1996 Mercedes Benz S280 (W140 Series)

[: : Serby : :]

Hi folks,

I thought I'd share some pictures and information about my latest purchase, a 1996 Mercedes Benz S280, bought for just over £1,000 and with only 87,000 miles.

I'd been looking for a W140 series S-Class for some time, my budget was limited but I wanted to make sure that I found a good example and one which wasn't going to quickly become a money pit. Having seen some fairly low mileage but poor condition examples I'd pretty much given up all hope, but then this one popped up for sale just across town from me.

Having been originally purchased in Loughborough (salesmans business card etc still with the car), the car was owned by one family for 12 years in Leicester, they seemed to look after it pretty well! Now the car lives in Nottingham, so it's always been a fairly local car which I think is nice.

In terms of spec it's the 2.8 straight six, with around 200bhp, mated to a 4-speed auto. I'm use to driving a MINI Cooper S & SRT-6, so it's a total change of pace, but one which I'm enjoying. Whilst the body work isn't totally perfect, something to be expected I suppose of a car that's 15 years old, the interior is immaculate and shows barely any signs of wear and tear.

I'm not very clued up at all about these cars, but I think it's got the optional sunroof, and larger wheels.

Anyway, onto the pics..











So far I've owned the car for a week and there no major faults, one or two interior bulbs need replacing, but that's about it. I had originally intended buying one of these cars just to own for a few months and sell on, but I think I could be tempted to keep this one..

Thanks for reading!

[: : Serby : :]

Thanks for the comments, I couldn't agree more, it's insane how much metal (nevermind leather etc) you can get for your money with these cars. I've done some internet based research and it's good to hear that there shouldn't be any major problems for the foreseeable future, it won't be my everyday car so I'll be able to treat it well anyway.

It's due for an MOT in April, so I'll keep you all posted as to how that goes, fingers crossed I don't think there'll be any problems, although it does need some front tyres.

@ PimpmyHotwheels - It is indeed Netherfield, I'd nipped to Halfords to get some more polish and touch up etc so thought I'd pop around the back of the industrial estate to take some pictures! I didn't even get tempted to take it up the 'strip'.. I'm determined to treat the old gal well

[: : Serby : :]

Hi folks,

Here's a small update of the W140..

So far I've covered around 500 miles in the car and the majority of those have been trouble free. The ABS light/sensor (and slightly heavier steering) issue arose, but following some internet research it turns out that can be caused by a low battery, and after some good use the fault has gone. I noticed today that the washer fluid bottle/pipes leak quite badly - that's next on the fix list.

The only changes to the car have been fairly minor, including new wheel centre caps, tax disc holder etc.. I've bought two new tyres, which wasn't as painful as I thought it might be, I managed to get two 245/45/18s for just over £160 fitted.

On the whole I'm still very pleased with the car, even with the tyres included it's cost well under £1500 so far and when you're wafting along it still feels like a £60k+ car (I just hope it gets through the MOT next month...!)