Upgrade 83 Mer 500 SEC from 88 Volvo GLE? - Page 4 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Jim B. · #46 08-22-2007, 01:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CamelotShadow

Wow
thanks
its the car
ooooh decisions

ac worked great
volvos died

oooh

You are waaaaay ahead of the game if the airconditioning on the 500SEC works. Big $$$ saved.

The Volvo AC is pretty reliable, I am surprised. Replace the fuse for the Volvo's airconditioner, and see what happens. If you are very very lucky, that is all that is would need to get the blower going again. The heaters on those things are incredible, they will force you right out of the car. For Swedish winters I guess! Not needed much at Calif. coast.

The one thing I did not like on the Volvo was the "donut" spare it had. I bought a set of Borbet type "E" wheels for the car which looked good. Kept one of the wheels and tire off the car, and guess what?

If you jammed it in really hard, it would fit (just barely) into the cavity in the trunk where the donut spare tire was.

This worked good for the Volvo 740.

You didn't mention if yours is a 760 or 740, but it probably would work for your car if it is an '88. I would go to an Import car wreckers if I were you, and buy a wheel and tire of a wrecked 740/760 that fit your car, probably for $10-$20. You would be glad you did when you first had your next flat, you wouldn't have to use the donut spare
which only go 50 miles anyway.

(Mercedes 500/560spares are full sized spares.)

The Volvo mechanic told me that as a rule of thumb, to avoid any Volvo with a "6" in its title: The 760, 164, 262, 265, etc. Those were the French engine ones, which had more problems. Their diesels were not that good either.

The "4" ones - 140, 240, 740, 940 were the best ones. I didn't know that at the time, so I was lucky to get the 1991 Volvo 740, just an uninformed customer

I do not know what motor a 1988 GLE would have in it. But, the Volvos lasted a long time. They have high mileage badges for them too. You get the first one at 100,000 miles. I mounted mine beside the rear license plate on the car. If yours has 125,000 miles you can get one for your car now. Just send in for it.

If you replaced the timing belt on your Volvo, you should be good for along time. On the 740 you are supposed to do it every 60,000 miles if you take care of the car.

They are sturdy, safe, long lasting, nippy, wonderful little cars, even if they look like the box they came in. With or without the turbo, they are good, in my opinion. There is even an active club in Northern California for them though I was never in it.

Jim B. · #47 08-22-2007, 01:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CamelotShadow

it had exhaust smell though
needs a good cleaning?
not been used in very long?

oooh

Maybe if it was tuned up, and had all fresh fluids, belts and hoses replaced, and if the air and fuel filters were good, it would be OK

The fact that the 1983 500SEC euro has ANTI LOCK BRAKES (ABS) makes a huge difference. Even the US '83 cars didn't get that, so it is a wonderful advantage of the Euro cars. If you ever had to use them even once, to avoid a wild, lurid, skid on locked up brakes, it is worth it.

The oil pressure should be at 3 bar when the car is warmed up. Sometimes in heavy slow traffic can drop to 2 bar sometimes but should go right back up to 3 when running fast again.

What the big Mercedes cars really love is to be out on the open road.

Good chance that once the poor car is on the highway for a 50 mile trip, even after virtually no use for two years, that everything will be fine with it again.

I don't think I would pressure wash or steam clean under the hood, on the off chance the water could mess up the electronics under there and cause mischief. You could just wipe it down with an old sock or T shirt instead.
I used to do it with the Volvo and Mercedes and they looked good always.

CamelotShadow · #48 08-22-2007, 02:29 AM

I drove it
I like it
Whhooooo it was fun
rides well

Well, its mine now

Well at least tomorrow when I pay balance then
the seller & myself go to AAA to do the registration...
which he needs to do as he has his bill of sale & things

I took a chance
if it needs more work than I can afford
I suppose there will be someone who will buy it from me

Really nice car
Windows like new
just nice
hope everything is right under the hood

Wish me luck

Thanks everyone
I'm now a 500SEC owner

oooh boy

CamelotShadow · #49 08-22-2007, 02:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim B.

