Going to Look at a 420SEL tomorrow - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

JamesDean · #1 04-23-2010, 09:02 PM

Hey everyone,

My parents and I are going to be looking at a 420SEL tomorrow.

http://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/1703739587.html

In all likelihood we'll probably get it. The whole point of this is to replace the aging cancer ridden green 300SD , although I think my mom wants this one for herself..not sure which it is however. the car looks to be in pretty good shape.

Let me know what you think and if I should look for anything in particular. I'm fairly familiar with the 126 chassis and the common problems. Not the most knowledgeable on the m116. I know that the m117 needs timing chains done every 100k, not sure if that holds true for the m116.

I'm not OVERLY concerned with engine issues (obviously I am to a certain degree) as the general plan with this is when the m116 goes down for the count the 617 will take its place as the 617 has like 90k on it and is healthy as a horse.

Any suggestions/comments are appreciated!

Thanks

Kris

JohnM. · #2 04-23-2010, 10:23 PM

Looks very nice and well maintained. That's getting up there in mileage for a V8 gasser, but not terrible. This is not a diesel motor or an I6 gasser, so don't expect 275-300,000mi with no major repairs. Hopefully the motor has had at least a top end refresher, if not....it's more than likely getting tired. Also if the transmission is still original, it will no doubt need replacement/rebuild soon. Not saying it couldn't do another 100K, but if its anything less than superbly maintained (documented), walk away. Price is a tad high for the mileage, but all depends on what it really needs and what's been done and by whom.

Good luck, and don't be bashful to walk away from it if you don't like it 100%! There's always cheaper, better, and lower mileage cars around, you just gotta hunt them down and watch the market closely.

JamesDean · #3 04-23-2010, 10:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnM.

Looks very nice and well maintained. That's getting up there in mileage for a V8 gasser, but not terrible. This is not a diesel motor or an I6 gasser, so don't expect 275-300,000mi with no major repairs. Hopefully the motor has had at least a top end refresher, if not....it's more than likely getting tired. Also if the transmission is still original, it will no doubt need replacement/rebuild soon. Not saying it couldn't do another 100K, but if its anything less than superbly maintained (documented), walk away. Price is a tad high for the mileage, but all depends on what it really needs and what's been done and by whom.

Good luck, and don't be bashful to walk away from it if you don't like it 100%! There's always cheaper, better, and lower mileage cars around, you just gotta hunt them down and watch the market closely.

Yeah, I'll definitely go over the records and give it a good inspection. There a 420SEL here at the local junkyard I can use for any parts are needed, it has around 140k or so on it so the trans might still be worthwhile, can probably get it pretty cheap since I know the owner.

My parents passed up a superb 300SD that was up in Michigan. It was in the for sale forum a bit ago.

As for the engine, I'm hoping that its been tended to, if not then the next step would be to evaluate how long it would be before it REALLY needs overhauling (40-50k maybe)? If it needs a timing chain put on then thats we'll do that but more invasive stuff....We put maybe 15k on a year on our cars so that would last us a few years.

Jim B. · #4 04-24-2010, 02:30 AM

There is a well received buyers guide: http://www.mbcoupes.com/buyersguide/buyersguide.htm that I wrote back in 1998 for the W126 with some good tips you could look at.

I never updated it though.

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