I am currently looking for a late 80's early 90's 300SEL or 420SEL. I simply long the looooooong wheelbase of these two vehicles. I have been leaning towards the 300SEL because the 3.0 litre has sounded pretty bulletproof. In my search, however, I have found a great number of 420SELs that by all means look to be a good purchase. My questions then is simply, from a maintainence standpoint, are there any real concerns with the 4.2? I have heard many good things about the 3.0, but not quite as much about the 4.2. I have been informed that the timing chain on the 300 is supposedly good for 200K miles, and the 420 should be replaced at 100K? Are these numbers accurate, and if so what kind of costs are associated with the replacement of the timing chains?

Thanks ever so much, in advance, for your assistance with this matter!

I have heard that the 420's were designed for 180k miles. The 300, 420 and 560 all have the same 126 body.
check http://www.mbusa.com/models/retro/12_year_overview/88_95/index.html for a little more info on features.

You have heard 420s were built for 180K? Are we talking about the timing chains or the vehicle itself? Any quality and or durability comparisons between the 300 and the 420 would be greatly appreciated!

[This message has been edited by Guss (edited 04-22-99).]

The only cars that Mercedes has ever recommend timing chain inspection are the 1984 to 1986 190e 2.3 & 1993 to 1995 diesels.
However inspection of the timing chain for excessive stretch should be done any time the valve cover(s) has been removed. Normal mileage for replacement seems to be around 140k miles!! The cars with the most frequent services last longest!! 300SEL or 420SEL the choice is yours. Sure hard to beat V8 power.

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MERCEDES BENZ MASTER GUILD TECHNICIAN
ASE MASTER TECHNICIAN
27 YEARS M.B. TECH