<<I know the W140 had some issues with its drivetrain at the beginning (weight!) but that's all! >>

That's ALL? Let's see now.

Front suspension in early models couldn't deal with the tonnage. Neither could the original V-rated tires which in the '92 models were included in the warranty. And they lasted 12K miles so in the warranty period would be replaced four times. The fix was cheaper H-rated tires and that's why MB went to H-rated on other models.

Vacuum door closers and their pump, troublesome throughout the model run.

The 3.5 diesel version's engine was a colossal failure. Know as the "rod bender" in the US because of #1 connecting rod deformities which total the engine. The ONLY fix is a factory rebuilt engine. Any 140 diesel without an engine replacement is unsaleable here.

Oh, and the air conditioning. It's well known that if the AC evaporator has not been replaced yet, it will fail. Typical repair cost in the US is $4-5000. I've seen a 140 or two at my dealer in for evap replacement and the interior looks like a Baghdad bomb victim. The pile of parts outside the car is almost as large as the car itself.

According to CAR magazine, the 140 project chief engineer, as punishment for the model, was sent to Maylasia to run a truck plant.

Issues? The 140 is a catastrophe. Can hardly give them away in the US.