Parts Catalog Accessories Catalog How To Articles Tech Forums
Call Pelican Parts at 888-280-7799
Shopping Cart Cart | Project List | Order Status | Help



Go Back   PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum > Mercedes-Benz Tech Information and Support > Mercedes-Benz Performance Paddock

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 02-23-2005, 12:11 AM
Ara T.'s Avatar
Registered User
 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Santa Rosa, CA
Posts: 2,075
560 Sec

Im 17 and have been contemplating what kind of car i'll be buying in 2-3 years. I drive a 300D Turbo right now, which I do love, but i just want something a little...livelier. I have always admired 560SEC's when I see them drive past (which seems like a rare occurence). I had been recently looking at muscle cars, but now I have been thinking that I want something better engineered (especially interior-wise and general fit/finish.) Plus, we all know that a W126 is far better engineered and holds up better than anything the U.S. ever put out in the late 60's-70's, and probably just about anything for that matter. And yes, I have read that thread about the high school kid pondering the same question.

I just want more feedback...I know that the SEC isn't spectacular getting to 60mph, but really takes off afterwards. Is this simply because it's rear axle is geared for this? Or is this an engine limitation? Could you simply exchange the stock differential for one geared a bit lower, increasing sprint performance? Would such a differential be easily available?

__________________
1985 CA 300D Turbo , 213K mi
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 02-23-2005, 12:21 AM
Larry Delor's Avatar
What, Me Worry?
 
Join Date: Jun 1999
Location: Sarasota, Fl.
Posts: 3,114
I started out with a 300D (still have it)...then got a 420SEL (still have it-for sale though)...and now have a E420 for my daily. I really really ...REALLY prefer the E420 over the 420SEL (HP diff. between the 420 and 560 [in a 126] isn't all that significant when you take into consideration that the 560 weighs more). The diff. in HP between the 420's is 201 vs. 275 Viva la difference!
Save up your dollars and keep your eye out for a E420

Then again... that's just my opinion, and you can do with it as you please.

-Larry
__________________
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
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 02-23-2005, 12:28 AM
Ara T.'s Avatar
Registered User
 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Santa Rosa, CA
Posts: 2,075
Thanks for the advice Larry, but I don't really like the newer looking MB's, they don't seem to have much personality. But im sure with 275 hp it'd grow on you...
__________________
1985 CA 300D Turbo , 213K mi
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 02-23-2005, 01:39 AM
Ashman's Avatar
Registered User
 
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Sherman Oaks, CA
Posts: 4,749
W124 is a great combination of the classic look and more modern appointments.

Definately one to consider.

I was considering a 560sec before I got my 300ce. the reason I didn;t go for the SEC. I had simply always wanted a 300ce since ti was first released, so I went with the one I liked.

I had drive also numerous bmw's. 540i, 325is, and while both were nice cars, they didn;t have that feel of a benz, the solid steering feel, and solid feel all around. They seemed to me to be too light and not as rigid I would say.

The benz to me looked better and felt safer.

Anyway you look at it, a benz is a great choice. Do some research on reliability on both the 126 and 124 cars, both are fairly reliable, but I believe the w124 chassis was a bit more reliable especially today. its going to be hard to find a really nice example of a w126 for a good price, but there are plenty of w124's out there.

I still love the sec, and will buy one one day as an extra toy.

Alon
__________________
'92 300CE - Sold
2004 C240 - 744 - C7 Wheels - Android Radio
2002 C320 - 816 - Sport Wagon
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 02-23-2005, 02:25 AM
gerryvz's Avatar
"Unhinged Troll" - Jim B.
 
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: The Woodlands, TX
Posts: 1,268
I don't believe you can go wrong with a 560SEC. A stock, US-model 560SEC will do a quarter-mile in 15.1-15.2 seconds, on street tires. 0-60 will come in around 7-8 seconds. This is quite adequate even by today's standards for most cars.

The build quality and materials, not to mention chassis rigidity and solidity of the 126 coupe sedan are second to none, certainly clearly superior to the W124 which is a lighter-duty car. 124s tend to rattle and loosen up over time; 126s are far more solid and will remain rattle-free for 250K+ miles. The 1989 and later SECs (most preferable) have dual airbags and ABS, and a few 1991 models even have the optional first-generation ASR.

