Faults:

Had to deal with lots of running gear issues when I bought the car; shocks, arms, broken springs, motor mounts, tires, etc. After that $2500, it has been great.

One side of the radio amp went out, so had to replace the head unit and amp, now it sounds like new.

General Comments:

Adequate power for the weight, and a bit better fuel economy than the 500 or 600 models. The 6 cylinder is too small for this car.

Ride is the best on the road, bar none. Tons of space, but in front and in back, seats are firm and comfortable and fully adjustable. No wind noise, no engine noise, no road noise. You have have a normal conversation, listen to quiet passages on the radio, or just revel in the quiet.

This was the best of the best in it's day, and up to the 2000 model year, build, quality and performance were without equal.

If you want a long distance, high speed touring car with space for 4 fully grown adults to travel in peace, style, comfort and safety, the W140 model Benz is the car you should look for.

Faults:

The worst problem I've had with two "140" body "S" class vehicles I've owned (the S320 and 500SEL) is the interior section of the AC going bad (very common as I've been told). Basically, there's a condenser section mounted deep inside of the dash that needs replacement in this instance and the job is HUGELY INVASIVE AND EXPENSIVE! When my servicing MBZ dealer showed me my car, with the interior almost completely dismantled to get at this beastly coil, it was about like seeing one of my children on an operating table with his chest open! The procedure runs $4 to $5 grand and there's no way around it if you need AC (if you can't afford to remedy this unfortunate circumstance, you're driving the wrong car bro)!

The other problem I had in common with both cars was the HVAC blower motor going bad (I live in Florida where it's always on). That problem was a thousand bucks a copy.

Finally, both cars gave me trouble from the hydraulic system that closes the doors and trunk lid. That master pump runs about $1500 with parts, labor and programming!

General Comments:

The 140 body 500SEL is a beast in velvet gloves. Despite its weight and largess, the vehicle is very, very fast and agile when properly maintained.

While I own several other expensive luxury vehicles, my 500SEL, dressed black-on-black, with chromed factory rims and very tinted glass, commands some serious attention. Unfortunately, a lot of the attention in this day and age, due to the current age of this vehicle, is from law enforcement. Sadly, these vehicles have aged and depreciated to a point where almost anyone can afford one that looks good despite questionable maintenance and often poor mechanical condition. Quite frankly, as a Caucasion gentleman, I have to roll my window down and smile at interested police officers to shake them off my tail! Oh well it's worth the effort!