[speeder]

This is a very interesting thread IMO because it has a Rashomon effect, ie. for the most part everyone is telling the truth even though the conclusions are very divergent.

An S600 from the 1st gen w140 that has not been maintained every step of the way would be a money pit beyond all imagination, costing its entire value in repairs every month. A '98 S420 in cherry condition would be an unbelievably great car, built better than [I]anything[I] made today at any price. And about as safe as the presidential limo.

The w126 cars, (1991-older), were beautiful cars and very well made but they are getting very old at this point and even the best ones can get needy. One that is not in showroom condition is not worth any $$ at all, hence you can exceed the value of the car with one major brake job. I work part-time at an independent MB repair facility right now and see every one of them all the time, from early '60s cars to 2010 models getting oil changes and brake pads. I have a '96 S500 myself and have owned 25-30 MB cars, (lost count).