W140 600SEL

[Oversize]

This car was very nearly my first Benz, however I backed out and decided a 6.9 would be a better option for my Buick project. I wonder if this car survives today?

 

[Oversize]

WHoops typo in the title!

 

[Michel]

WHoops typo in the title!

Fixed

 

[c107]

Would have probably been a real money pit all these years.
Never really see these anymore.

 

[BenzBoy]

Maybe you could have been lucky. I know of one 600SEL that has never had any issues at all - it was of course serviced regularly.
I am told the motors are bomb-proof and 100% reliable provided they have regular oil changes. That is probably true for all mechanical devices.
Regards,
Brian

 

[Patrick_R]

You are spot on Brian.
Mechanically supreme.
It was the electronics, harnesses (like your ML) and vacuum issues that cause these to be sold for under $7,000.00
Vacuum operated soft close doors

 

[BenzBoy]

Our E350 Coupe has soft close doors - electric motors now though.
Siemens made the wiring harnesses for the 600 SEL. Even Lucas did better.

 

[abl567]

My Dad, now 80, is thinking of downsizing from his W212 E500, he wants me to move the S500 on and take over his car.
The lack of soft close doors is a real hurdle in my decision to do so. The W212 (2010) is clearly a superior vehicle.
But it lacks soft close doors....

 

[BenzBoy]

Solution; You get a chauffer. No need then to either open or close. It also solves the issue of wrestling with the bonnet to check service items.

 

[Michel]

My Dad, now 80, is thinking of downsizing from his W212 E500, he wants me to move the S500 on and take over his car.
The lack of soft close doors is a real hurdle in my decision to do so. The W212 (2010) is clearly a superior vehicle.
But it lacks soft close doors....

What colour is your dad's car?

 

[Patrick_R]

My Dad, now 80, is thinking of downsizing from his W212 E500, he wants me to move the S500 on and take over his car.
The lack of soft close doors is a real hurdle in my decision to do so. The W212 (2010) is clearly a superior vehicle.
But it lacks soft close doors....

Can’t you sell it for him for a good price and he can pocket the money?

 

[c107]

The trouble with these cars was not the core engine and body, it was all the parts that were unique to the model that are prohibitively expensive or NLA. I remember talking to a now ex member of the MBCNSW who owns one at a german car day. He had just spent $850 on a part that would cost $50 on a W126, because there was no aftermarket and mercedes was the only option. I don't recall the part, but it was quite essential to the car.

he had many stories like this.

 

[abl567]

What colour is your dad's car?

Obsidion Black with parchment leather. It's also a 4 seater, with the console between the rear seats, rear and side window blinds and rear AC.

 

[abl567]

Can’t you sell it for him for a good price and he can pocket the money?

I found the car and bought it for him, it's a bit of a Father and Son thing to share the common interest, and I cherish that. Not about the $ at all.
I'm very fortunate.

 

[Patrick_R]

I found the car and bought it for him, it's a bit of a Father and Son thing to share the common interest, and I cherish that. Not about the $ at all.
I'm very fortunate.

Completely understand that

 

[Styria]

It certainly makes sense - keep them both. Am I in on all this, or am I just goofing ? Regards Styria

 

[Oversize]

Maybe I dodged a bullet with this one too, but I have a feeling it was quite rare with the split rear seats? No money to purchase it & no space back then (or now)!! Spotted 23/11/2023.

 

[ProfessorExperimental]

I think a substantial number of the S600s still active are finding themselves straightpiped by brats half my age to earn instagram/tiktok clicks by "trolling supercar meets with an old merc sedan that sounds like a Pagani Zonda, lol, rofl, skibidi, etc."

At least that's the answer Google seems to think I want to read...

 

[Michel]

My W140, while not a 600, is a marvel of engineering! Fitted with the smallest of the V8s my 400SEL feels like riding in a sound proof box.
Super quiet, extremely comfortable, you miss not ‘feeling’ the road and your environment.