126 ALMOST FACTORY NEW! - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Carlo(s) · #1 09-20-2009, 08:48 PM

A business deal may necessitate that I take as part payment a U.S. model 1984 500 SEL Mercedes from original owner. This car is the newest state 126 I have ever seen; no exaggerations. Purchased in Dallas with dealers invoice for $60,000+ garaged all its life now has 53K + miles on it. Light Blue; dark blue leather and carpets so new it is unbelievable; rear seats never sat on; rear parcel shelf looking factory fresh; paint about as immaculate as it comes (minor quarter size dent one side door); car was driven for local runs only; engine hoses, decals, rubber, bumpers all as new; tires hard and dry but will be changed; A/C converted to R134; all systems in perfect condition; all instrument needles factory red color (not yellow sun faded).
To POS: I don't care for U.S. specs 126's so I might contemplate a trade for your Euro 500SE + some $$$?
To Bruce Mendel: You consistently get $15-$25,000 for Jap 126's/AMG and U.S. models but never as new as this car; any sale leads for that range sales prices.?
I know pictures may help; I'll be trying to take HD video.

POS · #2 09-20-2009, 09:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carlo(s)

To POS: I don't care for U.S. specs 126's so I might contemplate a trade for your Euro 500SE + some $$$?
To Bruce Mendel: You consistently get $15-$25,000 for Jap 126's/AMG and U.S. models but never as new as this car; any sale leads for that range sales prices.?

Funny you knew I'd be reading this thread! It sounds as good as mine, but I don't care for the US versions either. That's why I bought the Euro and haven't regretted it yet. No trades - sorry. Why not keep it? I know they get crappy fuel mileage, but they are a joy to drive two or three days a week. I think you might be able to get in the teens for it - it sounds great, but it's still hard to find a buyer for a US-version sedan. If you're not going to keep it, take a bunch of photos and try to sell it here and on the other Benz sites; put it on thebenztrader.com, autotrader.com, craigslist.com and as a last resort on ebay.

If you get some pics, post them - it sounds great. Perhaps you should keep it.

86560SEL · #3 09-21-2009, 12:19 AM

My gosh... I would LOVE a non-Euro 84-85 500SEL! That has always been one of my most favorite Benzes!

If not done though, despite low miles the first thing I would do is change the timing chain guides and rails since it is a V8 and by now they may be brittle with age.

I would love to see pics of this car, so I can dream on.

My 158K 300SEL will have to suffice I guess.

pawoSD · #4 09-21-2009, 12:23 AM

I agree on the timing chain guides and rails....doesn't matter if it only has 53k, they will be old and brittle. It would be shame to see a 53k engine have that fail!!

Jim B. · #5 09-21-2009, 05:29 AM

I agree about the timing chain tensioner and guide rails.

After 25 years, almost certainly the guide rails won't be white as when new - nor uncracked.

I'd bet you will find them root beer brown and brittle covered with hairline cracks, and about to crumble;

and if it disintegrates, the timing chain will slip, pistoncs crash into valves and that 53k mile motor will be toast.

Definately time for that timing change refresh. --- Worth it too for a car in such mint condition.

Consider it routine maintenance, if you have to.

Carlo(s) · #6 09-21-2009, 06:07 PM

To POS:
Thanks for the comment. My pursuit of the low mileage AMG Twim Cam engined 126 500SE precludes me from keeping it; I'm disposing of my 2 Euro 126's (420SE and 500SEL) to get that holy grail 126! It's hard to let go of my 2 euros; the 420SE recently found out has the rare 500SEC side bolstered front seats and drives smooth as a dream; the non-fed 500SEL is as bad a rocket as my old non-fed 6.9 Euro was.

To the rest of you I really appreciate your helpful hints about the timing chain; if I get the car first thing will be to pull the valve covers off to see. Car was regularly started and chauffeur driven around town and has all oil changes and maintenance even if it was not needed so maybe things are not as bad. Right now we're just negotiating. Seating in that low miles 500SEL smelling that nice new German leather sure feels good though.

Ivanerrol · #7 09-21-2009, 08:52 PM

I would be spending a little extra money and replacing all the engine related and suspension related rubber and plastics. They will be hard and brittle by now. - Relatively small cost but long time peace of mind.

pawoSD · #8 09-21-2009, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carlo(s)

To POS:
Thanks for the comment. My pursuit of the low mileage AMG Twim Cam engined 126 500SE precludes me from keeping it; I'm disposing of my 2 Euro 126's (420SE and 500SEL) to get that holy grail 126! It's hard to let go of my 2 euros; the 420SE recently found out has the rare 500SEC side bolstered front seats and drives smooth as a dream; the non-fed 500SEL is as bad a rocket as my old non-fed 6.9 Euro was.

To the rest of you I really appreciate your helpful hints about the timing chain; if I get the car first thing will be to pull the valve covers off to see. Car was regularly started and chauffeur driven around town and has all oil changes and maintenance even if it was not needed so maybe things are not as bad. Right now we're just negotiating. Seating in that low miles 500SEL smelling that nice new German leather sure feels good though.

Doesn't matter if it had regular oil changes, they will still be old and brittle if original.

86560SEL · #9 09-21-2009, 10:28 PM

Well, good luck either way and all you may really need to replace the guides and rails.... and enjoy it.

.... a car I can only dream of owning.