A new S class is set to debut next month. Without a doubt, the upcoming W222 is set to move the executive sedan bar even higher, as each successive S class has done throughout the years. The W140 was perhaps the greatest leap the S class had made to date, and its introduction was not without controversy. Seen as a bit too large and conspicuous when it was introduced on the cusp of a worldwide recession, this S class brought a plethora of high-end features such as double glazed windows, self-closing doors and an available V12 engine. Later, safety features such as Brake Assist (BAS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESP) would be introduced.
The W140 S class is a car that is revered to this day and, with exception of those cars that were given up on due to electrical gremlins, one which you will regularly come across on the street. This late model S500 for sale in Arizona is a one owner vehicle just off of a fresh service.
Year: 1998
Model: S500
Engine: 5.0 liter V8
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 60,940 mi
Price: $13,900 Buy It Now
1998 Mercedes-Benz S500 on eBay
Mercedes-Benz S-Class or W140 Sedan was introduced to the public in the Summer of 1991 with rave reviews. The S-Class set the new standard for world class luxury, technology and safety and introduced a brand new 8-Cylinder engine to the line up. An aluminum 5.0 liter DOHC V8 producing 322 horsepower to the rear wheels was all new and so advanced that many articles said it is one of the greatest engines on the market today. The W140 S-Class was produced from 1992-1999, known as the “Big Body S” or “the most over engineered car in the world” was also the safest car money can buy.
This gorgeous very rare Black Opal Metallic over stunning Charcoal leather interior 1998 Mercedes-Benz S500 is a documented 1 owner car bought brand new on September 8th 1997 from Phoenix Motor Company Mercedes-Benz. The car has only covered 60,940 miles from brand new and has lived in Phoenix all of its life. Every single service and maintenance work that the car has needed has always been done by either Phoenix Motor Company or Mercedes-Benz of Chandler from day one. The car is 100% stock original and only Mercedes-Benz genuine parts has ever been on this car. The car has the self leveling HID Xenon headlamps, power sunroof, factory chrome Mercedes stock wheels with brand new tires and brakes, pneumatic closing doors and trunk, power folding mirrors, heated front and rear seats, 14 way power driver and passenger seats with 3 position memory settings. Power tilt and telescopic steering wheel, 6-disc CD auto changer with Bose premium sound system, dual zone automatic climate control, one touch double pane sided windows, power door locks with two original Mercedes-Benz remotes, Homelink garage door opener with 3 settings, monochromatic auto dimming review mirror and drivers exterior mirror, heated headlight washers, cruise control and power lumbar.
All of the power equipment works as it should, all of the electrical items work, all of the lights work and no dash lights on. The car runs and drives like it just left the factory, it is one of the smoothest running and driving cars I have ever driven. The suspension is perfect and tight, absolutely no rattles or creaks, the steering is precise and tight without any play, wobble, vibration or drift. The car has just had new brakes, new tires, 60K service and an alignment done. This is one of the nicest W140 S-Classes out there. The paint still has a stunning shine to it, (a few small road chips here and there that have been touched up with a correct matching Mercedes-Benz touch up pen) the interior is absolutely stunning without any wear. The leather is near perfect, wood is flawless and all of the chrome plastics and trim are perfect. The car has a clear, clean title, never been involved in an accident, no salvage, flood, fire or water damage. Box A actual miles.
If you are looking for a near perfect, fully serviced, documented and well cared for S-Class this is the one. 480-310-8814
If I was going to purchase a W140, I’d probably go for an S500. While the S320 is a more economical way of going about things, the V8 gives this heavy beast some added oomph without the complexity and cost of the twelve cylinder variant. Almost $14,000 is fairly steep for an S class of this vintage, but given the condition of this specimen, I’d say it’s not too far off the mark. I’m glad this isn’t an ultra low mileage car, as those kind of cars pose a conundrum. Not only can they be ticking time bombs, but they are often valued too high and lose their collectibility once they are used as intended. I’d probably try and bargain a little bit off this particular car, but with documentation and the fact that this is a W140 from a dry climate, it doesn’t get much better than this.
-Paul
A dealer friend of mine currently has a one-owner ’95 S500 in inventory so I have had the recent opportunity to drive one of these cars. If the car has been well maintained, they are still solid, tight and exude all of the luxury that they did when they were new, but at a fraction of the price. Although the maintenance costs are higher, these cars can definitely be an alternative to a new appliance from Honda or Toyota.
As to pricing, it’s hard to say. My friend’s car has twice the miles and is 3 years older, but his asking price is less than half of the asking price of the car in this ad. As long as someone isn’t trying to flip a car, a few hundred won’t make a difference in the long run.
My brother-in-law had a ’95 S320 followed by a ’99 S420. I drove them both and they were magnificent cars. Solid, reliable, comfortable and very stately. The S320 moved along nicely for such a big car with a 6 cylinder engine. For whatever reason when the new models came out in 2000, he decided to trade “up” to the new model. That heap was in the shop at least once a month and when I drove it I found it comparable to a 5 series, nowhere near the same as his previous ’99. After less than 2 years (I’m surprised it lasted that long) he ditched it and that was his last Mercedes. I still have a W140 on my bucket list, I just love them.
While this seems like a beautiful example, the W140’s design always seemed rather slab-sided and unimaginative compared to the classic W108, W116 and W126, models that came before it. It’s just my opinion, but I can’t help but wonder if Mercedes felt the same way, since they followed up with the much more flowing W220.