1993 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 500 SEL 5.0 Litre from North America

Summary:

Benchmark of automotive industry

Faults:

The heater fan was blown when I got the car, it's a problem that almost most mercedes cars have. Rear shocks had issues, but other than that nothing else.

General Comments:

I love this car. I cannt believe how much they have dropped in price. I feel so bad for those people driving new Hondas and Toyotas that have no heart whatsoever. Here we all traded in our soul for a market share and political correctness? I am lucky I am not one of those people.

This car is everything you will ever need. 4700 lbs, 325 hp motor that will bury you in your seat when floored, very low levels of outside noise, great stereo system and an undeniable presence. Car is very safe and solid even at 100+mph blasts.

Buy a good well kept model and you will never look back again.

One downside is fuel economy, 12mpg is in the city, and 20 on highway. But when you are being treated like a king, who cares, one life, enjoy it!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th December, 2005

3rd Jun 2006, 07:42

Not many people who drive Japanese cars have to put up with vinyl seats and wind-up windows, unless you are talking about cars built in the sixties and seventies.

These cars are lovely, the high fuel consumption being a major downside.

Mechanical repair costs can be kept low by being vigilant on maintenance and using a specialist for repairs. Avoid main dealers.

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1993 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S420L 4.2 V8 from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Bargain second hand buy

Faults:

Seatbelt tensioners failed on both front seats.

Gel filled engine mounts collapsed.

Steering strut failed.

ABS delay had to be replaced.

General Comments:

Fantastic family car, smooth powerfull cruiser with excellent economy for the size and weight of the car.

Compared very well with the Volkswagen Vento VR6 I had previously for performance, handling and economy, but WAY BIGGER.

This car had to be used and did not like sitting around. Excellent safe long distance commuter.

Above faults are understandable for age of vehicle. Vehicle was $230,000 new now worth around $12,000.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th November, 2005

1993 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 400SEL 4.2 Gasoline from North America

Summary:

A sink-hole

Faults:

Motor Mounts collapsed twice--$800 to fix each time.

Air Conditioner lost coolant twice--No leaks found by dealers or independent shops.

Electric rear windows failed to roll up twice. Costs $300 to fix each time.

Trunk closer failed twice. Costs $200 to fix.

Automatic door locks fail to open remotely. Costs $400 to fix.

Seat belt tensioner on both front seats failed. Costs $400 per seat to fix.

General Comments:

This car is over-designed with poor quality. There are too many useless features that break down and are expensive to fix. The list above is not comprehensive--but gives the idea of what is going on.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 11th December, 2002

18th Nov 2005, 18:31

Had some of the exact same problems, engine mounts and seat belt tensioners.

8th Mar 2009, 10:04

I feel your pain. I had a 1992 W140, and at 101K miles, I sold it. Never been so happy to get rid of a car. Overall quality is just poor. Interior trim coming loose, transmission acting up, long list of little things. Spent more time in the shop than on the road. Never again.

Had I realized that MB lost a class-action lawsuit over these cars, I wouldn't have bought one in the first place!

In reply to 18th Nov 2005, 18:31

25th Jun 2014, 17:08

The engine mounts are designed to fail... it's a safety issue.

However...

This also affects the life of the mounts. They are quick and easy to replace, but you will spend a fortune if you have someone else replace them.

I had a severe engine shake. The mounts were about ten (or so) months old. Had no idea what the problem could be. It was the left (most common failure) engine mount. Had I crawled under the car, I would have found the problem. The engine is designed to shear from the mounts in a front-end collision, and dive under the passenger compartment, and absorb energy.

26th Jul 2018, 18:16

I recognize a lot of these things as well. Central locking, soft close doors, backsite antennas, hydraulic suspension, aircon leak, not driving straight... always something. I will have spent +- 4500 euro in half a year's time...