1998 Mercedes-Benz CL420 (C140)
Discussion
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.
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
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.
The service book has the same build codes as the decode I carried out, so that part is correct.
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.
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
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.
You are correct. They are very fine elements. Hopefully the fault isn't with the glass itself.
Some 2nd hand parts turned up from W140 Spares.
Door moulding in 744 brilliant silver £25
Outside air temp sensor £15
LH fog lamp £49
A new door speaker grille from MB (cheaper than W140 spares) £10.56
Some 2nd hand parts turned up from W140 Spares.
Door moulding in 744 brilliant silver £25
Outside air temp sensor £15
LH fog lamp £49
A new door speaker grille from MB (cheaper than W140 spares) £10.56
Geometry and steering wheel centred at last - £72. Took two attempts but as I was passing anyway, it wasn't too much of a diversion
Friday's first attempt took the steering wheel too far left from its previous position of too far right. Today's is much better and as close to central as can be expected.
Friday's first attempt took the steering wheel too far left from its previous position of too far right. Today's is much better and as close to central as can be expected.
Edited by tobinen on Monday 14th December 17:05
mudy said:
Is the Rev counter slightly sqiffy in those pictures; it looks off-centre?
Yes, quite common oddly enough. I am removing the cluster to change a bulb and try to remove the chrome rings added by the previous owner. I might have a look and see if it can be centred but I am not too concerned by it. Has been seen in 129s as well.A few minor steps forward and one step back today.
Removed the instrument cluster to replace the bulb for the odometer. MB Newbury supplied me with the wrong bulb but as I can use that for this and the 210, I will keep it as a spare. Fortunately I had a bulb left over from doing this on the 210 and it fits OK and is the correct 1.5W bulb.
I wanted to remove the aftermarket chrome rings but the cluster has odd sized torx screws for which I have no tool. I will revisit this another time. At night the light from the pointers/needles reflects off the chrome rings and it's very annoying.
The cluster:
Reverse. The one I am replacing is the upper of the 2 central bulbs:
The hole left:
Swapped bulbs with the outside temperature to make sure:
Didn't take the final picture but they are both now illuminated correctly.
I also replaced a reversing light bulb as the offside had blown.
Next was to replace the broken door speaker grille:
Unfortunately this turned out to be fastened rather more securely than I had imagined, as the plastic pins on the reverse secure into captive nuts in the door trim. I had not realised this until I'd broken a lot of the old grille and cut my finger in the process.
Therefore I will leave the rest and when I have the wireless and speakers upgraded I will ask the professionals to do it.
Remaining jobs for which I have parts: outside air temperature sensor, nearside door moulding and nearside fog lamp. I will have these fitted by a local garage hopefully in time for the MB World meet.
Removed the instrument cluster to replace the bulb for the odometer. MB Newbury supplied me with the wrong bulb but as I can use that for this and the 210, I will keep it as a spare. Fortunately I had a bulb left over from doing this on the 210 and it fits OK and is the correct 1.5W bulb.
I wanted to remove the aftermarket chrome rings but the cluster has odd sized torx screws for which I have no tool. I will revisit this another time. At night the light from the pointers/needles reflects off the chrome rings and it's very annoying.
The cluster:
Reverse. The one I am replacing is the upper of the 2 central bulbs:
The hole left:
Swapped bulbs with the outside temperature to make sure:
Didn't take the final picture but they are both now illuminated correctly.
I also replaced a reversing light bulb as the offside had blown.
Next was to replace the broken door speaker grille:
Unfortunately this turned out to be fastened rather more securely than I had imagined, as the plastic pins on the reverse secure into captive nuts in the door trim. I had not realised this until I'd broken a lot of the old grille and cut my finger in the process.
Therefore I will leave the rest and when I have the wireless and speakers upgraded I will ask the professionals to do it.
Remaining jobs for which I have parts: outside air temperature sensor, nearside door moulding and nearside fog lamp. I will have these fitted by a local garage hopefully in time for the MB World meet.