Maybe if it was tuned up, and had all fresh fluids, belts and hoses replaced, and if the air and fuel filters were good, it would be OK

The fact that the 1983 500SEC euro has ANTI LOCK BRAKES (ABS) makes a huge difference. Even the US '83 cars didn't get that, so it is a wonderful advantage of the Euro cars. If you ever had to use them even once, to avoid a wild, lurid, skid on locked up brakes, it is worth it.

The oil pressure should be at 3 bar when the car is warmed up. Sometimes in heavy slow traffic can drop to 2 bar sometimes but should go right back up to 3 when running fast again.

What the big Mercedes cars really love is to be out on the open road.

Good chance that once the poor car is on the highway for a 50 mile trip, even after virtually no use for two years, that everything will be fine with it again.

I don't think I would pressure wash or steam clean under the hood, on the off chance the water could mess up the electronics under there and cause mischief. You could just wipe it down with an old sock or T shirt instead.
I used to do it with the Volvo and Mercedes and they looked good always.

Thank You

Makes me feel better
I just got back
made a last minute decision to take him up on the offer before
someoen got to him
Seems the firetinguisher & origianl shiny mercedes tool kit would fetch a good price

Seems car was loaded

Airbag in 83
everything electric seems to work
seats
AC heat
sunroof antenna

I can also see a car sitting needing a good fluid change & drive

even the headlights are great
I could see the road
all that extra gas can't compare to being in a safe car

OOOOH I'm excitied
Tomorrow she will be home next to the Volvo

Hope they get along

Night everyone
SWeet MB Dreams

PS oil pressure was 3 even sitting idling
oooh thats good!!!

CamelotShadow · #50 08-22-2007, 02:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim B.

A big plus also: Timing chain done at 150,000 miles. Bigger plus: proof of that, with repair receipt.

It should include the plastic guide rails (which can crack and crumble, and old ones look root beer brown; new ones look white) and tensioner, along with the new chain.

If you are curious, you could remove the left hand side valve cover and look.

With luck the injectors are still good, and won't need to be replaced. I did it at 100,000 just as preventative maintenance. Just put Chevron Supreme fuel exclusively in the car. The Techron additive in it really does work, as advertised. It keeps the injectors clean and with a proper spray pattern.

The automatic transmissions are VERY reliable, and if the fluid is changed every 30,000 miles or so, they can last 250,000 miles with out a rebuild.

If it smells burnt, or looks brown and there is no record of a change, I would do it.

Inspect the rear diff. fluid too. It is a special kind for Mercedes Benz and if the car went over 60,000 miles without a change, I would change it also.

I do hope the aircon. works. It is the achilles heel of these cars. Mine finally quit, it was last renewed in 1999. I wish I was in LA so that MR.MB in Tarzana could fix it. He is supposed to be the best MB mechanic there, no BS, reasonable price and the best reputation.

Thanks for the tips about Chevron
Its just on the corner..lol

AC blew real cold
Didn't keep it on forever but figured if it was cold it was working

Undercarriage looked clean
I tried to look etc for oil or things
the car is very low though
not a high off the gorund car
but things looked solid & clean underneath
Wheel wells fine
trunk like new

the rubber gaskets are getting old & hardening
but I suppose it just the age
I can't help that
all in all the car almost looks like new
well not headlight wipers
I see the boots but they are empty
no big deal
I could never figure out the need to wipe the headlights
LOL

I even like the feel of the turn signal
man they are beefy machines
not wimpy like the Volvo

It even hands you the seat belt!

Wow
I'm so excited I didn't even eat dinner yet

I guess I'll be seeing Enrique
The seller said he has a geat MB uy near reseda
name Arni or something
only does benz
will also have to get that number
you never know

Jim B. · #51 08-22-2007, 03:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CamelotShadow

Thank You

Makes me feel better
I just got back
made a last minute decision to take him up on the offer before
someoen got to him
Seems the firetinguisher & origianl shiny mercedes tool kit would fetch a good price

Seems car was loaded

Airbag in 83
everything electric seems to work
seats
AC heat
sunroof antenna

I can also see a car sitting needing a good fluid change & drive

even the headlights are great
I could see the road
all that extra gas can't compare to being in a safe car

OOOOH I'm excitied
Tomorrow she will be home next to the Volvo

Hope they get along

Night everyone
SWeet MB Dreams

PS oil pressure was 3 even sitting idling
oooh thats good!!!

Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!!!!! glad you got it.

Wonderful story! Welcome aboard!

You know, sometimes you just have to weigh all the factors and just let your heart take a chance. It is good you finally decided to get the car....

You got all this and an AIRBAG too? Wow, you actually have a MUCH better car than most owners, even 560SEC owners!!!

Did you get to hammer the guy on the price a little bit?

After it's registered, get someone to take a picture of the guy handing you the keys in front of the car and post it here!

Complete your CP profile too for the group here too. Knowing where you are from at a glance always helps.

Alsojoin up at www.benzworld.com forum and check the W126 section of that group.

There are MANY W126 and 500SEC and 560 SEC owners there who are fanatics about those cars over there- and thought many of them are immature, and fight sometimes, there is nothing those people don't know about these cars.

As to the curbstoner who sold you this car, it sounds like he at least is honest enough to help you register the car, and with a bill ofsale, it sounds like he bought it at the auction and flipped it to you at a profit, and the pink slip should be in order. For your records, shoot a photocopy of the old pink slip before you give itg to the DMV or AAA

Tell us what the license number was on the pink slip was and l will run it through the DMV smog site which will give you more on the history of the car
(where it was when it was smogged each time)

Please report back with the good news that the title transfer atg the DMV/AAA sailed through and you have new plates for the car

You will need a owner's manual (in English for the car). Unfortunately it is hard to get one in English for a Euro car. But maybe you could get one in English for a American 500SEC off ebay or calling the nearest dealer.

If you would be willing to sell off the fire extinguisher and the bracket, may I have first crack at buying it? I asked about it first (see post #13!!) Thank you. Will work privately with you about details of that if you wish.

I would keep the tools with the car though, if I were you. You never know.

When you get the car to a gas station, check the air in the spare tire.

After two years, or more, it is probably down quite a bit and needs to be pumped up.

********

I had a kind of special interest in all of this because of the Volvo aspect.

The 1991 560SEC and the 1991 Volvo 740 were two different cars, but both had such similarities and differences that they looked very good together for almost 10 years. Both were charcoal black in color.

I never knew of anyone else in such a position, and in many ways I envy you very much.

Having a very good Volvo and a very good Mercedes together makes a VERY satisfying combination. They are so different, bit both represent very different approaches to safety, durability, comfort, longevity and CLASS and DISTINCTION. You must be a person with exquisite good taste, in the end.

I even had names for them (which I have never shared here till now).

560SEC: DISCO VOLANTE Italian = flying saucer like in the James Bond Movie

Volvo 740: Volvito Spanish = little Volvo

Ciao!!

CamelotShadow · #52 08-22-2007, 03:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim B.

You are waaaaay ahead of the game if the airconditioning on the 500SEC works. Big $$$ saved.

The Volvo AC is pretty reliable, I am surprised. Replace the fuse for the Volvo's airconditioner, and see what happens. If you are very very lucky, that is all that is would need to get the blower going again. The heaters on those things are incredible, they will force you right out of the car. For Swedish winters I guess! Not needed much at Calif. coast.

The one thing I did not like on the Volvo was the "donut" spare it had. I bought a set of Borbet type "E" wheels for the car which looked good. Kept one of the wheels and tire off the car, and guess what?

If you jammed it in really hard, it would fit (just barely) into the cavity in the trunk where the donut spare tire was.

This worked good for the Volvo 740.

You didn't mention if yours is a 760 or 740, but it probably would work for your car if it is an '88. I would go to an Import car wreckers if I were you, and buy a wheel and tire of a wrecked 740/760 that fit your car, probably for $10-$20. You would be glad you did when you first had your next flat, you wouldn't have to use the donut spare
which only go 50 miles anyway.

(Mercedes 500/560spares are full sized spares.)

