Two generations of the S-class Mercedes were available in the same
year. 1999 offered the holdover W140 platform since the new
platform wasn't available in the United States until 2000.
Meanwhile, a more streamlined body style adorned the W220 which
debuted in Europe in late 1998. As one of the last slab sided
Mercedes flagships, the W140 has become somewhat collectible as a
result.
For consignment, a 1999 Mercedes Benz S320 showing 84,938 miles,
but the true miles are unknown. The S-Class is the designation for
top of the line Mercedes-Benz models and was officially introduced
in 1972 with the W116, and has remained in use ever since.
Exterior
It is the slab sides and boxy style that gives this car presence,
combined with the distinctive features that make a Mercedes an
unmistakable Mercedes. The grille and headlights are consistent
through the Mercedes lineage and family, here underscored by an air
grabbing front apron with horizontal strakes and topped of course,
by the three pointed star emblem. We turn to the profile where the
front end gently slopes downward, the C-pillar is wide and strong,
and the rear section forms a square with a straight, vertical drop.
The decklid occupies much of the rear real estate, flanked by the
Benz slotted tail lights over a chrome trimmed rear bumper in the
car's Smoke Silver Metallic paint. 16-inch wheels are wrapped in
225/60R16 tires with an early 2026 date code. Imperfections include
some underpaint in the license plate box, touched up scratches,
chips, and minor inclusions, and scuffs.
Interior
It's not hard to imagine opening up your door to see this every
day; burlwood trim, gathered MB tex, plush carpet, and khaki
panels. All four doors are clean, handsome and substantial. The MB
tex driver's seat shows a touch of wear on the left bolster but the
rest of the seat and all intended for passengers are in great
shape. Up front, the steering wheel fronts a coordinated design on
the dash with matching wood and plastic and a clean, concise
instrument cluster behind glass. The center stack holds the factory
switchgear and AM/FM/Cassette radio while the center console looks
almost as fresh as day one, with gleaming wood and a perfect
shifter. Plush beige carpet covers the floor along with matching
mats, and an overhead console, sunroof and headliner are finished
about as nice as you'll find on a 27 year old car. We do note a
missing cover plate on that overhead console. The trunk is generous
and fully finished in gray carpet.
Drivetrain
Mostly shrouded, here we have the 3.2 liter DOHC inline six
cylinder with 217 horsepower and a 5-speed automatic transmission.
Power is routed to the rear axle with 3.45 gears.
Undercarriage
Clean driver quality conditions are found underneath and a bit of
residual oil on the pan. The solid structure includes power disc
brakes at all four wheels, a single exhaust still running through
original equipment all the way to the back, and fully independent
suspension that includes double wishbone and coil springs in front
and a multilink with coil springs in back.
Drive-Ability
It's not that we don't love loud muscle cars. But when we get a
chance to drive something this smooth, this quiet, this luxurious,
maybe we stay out on the test loop an extra minute or two. Fine
power, straight tracking, and of course, a comfortable cabin check
all the boxes. It's not without a few faux pas; the radio needs a
code, the driver's power mirror's up and down function does not
work and the power locks do not work. Beyond that, all functions
work swimmingly in this now vintage luxury car. While Classic Auto
Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of
our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working
at the time of your purchase.
Some will say 'they don't make them like they used to,' and with
the introduction of the next gen W220, something was lost forever;
mainly the upright and stoic posture of the slap sided luxury cars
of yesterday. Cars became more sporty than stately, but this one
retains all the great things Mercedes was known for, and it's a
fine example.
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee
is not included in the advertised price. All prices are before
state, city and county tax, tag, title and license fees. Out of
state buyers are responsible for all state, county, city taxes and
fees, as well as title/registration fees in the state that the
vehicle will be registered. Classic Auto Mall is not responsible
for errors and omissions. Please verify listings with dealer.
Vehicles may require VIN verification and/or safety and emissions
inspections to transfer ownership and register the vehicle in the
declared state of residence. Please check with your local DMV
office to ensure compliance with your state's titling and
registration process.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
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