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Old 11-30-2016, 10:06 AM
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JamesDean JamesDean is offline
Electrical Engineer
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: NE Ohio
Posts: 5,038
420SEL @ 245K, What to do?

Morning Guys,

So I'm facing some decisions when it comes to my 420SEL and I'm looking for some input/thoughts/comments/what would you do/etc.

It's got about 245,000 miles on the odometer. Hits about 17.3 MPG average with my driving.

The Bad:

1) Needs a valve job.
-Burns about a quart every 180 miles or so.
-Fouls out #8 plug (mitigated with spark plug non-fouler)
-Other plugs seem OK
-Perhaps this hints more towards a valve seal issue?
-Quoted 3500-4500 for job
2) A/C Leak
-Leak appears to be somewhere in the TXV or EVAP.
-New condenser (Parallel Flow)
-New dryer
-Compressor is young
-New seals everywhere up until TXV/EVAP
The Good:
-Complete suspension rebuild
-Steering gearbox rebuild
-Repainted, not car show grade but looks nice.
-Brakes are new
-Front/Rear windows replaced and resealed.
-Catalytic converter replaced (single cat unit now)
-New rims and tires.
-Timing chain, upper guides, tensioner, was replaced 36K ago.
-Interior is in pretty decent shape. No glaring issues or notable cuts/deformations/etc.
-New motor mounts.

The Unknown:
-Underbody rust. Last I checked it was fairly clean under there. There may have been surface rust on a few areas. By far the cleaner of all my 126's. I caught the rear window leak before rust could set in.
I've attached my maintenance/repair summary data if anyone was curious.

Just looking for some thoughts.
Attached Files
File Type: pdf Mercedes Benz 420SEL Maintenance Repair Summary.pdf (40.3 KB, 139 views)
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(4/11/2020: Hi Everyone! I am still taking orders and replying to emails/PMs/etc, I appreciate your patience in these crazy times. Stay safe and healthy!)


82 300SD 145k
89 420SEL 210k
89 560SEL 118k
90 300SE 262k RIP 5/25/2010
90 560SEL 154k
91 300D 2.5 Turbo. 241k
93 190E 3.0 235k
93 300E 195k
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