What is the w140?
4 Answers
w140 is the older version of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The 'w' is a prefix used by Mercedes-Benz for chassis codes, and '140' indicates the engine model. The w140 is the chassis code for the third-generation Mercedes-Benz S-Class. This vehicle reached the pinnacle in terms of driving performance, luxurious appearance, and safety, equipped with a powerful V12 twin-turbo engine. The w140 boasts extremely robust features and is also equipped with cutting-edge active safety protection systems. It was the first to implement a real-time safety concept, capable of detecting potential hazards and taking preventive measures immediately. The car's doors are very heavy, with all four door windows being double-glazed, approximately the width of a little finger, providing excellent noise insulation. The seat adjustments are integrated into the doors and include three sets of seat memory functions.
I remember the W140 being one of the most iconic S-Class sedans from Mercedes-Benz in the 1990s. Back then, I had been in the automotive industry for a few years, and people often called it the 'Tiger Head Benz' because of its bold front-end design. Produced from 1991 to 1998, it represented the pinnacle of luxury sedans—sitting inside felt like royal treatment: the seats had excellent support, the sound insulation was superb, and cruising on the highway, you could only hear your own heartbeat. Later, Mercedes-Benz continued this stately design language, and even today's S-Class still carries its influence. However, it was a bit thirsty on fuel; I drove a V8 version, and consuming over 10 liters per 100 km in the city was normal. Despite its advanced tech, like being the first to feature electronic stability control, it occasionally had minor issues, such as the air conditioning acting up. All in all, the W140 wasn’t just a car—it was a symbol of its era, evoking nostalgia for many classic car enthusiasts.
The W140 is truly a milestone in Mercedes-Benz's technological innovation. Back in those days when I was researching automotive electronics, I discovered it came equipped with an air suspension system that could automatically adjust its height based on road conditions, making driving feel as smooth as floating in the air. It also introduced automatic wipers and climate control, becoming the prototype for later smart cars, and can be said to have laid the foundation for modern luxury. However, it had its share of issues—hydraulic components were prone to leaks, and repairs were shockingly expensive. A friend of mine spent over ten thousand dollars replacing parts. In the long run, the W140 pushed Mercedes-Benz toward more eco-friendly designs, with subsequent models learning from its lessons and switching to lighter materials. If you love classic cars, don't miss out on its mechanical charm—it still turns heads when driven.
As an ordinary driver, I once drove a W140 Mercedes-Benz S-Class for quite some time, and it was indeed as comfortable as a moving sofa. The seats could heat up and massage, making long drives never tiring for the legs. However, it also had its drawbacks: the body was too large, making parking difficult, especially in narrow city alleys where it often scraped the sides. Maintenance costs weren't low, and common issues I encountered included suspension failure leading to a sagging body, requiring immediate repairs. Overall, it's reliable but not as worry-free as a new car, making it suitable for those with ample budgets who appreciate nostalgia.
