The allure of a new car is undeniable, that fresh car smell, the latest technology, and the promise of miles of trouble-free driving. But for some of us, the charm of a well-maintained classic, particularly a German luxury sedan, holds a different kind of appeal. Recently, the idea of acquiring a distinguished older vehicle has been on my mind, specifically a 1998 Mercedes-Benz S420. This isn’t just any car; it represents an era of Mercedes-Benz known for over-engineering and unparalleled luxury. Let’s delve into why a 1998 Mercedes S420 might be more than just a nostalgic whim and explore if it could be a surprisingly sensible choice.
For those familiar with my automotive musings, especially in publications like Mercedes Enthusiast, my fondness for large Mercedes-Benz sedans is no secret. Currently, a 1972 280SEL 4.5 graces my garage, a testament to classic Teutonic design. While it’s a fantastic piece of automotive history, perfect for weekend drives, the demands of daily commuting require something a bit more modern, a touch more refined for the everyday grind. While browsing through my usual online car haunts like Autotrader, Hemmings, and even international sites like Mobile.de, a particular listing caught my eye: a 1998 Mercedes-Benz S420 on eBay.
What immediately stood out was the rare Azure Blue paint. W140 chassis Mercedes, like this 1998 Mercedes S420, are typically seen in more conservative colors like black, silver, or white. This splash of color hinted at something special. Upon closer inspection of the listing for this 1998 Mercedes, the car appeared remarkably well-preserved, especially compared to the usual examples found on the used market. The paint seemed vibrant, the interior leather showed a gentle patina rather than damage, and the wood trim… the wood was simply stunning. The real burlwood accents throughout the cabin looked as if they had just rolled off the factory floor of this 1998 Mercedes S420.
The eBay ad boasted the usual luxury car clichés: “style,” “comfort,” and “lovingly cared for.” However, buried within the description were details that piqued genuine interest: service records, all original keys, and owner’s manuals – rarities for a car of this age. Then came the mileage: 213,553 miles. A gasp-inducing number, perhaps, for some. Yet, for a 1998 Mercedes-Benz, a marque built on the principle of “the best or nothing,” and especially for the W140 generation, arguably the pinnacle of that philosophy, high mileage doesn’t necessarily equate to the end of the road. The enduring appeal of the W140, even this high-mileage 1998 Mercedes S420, lies in its robust construction and timeless design.
Having previously owned a 1994 E420 with the same 4.2-liter M119 V8 engine found in this 1998 Mercedes S420, I can attest to its brilliance. While the S500’s 5.0-liter V8 offers a bit more power, the 286 horsepower and 302 lb-ft of torque in the S420 are more than sufficient for comfortable and confident cruising. This 1998 Mercedes isn’t about breakneck speed; it’s about effortless power delivery and a serene driving experience. The performance figures, 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) back in 1998. Plus, the S420 even boasts slightly better highway fuel economy than the S500 – a win for the (relative) environmentalist!
So, why even entertain the idea of a 1998 Mercedes S420 with such high mileage? Several reasons come to mind.
Firstly, condition is paramount. Anyone experienced with used luxury cars knows that many are driven hard and neglected. This 1998 Mercedes, however, appears to be an exception. Despite the miles, it shows no signs of abuse. The interior is clean, the body panels are straight and reflect well, and the presence of a documented maintenance history suggests consistent care. This 1998 Mercedes seems to have been genuinely cherished.
Secondly, the allure of a large, substantial Mercedes-Benz is undeniable. Having owned a W140 S600 V12 previously, I appreciate the “hewn-from-solid-steel” feeling these cars possess. While my past S600 had its share of “Previous Owner Disease” issues, the fundamental quality and solidity were always evident. This 1998 Mercedes S420 promises a similar experience, hopefully with fewer headaches.
Thirdly, while the V12 is impressive, the V8 engine in this 1998 Mercedes S420 is arguably a more practical choice. It’s still incredibly smooth and powerful, but parts and expertise are more readily available compared to the more complex V12. Maintenance on a V8 1998 Mercedes is likely to be less daunting than on a V12.
Finally, there’s an intangible “good feeling” about this particular 1998 Mercedes S420. The details, like the inclusion of three keys, the complete set of manuals, no visible fluid leaks, functioning air conditioning, matching Michelin tires, and even the European-style ribbed floor mats, all point to a car that was someone’s pride and joy. With continued regular maintenance, the robust M119 V8 engine should have plenty of life left. Being a late-production 1998 Mercedes W140, many of the earlier model year issues would have been ironed out. While it will undoubtedly require more attention than a brand-new car, the inherent quality of a 1998 Mercedes-Benz is a strong foundation. And let’s not forget – it has heated seats!
So, what’s holding me back from acquiring this 1998 Mercedes S420? Simply put, I’m coming from a sporty Subaru WRX. The S420, while luxurious and capable, is a significant shift towards grand touring comfort. With a classic Mercedes already in my garage, I’m currently leaning towards something with a bit more sporting edge, perhaps a W210 E55 AMG. However, the 1998 Mercedes S420 in Azure Blue continues to linger in my thoughts. Perhaps someone else will recognize the enduring appeal of this classic 1998 Mercedes and give it a new home.
