Hello,
I've been toying with the idea of an older MB for awhile. My sister has an 84 300SD and I've been wanting a diesel SD for awhile, just waiting for the right one to show up (for the right price).....
Anyway, I basically love the old 80s-early 90s body style and the tank like quality. So I found a 89 560SEL with 106K on it at a dealer. They want $4600 for it, but I know that's not a firm price.

I have no idea what's wrong, if they have any service records, etc, so I'm asking for some help on what to look for or what some of the general weaknesses of the 560s are. I appreciate any help or advice. Looks in beautiful condition, but those are just pics.

Also found an 83 380SEL, that is the 3.8 V8 correct? Are these underpowered as it again, looks in beautiful condition. Any thoughts on these?

Thanks,
Paul

If the 380 is the Euro Spec version it runs decently, the US? Nope.

I believe it was '84 when MB went to the dual row timing chains on the M116 on the US cars. You could easily drop a 4.2L long block in there for little money and just reuse the existing intake manifold and such to pick up a bunch of 'go' along with the common Euro 380 true dual manifolds. If you do not want to fool with it, I would just pass.

The 560 really does not have a bunch of power either today all things considered, but is a much better driver due to the wider powerband and significant increase in torque.



Before you become excited at mileage, verify the odometer works.

The weakness of the V8s are the timing chain guides, not the chain itself. The late chain just causes valve timing to be out losing power and stretches mostly due to infrequent oil changes. When the guides fail (break) the chain becomes sloppy and can jump a sprocket bending valves. Then you have an expensive paper weight called a car.

If everything is near 100% on the 560 I would pay more for it as they are becoming increasingly difficult to find in quality shape. This includes paint first and then interior quality. Inspect the front end closely.

Many people complain about the 560's fuel economy, but really it is not that bad if you drive like a normal person. The trade off is fine with me as the vehicle can actually get out of its own way compared to the 380 and M103 I6 powered car. If you drive 80mph on the freeway expect the economy to be fairly poor.

I could go on and on, best is to really search.

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I'm not a doctor, but I'll have a look.

'85 300SD 245k
'87 300SDL 251k
'90 300SEL 326k

Six others from BMW, GM, and Ford.

Liberty will not descend to a people; a people must raise themselves to liberty.[/IMG]

I spent way too much time and money on my 560SEL. And after 40 years of driving...in my heart it's still the favorite car i've ever had. Best fuel economy i ever had was cruising at 80-85 mph, and we could arrive pretty fresh after a 9 hour drive. Sweet cruiser.

Downside--most any vehicle of that age will need to have virtually all the rubber parts (suspension, vaccuum connectors, hoses, tubes, vac lines, etc) replaced unless it's already been done. Brittle electrical connectors and wiring from age. Timing chain and guide rails--if they've not been changed, just do it. I waited and had the chance to tear down the top end of the engine. It was a good outcome, but better to be pre-emptive. Self-levelling suspension--had to do the accumulators, not nearly as bad a job as i expected from what i read in advance.

With a few special tools and an Alldatadiy subscription, a relatively easy car to dissamble and reassemble. With some patience and the support of the group on PeachParts Forums, it can all be done as long as you have a solid base to work with. Mine was my daily driver when i had it--don't think i'd do that again. Capable to be driven every day--yes, just need to be able to put it in the garage for a few weeks every now and then to sort through the latest issue. If you're not willing to sort out your own mechanicals--you better have some really deep pockets.

Summary--Probably a cheaper hobby than golf, and people will nod and smile in approval more often!!

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Earl McLain
'02 C230 Kompressor
'89 560 SEL "Frau BlueCar" (retired April 2004)

If your looking at a gas powered w126, limit your search to the 89-91 560.

The 89+ gives you the updated interior, and the 560 gives you much nicer equipment than the 300 or 420.

When I bought my 560, the PO told me when he was looking for one, the salesman told him to concentrate on the 560 because they were significantly more expensive to buy, and anyone who was cutting corners cash wise, would likely not pay out the additional 5-6K the 560 cost. The significance was that this implied the 560 would receive better care.

I loved mine, didn't intend to sell it, until I found my E320 cabriolet about 3 years too early and needed room.

Jim

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14 E250 BlueTEC black. 45k miles
95 E320 Cabriolet Emerald green 66k miles
94 E320 Cabriolet Emerald green 152k miles
85 300TD 4 spd man, euro bumpers and lights, 15" Pentas dark blue 274k miles

Thanks all! Waiting on the tax man to see how much the man is going to give me back. Plus its a big decision to add another 3rd car since I'm still trying to get rid of my extra ride. I appreciate the feedback.

Paul