The 126 coupe was built in fairly small numbers and was the absolute top of the MB line in its day. The design of this coupe is arguably among the 5 best, elegant, timeless designs that MB has ever made; we can thank Bruno Sacco for this shape. In addition, the M117 V-8 is bulletproof and very very reliable; in fact the car overall mechanically is one of the most reliable MB's ever put forth. I have a friend with a 126 coupe here in Portland, a daily driver, with 406,000 miles on it. The car is on its second engine and transmission, and has been painted a couple of times, but it is near immaculate and absolutely rattle-free.

My own 1989 560SEC has 155,000 miles on it and again is rattle-free. I am just now in final preparations (days away) from replacing its 2.47 rear end with a 3.06 unit taken and modified from a 450SL. This gearing change is probably the easiest and cheapest thing one can do to increase the acceleration and speed of the 560 in U.S. trim. It will remove a full second off the quarter-mile time, at the expense of around 800 RPM at cruising speed.

I own a W124 E500 and it shares daily driving duty with the 560SEC. The W124 coupes are nice (luxury interiors, coupe body, etc.) but comparing one to a 126 coupe is like comparing a Volkswagen Passat to an S-Class. Both are quite nice cars, but the hierarchy is clear.

A decent 126 coupe will start around $8K; great ones run in the $15K range. REALLY great ones are $20-25K and up. They are destined to be classics, no doubt.

You can see a sampling of three local SECs for sale here in the Portland (Oregon) area at the following URL:

http://www.freemanmotorco.com/query.php?increment=20&type=(freeman_make='Mercedes')&sort=make,%20year%20DESC,%20dealer

Cheers,
Gerry

http://homepage.mac.com/gerryvz/PhotoAlbum52.html

The red car is the 406K SEC; the black car is mine; the white car is the nicest, cleanest SEC you've ever seen....

Last edited by gerryvz; 02-23-2005 at 02:34 AM.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 02-23-2005, 02:33 AM
Ara T.'s Avatar
Registered User
 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Santa Rosa, CA
Posts: 2,075
Thanks for the info gerry...those cars are beautiful. Im quite partial to the black ones...anyways. Thanks for answering my questions guys. So how much would I expect to pay for one in decent condition? Around $10k or so?
__________________
1985 CA 300D Turbo , 213K mi
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 02-23-2005, 02:45 AM
gerryvz's Avatar
"Unhinged Troll" - Jim B.
 
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: The Woodlands, TX
Posts: 1,268
see the edits I made to my post re: costs....

Cheers,
Gerry
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 02-23-2005, 03:33 AM
Ara T.'s Avatar
Registered User
 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Santa Rosa, CA
Posts: 2,075
So you drag yours or what?
__________________
1985 CA 300D Turbo , 213K mi
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 02-23-2005, 04:19 AM
gerryvz's Avatar
"Unhinged Troll" - Jim B.
 
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: The Woodlands, TX
Posts: 1,268
of course.... but moreso the E500, which has nitrous-oxide installed. You can see some pictures I took last Sunday at:

http://www.500ecstasy.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1608

Best speed to date: 12.89 seconds at 108+ MPH.

You can see a non-N2O clip of the E500 in action at:
http://homepage.mac.com/gerryvz/bullet.mov

2005 drag season starts first week of April, have been waiting all winter.

Cheers,
Gerry
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 02-23-2005, 10:24 AM
PRO VEGGIE CONVERTER
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Santa Maria CA 150mi North of LA
Posts: 680
I am planning on doing an engine change on my 84 380 SEC. I was wonding if the hood clearance is the same on the SEC as it is on the SEL? I know the hood is a little different, but it is still a 126 body. If anyone could let me know, i would appreciate it.

Andrew
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 02-23-2005, 11:56 AM
Ashman's Avatar
Registered User
 
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Sherman Oaks, CA
Posts: 4,749
the w124 coupe is in every repect as nice as the 560sec. Moreso, the w124 coupe cost almost as much as the 560sec did. MB did not spare any expense when building the w124.

