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#1
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I finally got my 560SEL
I took the plunge. This is an `88 560SEL with 131k. It's already had the timing chain, guides and tensioners done. The rear spheres have been done and it's had a valve job.
I had Ben's in Austin check it out. A few minor issues to deal with, nothing major. The springs are shot in the drivers seat and the padding is gone in the console. The owner was a probably 6'2" and 300 pounds so no surprise there. Ben's has been servicing the car the past couple years so they were familiar with it. We had perfect weather today in the hill country and I took it for a nice spin. Awesome drive and I stopped to take a quick photo which I've attached. I've owned a nice car or two over the years. None have felt anything like this big Benz much less cost me less than $4k. I really appreciate all the great advice available on this forum and am looking forward to spending lots of time here. Thanks for all the help! ~Bill 1988 560SEL |
#2
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Welcome to the W126 club!
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__________________
1999 SL500 1969 280SE 2023 Ram 1500 2007 Tiara 3200 |
#3
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Well done. She seems to be in good shape.
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#4
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Congratulations and hope to see ya out and about town in your new ride.
Chas (Cruising in a smoke silver 420SEL with freshly resprayed wheels, no name chrome frames and no tint if you are looking)
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Chas Had a 380SL, 450SL, 380SEL, 420SEL, 500SEL Got a Euro ![]() |
#5
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I'm actually in Wimberley but get to Austin fairly regularly. Where'd you get your wheels done? Or did you do `em yourself? ~Bill |
#6
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Sent you a PM..
__________________
Chas Had a 380SL, 450SL, 380SEL, 420SEL, 500SEL Got a Euro ![]() |
#7
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Quote:
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After that, I'll refinish the wheels and decide if I want to redo the driver's seat springs and cushion myself. ~Bill |
#8
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Congradulation!!! Under $4K is a great deal. Mine is a 1991 with 102000 mile and it has exactly the same color as yours and I paid $5K for it this May.
Hopwever, I have been working on it ever since the first day and $1200 spent so far. Changing all the filters and fluid will run you about $300 DIY. Hope you will have better luck than me. |
#9
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If it costs us $3000 a year to maintain a 560SEL, we're getting a far better deal than people driving a typical $20k new car on a 48-month car loan. ~Bill |
#10
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Changing the seat cushion (horsehair pad) and springs is an easy job. It takes less than two hours and all parts are available from Performance Products. I did both the drivers and passangers seat cushions and backs on my 83 500 SEL (Euro)
Good luck. |
#11
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![]() Hows do the seats feel now? Are they firmer than you expected? I saw a few posts where people felt they were uncomfortable for the first year. I'll need to do my driver's seat soon. It's already starting to hurt my back. The owner has the sheepskin covers on the front seats. I'm not sure if I'll keep those or not. The leather has some fine cracks which I know I can repair. ~Bill |
#12
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My previous 126 was an '87 560SEL. Wonderful car if it has been taken care of properly. Change all the fluids every two years. Change the oil every 3k miles. Keep the tank filled with premium gas (ouch, I know). Replace the track rod joints when needed. Keep the front end aligned and set the tires to about 36 PSI. Car will go faster than most people (or the law) can handle. I really don't know how long the engine will last. Mine was running fine at 350k when the little girl totaled it. Probably somewhere south of 200k you'll want to replace all the rubber hoses and such in hte intake system, including the 8 fat ones betweenthe two intake manifold sections. Replace the injectors at the same time. Not cheap, but will make a big difference. You found a really good deal. Enjoy the car and ignore the fuel costs.
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#13
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~Bill |
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