People are usually pretty hot or cold on the Mercedes-Benz W140 Coupe. They followed up the massively successful and popular W126 Coupe and it’s not that these are bad cars at all, but it’s tough to follow-up something that was so great. I think lots of times people even forget about these cars because you don’t see them all that often. Mercedes made just over 8,500 of the V12-powered 600SEC/S600 Coupe/CL600 for worldwide sale over an eight-year production period so they are relatively rare compared to the V12 sedan that was produced to the tune of 36,000. Today’s car, a 1996 up for sale outside of Detroit, is one of the finest S600 Coupes I’ve seen come up for sale. The price? Well worth the asking in my eyes.
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1996 Mercedes-Benz S600 Coupe on Detroit Craigslist
Year: 1996
Model: S600
Engine: 6.0 liter V12
Transmission: 5-speed automatic
Mileage: 36,300 mi
Price: $18,900
Black with black and gray leather interior, burl wood trim and suede headliner
36,300 original, well-maintained miles
6.0 V12 engine
5 speed automatic transmissionEquipped with ABS, ESP (Electronic Stability Program), ADS (Active Dampening Suspension), power locks, windows, heated seats, power headrests, sunroof, rear sunshade, soft close doors, 12 speaker Bose AM/FM/WB cassette and 6 disc CD changer, automatic dual zone climate control, original factory phone, and keyless entry with both fully functioning infrared remotes.
This Mercedes has been exceptionally well maintained with a new battery last month, recent Michelin tires, recent replacement of passenger side throttle body, spark plugs, coolant flush, oil changed (only Mobil One full synthetic used), service to the ADS sensors including replacement of ADS module, new oil pan gasket and oil level sensor, differential fluid changed, Hirschmann power antenna unit rebuilt, new power antenna mast, headlight wiper motor, driver’s door light switch, shift linkage bushings, replaced engine air filters and charcoal cabin filters. Upgraded headlights and fog lights to Phillips Crystal Vision Ultra bulbs, just fully detailed including clay bar, polish, premium wax, and leather conditioned.
The paint is glossy and completely free of any dings, chips or scratches. Never been in an accident or required any body or glass work. The interior is flawless with no wear on the leather seating surfaces or carpet.
This S600 was inspected by a Dallas, Texas based German car specialist in July 2013 and was given high remarks for its condition. I have the original inspection report and maintenance records available for reference. I had a certified classic car appraisal completed in August 2016 for an insurance valuation with an appraised value of $26,000.
The W140 S-Class is known for its exceptional build quality, solid feel and smooth ride; this S600 is no exception. Mercedes Benz made 432,472 examples from 1992-1999, less than 2% were V12 powered coupes. This is a very rare vehicle with only 36,300 miles. I am only the second owner; this S600 was originally purchased new in Dallas and remained in Texas all its life until relocated in April 2017. It has always been kept in a climate controlled garaged, regularly detailed, and never driven in the snow.
Sale includes spare ADS module, throttle body, Brembo front rotors, two painted A-pillar covers, front license plate bracket, headlight wiper motor, Mercedes Benz suspension fluid, transmission fluid dipstick and dipstick cap lock pins. Additional photos and maintenance history available upon request.
I have loved driving this unique and beautiful Mercedes for the time I have owned it. I hope that someone else will enjoy it as much as I have.
This is the nicest C140 I’ve run across in a number years, let alone a M120-powered C140. The 38,000 miles surely have a lot to do with that, but it looks like the owner went above and beyond to keep the thing as nice as possible. As you can see by the amount of things that had to be repaired and replaced, low mileage on one of these things doesn’t mean it’s immune from any faults. The C140 is an interesting car in that there are a lot of little things that are unique just to this car that can sneak up on you. Add in the V12 and you can have your hands full pretty fast if you don’t stay on top of stuff. I’m confident that this owner addressed everything that was wrong with this car and is in a clean bill of health as it sits. Just realize that the next buyer needs to stay on top of everything just as much as this seller did because there will be more problems down the road. Nature of the beast.
Prices are all over the board for these cars. Sometimes you can find them for $5,000 but you can probably guess as it what kind of condition they are in. This one is at the very top of the market, as it should be, at just under $19,000. Given the excellent condition that is it in, I see nothing wrong with the seller asking that kind of price for this car. These cars aren’t in that collectible stage yet, but I think in the future there will be a demand for clean W/C140 V12 cars and this is a great start. If you can stomach the costs that these can occur, this one is tough to beat.
– Andrew
Just not much of a good looking car. Completely boring in all ways (except engine). They were not that interesting when new, and over time nothing has improved. I would spend the money on a top condition 560SEC.
Wow. That’s the mack-daddy coupe. MB equivalent of 850csi, and the more I read about them this might be the better car.
Nice find. AMG monoblocks + this = perfect
Honestly, topping the 560SEC was a very tough task and they failed. The W126 coupe was aggressive and sexy at the same time, where these come out looking massive and a bit clumsy. Having said that, this looks to be a wonderful example in great condition. I was one of the many detractors when the W140 sedan had when they first came out. Until I drove one and became one of their biggest fans.
Like KrautHammer said, AMG monoblocks on this car would make it even more desirable.
I concur with the excellent commentaries herein rendered by all, as well as write-up again. Keep em coming. SEC preferred.
How much does it cost to ship to Vancouver, BC, Canada? And will this car pass the Aircare test in BC. I wonder whats the tax need to pay on top of the price you asking for now? Thx
@Leo – those questions are best directed to the seller. Follow the links to the original listing. Good luck!
Something was lost transferring the W140 Sedan’s design language to a Coupe. The sedan is one of the cleanest designs. Ever. This… looks clumsy and unfinished.
I agree with the other commenters about this design; it looks strong from some angles, but blobby and unresolved from most.
I drove the 500 version last year and really liked it, although it wasn’t a good enough example to buy. I’d be sorely tempted if I could find a V8 in this condition. I suspect that the w140 is about to have its moment, and that the few decent ones left will rise in price.
Ultimately, I can’t help thinking of these and BMW’s 850 as Germany’s Thunderbirds, even though the design language actually flowed in the other direction: Jack Telnack was a huge fan of the 6 and 8 series and drew on them to create the final two generations of T-Birds.