Purchasing a classic car is often a journey filled with passion and a touch of apprehension. For one owner, the dream of owning a virtually unused, one-owner 1997 Mercedes S500 C140, complete with a Starmark certification, quickly turned into a mixed bag of delights and frustrations. This review delves into the real-world experience of owning this iconic coupe, highlighting both its undeniable charm and some unexpected quirks.
Initially, the allure of the 1997 Mercedes S500 was undeniable. The promise of a meticulously maintained vehicle was a major draw. However, the first sign of trouble appeared even before leaving the dealership. During a final inspection, a broken rearview mirror was discovered. What seemed like a minor issue quickly escalated into a drawn-out ordeal with the dealership, revealing potential pitfalls in the Starmark warranty program. The owner’s experience serves as a crucial reminder to thoroughly inspect every detail, even seemingly minor ones like the rearview mirror, before finalizing any purchase.
Despite the initial dealer hiccup, the driving experience of the 1997 Mercedes S500 proved to be a significant upgrade from a previous 560SEC. The C140 chassis demonstrated superior handling, allowing for noticeably higher speeds on winding roads. Furthermore, the increased horsepower and torque, combined with a more aerodynamic body, translated to a remarkable 20-30% improvement in fuel economy. This blend of performance and efficiency is a testament to Mercedes-Benz’s engineering prowess of the era.
However, the original tires of the 1997 Mercedes S500, likely Michelin, were found to be a weak point. They lacked adequate stopping power, instilled little confidence in wet conditions, and contributed to unwanted noise in the cabin, which should have been exceptionally quiet for a luxury coupe of this caliber. Acting on a recommendation from a trusted car expert radio show, the owner replaced the original tires with Dunlop SP Sport A2s. This upgrade proved transformative, elevating the vehicle’s handling and braking performance to a significantly higher level, underscoring the importance of quality tires for optimal driving dynamics.
Another area requiring careful inspection in a 1997 Mercedes S500 is the functionality of the automatic seat adjustment for rear passenger access. Initially, the passenger seat in this particular vehicle failed to operate correctly, unlike the driver’s seat. Subsequently, the driver’s seat mechanism also malfunctioned, locking the seatbacks and hindering access to the rear. This issue is attributed to a “customer convenience module,” essentially a computer chip controlling these functions. Warranty coverage for such components can be ambiguous, as demonstrated by the owner’s frustrating interactions with the dealership regarding the Starmark warranty and the seat mechanism issue. This highlights the potential for electronic gremlins in even well-maintained classic luxury cars and the importance of understanding warranty limitations.
Beyond mechanical and electrical concerns, the 1997 Mercedes S500 presents some ergonomic and practical challenges. Visibility is compromised by significant blind spots, making maneuvering in heavy traffic a potentially stressful experience. While the exceptional acoustic isolation was initially perceived as a luxury, the owner found it somewhat detrimental to the driving experience. The reduced auditory feedback made it harder to intuitively gauge the car’s behavior, especially at higher speeds in traffic, compared to older Mercedes models which offered more “aural inputs.”
The center console design of the 1997 Mercedes S500 also drew criticism. Unlike older Mercedes models with more user-friendly consoles, the C140 features a container-style console with less convenient cupholders. Accommodating a coffee cup, a common need for many drivers, becomes an awkward affair, often requiring driving with the console lid raised vertically. Even the key design was deemed cumbersome and oversized compared to keys from earlier Mercedes models.
Finally, the sheer size of the 1997 Mercedes S500, while contributing to its imposing presence, poses challenges in modern parking lots. Its considerable dimensions make it vulnerable to parking dings and scrapes in tight spaces. This is a practical consideration for daily driving and parking in urban environments.
In conclusion, owning a 1997 Mercedes S500 C140 is a complex experience. It’s a car that evokes strong emotions – a blend of love and hate, as the owner aptly describes it. Its superior performance and fuel economy are undeniable positives. However, potential issues like dealer service inconsistencies, warranty limitations, electronic malfunctions, ergonomic quirks, and parking challenges must be considered. Despite these drawbacks, the unique character and allure of the 1997 Mercedes S500 remain captivating, especially for those who appreciate classic Mercedes-Benz engineering and design. Ultimately, the decision to own such a vehicle hinges on a realistic understanding of its potential rewards and tribulations.