Both are good cars.

My car has no rattles in it, and it is 13 years old.

The interior still looks almost new.

Either way he can't go wrong.

I love the SEC, but I prefer the CE for it's size and the way it drives.

The sec was and still is a great looking car, I would buy one as an extra car if I had the funds.

Alon
__________________
'92 300CE - Sold
2004 C240 - 744 - C7 Wheels - Android Radio
2002 C320 - 816 - Sport Wagon
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 02-23-2005, 12:16 PM
This space for sale
 
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 3,380
Although the CE is a nice and fine automobile.. as far as coupe's go, the SEC has the looks and class.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 02-23-2005, 12:58 PM
lino's Avatar
Registered ®
 
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Canada
Posts: 981
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ashman
the w124 coupe is in every repect as nice as the 560sec. Moreso, the w124 coupe cost almost as much as the 560sec did. MB did not spare any expense when building the w124.

Both are good cars.

My car has no rattles in it, and it is 13 years old.

The interior still looks almost new.

Either way he can't go wrong.

I love the SEC, but I prefer the CE for it's size and the way it drives.

The sec was and still is a great looking car, I would buy one as an extra car if I had the funds.

Alon
I have the exact opinion of Ashman on this one 100%. That's why I have 2 W124 coupes
__________________
1989 300CE Astralsilber/Schwarz
1992 300CE Schwarz/Schwarz
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 02-23-2005, 01:14 PM
lino's Avatar
Registered ®
 
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Canada
Posts: 981
Quote:
Originally Posted by Snibble
Although the CE is a nice and fine automobile.. as far as coupe's go, the SEC has the looks and class.
The SEC does have the looks and class, but compared to a CE, I feel that it is boring to drive, especially for a 19 year old who will be moving up from a diesel. I love the SEC and will buy one eventually, but like Ashman, for me I had to buy the CE first. The build quality of the W126 is unbelievable. I've driven Euro 500SECs and the power difference compared to a North American version is huge.

Here are some pics of W126 coupes that are to my taste:






Here are some pics of some W124 coupes:



__________________
1989 300CE Astralsilber/Schwarz
1992 300CE Schwarz/Schwarz
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 02-23-2005, 01:59 PM
gerryvz's Avatar
"Unhinged Troll" - Jim B.
 
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: The Woodlands, TX
Posts: 1,268
I really hate to belabor the point, but there is a clear difference in both the materials and the build quality of a 124 coupe and a 126 coupe. All you have to do is slam the door of a 124 with 200,000 miles on it, and a 126 with the same mileage, and you will HEAR the difference.

The 126 is an S-Class, the 124 is an E-Class. Mercedes designed the S-class as its highest-end model, spare no expenses, best of everything it could muster. The E-class, by design and purpose, was designed to a lower price point. It's the corporate product hierarchy and there is no refuting this. If they were equivalent, then the prices, quality and materials used therein would have been equivalent.

No 124 coupe was ever available from the factory with a V-8 engine; no 126 coupe was ever available from the factory WITHOUT a V-8 engine.

Significantly higher numbers of 124 coupes were produced than 126 coupes. I'm not sure of the price of a 124 coupe($60K range?), but I do know that the 126 coupes, in the late 1980s, listed for around $80-85K+ depending on option loads.

Cheers,
Gerry

Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
560 SEC Spring Conversion Possible??? grey560 Mercedes-Benz Performance Paddock 2 04-24-2005 01:39 AM
Stunning Collectors 1987 MB 560 SEC Luxury Coupe hoover Mercedes-Benz Cars For Sale 13 01-17-2005 12:05 PM
Differential Gear swap 560 SEC chinook Tech Help 4 11-08-2003 02:42 AM
500 / 560 sec wallpaper Diego Off-Topic Discussion 1 08-01-2002 12:52 AM



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 05:08 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.7
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Search Engine Optimization by vBSEO 3.6.0
Copyright 2024 Pelican Parts, LLC - Posts may be archived for display on the Peach Parts or Pelican Parts Website -    DMCA Registered Agent Contact Page