The Volvo mechanic told me that as a rule of thumb, to avoid any Volvo with a "6" in its title: The 760, 164, 262, 265, etc. Those were the French engine ones, which had more problems. Their diesels were not that good either.

The "4" ones - 140, 240, 740, 940 were the best ones. I didn't know that at the time, so I was lucky to get the 1991 Volvo 740, just an uninformed customer

I do not know what motor a 1988 GLE would have in it. But, the Volvos lasted a long time. They have high mileage badges for them too. You get the first one at 100,000 miles. I mounted mine beside the rear license plate on the car. If yours has 125,000 miles you can get one for your car now. Just send in for it.

If you replaced the timing belt on your Volvo, you should be good for along time. On the 740 you are supposed to do it every 60,000 miles if you take care of the car.

They are sturdy, safe, long lasting, nippy, wonderful little cars, even if they look like the box they came in. With or without the turbo, they are good, in my opinion. There is even an active club in Northern California for them though I was never in it.

Wow more good info

its the 740 GLE
straight 4 cyl
I think 2,6
just over 124 K
so the way I drive I might not get to 125 in a while
LOL

Thing with volvo AC is it was always cold
then after the relay was failing I was having trouble starting the car
once it stalled on the road & luckily I came to a stop
more like rolled into the curb safely not being hit or hit aything

I finally got it to start then took it over
they figure relay & they changed it and car starts fine now
but on the way home from the shop the ac suddenly went hot
and that was it

Since they were in the dash
maybe the ac fuse got loose or just went
that would be rwally simple
hah
if not that I'd hope only a recharge

Thanks for the info
I'll have to check into fuses

I hear front wheel drive Volvos were to be avoided
perhaps those are the 60's

I had a friend who had a 740 GLE
& he talked me into getting one
I was a inexperienced scary driver
well still am but 10 years ago I was worse
I figured safe & reliable was more important than style

To me the SEC body looks like the old Chevelles & Gto's
odd but I when I went back tp see the brown car
it really was rich looking
such presence
OOOH

Jim B. · #53 08-22-2007, 03:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CamelotShadow

Wow more good info

its the 740 GLE
straight 4 cyl
I think 2,6
just over 124 K
so the way I drive I might not get to 125 in a while
LOL

Thing with volvo AC is it was always cold
then after the relay was failing I was having trouble starting the car
once it stalled on the road & luckily I came to a stop
more like rolled into the curb safely not being hit or hit aything

I finally got it to start then took it over
they figure relay & they changed it and car starts fine now
but on the way home from the shop the ac suddenly went hot
and that was it

Since they were in the dash
maybe the ac fuse got loose or just went
that would be rwally simple
hah
if not that I'd hope only a recharge

Thanks for the info
I'll have to check into fuses

I hear front wheel drive Volvos were to be avoided
perhaps those are the 60's

I had a friend who had a 740 GLE
& he talked me into getting one
I was a inexperienced scary driver
well still am but 10 years ago I was worse
I figured safe & reliable was more important than style

To me the SEC body looks like the old Chevelles & Gto's
odd but I when I went back tp see the brown car
it really was rich looking
such presence
OOOH

Only new car I ever had. A firemist red brand new 2001 Volvo C70 front wheel drive hardtop. So beautiful. List price was about 42,000.

I was so sad. I had high hopes for "Camille" as I called that car. But it was a love affair doomed from the start.

What a TOTAL lemon!!!! That car was in the shop so many times, finally had to get a a Lemon Law Lawyer and Volvo USA finally bought the car back.

And what a time: Over and over to the dealer, rentalsthat got flat tires, coffee spilt all over the console, muddy footprints and grease all over the doors, service managers who wouldnt return phone calls, etc.

The front wheel Volvos are junk as far as I am concerned. The purists believe the best Volvos are the 240 and 740 Volvos - they are the best.

Your 740gle is better than you think. Keep it if you can.

Jim B. · #54 08-22-2007, 04:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CamelotShadow

Guess I'll be seeing Enrique
The seller said he has a geat MB uy near reseda
name Arni or something
only does benz
will also have to get that number
you never know

This is all you should know about Enrique, and yes it is sounds like the same guy:

MR MB Motors Tarzana, CA

Just Look what the members here say about him. And how he is honored and acclaimed. Imagine having customers from Central Valley, Texas and Idaho.

