Opinions appreciated- 91 560sel
 

All opinions are appreciated.

I have a 1991 560SEL, 146k miles. Car runs good but will definetly need the usual work within the near future. Will need new front end work, possibly a new steering box as well. Reverse is worn and will eventually need to be fixed or rebuilt, Will need timing chain work soon and also starting to see oil seeping between the head & block on both banks on the rear of the engine closest to the transmission, rear main seal is leaking and such... The engine does not smoke and no rust on the car. Will need new flex discs as well. Will need new accumulators but ride is ok and not hard (yet) Paint is not in best of shape though. Interior is in very good condition for its age. Sunroof broke last year, motor works but definetly a cable or guide has broke A.C works but only time will tell when a leak will happen. I got the car used at 125k miles over 7 years ago

Should I spend all the money on repairs or just find another 560SEL to my liking in much better condition? All opinions are appreciated.

It depends,for me I like my w126 diesel,and my w140.The newer S class lokk like ****.I would spennd $30,000 to restore either,that means everything including fresh motor,and trans.New S 92,000 ,$30,000 new S stronger than **** put out now.

If the car makes you feel really good when you drive it, spend the money and fix it. If it's just "transportation", sell it and buy a Toyota. You know it's gonna cost you $5K, so you need to decide between monetary concerns and the pleasure (ego boost) you get from driving a distinctively unique money pit. Keeping these old cars running and looking good is EXPENSIVE. If the car is your hobby and you truely enjoy it, then the money is justified. If it's just a PITA, then it's time to move on to something more practical.

Those are all normal repairs as a W126 ages, you're unlikely to find another in perfect shape with all those things addressed, at least not at any reasonable cost. I would just have the maintenance items fixed and keep on driving/enjoying it.

This is my 6th car in the house but I still like it alot. Everytime I fix something though, something else comes up or breaks.. I guess the price to pay when you have an old car. I was looking online and found a nice blue 1991 560SEL in perfect condition with all the common issues fixed w/ 101k miles. The owner wanted $9900 fully documented vehicle.

To have a car in great shape it will cost, either in repairs or to the previous owner who did all the repairs. :)