There are a few late eighties S classes that have low milage and a nice price around here. So I was curious, how do you like yours? I'm espicially interest in a 500 or 420, but a 380 is not out of the question. Any difference in performance of a lon wheel base besides fewer MPG? How about features of each. Engine personalities (longetivity, etc.). Thanks, guys.

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1989 300E 144K

I have a 380 that wishes it was a 420. Its been reliable with regular upkeep, but as others have said its down on power. The dashboard wood veneer has been known to delaminate. Larger wheels would be nice too. The up side is that it doesn't have airbags and has a real glovebox.

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1985 380SE Blue/Blue - 230,000 miles
2012 Subaru Forester 5-speed
2005 Toyota Sienna
2004 Chrysler Sebring convertible
1999 Toyota Tacoma

Go for a 560. The mileage isn't much worse than the 420 but the power is much better plus it has alll the neato options standard such as front & rear heated/power seats. The power is awesome, especially on the euro ones which have 300+ hp. That is at the wheels since that's where MB measures their hp ratings. I think for mileage they might get upto about 18 on the highway and maybe 14-15 city? If you're really heavy on the pedal expect it to drop down to say 10-12.

Avoid the 380s since the power really sucks and the 86+ newer S-class are better in every way. The A/C has a recirculate function which helps a lot in the summer and they have 15" wheels rather than 14". The fronts on the pre-86's are ugly in my opinion and resemble an old Chrysler Reliant, just ugly. 15" aluminum rims look a lot better on the 126 than 14" bundts. The added lengths of the SELs make a difference in the ride quality. And lastly, whatever V8 model you buy make sure the chain and rails have been done ercently or have them done ASAP and every 75-10ok miles. If the guide rail breaks so does the chain and the valves will bend, $3k+ if only one head is damaged and about $5k if you're on the highway when it happens. Just do them. It only costs a couple hundred to have the upper rails replaced at an indy MB shop. The upper ones are the most likely to break, do a search if you have mroe questions.

Thanks
David

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2000 Honda Accord V6 137k miles

1972 300SEL 4.5 98k miles

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I had an '87 560SEL (350,499 miles on it when totaled). Currently driving an '86 300SDL. I like the ride and comfort of the LWB 126. Maintenance and upkeep are not cheap, but manageable if your do your own work. 560 is the top of the line in performance and costs. If you want something a little more sporty, an SEC can be very nice. Religious oil changes and other proper maintenance help. Still, some times you get a diamond and sometimes a lump of coal. Uncle bought an '88 560SEL after I bought my '87. He bought what looked to be a top shape car but had to put a bunch of money in it. Some normal, some maybe a poor mechanic, some I just don't know. He has a bad habit of trying to take his MB to the local cheap mechanic instead of the guys who really know the cars. (actually, I think it is his wife trying to cheap out). They wound up getting new rear struts whne all they really needed were the nitro pods, I think. So look for really good records and one owner if possible. Rear windows tend to rust under the gasket in the bottom corners. pull up the gasket there on the outside and look for rust or holes. Wet trunk is a giveaway.

...is 86 to 91.

Love my 560. Gets 15 to 16 avg. combined and I think I got 19 on a run to San Antonio. Note though, that you have to like the big car feel; I would imagine a tweaked and slightly modded suspension on an SEC will provide a tighter sports car feel.

That said, I also have a Gen I 280SEL. You are reading that correctly - the M110 6cyl engine. No monster off the line but beleive it or not, not a slug either. It will literally launch onto the freeway when you step on it in mid range RPMs. Maybe its the euro spec engine that does it?

If you like cruising comfort, the 126 SEL is the car.

I used to be disappointed when the weather called for a rainy weekend because my SL only goes out in the sunshine. Now that we have the 560SEL, it doesn't matter at all - at times I actually would rather do the cruiser experience to the runabout anyway.

Kevin

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"Dangerous with a wrench...and not smart enough to know it"

Stable (in order of acqusition):
'84 500SL, 280SEL (Euros)
'77 280SE. '90 560SEL
'79 450SEL 6.9,
'95 C280 (totalled by daughter 8/07)
'81 280SL (rescued) '88 300CE
'86 560SEC '95 C36
'01 CL55

DD's: '04 S500 4Matic (SWMBO)
'04 F150 Crew

My '86 420SEL (Generation II, as someone said) was one of the best cars I've ever had. A superb cruiser, sure to collect compliments if that's important to you, solid and firm-riding -- and that was with comfort suspension, not sport. I once had the chance to drive an S320, the W140 that followed the W126, back to back with my car. The W140 was a very nice ride, but the 420SEL just seemed more, ah, muscular somehow.

