Is the front end vibration issue a problem for all W140's orjust certain models /years. What I am asking is are there any W140's which I could be assured would not have the vibration problem?

As Mr. ibeaver correctly stated, pre-95 higher end W140s came standard with the rear power bench seat. This set up included electric folding and raising headrests.

Lower end S-class W140s (S420/S320/S350) had only the regular folding rear headrests. This is the type, to save costs again, that was made standard for the whole line up post 95.

You could always order the rear power bench seat, or if you had money to give away, you could even order the rear independent powered bucket seats, which also came standard with rising and folding powered headrests.

The rear independent bucket seats could also be ordered with a convinience switch that lets you control the right front bucket seat from the back (to provide more space), a pair of wooden tables that folded into the front seat backs (a la Rolls Royce), and even a refrigerator that could accomodate a six-pack or two bottles of wine, accessible through the opening that the rear armrest leaves when in the down position.

In the W140s, the rear independent buckets could be ordered either for the short wheelbase or the long wheelbase version (enough space was available in both versions). In the W220, you can still get the rear independent buckets, but only for the long wheelbase version.

Note: the aformentioned icebox could also be installed in any car using the regular rear bench seast (powered or not), and if you are the type that really likes to entertain, you could order a bigger icebox that was factory installed in the trunk (swallowing eight bottles of wine at once), although it ate up almost 40% of trunk space). M.B. refers to both iceboxes in the Option List Catalog as convenience items to provide cool drinks to the driver and passengers, or as a safety item to keep heat-sensitive medication in the car.


A. Rosich
S320, 1998
E320T, 1995

[Edited by A. Rosich on 06-27-2001 at 12:33 AM]

I have seen a 2000 S320 SWB with the rear electric seats. It's an option available in Germany if I'm not wrong. I really, really regret selling the S320L as it was a car I loved very much which stills stands out from other cars.

As I understand, the full rear electric bench seat can be ordered for the W220 on some markets for the short wheel base model, the independent electric rear bucket seats can only be ordered for the long wheel base models.

In the W140, as said before, you could order (although for a nice premium of about $8,000.00) the independent rear electric bucket seats for the short wheel base.

A. Rosich
S320, 1998
E320T, 1995

For those of us who own a W140: Model? Year? Options? How many miles? Comments? I'll start:

Year/model: '94 S500
Color combo: Smoke Silver/Parchment
Mileage: 106,110 miles
Options: Power rear window sunshade/manual rear side shades, integrated mobile phone w/deluxe handset, 6 disc cd changer
Comments: Probably the best Mercedes-Benz I have ever owned. It runs perfectly and aside from a few minor issues over the years the car is still a joy to drive! As far as I'm concerned it's barely broken in. . .

Just as an observation to this whole thread:
Y'know, when the 140 came out, everybody weeped openly and said the 126 was "the last REAL Mercedes". My, how times change. Or do they? I think everyone just needs to chill and give the 220 a chance to prove itself. Not all cars are "instant" classics. The 140 was a primo POS for at least the first 2 years, wasn't really ironed out for more like 3 or 4.
Gilly

1995 S420
White/Grey
7200 miles
6 Disc CD Changer
Clear Euro Blinkers
Clear/red 97+ Taillights
Wood/Leather Steering Wheel
Wood/Leather Gear Knob

This car has been perfect so far, the ride is very smooth and stable. No anoying problems and defects that are found in todays MBs. Overall this is one of the most solid cars on the road. The ultimate Luxury Benz

I don't have this car anymore. It was sold around a year ago. The following were it's specifications.
Model = S320L
Year = 1998
Colour = Brilliant Silver
Options = Two tone leather (black on grey interior), black bird's eye maple wood trim, sunroof, PTS, rear elec. bench seats(not the individual bucket type seats, vacumm doors, xenons.

I do remember when I first saw the W140. I thought it wasn't as good looking as the W126, and I still think so. The W126 is a timeless piece of machinery, particuarly the post '86 big V8-engined models (420SEL/500SEL/560SEL). The W140 took some time to grow on me (design wise).

But, in terms of size, comfort, features (real ones, not electronic gadgets) the W140 is the real King of the Road.

The W220, being smaller and much much character-less does not stand a chance to compete with the excellence of the W116/W126/W140 classics. It is sad, but it is true.

A. Rosich
S320, 1998
E320T, 1995

I definitely agree with A. Rosich with respect to the W140 and W220's. The W220 is a veritable electronic wonder car, It has a huge amount of features. However, the GPS system is counterintuitive to use and is much less user friendly than those systems from other car companies. MB still uses CD-ROMs (which can only hold one region of the country) to store the maps when other companies are using DVD's for storage. Also, the quality of the interior materials feels "cheap." Yes, people can argue that the newer materials are more durable but when one pays anywhere between $70k-130k for an automobile, they expect better than that.

Now, I must agree that the new cars are much better in terms of fuel economy and performance but overall, in this case, newer is not better. Hopefully the 2003 facelift will address these issues.

Previous comments still stand. All in good time.
Gilly

I agree with Gilly. I own a W126, and I've heard so much about how the W140 has too many gadgets and feels cheap compaired to the W126. I think the W220 will make a place for itself in equal status with the W140/W126.

Thanks, Biggie. It's not so long ago that just tons of negative slurs were being aimed at the 140. I still remember the comments about what a big lard wagons they were and the slab-sidedness, and geez what else? Plastic bumpers and not enough chrome, all plastic. I like the 140, don't get me wrong. I'm just saying that I think the 220 will get better also, and when it's replaced it will be "126 vs 140 vs 220 vs whatever the new one is called". Quirks and nit-picks and engineering problems aside, it is definitely an S-class Mercedes, and stands up well in comparison to them all. I still haven't seen the degree of problems with the 220 that were rampant with the first 2 years of the 140. Anyone ever hear of the "140 chassis Value Commitment Program"? Cripes they were so lousy that an entire "program" had to be developed to get these turkeys back into some kind of quality standard. I still have the binder with the checklists and service bulletins. For a long time it seems like one new bulletin with another procedure was being added every month! I haven't seen a window regulator break on a 220 yet either. 140's are still breaking regulators even now. (I'm not holding my breath about a 220 regulator breaking, just between us).
Gilly

I deeply respect the opinions of those who beleive that the W220 will come around and become a real S-Klasse champion.

Although, about the chassis complaints on the previous post about the W140, maybe you haven't seen three brand new W220s on a corner totally bottom-out (proudly showing complete air-suspension failures).

I have become accostumed to see new Range Rovers kissing the floors with their bellies at the shop, but when I saw the W220s (an S320 and two S430s) it was really depressing. An interview with the owners would be interesting, considering the fact the neither of the three cars had more than 1,500 miles on them.

A. Rosich
S320, 1998
E320T, 1995

Yes, there are Airmatic problems, particularly on the earlier cars. Incidentally, I have learned that the next generation E-Class is supposed to have Airmatic, possibly standard equipment.
As a comparison to a 220 chassis sitting on its "snubbers", how about a 140 with the instrument panel laying on fender covers across the roof to replace the evaporator?
Gilly