1989 420SEL - will not start ......

[86560SEL]

I am considering a local 1989 420SEL, white in color, with 135K miles that is in excellent condition. The only problem (known) is that it will not start. The owner is a lady and she does not seem to know anything about it. I was thinking perhaps that the timing chains/rails/guides/etc. were broken and the engine was damaged, as she does not know when or even if they were ever changed. I have only been corresponding by e-mail, as the car is listed on a local internet classified site. I plan on calling on Friday after I get back from my trips. She said it had a new battery, but it still would not start. No other details mentioned, such as if it would crank, etc. I saw a photo of the engine and the valve covers do not have any broken spots, but does that still not mean that the chains could be broken? I think I can get the car for less than $1000.

Any advice/suggestions? Should I steer clear and keep on enjoying my 1985 380SE? I really like the 420SEL body style though.

Thanks in advance!

[sixto]

Originally Posted by 86560SEL

Should I steer clear and keep on enjoying my 1985 380SE? I really like the 420SEL body style though.

It's the same body style The 420 has US DOT aero headlights which are worthless. Your 380 has better lighting. You can upgrade either car to European/e-code lighting. The 420 has later style wheels. Same wheels fit your 380. 420 has smooth side cladding vs your 380's ribbed cladding. It's a bit of work to locate and install smooth cladding but it can be done.

$1000 is a gamble for a car you cannot check or have inspected. Let's say it's quick and cheap to get the engine started. Only then can you check things like engine compression, oil consumption, cooling system integrity, transmission, climate control, steering and suspension integrity, etc. I see good running 420SELs for $2500. Maybe not in the color combo you like and maybe not with low mileage, but...

Sixto

[wbain5280]

If the timing chain rail broke on the driver side and the engine has bent valves, then unless you have to drilling jig for inserts and can do the head removal work yourself, forget it.

If it needs a new battery, buy it.

Watch out for those cheap Mercedes.

i have only seen the drill jig needed on 380's? i have the drill jig by the way

[STORMINORMAN]

A spare battery & jumper cables might get you an answer here. If it turns over and the timing chain is running smoothly through the guides, the belts are all turning, etc., you know a lot more about the car than you do now. How does the oil look? Transmission fluid clean and up to level?

IMHO, any $1K is very well spent for a parts car when there is something on the parts car that you can use (or really just want) and the item's real current value approaches 1/2 the total price paid: i.e., if you need a windshield & back glass for an S-Class, better leather seats, a dash, engine, transmission, suspension or electrical parts, etc.

AND

you have a viable place to store the rest of the car.

Not everyone has this luxury. I just acquired a 2nd W126, an '88 420SEL with 171K that has too much value to me as a daily driver to be relegated to the term "parts car", although that's what I bought it to be.

Now I need to find another W126 to be a parts car FOR my "parts car".

Cheers!

[Hatterasguy]

It could be a find. Sounds like the typical not so nice tired W126 out their though.

[86560SEL]

Thanks for the replies. The main reason I like this 420SEL better is not because of the headlights or the wheels, but rather the longer wheelbase. I like the short wheelbase 126's, but like the LWB's better.

Yeah, $1000 is a gamble. I "gambled" $1000. for my 85' 380SE (that was on e-bay) and it has been a very good reliable car, aside from the occasional stalling when the engine is hot- it always starts right back up, but it is annoying and a problem I am going to soon have resolved. Also, aside from not knowing when/if the timing chain/rails were changed, I think I did good. I have already gotten my $1000 worth use out of it I suppose.

About the engine- it does not look like a chain has broken through the valve covers. She said she installed a new battery, but it still will not start. I contacted again by e-mail (no # listed) and seem to not be able to get a detailed description on the symptom. I may let this one pass and let someone else give it a chance. Hopefully for them, it will be a minor problem.

Thanks for the replies / advice.

Originally Posted by sixto

It's the same body style The 420 has US DOT aero headlights which are worthless. Your 380 has better lighting. You can upgrade either car to European/e-code lighting. The 420 has later style wheels. Same wheels fit your 380. 420 has smooth side cladding vs your 380's ribbed cladding. It's a bit of work to locate and install smooth cladding but it can be done.

$1000 is a gamble for a car you cannot check or have inspected. Let's say it's quick and cheap to get the engine started. Only then can you check things like engine compression, oil consumption, cooling system integrity, transmission, climate control, steering and suspension integrity, etc. I see good running 420SELs for $2500. Maybe not in the color combo you like and maybe not with low mileage, but...

Sixto

[Hatterasguy]

Insted of messing around with junk why not spend a few grand for a nice W126? You can get 10 times the car for $3k more.