I am shopping around for a W126, and would appreciate a quick summary of the pros and cons of each of the following models.

560SEL
I know this is the top of the line, but I understand that it is very complicated and there are therefore a lot of things that can go wrong. On the other hand, I love creature comforts, and I think this is the only model with reclining rear seats.

A Canadian dealer is advertising an 1988 560SEL, 143K km, $6K CDN. This seems almost too good to be true.

420SEL
I have read that this is the next best thing to the 560SEL, but somewhat less complicated and somewhat more fuel efficient.

I have noticed that the price difference between the 560SEL and 420SEL is negligible in the local market.

300SEL
I have heard great things about MB 6 cylinder gas engines, but I wonder whether this model is underpowered.

300SDL
I have heard great things about MB diesel engines, but I wonder whether this model is underpowered as well. I have never owned a diesel.

I live in Toronto, so I need an engine that performs well during cold winters, which might rule out the diesel.

I will do most of my driving on the highway, likely at cruising speeds as you can usually sail along at 130 km/h on Canadian highways without police interference.

Gas is back up to $1.00 a liter in Canada, even though we have more oil (in the tar sands) than Saudi Arabia. This is frustrating, but not a major problem for me, as I would likely drive no more than 16K km a year.

I like creature comforts, but that is likely not a major differentiator, as all the models above are very well equipped.

I have an above average theoretical knowledge of engine technology, but don't have a lot of practical maintenance skills. I am a quick study though.

My current car is a 1994 Cadillac Deville Concours, which I purchased about four years ago. It is the most reliable car I have ever driven, but I am looking for a second car with more character.

I don't mind spending up to $3,000 a year on routine and not-so-routine maintenance.

Cheers,
Jason

Welcome to the forum.


The most important thing to consider is the condition and maintenance history of the vehicle. It matters little if it's a 420SEL or a 560SEL provided you find a vehicle with no rust and one that has been properly maintained. It's well worth spending a few thousand more up front for a pristine example than to find a cheap one with little or no records.

Since you are not thorougly familiar with them, it's worthwhile to have a proper inspection done by a knowledgable shop. The gassers have issues with their timing chains at certain mileage levels and it's rather costly to change them.

Because you live in Canada, the diesel would probably not be the best choice for you unless fuel economy is of primary concern and you can put up with the issues of a diesel. However, again, if a pristine example happens to show up with maintenance records........due consideration should be given.

The 300 SEL is a good vehicle, but, it has issues with 4K rpm running speed on the highway that some folks cannot stand and it starts in second gear which is a bit too tall for the six cylinder. You may find it underpowered if you tend to push a vehicle. It does provide slightly better fuel economy than its gasoline powered bretheren.

Remember this well when looking at these vehicles.......especially when one encounters a low selling price:

There is nothing more expensive than a cheap Mercedes-Benz.

Having a complete maintenance history greatly increases your chance of success and happiness. Considering the age of these vehicles though, there will be issues eventually regardless of past maintenance. Frame rust is a show-stopper. Things like the plastic window regulator guides and AC solenoids/actuators can go out at any time and could cost a small fortune to repair at a dealer. Ditto for some of the engine control systems. Many of these things can be fixed in your driveway with normal tools, a multimeter, and persistence. Hopefully you are somewhat handy so you can avoid costly shop visits OR you know an independent shop who you trust completely. This site alone has hours worth of stuff you can peruse and study. I think preparation and advance knowledge is key to handling problems quickly as they pop up. Find yourself a nice one, and Good Luck!

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

At 3400 rpm, you're doing 70 mph. Off the top of my head, I don't remember what MPH you're doing at 4K rpm. The 2nd gear start has never bothered me, but then most of my driving is highway. These cars may be sluggish if you're used to high performance vehicles. I wouldn't trade mine for anything.

Brian's point about the expensive/inexpensive MBs should be considered. Too many people here are always looking for "cheap". A person whose owned one of these cars for many yrs. and cared for it is not going to sell it for blue book...anybody's blue book. Again - beware of "cheap".

__________________
Mike Murrell
1991 300-SEL - Model 126
M103 - SOHC
"Fräulein"

You need to look at my 85 380SE which is listed for sale in the CARS forum. Perfect for what you want. Dependable, solid and and maintainence up to date with records from beginning.

__________________
95 E420 ( 76K) SOLD
85 380SE(125k)
95 SL500(72k)

Buy a good example whatever you do! Paying a premium for a mint example is money very well spent.

Do a search their is enough info about he W126 around here to keep you reading for months!

Since you are interested in the gas models search "timing chain". Chances are unless you find records indicating it has been changed, guess who is changing it?

I think a 420SEL offers the best blend of economy and power. The 560's are great but they do burn more fuel.

__________________
2016 Corvette Stingray 2LT
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

From the models you listed, it sounds like you are only looking for a 1986-91 W126?

For less money and just as nice looking of a car, you should also consider the 1981-85 W126, which includes the 300SD, 380SE, 380SEL, 500SEL, 380SEC, and 500SEC. The "SEC" are 2-doors however, but beautiful cars I think. Also some Euro models with this W126 chassis, which include a 280SE, 280SEL, etc, but not as many as the others listed.

You can probably buy a nice 81-85 W126, for much less $ than a 86-91 W126.

Thanks for all of the great information so far, especially the sobering advice that there is nothing more expensive than a cheap Mercedes .

