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.

My 25-year certified M-B tech thinks the 123 and 126 series are the last "old school" M-B's. I have a 300SDL that was an interim car following my 16V engine failure. Though not a "diesel" guy, the car has really grown on me. It is a little slow off the line until it hits 2500 RPM where the turbo kicks in. While not 560SEL-quick, I never have any passing situation problems. I had to exorcise some neglect demons but the car is dead reliable and very economical to operate (23-24 MPG; don't let anyone kid you that they get more than this. I have NEVER had less than 20 MPG, however).

The W126 is a truly amazing cruiser, very safe, swift, extremely comfortable, and good-handling for such a big car. I wouldn't be scared of a diesel in Canada. The diesels all have plug-in block heaters. A diesel has longer maintenance intervals than the gas cars.

I am selling mine because the 16V is soon to be back on the road and I am stupid: right brain over-riding the sensible left brain.

__________________
Charles Cleaver
1975 350SE + 1992 300CE-24 SportLine 5-speed + 2002 SLK320 6-speed + 1974 W114 280
1986 190E 2.3-16 (Decomm rear self-leveling suspension; Euro-code headlamps) sold
2004 Audi S4 6-spd - sold
1969 (2) and 1980 Porsche 911T, S, and SC - alas gone
1987 300SDL - Graf Spee; Euro-code headlamps; 16-inch 8-hole wheels - sold
1994 E420+(E500 suspension/E-code headlamps/PAD chip) sold
1968 250SE 4-speed (NICE car) - long gone
1962 220S 4-speed/column mount - long gone

Charles,

Where's your MB tech? I'm in Wimberley, not that far away from you.

I'm driving to the far side of Austin to get mine serviced now and am
looking for an alternative. My tech is good and trustworthy but difficult
to communicate with and it's hard to get an appointment.

All the best,

Bill

__________________
_______________________________________
1988 MB 560 SEL 138k - Desert Taupe w/ Cream Beige Interior.

Mods:
Euro Headlights w/Smoked Corners
New seats from a `91
ASA 15-Hole Replicas
Sony HU, JL Audio 400/4 Amp, JL Audio 2-way Components on rear deck, JL Audio 3-way Components in door & dash.


2000 BMW Z3 2.3 Roadster 33k
2002 Toyota Rav4L 50k