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#1
03-06-2004, 09:16 PM
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W140: Dinosaur or Collectable?
I think that the W140 MB was perhaps the biggest financial loss of any model introduced by MB in it's modern history. The reason for that was multi-fold: Over-complication of sub-systems; over-utilizing not-yet perfected technologies; over-assuming the size of it's marketing niche; and over-production in a world-wide recession. Do you see the repetition of the word "over"? I do believe this was a vehichle that was done to excess, be it intentional (I tend to think it was) or not.
Regardless of what the reasoning was, there are a LOT of these awesome cars out there and I own one of them. Before continuing, let's get one thing straight.....there is nothing about this model that is inexpensive: The original sticker price was roughly $95,000 and up to $120,000, and keeping one running in prime form has a proportionatly high price tag. Upkeep will continue to be high, and hopefully parts will continue to be available. The 500 and 600 models in particular are examples of cars that probably will never again be built on that grandeous of a scale, and there-in lies my primary question: Is this a model to hold onto and pay to keep in A1 condition because it will eventually be a collector's car? Or, is this going to be a model that will be an undesireable dinosaur becuse of it's problematic tendencies?? I am looking forward to insightful relies 
__________________
1996 SL320 97K miles 1996 C220 130k miles 1992 500SEL 170k miles <---sold 1986 300E 216k miles <---sold 
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#2
03-06-2004, 10:06 PM
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Good question, I'm wondering the same thing about the W126. I guess in 20 years we will all know.
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2016 Corvette Stingray 2LT 1969 280SE 2023 Ram 1500 2007 Tiara 3200
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#3
03-06-2004, 10:33 PM
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With very few exceptions four door sedans don't become collector cars. These are cars that are going to face economic obsolescence long before the engines and chassis are worn out. It's hard for me to imagine who's going to want to own and operate them as aged used cars - poor people with big egos?, colleges students with trust funds? There's no market niche for them. They are not ever going to be inexpensive to operate - who's going to want to put up with them as daily drivers? Gas mileage is poor, insurance is high, parts and service are ridiculous. To me the historical significance of the 140 body is that it is the first Mercedes not designed for longevity - not because it isn't well built but because it lacks long term economic viability.
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#4
03-07-2004, 12:45 AM
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Quote:
My 300SE will never be worth much, but its as good as any roadster to me. 
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#5
03-07-2004, 01:34 AM
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I love my 126's two 81 SD's and an 86 500SE , there is no problem getting parts and except for a few engine related parts in general they are not any more expencive than say Honda parts, and they sure are eaiser to work on.
They are comforable , roomy, have large trunks, you have good vision, my diesels get 26+ MPG ,handleing may not be Porsche like but you know where they are on the road. You sure don't have to look for a star on the hood to tell that a 126 in any of it's cofigurations is a Mercedes.With some careful shoping you can get a car that is great to drive and still turns heads for the price of a clapped out pick up truck.......... William Rogers........ Long live the 126...........
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#6
03-07-2004, 09:47 AM
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W108 / 111 coupe / convertible - worth a fortune
W108 / 111 saloon / sedan - worthless (except the 280 se 3.5) whats the W116 coupe equivilant? was there one? w116 450 6.9 - worth a bit... 126 500 SEL - worthless (relativly) 126 500 SEC - becoming a collectors car so - C140 500 or 600 coupe - will be a collectors car W140 600 MIGHT be collectable, 500 less so, 280 - scrap / parts car. just my tuppence (UK $0.02)
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C140 420 CL W114 280CE pimpmobile W114 250/8 Hillclimber with M110 and bike carbs - got any hot cams?
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#7
03-07-2004, 11:07 AM
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IMO collector cars are usually cars that someone seriously dreamed about owning at an earlier age and then could afford it at a later date. Many offer special features including a special engine (performance), a special paint scheme/interior and limited production. Some were also upscale cars that most couldn't afford when new like a Ferrari. Other cars become collectors because someone may have owned one years ago and it brings back great memories (many muscle cars) and they want to bring back that era in their life.
So now you need to consider how many people truly loved the W140 sedans and or coupes when they were available for sale as new and or how many previous owners would want one again. Were people commenting "I wish I could have that car" when they saw one? Honestly I don't know, I wasn't a huge fan but thats just me. The thought of maintaining one might make sense since I doubt very few will exist in 10 years but I'd relegate this car to weekend joy ride duty to decrease maintenance costs and help maintain original paint/interior. There are many cars in MB's history which have excessive maintenance requirements including the 600 and the 6.9 with air suspension, both are collectors. There are also many that offered very little maintenance requirements, none of which are collectors. IMHO the W126 560SEC is already a collectors car, it's rare, many wanted one and they're beautiful. But again that's just my opinion.
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Afshin Current: 02 C32 AMG Previous: 92 500E 84 190E 2.3 5 Spd
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#8
03-07-2004, 03:08 PM
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for several years i always said whenever a 140 passed me that i wanted one - i just never knew there was a coupe version... soI fit in that catagory - now that it has become affordable (I paid £13K UK). pity the price of tyres hasn't dropped as much as the car value... :roleyes: i need a pair of fronts again (255/45 18)
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C140 420 CL W114 280CE pimpmobile W114 250/8 Hillclimber with M110 and bike carbs - got any hot cams?
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#9
03-07-2004, 03:40 PM
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Quote:
As for the long term viability of these cars ..some can definitely be had for very cheap....an early 600 sedan for example...I do agree they can be very expensive to maintain and there are a lot of them out there that have not been maintained...that being said it is not a far that is forgiving of poor service.. but I am happy with particular example(value wise anyway)...the diesels seem to be holding value very well Warren 1992 300SD 175K Columbus Ohio
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#11
03-07-2004, 04:15 PM
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Re: W140
Quote:
Also, IMO: In My Opinion
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#12
03-07-2004, 04:15 PM
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in my humble opinion=IMHO
Gilly
__________________
Click here to see a photo album of my '62 Sprite Project Moneypit (Now Sold)
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#13
03-07-2004, 04:16 PM
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wow check out the post times Ted! IMHO that's pretty weird!
__________________
Click here to see a photo album of my '62 Sprite Project Moneypit (Now Sold)
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#14
03-07-2004, 04:17 PM
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Quote:
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#15
03-07-2004, 09:15 PM
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A lot of insightful comments.....but none that have given me what I was looking for: A reason to rationalize owning three Benz's, and especially that gorgeous money pit called a W140 500SEL. LOL...just kidding, I love having all three of them. My particular 500 is a thoroughbred put out to pasture, and once I have it fully (ok, perhaps 90%) showroom it will remain there for a long time. Garaged, in the arid SW, 3-5k miles a year.....it will be an example of MB engineering excellence and marketing...well, let's say less than excellence, for a long time to come. Actually, I do believe it will become the equivlent of what the 126 is today. That car, in nicely maintained condition, is still a stately presence on the road, and is admired by anyone who relishes fine MB's.
__________________
1996 SL320 97K miles 1996 C220 130k miles 1992 500SEL 170k miles <---sold 1986 300E 216k miles <---sold
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