This will be my mantra as I check out the 560s and 420s in the local market, as they range from $2,500 to $12,500 for 1987 to 1990 vintages.

I may look at a 300sel just for the sake of comparison. However. I have grown accustomed to the 275 hp / 300 torque that the Northstar puts out, so I will probably go for a V8.

A good friend in Australia recommended a Euro spec 500sel and predicted that there may be a few kicking around in Canada. I found one, with velour upholstery, which originally turned me off. When I checked again, it was sold.

Jas

In my 300SE, 4000 rpm is about 80 mph. There is a distant whine from the engine but overall, the car is so quiet and refined that you really don't notice. If the flex discs neet to be replaced, then that will add noise, also engine/trans mounts. If the door seals are going bad, then that will add wind noise as opposed to engine noise.

I regularly get 22 mpg in the 300.

__________________
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 went through the same scenario 6 years ago when I decided I wanted a mercedes with 86-91 SEL body style. I knew nothing about mercedes back then so the factor of complexity between models was not important to my decision. In my view, all of them were at the same level of complexity. What was important to me was to be able to own one of these fine automobiles and be able to enjoy each time I am behind the wheel.

I used to drive my 66 mustang convertible as my daily driver until I got my 91 560SEL. One thing that I was not ready for however was the expense of maintaining an old car( it was 9 years old when I got it in 2000) let alone a mercedes. So, I had to learn how to maintain it on my own. I made sure that the body and interior was good ( a california car), and it had the color combo that I liked ( palomino on pearl black), and of course I had it inspected to make sure it is worth it.

With the help of this forum and other sites, I have been able to learn quite a number of things about maintainance and repair. I have done quite a few things on my own like timing chain guide replacement, valve stem seal replace ment, among other things. I have been able to do all repairs without having to to bring my car to the shop. I now have about 175,000 miles on it, and I am sure in a few years I might need to do a cylinder head job. no worries, this is not rocket science.

so, do your homework, and get the one that you will enjoy!!!

The later W126's had a lot of updates, personaly I wouldn't even bother looking at an older one unless it was one heck of a deal. The newer engines put out more power and get the same mileage, if not better mileage.

The best w126's would be the latest possible. 89-91 had the updated interior. 1991 you could get traction control which is nice in snow!

Hunt for a 1990-91 420/560SEL, better interior, sound system, traction control, and all the updates that MB did.

__________________
2016 Corvette Stingray 2LT
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

On the 420SEL vs. 560SEL, you wrote:

>> 560SEL
I know this is the top of the line, but I understand that it is very complicated and there are therefore a lot of things that can go wrong. On the other hand, I love creature comforts, and I think this is the only model with reclining rear seats. <<

A slight correction: the reclining rear power seat was either an option or was standard on the 560SEL. It was an option on the 420; my '86 420SEL had it. If you don't use the back seat for passengers, you'll never miss it.

My W126 (201 hp) got about 19 mpg combined, about 50% highway, when I lived in Colorado. When I moved back down to The Swamp, aka New Orleans, I ran only about 30% highway, and my mileage dropped to 17.5. Premium gas only, be warned; these cars don't have the modern sensors that will adjust your timing to prevent detonation if you run mid-grade or less.

On the other hand, there is nothing like the King of the Road feeling of piloting an S-Class. I still miss mine.

__________________
* *
-- 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

Personally I would look only at a W126 from the of the model run...unless you found an earlier model W126 that's really cherry!

That's just a rule of thumb and there are, of course, always exceptions to the rule. I think (I know) others would agree on this point.

I owned a 1991 420SEL and it was a great car. Big, safe, reliable, comfortable and fairly nimble for its size.

I may be wrong on this, but I think that only the 420SEL engine had problems wiht the timing chains, I don't think that the 560SEL engines had similar problem with the timing chain.

These are some of the best looking Benzes around. Ask Snibbles, he is a big W126 fan and a Cohiba smoker to boot!

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Current Benzes

1989 300TE "Alice"
1990 300CE "Sam Spade"
1991 300CE "Beowulf" RIP (06.1991 - 10.10.2007)
1998 E320 "Orson"
2002 C320 Wagon "Molly Fox"

Res non semper sunt quae esse videntur

My Gallery

Not in this weather!

I recently purchased a 1989 420SEL with 150,000 km, dark gray on light gray.

Other than minor wear on the front seats and armrest, the car is in great shape. And so far, it has exceeded expectations, especially in handling and its performance on the highway.

At highway speeds of 100 to 140 km/h (and higher), it can slingshot past other cars. It is definitely faster than my 1994 Cadillac Concours, which on paper has another 100 or so horses under the hood. Its presence on the road can only be described as 'magisterial', in every sense of the word.

I can only fantasize as to what the 560SEL feels like on the open road. Perhaps my next purchase will be a 560SEC (to replace the Cadillac).

All of this is very impressive for a design that saw its first market launch over 27 years ago. Shame on North American manufacturers for never achieving this level of excellence.

Many thanks to the legendary Lou Forli at Forli Motors in Toronto for the excellent service he has provided to date.

Any many thanks to everyone here for providing a range of practical advice.

All I need to do now is decide on a pet name. I am leaning toward 'The Dark Knight', though a friend has suggested 'The Bismarck' or the 'The Battleship Potemkin'.

[Photos to follow.]

Best regards,
Jason