For any auto enthusiast, the allure of a classic luxury sedan is undeniable. There’s a certain charm in vehicles built with meticulous attention to detail, a philosophy often embodied by Mercedes-Benz. Recently, the idea of acquiring a new daily driver has been on my mind, moving on from a thrilling but perhaps less plush 2020 Subaru WRX. While the WRX offered engaging performance and excellent resale value, my thoughts naturally drift towards the comfort and prestige of a German engineered machine, specifically, a Mercedes-Benz.
My history with Mercedes-Benz vehicles, particularly the grand German sedans adorned with the three-pointed star, is well-documented. Currently, a 1972 280SEL 4.5 graces my garage, a testament to classic Teutonic design and engineering. While my vintage Mercedes boasts considerable presence and a robust character, its role is more of a cherished classic than a practical daily commuter. For everyday driving, I crave a blend of modern comfort and that unmistakable Mercedes-Benz solidity, something that requires less thought and more effortless driving.
This quest led me down the familiar rabbit hole of online car marketplaces. Browsing through Autotrader, Hemmings, eBay, and even international sites like Mobile.de, a particular listing caught my eye: a 1998 Mercedes-Benz S420 on eBay, located in Lodi, New Jersey. With a “Buy It Now” price of $6,795 or best offer, it presented an intriguing proposition.
What initially drew me to this specific 1998 S420 Mercedes was its striking Azure Blue paint. W140 chassis Mercedes are often seen in more conventional colors like black, silver, or white, making this vibrant blue a refreshing change. Upon closer inspection of the listing, the car appeared remarkably well-preserved, especially considering the typical condition of many W140s on the market today, excluding ultra-low mileage examples. The paint seemed lustrous, the leather seats showed a gentle patina without significant wear, and the wood trim… ah, the wood! The genuine burlwood accents throughout the cabin looked remarkably fresh, almost as if untouched by time. And then, I delved into the advertisement details.
Amidst the usual marketing jargon about “style,” “comfort,” and “lovingly cared for,” a few details stood out. This eBay listing included a crucial element: records, all original keys, and the owner’s manuals. This suggested a level of care and transparency often absent in used car sales. Intrigued, I continued reading, until I encountered the odometer reading: 213,553 miles. A considerable distance, equivalent to 90% of the journey to the moon. Yet, this high mileage didn’t immediately deter me. Mercedes-Benz built its esteemed reputation on over-engineering and a commitment to being “the best or nothing,” and the W140 generation arguably represents the pinnacle of this philosophy. Furthermore, the aesthetic and driving experience of these cars hold a strong appeal.
My familiarity with the 1998 S420 Mercedes extends to its engine. The 4,196cc dual overhead cam M119 V8 is a powerplant I know well, having daily-driven a 1994 E420 equipped with the same engine for two years. It’s a truly exceptional engine. While the S500’s 5.0-liter variant offers a slightly higher horsepower figure, the S420’s 286 horsepower and 302 lb-ft of torque are more than sufficient for comfortable and effortless cruising. These cars are not primarily designed for breakneck speed, but rather for smooth, refined performance, and the S420 delivers admirably. Its 0-60 mph time of 7.6 seconds and a top speed of 153 mph were impressive figures for a sedan of its 4,200 lbs weight when it was new. Moreover, the S420 boasts a slight advantage in fuel economy over the S500, achieving 18 mpg on the highway compared to 17 mpg. In a sense, the S420 could even be considered the marginally more environmentally conscious choice within the W140 range.
So, why would one seriously consider a 1998 Mercedes S420 with such high mileage? Several compelling reasons emerge.
Firstly, the apparent condition of this particular example is paramount. Experience in the used luxury car market reveals that many owners, despite the significant investment these vehicles represent, often neglect maintenance and care. This 1998 S420 Mercedes, despite its mileage, exhibits no signs of abuse. The interior is clean and well-kept, the body panels appear straight and retain their shine, and the inclusion of maintenance records suggests consistent upkeep. In essence, this car appears to have been cherished.
Secondly, there’s an undeniable appeal to large, substantial automobiles, especially those bearing the Mercedes-Benz marque. Having previously owned a W140 S600 V12, I can attest to the sublime highway driving experience and the surprisingly nimble feel for its size. While my previous S600 suffered from some neglect from prior ownership, and the associated maintenance became tiresome, the inherent quality and robust construction of the W140 chassis were undeniable. These cars exude a feeling of being meticulously crafted from solid materials.
Thirdly, while the M120 V12 engine is a marvel of engineering, the M119 V8 in the 1998 Mercedes S420 presents a more practical ownership proposition. The V8, while still complex, benefits from greater parts availability and a more extensive body of knowledge regarding maintenance and repair. Moreover, the fuel consumption, while still considerable, is less daunting than that of the V12.
Finally, there’s an intangible “good feeling” associated with this specific car. The presence of three keys, the complete set of owner’s manuals, the absence of fluid leaks, functioning air conditioning, matching Michelin tires, and even the European-style ribbed floor mats all point to an owner who took pride in their vehicle. With consistent maintenance, the robust M119 engine should offer many more miles of reliable performance. Being a late-production 1998 W140, many of the earlier model year gremlins would likely have been addressed, and any inherent flaws would likely have surfaced long ago. While ongoing maintenance will certainly be required, it’s a different kind of ownership experience than a modern, mass-market vehicle.
Oh, and let’s not forget – seat heaters! A truly appreciated luxury on colder days.
So, what’s holding me back from making an offer on this 1998 Mercedes-Benz S420? The primary hesitation stems from transitioning directly from a WRX to such a large and luxurious sedan. Having a classic Mercedes W108 already in the garage also contributes to this consideration. Perhaps a slightly more performance-oriented Mercedes, like a W210 E55 AMG, might be a more logical next step. However, the allure of this 1998 S420 Mercedes remains strong, a testament to the enduring appeal of the W140 S-Class. Perhaps someone else will recognize the value and take the plunge.
