1998 Mercedes-Benz CL420 (C140)

[tobinen]

This became available via an MB forum so I took a look and it was exactly as described by the vendor; Not perfect but a good basis to become decent without too much outlay. I decided to go for it as the price was very reasonable and I wanted to check out the fabled 140 build quality for myself.

Chassis decode:

CHASSIS WDB1400632A403418
ENGINENO 11998122015445
POWER_PS 279
POWER_KW 205
BRAND 095 = Mercedes-Benz
TRANSMISSIONTYPE A = automatic transmission
MODEL S 420 C
BODY 3 = Coupé
PAINT 744 = Brilliant silver metallic
UPHOLSTERY 231 = Leather nappa black
ENGINETYPE 2 = Petrol
NUMBEROFDOORS 3
CYLINDERCAPACITY 4196
BRANCH 0 = Passenger car
FINALDATE 23/12/1997
GROSSPRICE 75254.62
NETPRICE 64046.49
TAX 17.50%
OPTION 289 = Wood/leather steering wheel
OPTION 302 = Partition with clear glass
OPTION 303 = Armrest folding front with compartment
OPTION 405 = Multicontour backrest, front right
OPTION 461 = Instrument with mileage reading
OPTION 472 = Electronic stability program (ESP)
OPTION 512 = Radio MB Special
OPTION 540 = Electric roller blind for rear window
OPTION 613 = Headlamps for RHD vehicles
OPTION 668 = Prod. prot. f. freight pkging with tie-down hooks
OPTION 731 = Wood finish, burr walnut trim
OPTION 799 = AMG 18 light-alloy wheels (four)
OPTION 808 = Technical modifications
OPTION 819 = CD changer, MP3-capable, for 6 CDs
OPTION 833 = Additional parts for UK vehicles
OPTION 984 = COC paper - no registration certification

Just a shade over £75,000 new in 1998 and supplied by Normand Mayfair. The MB dealer history only goes to 2003 and 49,431 miles. Thereafter there is nothing until the chap I bought it from and even then it's patchy but I have no doubt the mileage of 90,200 is accurate and the previous MoTs supplied back that up.

Recent work includes all front suspension arms, radiator, thermostat and all breather hoses replaced. As far as I have tested, everything works; soft close on all doors, electric sunroof, climate control icy cold, all electric seats, and so on. Recent genuine MB mats fitted.

The faults that it has are mostly minor and/or cosmetic and I am drawing up a list to follow later. I've driven about 250 miles in it so far and impressions are positive. Very quiet, nicely progressive dampers (not Jag XJ40 good but close), no rattles inside and seemingly reasonable on fuel but I don't have a definite MPG figure yet until I refill. It's not quick by any means (my 210 will see it off easily) and the gear changes are much softer and slower than compared to my 210, but it makes adequate progress. The motorway is its natural habitat.

Edited by tobinen on Sunday 15th December 10:51

[dbdb]

I like that a lot.

[anonymous-user]

MP3 compatible CD changer in 1998, consider me impressed!

[tobinen]

dme123 said:

MP3 compatible CD changer in 1998, consider me impressed!

Sadly it isn't. The option code description has changed over the years so yes it has the 6 CD changer, but it won't play CDs with MP3s.

[irfan1712]

just so cool. and on the right wheels too... nice one OP.

[tobinen]

I really don't know. My suspicion is that the option code has changed description, which they do over time (e.g. the CD changer being MP3 compatible when it's not). It has an electric sunroof and my guess is it's that. Anything over 10 years old is likely to have a description change in one or more codes.

The service book has the same build codes as the decode I carried out, so that part is correct.

[Baryonyx]

The C140 is definitely my dream barge.

[-crookedtail-]

Bloody brilliant, such presence. I love these but would never have the balls to own one myself...nice work OP

The first time I saw one of these must have been the mid/late 90s in London. A young chap (may or may not have been a mobile pharmacist) had one and was playing some quite loud music that made my dads car shake, lol!

[bigtomski]

Hi Tobinen, I think I know this car and have pm'd you.

[ajmcampbell]

Nice car OP, welcome to the W140 club!

[tobinen]

First tank done and a return of 25.17 mpg over mixed driving. Most of the 476 miles over 85.87 litres was motorway but interestingly the gauge needle moves up/down depending on consumption - or so it seems.

Even though the needle was nearly at 0 and the warning lights were on, there must be a fair reserve as AFAIK it has a 100 litre tank.

Some minor issues to resolve include but not limited to:

Odometer display not lit
Outside temperature display incorrect
Rev counter not centred so reading too high
LH cat resonates, vendor reports the contents were removed
Scrape on the LH door Sacco panel
Scrape on the front bumper
LHF fog lamp lens missing
Rear panel and rear bumper paint faded
Early signs of rust inside one arch
A stale odour in the cabin which I just cannot place, pretty sure it's not damp

The radio reception is pretty awful and despite having however many speakers, the sound quality generally is lacking in depth.

It's still a nice place to be and on a sunny day recently I had all the windows down and sunroof open and cruised along in comfort.

Edited by tobinen on Thursday 23 July 11:39

Edited by tobinen on Thursday 23 July 13:10

[tobinen]

First (and hopefully last) breakdown yesterday. Drove to Barnes to buy some bike wheels and it wouldn't start outside the bloke's house. Key turned and just clicks, so probably battery shot I thought. Called the breakdown number and 90 minutes later with a connected jump pack, it started on the first turn. Risked the journey home without trying to source a battery in the capital and I've just ordered a new Bosch battery from ECP for £90 delivered.

[tobinen]

90,902 miles, new Bosch 019 battery fitted: £90.

Turn over now much faster and the BAS/ABS lights don't come on anymore in the morning. I think I need to resync the windows as they opened half way when I unlocked it.

[KillerHERTZ]

Takes less than a min, simply get them to the lowest point, hold the 'Down' button for 10 secs, then move them to the up position and hold 'Up' button for 10 secs.

[tobinen]

Cheers Karl

I thought it would be something like that

[tobinen]

The damp and cooler early mornings have revealed that the heated rear window does not work (light on the switch ok) and nor does the driver's door mirror.

[C70R]

Looks like a cracking car, and a model I looked at long and hard when buying my C70. I presume you paid somewhere just north of shed money, given the slightly less desirable engine and bodywork condition?

[rehab71]

That is fking cool! nice one OP.

[tobinen]

Under shed money, just. Does need a reasonable amount spending on it but it should enhance the value IMO. As a daily driver it's hard to beat.

[C70R]

tobinen said:

Under shed money, just. Does need a reasonable amount spending on it but it should enhance the value IMO. As a daily driver it's hard to beat.

That's an excellent three-figure purchase. Well played. I didn't see any at that level when I was hunting, otherwise I would have found it difficult to turn down!