookies

Look how tiny the E28s look in comparison to the 140.

 

[Rainer271]

Look how tiny the E28s look in comparison to the 140.

No, it's the opposite: the S looks bulky.

 

[Yaz]

This is interesting...

Looks like Distronic was already being developed in the early 1990's.

Yes it was. You can see the radar sensor in some of the photos. I guess they decided against it at the last minute. The W140 already had too many techs for its time.
I think they also tested airmatic on the W140. At least for the Maybach.

 

[DjordjeC63]

^ Even though 600 and 300SEL both had air suspension way before W140 and W220 Maybach

 

[Yaz]

Didn't know about the 330SEL, but I thought the 600's was hydraulic?

 

[DjordjeC63]

Nope, 600 has air suspension, windows and seats move by hydraulics. 300 SEL 6.3 also has air suspension. 450SEL 6.9 W116 had hydropneumatic suspension. 560SEL W126 also had hydropneumatic suspension, as option.

 

[Yaz]

Who wants a couple brand new W140's?

http://vi.raptor.ebaydesc.com/ws/eB...78589&category=6336&pm=1&ds=0&t=1460161227813

Only $300k for both

 

[Rolf]

Wow that 600 SEL is magnificent its leather seats look brand new perfect colour combination

 

[Merc1]

I wish I had seen those 2 before I bought mine. I have a 83K on mine, and it is in great condition, but not like those two are, wow.

M

 

[Mick Briesgau]

The kind of classic find you dream about...

 

[sako97]

A complex automobile with very little miles covered over two decades could be problematic. A very tempting proposition for the decsering MB collector and/or W140 enthusiast, but I'd highly recommend a comprehensive inspection by a dealership or one of the many pre-W220, youngtimers specialists.

I remember long ago someone on a MB forum bought a '90s G Wagen with delivery miles and discovered that some sort of animal ate at the electrics in the engine bay over the years. What was seemingly a collectors item quickly became a money pit.

Aside: A friend of mine, an owner of '97 S500 since 2000 has found it difficult to service his S at his MB dealership as a result of less and less techicans having experience with pre-2000 MBs. He has to schedule an appointment well in advance and the service center has to order parts that are otherwise readily available for newer MBs. Fortunately he has a local specialist.