I am actually planning a vacation in the SEC one of these days to get down there for him to work on my car. And visit a couple of the Mercedesshop guys like Paul and Ernesto that like him if I can.

Let me mention to you also about those seat belt presenters. They are great but a little delicate, their mechanisms are plastic.

They scare people who never had used them before so warn first time passengers about them - especially OLDER or retired people. Sometimes they grab at them blindly when they get scared and can break them or mess them up.

Do not ask me how I know about this.

Also, your car is further comfirmed as an authentic Euro car by the presence, as shown by the picture, of it's "Warndriecke" (trunk warning triangle) mounted in the trunk.

Please, follow the Mercedesshop custom and put a picture with your story here in the officical "Trunk triangle thread"

Official Trunk Triangle club thread

Also: Your new car is considered a W126 chassis car as a 500SEC.

Having been around here for over a year I have discovered that the "Diesel Discussion" section is the busiest section of everything here, and it is your extraordinary good luck that W126 Mercedes DIESEL sedan is owned by MANY people.

What that means, is that for the best and most answers for a 500SEC/560SEC sometimes I would NOT post in the Mercedes "Tech Help" section but actually over in DIESEL DISCUSSION because

1. Many there are actually Mercedes Benz repair shop owners or mechanics

2. They know EVERYTHING about the W126 chassis cars. The only thing that is a big difference is that their cars have a diesel engine and 4 doors.

3. They are WONDERFUL friendly people. They have fun too. Met wonderful people from the Diesel gang, but they welcomed me and my 2 door gasser.

Look at these descriptions & pictures:

Northern CA Diesel Drive

Sacramento GTG???

CamelotShadow · #55 08-22-2007, 04:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim B.

Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!!!!! glad you got it.

Wonderful story! Welcome aboard!

You know, sometimes you just have to weigh all the factors and just let your heart take a chance. It is good you finally decided to get the car....

You got all this and an AIRBAG too? Wow, you actually have a MUCH better car than most owners, even 560SEC owners!!!

Did you get to hammer the guy on the price a little bit?

After it's registered, get someone to take a picture of the guy handing you the keys in front of the car and post it here!

Complete your CP profile too for the group here too. Knowing where you are from at a glance always helps.

Alsojoin up at www.benzworld.com forum and check the W126 section of that group.

There are MANY W126 and 500SEC and 560 SEC owners there who are fanatics about those cars over there- and thought many of them are immature, and fight sometimes, there is nothing those people don't know about these cars.

As to the curbstoner who sold you this car, it sounds like he at least is honest enough to help you register the car, and with a bill ofsale, it sounds like he bought it at the auction and flipped it to you at a profit, and the pink slip should be in order. For your records, shoot a photocopy of the old pink slip before you give itg to the DMV or AAA

Tell us what the license number was on the pink slip was and l will run it through the DMV smog site which will give you more on the history of the car
(where it was when it was smogged each time)

Please report back with the good news that the title transfer atg the DMV/AAA sailed through and you have new plates for the car

You will need a owner's manual (in English for the car). Unfortunately it is hard to get one in English for a Euro car. But maybe you could get one in English for a American 500SEC off ebay or calling the nearest dealer.

If you would be willing to sell off the fire extinguisher and the bracket, may I have first crack at buying it? I asked about it first (see post #13!!) Thank you. Will work privately with you about details of that if you wish.

I would keep the tools with the car though, if I were you. You never know.

When you get the car to a gas station, check the air in the spare tire.

After two years, or more, it is probably down quite a bit and needs to be pumped up.

********

I had a kind of special interest in all of this because of the Volvo aspect.

The 1991 560SEC and the 1991 Volvo 740 were two different cars, but both had such similarities and differences that they looked very good together for almost 10 years. Both were charcoal black in color.

I never knew of anyone else in such a position, and in many ways I envy you very much.

Having a very good Volvo and a very good Mercedes together makes a VERY satisfying combination. They are so different, bit both represent very different approaches to safety, durability, comfort, longevity and CLASS and DISTINCTION. You must be a person with exquisite good taste, in the end.

