I think I have finally found the Mercedes that I will purchase if all goes well and if the answers to the questions I am about to ask are ok.

I found a 560SEL on a classified site with around 110K I would like to purchase. It is a 1-owner car (current owner is a dealer that bought to resell). The car is stated to run very well- quiet engine and good transmission shifts. Here are the noted problems- the power seats do not operate- I am guessing it could just be a bad fuse, but I guess it could be a bad switch or motor too. Also- the car has set in a garage, undriven for a few years, because the owners (wealthy) bought a new Mercedes and this one was really no longer needed. The current owner said that when the car was first started, it did smoke some from the exhaust, but after a few miles, it stopped and has not noticed it since- or not any that he noticed. Can anyone say I am correct in assuming that this could be normal for a car that has set for 4-5 years without being started? He said temperature was in normal range, as is the oil pressure. It does have a power steering hose leak- easy fix? The car is 100+% rust free, always a southern car. Good original paint and good original interior, aside from some dash panel cracks. The A/C is also on the fritz as is one of the windows. He said the air suspension was fine. Carfax also checks out OK on this car. The car has some cosmetic flaws- small dent on one fender, small place on a bumper, broken front parking lamp lens and missing hood ornament.

My main concern is the engine smoking when it was 1st started- if someone can confirm to me that this could be expected for a car that has set for 5 years?

If something happens this car does not pan out, I am still waiting to hear from the owner of the 90' 300TE wagon- which is the same price, but has a LOT more miles.

Thanks in advance.

Regarding the smoke, perhaps the valve seals were dried out. I wouldn't doubt it since they wouldn't have been lubricated so the rubber would become dry, but I could see the problem getting better with mileage if that were the case. If the engine smokes it just needs valve seals, not too bad on one of these and very cheap if your labor is free. Not too bad either if you were to pay a mechanic. The dent may be able to be pulled out of the fender, if not, fenders aren't too much and you couldn't even possibly find a same color one in a junkyard. power seats not working means the seat switch needs to come apart and have the contacts cleaned. Do a search for that one and it will surely keep you busy. Does he have maintenance records showing the chain and guide rails being replaced? If not, it's right at that time so figure several hundred for that if not done already. A lot of older MB's have dash cracks. Either go on ebay to get a cap, live with it, or pay $1200 for a new one. Up to you. Go on ebay and buy a used corner lamp. Shouldn't cost more than $15 I bet before shipping. The A/C would probably be your most expensive commodity to get working correctly, however it can make you hate or love a car. Follow most people's advice and stay with R-12, you won't look back.

Thanks
David

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2000 Honda Accord V6 137k miles

1972 300SEL 4.5 98k miles

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Thanks Dave. He said he drove the car home 30 miles and the smoking stopped shortly during the trip. I guess that 4 years of not being started may have had something to do with it. He said there were no records. It is supposed to have 113K miles (at least showing that), so at this mileage, new chain is in order I assume? I asked him how quiet the engine was, because in the "timing chain" thread, I have heard that they will make a noise. He said it was very quiet and smooth. I guess the first order would be changing all of the fluids and fix that power steering hose- if it is indeed the hose.

The cosmetics do not bother me that much, I can live with the dents and cracks in the dash. It is a light colored car, so I should be able to live without the A/C. Even on my cars with working A/C, I rarely use it, because it really does a number on my nose (stuffed up), so I live with the heat.

It's not so much that the car needs the chain replaced as it is important to replace the upper guide rails. Usually the chain is just done because you're in there and have everything apart. If the chain snaps, $3K at LEAST. Plus, they should be done before 100K miles so you're on borrowed time. Ask where he's had it serviced then go talk to them and see if it's been done. He may be one of the kind of people who just drops the car off and if the mechanic thinks something needs replaced, they just do it, period.

Thanks
David

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2000 Honda Accord V6 137k miles

1972 300SEL 4.5 98k miles

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It wouldnt hurt to do a compression check.....leaky valve seals are an easy fix....having a motor redone gets a little pricey

What are they asking for it?

Just buy it.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

$2000 and $250 additional to deliver.

I would like to, but the car is 3 hours away. Seems like the doubts are starting again.

Gee, that's a surprise!

I just paid $799 for a valve seal replacement, 6 hours labor.

Dash board covers can be had from Performance Auto. Many 560 parts available online for reasonable money - a new dash, a new center console, a/c compressors, etc.

My 560SEL (1989) has been a great ride, even at 163k on the clock when I got her. Check with the PO for a full service history, so you know what's been done and not done.

If you do a search on 560SEL or w116, you'll find plenty of info on projected repairs, issues, etc.

-gil

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GG NJ USA
1983 300SD (Sold at 198K)
1989 560SEL (205k) - slowly restoring
2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid (6k) - daily driver
1995 Colt Vista AWD (145k) - fun car! spare
1991 Buick Riviera 3.8l (85k) - fur die Kinder
RIP: 1965 LeMans/GTO Convertable -my first
RIP: 1968 GTO 400 HO w/ 400HP - ballsy!
(blew the motor racing a '69 GTX - bummer)

For $2k thats about the best W126 you are going to get. It will need work but it sounds like the basics are their.

Since the car has been sitting I would right away do:
All fluids and filters
Battery
heater hoses and belts
inspect suspension
spark plugs
engine and trans mounts may be due check them.
tires
repack wheel bearings
full detail

Then inspect the car and figure out what else it needs. I would plan on doing the timing chain within the year.

Figure $2k for the car put another $3k into it and you will have something.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

If you look at the advice from knowledgable people, they say to buy the most expensive model you can afford, with all records. Your $2k MB can turn into a $10K money pit.

Unless you can do the work yourself, pass on the car. There are lots of 560SEL's out there in primo condition.

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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.

Since you are new and I have never replied to any of your posts, I do not think I have done anything to offend you- so what is the deal, or do you have smart little remarks for everyone?

I think he was replying to your comment:

Seems like the doubts are starting again.

At least that's the way I read it.

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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.

I think you are right. I say that because on another one of my posts he says "just buy a Mercedes already" and then puts a little " " face, as if my posts are ruining the day. I hate that I am causing someone that much grief. If not for the " " on the other little reply on another topic, I would take it as a joke, but I am upsetting him somehow. I thought these boards was to get help when needed. If he wants to give me $2K-$5K to buy a car (and keep my money saved to buy a car), then I will stop asking questions.

I do want to say thanks to ALL that has answered my questions professionally: wbain5280, Hatterasguy, gilwave, georgeb, WANT '71 280SEL,