We had a 1997 S320 LWB in the family from new to 7 or 8 years old. It did not have too many problems. The head gasket got changed out due to the usual oil leak. A front wheel bearing went at 60K or 70K miles. My brother killed the heater fan by driving through a winter carwash with the heater on full. Not much to complain about, really. Never stranded anyone, never needed a jump start, never needed a tow.

I recall dad saying it would deliver 24MPG on the highway, or maybe just a bit more. For a highway commute, these days I bet the per-mile fuel cost of the 140 is lower than the 123 diesel.

The 140 isn't my style, so I elected not to pick it up when it got retired. Sure seemed like a good car, though.

- JimY