Fog lamp and outside temperature sensor replaced this morning. They quoted me 1.6 hours as the breaker had snipped the sensor at the bumper end leaving not much harness. At point of collection he wanted to charge me 2 hours which I pointed out was not the same! So 1.6 hours it was at £111.36. I am happy to pay that as I have no inclination to poke around taking skin off my knuckles.
The rev counter I will attempt once I know what weird screwdriver size I need to open the cluster and remove the chrome rings.
I popped in to a local bodyshop for an estimate on the front bumper scrape and respray the rear bumper and was quoted £540 incl. Undecided so far but they seem to have decent reputation. I also noticed some small rust specks coming through under the OSR lamp but that was not included or quoted for as he said the whole rear quarter would need spraying. That can wait for now.
The rev counter I will attempt once I know what weird screwdriver size I need to open the cluster and remove the chrome rings.
I popped in to a local bodyshop for an estimate on the front bumper scrape and respray the rear bumper and was quoted £540 incl. Undecided so far but they seem to have decent reputation. I also noticed some small rust specks coming through under the OSR lamp but that was not included or quoted for as he said the whole rear quarter would need spraying. That can wait for now.
First gremlins coming to the fore:
Radio switches off/on willy-nilly. Went to open the car this morning and it was already on! It switches itself off randomly when driving which is quite annoying. Then when you want it off, it switches on! Very odd, but it's being replaced soon.
Front parking sensors gave an audible warning and the red lights came on the display and switch. Hopefully it's just one failing.
Otherwise, still enjoying it.
Radio switches off/on willy-nilly. Went to open the car this morning and it was already on! It switches itself off randomly when driving which is quite annoying. Then when you want it off, it switches on! Very odd, but it's being replaced soon.
Front parking sensors gave an audible warning and the red lights came on the display and switch. Hopefully it's just one failing.
Otherwise, still enjoying it.
Many thanks for the offer of a wireless but I desire something modern and beefy to accomodate my music tastes. Hard to find anything remotely close to the period in all but display colour. I am going for an Alpine unit which has a slightly retro appearance.
Parking sensors now ok!
Other news, the LH door mirror heats but does not fold; the RH door mirror folds but does not heat! It's overdue a service so I am booking in soon with my trusted indy, and to check the inoperative HRW.
It also really needs a clean and wax/polish.
Currently running it on V-Power as its cost is low(er). Certainly improves the low end pick-up IMO.
Parking sensors now ok!
Other news, the LH door mirror heats but does not fold; the RH door mirror folds but does not heat! It's overdue a service so I am booking in soon with my trusted indy, and to check the inoperative HRW.
It also really needs a clean and wax/polish.
Currently running it on V-Power as its cost is low(er). Certainly improves the low end pick-up IMO.
Good news is that the parking sensors have not misbehaved since so hopefully just a one off due to weather, and I have removed the wireless
I successfully removed the chrome instrument rings this morning
Removed the cluster and split the housing. Turned out I had the correct size bit all along (T10 if anyone's interested). Undo two screws, pull out the two coloured films for the bulbs and carefully prise open.
You can see the tacho scale has been adhered 'on the p*ss' and there is no way I am attempting to remove the scale; it's very well stuck on. Perhaps a hairdryer might remove it but I am not trying. It reads about 500 revs too high and I'll live with it for now.
The rings are a snap fit so I put some loo roll on the inside of the housing and tapped with a screw driver. The large ring was fine to remove by hand.
Fitting is a reversal of removal and popped it back in. Much happier with it now. No more unwanted reflections from the light down the pointers.
I successfully removed the chrome instrument rings this morning
Removed the cluster and split the housing. Turned out I had the correct size bit all along (T10 if anyone's interested). Undo two screws, pull out the two coloured films for the bulbs and carefully prise open.
You can see the tacho scale has been adhered 'on the p*ss' and there is no way I am attempting to remove the scale; it's very well stuck on. Perhaps a hairdryer might remove it but I am not trying. It reads about 500 revs too high and I'll live with it for now.
The rings are a snap fit so I put some loo roll on the inside of the housing and tapped with a screw driver. The large ring was fine to remove by hand.
Fitting is a reversal of removal and popped it back in. Much happier with it now. No more unwanted reflections from the light down the pointers.
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