I recently had the pleasure of acquiring a 1988 Mercedes Benz 420SEL.





Had a few questions, this being my first benz and all. First, how much would it cost to put a nice, fresh black coat of paint on it? What sort of modifications or upgrades would you recommend putting on this old beauty? And finally, is there any advice or tips anyone has regarding this car? Thanks!

Congrats on that new beauty!

Get a new wheel center cap for the back wheel in the pic!

How many miles?

if over 120K, replace the timing chain (if stretched) and all timing chain guides and rails.

I recommend European headlights but if not that then, get new headlight doors... it will make the front end look new!

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2006 BMW M5 "Heidi" @ 109,000 miles
2005 MBZ C55 AMG "Lorelai" @ 165,000 miles
1991 MBZ 300E "Benzachino II" @ 165,000 miles
1990 MBZ 500SL "Shoshanna" @ 118,000 miles

(On the hunt for a good used M103 engine as of 6/10/23, PM me if you have one to sell!)

Thanks for the prompt reply. I have read up a bit on the timing chain problems. The car is just over 200k miles right now. How much do you estimate the repairs would cost?

Also, where do you recommend buying parts, such as the headlight doors that you mentioned?

Forget the headlight doors get a set of Euro lights.

As for a repaint Maco charges $200, or a very high quality job will be just about $10k.

For a good paint job I would expect to pay about $3k-$5k, depending on how much body work is needed.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

Buy the headlight doors from here, or scour ebay.

Cheap paintjobs will show up on your chrome molding (actually anodized aluminum). Good paintshops will remove the moldings before they spray, which of course costs more money. Glasurit is usually what MB uses for paint. Use the paint code to match paint - However your car looks to be a color other than black.

Also, if you have the money, the chrome (again, aluminum) on the grille can be replaced, and make a good bit of difference in the appearance. As well as a new grill insert, but that's more money.

Enjoy your ride!

-Larry

Oh, spend around $3k for a decent paint job.

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It is a truism that almost any sect, cult, or religion will legislate its creed into law if it acquires the political power to do so. Robert A. Heinlein


09 Jetta TDI
1985 300D

A new set of headlight doors will run you about $170. You can sometimes get a good deal on new ones thru an ebay auction. If you can get them for $150, jump on it.

Once again, a new set will make your front end look 100% better.

Here are some before/after pics of the 350SDL I had when I replaced mine.

Attached Thumbnails

       

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Frank
84 500SEL EURO 101K ( JUST LIKE MY 1ST WIFE. GLAD TO GET RID OF HER! )
85 300D 310K (sold)
90 350SDL 184K sold
83 300D 118K (sold)
88 300E 153k (sold)
93 400E 105K (sold)

I wasted my money on a set of headlight doors, but then ended up buying euro headlights. They are the one best upgrade you can do to a MB, you will see much better at night.

Well, there you go. You can sell your headlight doors to PLAN B and make some money back.

__________________
Frank
84 500SEL EURO 101K ( JUST LIKE MY 1ST WIFE. GLAD TO GET RID OF HER! )
85 300D 310K (sold)
90 350SDL 184K sold
83 300D 118K (sold)
88 300E 153k (sold)
93 400E 105K (sold)

A $200 set of Depo Euro lights will take years off the front end on a W126. Or you can go premium and get Bosch euros for $600 or so. Throw in a nice set of clear corners, euro bumper and wiper conversion, and a new grill with the insert painted back and you will have a very sharp car.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

I wish I could, but I have a 93 300E Sportline. However if anyone needs them, I have the headlights left & right complete including corners.

Thanks a bunch guys, I'll let you know how it gues

Are you talking about for your 300E? I will gladly buy your headlight doors from you if you want to sell them? Are they in good shape? how much do you want for them?

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Frank
84 500SEL EURO 101K ( JUST LIKE MY 1ST WIFE. GLAD TO GET RID OF HER! )
85 300D 310K (sold)
90 350SDL 184K sold
83 300D 118K (sold)
88 300E 153k (sold)
93 400E 105K (sold)

Yes, from a 300E, & they are in good shape, clean & clear. I have the whole assembly for the left & right side, including a never installed set of clear corners if needed. Please e mail me an offer.

Shorebenz, you have mail!

__________________
Frank
84 500SEL EURO 101K ( JUST LIKE MY 1ST WIFE. GLAD TO GET RID OF HER! )
85 300D 310K (sold)
90 350SDL 184K sold
83 300D 118K (sold)
88 300E 153k (sold)
93 400E 105K (sold)