For any automotive enthusiast, the allure of a new car is a familiar temptation. The author of this blog is no exception, often using this platform as a sounding board to explore – and often dissuade – himself from impulsive car purchases. It’s a far more economical approach than succumbing to every automotive whim, saving potentially thousands of dollars over time. Recently, however, the desire for something different resurfaced, sparked by a fleeting ownership of a 2020 Subaru WRX. While appreciating its performance and manual transmission – a rarity in modern cars – the author found himself, once again, ready for a change. The Subaru’s strong resale value only accelerated this contemplation.
Long-time readers of this blog, or followers of the author’s contributions to Mercedes Enthusiast magazine, will recognize a recurring theme: a deep affection for large German sedans, particularly those bearing the three-pointed star. Currently residing in the garage is a 1972 280SEL 4.5, a classic Mercedes embodying Teutonic presence and style. However, as much as the 280SEL is enjoyed, it isn’t a practical daily driver in the modern sense. The desire for daily driving comfort and modern conveniences led the author to explore potential candidates. With a glass of scotch in hand (Jura Superstition, paired surprisingly well with English oatmeal, a tangent he admits), and after immersing himself in automotive content from Jay Leno’s Garage to classic car magazines, the search began across online marketplaces like Autotrader, Hemmings, eBay, and even international sites like Mobile.de. Among the diverse listings, a particular car stood out: a 1998 Mercedes-Benz S420 advertised on eBay in Lodi, New Jersey, with a “Buy It Now” price of $6,795.
The first detail to capture attention was the unusual Azure Blue paint. W140-chassis Mercedes-Benz models are typically seen in more common colors like Black, Smoke Silver, or White. This splash of color immediately set it apart. Upon closer inspection, the car appeared remarkably well-maintained, especially considering the typical condition of W140s on the used market, barring low-mileage museum pieces. The paint seemed vibrant, the leather seats showed a gentle patina rather than damage, and the wood trim – the signature burlwood of Mercedes-Benz – looked remarkably fresh. Intrigued, the author delved into the advertisement details.
Beyond the usual sales rhetoric of “style, comfort,” and “lovingly cared for,” the listing mentioned something noteworthy for an eBay car: service records, all original keys, and owner’s manuals. This detail alone suggested a level of care often absent in used car listings. However, it was the odometer reading that truly stopped the author in his tracks: 213,553 miles. A figure that high might deter many, but for a Mercedes-Benz, particularly a W140, it sparked a different line of thought. Mercedes-Benz built its reputation on over-engineering, famously claiming to be “the best or nothing.” The W140 S-Class is often cited as the pinnacle of this philosophy. Coupled with the author’s genuine appreciation for the W140’s design and driving experience, the high mileage became less of a deterrent and more of a challenge to conventional wisdom.
The 1998 Mercedes-Benz S420 is powered by the 4.2-liter M119 V8 engine, a powerplant the author has prior experience with, having daily-driven a 1994 E420 equipped with the same engine. He attests to its smooth and robust nature. While the S500’s 5.0-liter V8 offers a horsepower advantage, the S420’s 286 horsepower and 302 lb-ft of torque are more than sufficient for relaxed, effortless cruising – the S-Class’s true purpose. Performance figures of 0-60 mph in 7.6 seconds and a top speed of 153 mph were remarkable for a sedan of this size and weight (4,200 lbs) in 1998. Furthermore, the S420 boasts slightly better highway fuel economy than the S500, making it, in the author’s tongue-in-cheek assessment, the more “environmentally conscious” choice.
But why even entertain the idea of a car with such high mileage? The answer lies in several key factors. First and foremost: condition. Experience in the used luxury car market reveals that many owners, despite the significant investment, do not maintain their vehicles meticulously. This 1998 S420, however, presented as an exception. Despite the miles, it showed no signs of neglect. The interior was clean, the bodywork straight and gleaming, and the presence of service history indicated consistent maintenance. In essence, the car appeared to have been cherished.
Secondly, the author admits a fondness for large, substantial cars, particularly Mercedes-Benz. Having previously owned a W140 S600 V12, he appreciates the “hewn-from-a-single-ingot-of-steel” solidity that characterizes these cars. While the S600’s V12 was undeniably impressive, its complexity and the legacy of “Previous Owner Disease” became tiresome. The simpler V8 of the S420, while still sophisticated, seemed more approachable in terms of maintenance and long-term ownership.
Thirdly, the M119 V8, while complex, is a more familiar engine to work on than the V12. Parts availability and general knowledge within the enthusiast community are also more abundant for the V8. Fuel economy, while not a primary concern for a luxury car of this era, is also marginally better with the V8.
Finally, there was an intangible “good feeling” about this particular 1998 Mercedes-Benz S420. Small details like the inclusion of three keys, the complete set of owner’s manuals, the absence of fluid leaks, functioning air conditioning, matching Michelin tires, and even European-style ribbed floor mats all pointed to a car that had been someone’s pride and joy. With regular maintenance, the M119 engine should have many more miles of reliable performance left. Being a late-production 1998 model, most of the W140’s early production issues would have been resolved, or at least manifested themselves earlier in its life. While it would require more care than a modern economy car, the fundamental engineering was robust. And, of course, the appeal of heated seats – a welcome luxury.
So, what ultimately prevented the author from purchasing this intriguing 1998 Mercedes-Benz S420? The primary reason was a desire for a different driving experience. Coming from a Subaru WRX, the leap to a large, comfortable sedan felt too significant, especially with a classic Mercedes W108 already in the garage providing a similar, albeit older, experience. The author yearned for something with more performance and a tighter suspension, hinting at a potential future acquisition of a W210 E55 AMG. However, the 1998 Mercedes-Benz S420 remains a compelling option, a testament to the enduring quality and appeal of the W140 S-Class, even at high mileage. Perhaps, for another enthusiast, this Azure Blue gem in New Jersey is the perfect opportunity to experience classic Mercedes-Benz luxury.