I even had names for them (which I have never shared here till now).

560SEC: DISCO VOLANTE Italian = flying saucer like in the James Bond Movie

Volvo 740: Volvito Spanish = little Volvo

Ciao!!

OOOH I do have ezquisite taste & you dear sir are a gem!
Too bad my pockets aren't deep

I paid 4500 for the Volvo in 99 & it had 117K
but it looked great & the girl was going to school to be a nurse oh the story
it was her mothers or fathers
Anyway she & her mom hugged me
wasn;t sure about the story but I never regretted that car
& it was only a few blocks away

This car is also in a spot I frequent so hopefully it will work out as well
Least I don't think I will be stuck with it if I think I can't afford the maint

Hey, I keep missing you
I just went out to nuke some soup for dinner

I'll have to take my camera & try to get photo of pink slip
it is pink

Unfortunately I think ole red will be keeping watch under the seat
but if I ever do decide I will give you a shout

Tools are like new
have mecedes benz on them

So is the manual in German
its in the glove comp
I guess I;ll have to briush up on that
LOL

has a no smoking sticker in german on dash
cool

has on star or soemthing too

I am really excited to be able to have a car of this quality
Lord knows I have never had a new car
& I was thinking I:d never be able to afford a MB
So this one will get my feet wet
let's hope it doesn't drown me

Well night

Jim B. · #56 08-22-2007, 04:29 AM

Actually looks like a nice color from that picture. Impressive.

Good luck at the DMV. If it were me, I would print this out, it is a pretty funny and evocative memorialization of events leading up to a fast purchase - makes a fun read -

Good for a future read to a future buyer also. If you sell it... which I hope you won't have to do. Mercedes & Volvo together forever = best possible situation

They don't have to be too tragic to run. Avoid the white gloved dealer network if you can.

But, it wouldn't hurt to have an extra set of keys made. You will need the dealer for that, unfortunately. Figure about $25 + proof you own the car.

Get touch up paint too.

From the picture, you will need immediately, to go to a junkyard, and get a license plate bracket for the rear California plate

For the front I really don't know: Ask on Diesel Discussion or tech help:

New thread: "Help! How to mount US license plate on W126 front euro bumper" and people will tell you what to do.
Good night. Write back with the next episode. Time for a nice drive with your favorite tunes playing, anything from Beethoven to the Bon Jovi

CamelotShadow · #57 08-22-2007, 04:41 AM

Sure be nice to have some music
It has an alpine stero
my volvo stereo is stuck in reverse or soemthing
have to get the cassette out
so no radio
no AC

will look foward to finding a reason to get on the road & get away from LA

its actually a metallic color
not bad
see the seats are java
darrker than tan lil different
hard to tell in pics
good combo
my Volvo is gunmetal grey ex w tan interior
never know why anyone puts tan inside gray
but it is what it is & the leather was ok

ooh no
noticed there was no bracket
just thought it fit differently
gosh

oh boy
always something
LOL

still trying to find out about SMD wheels

oooh tomorrows a big day!

its cassette
well it was a 83
no prob so is the volvo
I think some nice Journey old tunes are in order
just love cruisin with Steve Perry
been so long since I;ve heard his voice

LOL

Nightie Night

zcc · #58 08-22-2007, 04:54 AM

Congratulations, God protect you and your car

CamelotShadow · #59 08-22-2007, 04:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zcc

Congratulations, God protect you and your car

Thank You

Same to you!

CamelotShadow · #60 08-22-2007, 05:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim B.

The front wheel Volvos are junk as far as I am concerned. The purists believe the best Volvos are the 240 and 740 Volvos - they are the best.

Your 740gle is better than you think. Keep it if you can.

I love the Volvo
the engine is small but strong
It really is a great 4 cylinder & the car was built like a tank
you just don;t get that quality anymore

as was said the plastic starts to go
I have some crack door panels etc by handles
but all in all it still looks great & is pretty reliable

Wil have to get a pic of her
she is quite stunning in her own swedish big girl way
LOL