Basic information and history

The Mercedes-Benz W140 was the last of the grand builds before the cost-cutting era truly took hold in Stuttgart, and 1998 marked the end of the generation. Cars from the final model years are sought after precisely because they combine the original heft and build quality with the refinements of later years, including the newer five-litre V8 with three valves per cylinder and twin ignition, which replaced the older four-valve unit during the model's final years. Double-glazed side windows, electrically operated door locks that pull shut the last bit of the way, and the characteristic silence in the cabin remain among the qualities that still impress.

This S 500 of model year 1998 was imported from Germany and has passed Swedish registration inspection, where it was weighed in at 2,700 kg. The odometer reads 250,000 km and can, according to the seller, be guaranteed. The car has had two owners in total.

The first owner was the CEO of a larger company in car parts and accessories, with the Alpine countries and surrounding region as its market. Hence the extra set of original wheels used for winter tyres. The car is in original condition and all repairs and replaced parts are stated to have been original parts.

Equipment and options

The car was delivered with essentially all the extra equipment available to order at the time:

• Bose sound system with CD changer
• Navigation
• Voice-controlled telephone in German, not connected
• Multi-contour seats in front
• Black leather upholstery, conditioned every other year
• Heated rear seat
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Xenon headlights
• Sunroof
• Automatic self-levelling suspension on the rear axle with oil-filled dampers, replaced
• Double-glazed side windows
• Ski bag through the rear seat via the folding armrest
• Engine block heater with remote control, not connected
• Extra set of original wheels in the 235/60 R16 size
• Car cover

The engine has been chipped by Tuningchip, which according to the seller has resulted in lower fuel consumption, increased torque and an output of approximately 350 hp. The car is speed-limited to 250 km/h. The body has been undercoated and the paint has been treated with both MrCap and Ditec paint protection. The gearbox was replaced at around 120,000 km after a speed bump struck exactly at the mounting point between engine and gearbox.

Condition

Exterior: The paint and bodywork are both described as being in good condition. There are small patches of surface rust on the roof as well as somewhat larger areas on the wings, bonnet and under the doors, as shown in the photographs. The seller has considered a full respray of the car since it otherwise maintains a high standard. The glass is stated to be in excellent condition. The headlight washers stopped working during the previous year.

Interior: The cabin is described as being in excellent condition, as are the dashboard and headliner. The leather has been conditioned every other year. The sunroof operates somewhat stiffly.

Tyres and wheels: The wheels were refurbished a few years ago by a wheel refinisher in Gothenburg with new powder coating, but the surface finish has begun to lift. The tyres are approximately seven years old and the tread depth is stated to be acceptable, but the car has been laid up from October to May for the past ten years, so the rubber may have been affected. The seller estimates that replacement may be needed in the near future.

Mechanics and function: The engine, gearbox and brakes are all described as being in excellent condition. The engine starts and runs, according to the seller, without fault, and the gearbox shifts without issue. The climate control, sound and media system, and other electronics all function, and the instrument panel is free of warning lights. A slight vibration in the steering wheel occurs at certain speeds and comes and goes. The car is drivable as it stands and has passed inspection.

Service history

The car has been serviced according to the book and is described as fully serviced. The history is supported by extensive documentation in the form of receipts for repairs, service work and inspections. All repairs and replaced parts are, according to the seller, carried out with original parts. The vehicle last passed inspection in September 2025 and has been inspected every year since 2002.

Summary

A Mercedes-Benz S 500 from the final model year of the W140 generation, imported from Germany, in original condition with two owners and a guaranteed odometer reading of 250,000 km. The equipment level is close to complete for its time, including a Bose system, multi-contour seats, xenon lights, rear self-levelling suspension and double-glazed side windows, and the car comes with an extra set of original wheels.

The engine, gearbox and brakes are described as being in excellent condition, and the service history is well documented throughout the ownership. Points a prospective buyer should note are surface rust on the roof, wings, bonnet and under the doors, the powder coating on the wheels beginning to lift, the age of the tyres, and non-functioning headlight washers.

The seller describes the car as a fantastic experience to drive and is passing it on after many fine years, to a new enthusiast who wants to keep this S-Class on the road.