New everyday driver W140

[robertd]

Hi guys,
Thought you might be interested in some photos of the new daily driver.
Traded the 1988 W124 300E on 1996 W140 S280, I know its the little motor but it will
cover over 800 to 1000 kms per week and I need to keep an eye on the budget.
Sad to see the 300E go as she was an excellent car but I'm not going to miss her for long.
The S 280 out performs her in every way. You could say this is the continuation of the theme.
     W116 280SE  185hp
     W126 280SE  185hp
     W140 S280    193hp
She came with full dealer service records and one previous local owner, with the 160,000 sevice
just having been completed and a new set of Michelin MXV 8 Tyres.
Regards Robert<a href="http://gallery.w116.org/v/show_room/Roll+158+-+105.jpg/">click for image
I am a bit slow to work the Gallery, sorry about that.

[Andrew280SEL]

Ah, good stuff, enjoy!

But where's the photos?

[116Benz]

Congrats Robert,
How many goodies on the car?

[robertd]

The photos are now on the gallery with links. Colour code 189 EMERALD BLACK
She comes with two way glass sunroof, auto everthing including 8 way adjustable memory seats.
The battery is in the boot! probably to give Max power to the 10 stacker CD player. complete with
full set of tools and unopened medical kit,
Being the "Economy Pack" It has full steel spring suspension, no self leveling or Hydro struts
the doors aren't self closing and the seats aren't heated. Quite frankly I prefer this lower spec. model, less to go wrong! She still has all the build quality and sound proofing of the range and when she gets up to cruising speeds you would not notice the differance between it and her V8 or V12 cousins.
Loving it.
REGARDS ROBERT
I wasn't going to mention price, but now that you have asked..... $19,000 drive away

[116Benz]

The photos are now on the gallery with links. Colour code 189 EMERALD BLACK
She comes with two way glass sunroof, auto everthing including 8 way adjustable memory seats.
The battery is in the boot! probably to give Max power to the 10 stacker CD player. complete with
full set of tools and unopened medical kit,
Being the "Economy Pack" It has full steel spring suspension, no self leveling or Hydro struts
the doors aren't self closing and the seats aren't heated. Quite frankly I prefer this lower spec. model, less to go wrong! She still has all the build quality and sound proofing of the range and when she gets up to cruising speeds you would not notice the differance between it and her V8 or V12 cousins.
Loving it.
REGARDS ROBERT
I wasn't going to mention price, but now that you have asked..... $19,000 drive away

HUH? thats cheap and the K's are low. very very nice! you've done well!

[Martin 280s]

Lovely car Robert, When I grow up i want a S320 but, in Brazil, they're 4 times what you paid! Lucky man!

[Brian Crump]

Photo of LEICA by Leica?
I must admit there are 3 things I own that I am in love with;
1. My Silver Spirit.
2. My Leica.
3. My Nomos watch.
Looks like a great buy there Robert.
Regards,
BC

[robertd]

Hi Brian,
Photos unfortunately not by LEICA, my M6 titanium with 35/1.4 Summilux or my R8 with 50/1.4 are to slow to upload to the gallery. For internet shots I have aquired a digital Pentax K10 with 16-45mm zoom
Regards Robertclick for image

[robertd]

I certainly thought so, The ticket price was $26,900. I think I came along on the right day with cheque book.
Robert

[s class]

Robert, excellent choice.  You will love the car and the colour is 1st choice.  My W140 is the only car I've ever driven that I like more than 116's.  Mine is a 500, and for everyday use its actually a bit much - both the performance and the consumption.  I have considered adding a S320 to the fleet for everyday use (we didn't get the 280 here).

My experience has been that all the gizmos are actually very reliable.  I've not had any issues with them.

Around here, W140s draw a lot of attention.  With black I'm sure you will get noticed. 

Enjoy, and congrats again. 

[gregdeklerk]

That is a really good looking car. I hope you have many happy KM's of motoring in her. Like Styria says, I have also shied away from them too.

[s class]

Yes, '96 and up are the ones to get.  Most of the problems are confined to the phase 1 (up to '95) models.  That 280 motor is good too.  Sensible maintenance is all that should be required.  I reiterate what I've said before - the gizmos and clever bits seldom give any trouble.  The bugbears are the wiring harnesses, the aircon evaporator under the dash, and electronic throttles.  But those problems really only afflict the earlier cars. 

W140s are also known for consuming lower control arm bushes in the front, but more so on the v8's and v12's due to the higher weight.  The other serious problem of the V8's and V12's is lack of space in the engine bay which makes even simple maintenance tasks very time consuming.  Again the 6 cyl cars avoid this. 

I think the 280/320 is a great choice.

Ryan

[carl888]

Well done Robert!

Look forward to seeing it on my next visit!

Regards,

Carl.

[robertd]

Hi Guys
Thankyou all for your comments, I have just come back after a two day trip covering over 1600kms.
The more I drive this car the better it gets. The previous owner probably didn't take it out for long runs,
I used a bottle of fuel system cleaner ( recomended by my mechanic ) to flush out the injectors. The result was noticable, The car now idles like a singer sewing machine has more immediate response.

How can such a baby of a motor push this hugh car around so well?
Imagine a 6.9 motor in one of these!!
Regards Robert

[500eguy]

That is a Nice Clean Simple S-Class! I want a 600 Version but i don't have the Bravery or funds to take it on:)