-- The A/C in mine worked fine, and that was in 90-100 degree Denver weather and then in much more humid New Orleans. As somebody said, put it on "recirculate."
-- The timing chain and guide rails is something you do once in 8-10 years, and when I had it done in 2002, only ran about $600.
-- I suppose there are rust issues -- after all, these cars are 15 years old and more -- but I never spotted any on mine.
-- I hear the rear window may delaminate, but I haven't seen very many cars with that problem.
-- Mine began to exhibit some minor squeaks in city driving, but then, the roads in New Orleans are the finest of third-world quality. Apparently the later cars, 89-91, had a different leather upholstery arrangement to cut down on leather squeaks.
-- Oil is a breeze to change. The filter is near the top of the engine, and a Topsider will allow you to suck the old oil right out.
-- And yes, gas mileage (premium only, be warned) is poor, but quite good for a 2-ton V-8 car. If you have no car note, gas is less of a worry. Or you can look for a 300SD or 300SDL.

I'd still have mine, probably, if some moron who'd just barely gotten her license hadn't totaled it while it was parked. I love my W202 . . . but I miss the big battleship.

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-- Paul W. (The Benzadmiral)
('03 Buick Park Avenue, charcoal/cream)
Formerly:
'97 C230, smoke silver/parchment; '86 420SEL, anthracite/light grey; '84 280CE (W123), dark blue/palomino

My 420SEL is the favorite of all 3 Benzes I have owned. It was extremely high milleage when I bought it, and even higher when it finally developed some expensive engine problems at over 200,000 miles (about 330,000km). As much as I have liked my E-Classes over the past several years I have to admit that neither of them makes you feel as good driving as the w126 S-Class. That car had no faults, it was pure pleasure to drive. My heart aches for it everytime I see one like it on the road.

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Jason Priest
1999 E430
1995 E420 - retired
1986 420SEL - retired

I had an 88 420SEL. I like the stitching in the 89's on up better. The 88's on up also have a better stock stereo.
Things to watch are the chain and rails, and later, the lifters. Don't let the P/S leak for too long, or you will need a subframe mount (bushings get eaten).
It's 17 feet of car....make sure your parking space can handle it.

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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

I have 3 W126's and they are awesome. Nothing better. I have one 87 420SEL w/ 55k miles. 2 560s/ One with 29k miles and 150k respectively. The 420 is smooth while the 560 is a beast! You can go wrong. They are easy to work on and are very safe. If you are planning to buy one then look for Low mileage in excellent condition with service history.

My SDL has basically been resored except for the 2 front seats and the headliner which are next. I'm pretty fussy when it comes to appearence and will not make it a full time driver until it is in better shape inside. I've been patiently working on it for 2 years and an itching like crazy to get her on the road.

20 plus mpg and all the leg room I can spare.

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Enough about me, how are you doing?

I have been rebuilding my 300SDL to new condition for the past two years and really enjoy it. I get compliments everywhere I go with that thing.

A W126 in any flavor is great, the 380's are not my first choice but I wouldn't turn one down either.

I like the LWB cars but if you do a lot of around town driving the SWB cars really are more user friendly. My ideal diesel W126 would be a 350SD, and I'd be all over a 560SE if I could find one in this country.

However like was said above keeping one in good shape isn't cheap. Sure you can drive them and do nothing for years but eventually you will either have to pay or the next owner will. Actually maintaining and improving on isn't cheap. I have about $12k into mine and counting...

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

I know this post doesn't really belong with the rest... But... since I have a somewhat captive audience of 126 owners, I was wondering what the interest was/is in a set of Euro headlights.
I can get my grubby little paws on a nice set.

-Larry

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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

I'd love to have a couple of large, well-formed headlights, warmed from being turned-on, firmly, yet gently in my hot hands.

Excuse me a moment.

B

Glad I could... brighten... your day/night!

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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

I like the 300SE but the 2nd gear start sucks. Lots of room in the engine compartment. I just finished the front end rebuild, taking my time, and now I need to take care of the brakes.

Gas mileage is about 22 mpg and I would like to change over to all electronic FI, such as megasquirt.

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Regards

Warren

Currently 1965 220Sb, 2002 FORD Crown Vic Police Interceptor

Had 1965 220SEb, 1967 230S, 280SE 4.5, 300SE (W126), 420SEL

ENTER > = (HP RPN)

Not part of the in-crowd since 1952.