86 560SEL restoration

[TCCBass]

The father of a guy I work with is selling his 86 560SEL. The car has been serviced, just not taken care of cosmetically. It needs a new drivers seat, light paint work, just under 200K miles. Car is used as a daily driver Everything except the radio and antenna work, and the suspension levels properly. Gold w/bordeaux leather. He will sell it to me for around $4K...gonna try to get him to $3500. I can get the seat easily from AAA Small Car parts, and my brother owns a body shop. Should I go for it or RUN like the wind? No oil leaks (recently repaired), transmission shifts properly. A/C works, just a delay before fan starts (control unit?) Thanks for any advise.

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R Talley
84 300D-T

im rellay sure they made a 560sel in 86 i tthink they only made a 420sel i think 88 or 89 was the first year of the 560 i may be wrong correct me if im wrong

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1985 euro 500sel 220k
1981 300sd 278k sold
1989 chrysler
leabaron 130k
1990 320sl (hopefully)

sorry i ment to say they never made one in 86

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1985 euro 500sel 220k
1981 300sd 278k sold
1989 chrysler
leabaron 130k
1990 320sl (hopefully)

[TCCBass]

The 420 and 560 came out in 1986. That's part of my hesitation...the first year of production for that engine. Although, other than oil leaks and timing chains, it seems to be pretty bulletproof (from what I've read)...main concerns are rear suspension, etc. I am open for all opinions!

The 560 is a good car even in first year mode. It is most like a 500. If you are into 1200-3000 a year maintenance on it go for it. They are very nice cars and run well with proper maintenance. It is just an old car and it will inevitable need stuff.

ya the 500 is a great car i have one and with good matince they run great look at what a paint gob and rims can do. look at my profile the envlope with the face and click on my hompage thats my 500 220k (site is still underconstruction)

[Aaron]

Just be cautious of having to do a timing chain pretty soon. You said the mileage was a shade under 200K. MB recommends chain replacements at 100K intervals. About a $1,200 job parts and labor.


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Rgds,
Aaron Greenberg
MB technician
Precision Motorcars, Cincinnati, Ohio
'67 250SE Cabriolet
'77 450SL
'80 300SD
'85 380SE
'86 420SEL
'89 420SEL
'93 300E 2.8
'74 Jensen Interceptor Mk.III
'81 DeLorean DMC12
'84 BMW 745i Turbo