W126
 

Hello all,

I've asked many questions here before and I've been rewarded with great reponses from all of your knowledge and experiences.

I've been car shopping for a while and this time round I've been able to be patient and will wait for the right car with the right colors and service records.

I must admit, it has been a little frustrating playing the waiting game and I've changed from searching for a W124 to W124 coupe and now to a W126.

I've spent some time reading the search section to help me decide which model will be right for me, and I believe the winner is a 1991 300sel.

In North America, I believe these cars came pretty much fully loaded. Here is what I found:


Dimensions :

Wheelbase 121.1 in

Curb weight 3,770 lb 1990: 3,785 lb

Trunk capacity 15.2 cu ft

Fuel capacity 23.8 gal

*******comparing to a 560sel, the only difference is the weight*



*Exterior Features :
-Headlamp washers with wipers.
-Locking and Security- Antitheft alarm system.


*Interior Features :
-Seating and trim- Leather upholstery.

*****Electrically adjustable rear seat (560sel) Is this available for the 300sel?
*****Heated rear seats(560sel) Is this available for the 300sel?

-Audio, navigation and communication- High-performance 10-speaker sound system

-Restraint systems- SRS with driver air bag.






*Major Options-


*Individually Available Options

-1989-91: Front passenger air bag.

-1991: Automatic Slip Control (ASR).

-1988: High-performance 10-speaker sound system.

-Electric tilt/sliding sunroof (no charge).

-Heated front and/or rear seats.

-Velour upholstery (no charge).



Chassis -


-Front suspension
Independent double A-arms, lower arm with brake force compensation strut, coil springs, single-tube gas-pressurized shock absorbers, stabilizer bar.

Rear suspension
Independent diagonal pivot axle with semi-trailing arms, antilift and antisquat geometry, four constant velocity joints, coil springs, single-tube gas-pressurized shock absorbers, stabilizer bar
(******560 had automatic level control*********)

Wheels 6.5Jx15H2 aluminum alloy.

Tires 205/65 R15 93H. 1989: 205/65 R15 94H.

Brakes 2-circuit hydraulic power-assisted 4-wheel disc brakes. Antilock Braking System (ABS).



Engine & Drivetrain -


-Engine 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder.

-Net power 177 hp @ 5,700 rpm

-Net torque 188 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm

-Compression ratio 9.2:1

-Fuel requirement Premium unleaded gasoline.

-Fuel and ignition system KE III. 1990: KE-5.
********what is the differnce between the KE III AND KE-5?

-Transmission 4-speed automatic



Basically, the cars were equipped quite similar. My reading tells me that the V8 engine had a Guide rail problem and that the 6cyl was more reliable. I don't need much power, so the 6cyl is fine in that respect, but I would like to have the one with the best reputation.
What is the differnce between the KE III AND KE-5? since Mercedes used KE-5 in 1990, was that a new and improve version?

What I'm asking is am I right with the information that I gathered and what do you guys recommend to look for?

Thanks for all the help

If you're interested in a 126, you might consider my daughter's 420SEL which will be available in early March -- many consider the 420 as the best 126 as it has V-8 power (the extra HP and torque are useful for such a big car) without the troublesome 560 air suspension. As indicated in the thread below, I have had a top independent (no DIY) do just about all the preventative work, including timing chain and rails:

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/mercedes-benz-cars-sale/28337-low-mileage-refurbished-88-420sel.html

Only reason I'm considering selling it is that I have gotten daughter a 190E Limited Edition, tho we may keep the S for road trips where it excels.

For official info on older M-B use:

http://www.mbusa.com/brand/container.jsp?/overview/overview_engine.jsp&yearModelCode=88_SE300&class=88_S&menu=2_3

Thanks c43amg I'll keep it in mind.
Seems like the car is in great shape and I'd love to see a pic if possible.