I looked at a 1988 560SEC tonight that had a great body and interior. The car sounded OK and the transmission shifted great. No smoke observed or unexplained noises. The car has 164000 miles on it and this is the second owner. Brake fluid was black, yuck. Price 6000 dollars

Over the last 18 months this fellow has spent a fortune on this car.

Timing Chain, ignition system distributer etc, New a/c, front and rear windshield, radiator, fuel relays and fuse box, COMPLETE fuel system except fuel pump, new radio thank goodness, new shocks. alternator power steering pump. He has receipts for all of this. The only thing he did himself was replace the shocks.

I asked about the cams, yes I looked in the forums, and he claims that is OK and not needed. I think the tie rods need to be replaced and of course I will take is to a mechanic before buying.

Bur or pass? I like the style and he has replaced a bunch of stuff on this car and he is running out of things to replace. I donot like the miles on the motor as it is not a diesel.

Have a great day

Paul
E300DT
96000 miles

Sounds like much of the pricey and important work has been performed -- don't let the mileage be of great concern either. You'll never need to worry about the bottom end -- in regards to to the top end, I'd wonder about the valve stem seals and as you metioned, cams. A constant ticking noise is indicitve of this it could be rocker arms. (my scenario) Nonetheless, from your description it doesn't appear to be a money pit.

If it checks out OK with the mechanic, go for it!

make sure you do a compression leak-down exam. and i would pull the spark plugs and look at them. and if you can access a borescope, put it in the spark plug holes and look around.

make sure you put the car up on a lift and check for rust and any respray.

also, where has the car lived? i consider this very important. and how did it accumulate the mileage? short trips at less than 50mph? or longer runs per day at higher speeds?

all the receipts available? go visit the garage[s] that performed the work.

i know that there are 560sec's out there with lower mileage in as-new condition.

you just have to be patient. however, if this one is your color, and it is a tough exterior color and interior color to find, well.......

lastly, have it gone over by an inde mechanic. thoroughly. and pay him to be thorough and to write up all the deficiencies that he finds and to give you an estimate on making the repairs that he finds.

what if you could find a 1986 with only 25k for $15k? wouldn't you rather acquire that one if it was in similar condition?

or how about a perfect 87 with 80k for $25k?

these low mileage w126c's are out there.

i trust this gives you direction.

Very desireable model, if car checks out sounds like a good price I see them going foe 8 or 9 all the time.......
William Rogers.......

The repairs the current owner performed sound like he's addressed several common issues these cars eventually have. Fuel pump, fuel distributor, ignition distributor, A/C, rear window mechanism, timing chain, injectors, injector holders, idle air distribution hoses, cam oiling lines (inside valve cover), valve stem seals, vacuum lines are all common items to repair or replace over time. Valve stem guides need to be checked at around 150,000 for play.
Hope this helps.
John