420sel problems

ok i have made up my mind i am going with the 1986 420sel with 86k i know the air bag is a tool to use beacuse it has not been replaced and probley the muffler what else should i look for. the a/c is brand new

------------------
Dan Younes
---------------
1985 euro 500sel 223k
1981 300sd 278k sold
1979 240d 298k sold
1983 300sd 272k sold
1989 chrysler 2.2l Turbo
Leabaron 140k
1989 Dodge Carvan Se 295k
1996 C280(hopefully soon)

i just ran the vin on carfax to find it has failed immisons a few times whatr would cause it to do theis and would it still be a good buy

07/13/1993 Florida
Passed emissions inspection
Inspection Station
Tampa, FL

11/11/1994 Florida
Passed emissions inspection
Inspection Station
Tampa, FL

08/25/1995 Florida
Failed emissions inspection
Inspection Station
Tampa, FL

10/27/1995 Florida
Passed emissions inspection
Inspection Station
Tampa, FL

12/31/1995 Florida
Passed emissions inspection
Inspection Station
Tampa, FL

08/29/1996 Florida
Failed emissions inspection
Inspection Station
Tampa, FL

08/30/1996Florida
Failed emissions inspection
Inspection Station
Tampa, FL

[420SEL]

The exhaust system is pretty expensive. A new rear muffler assembly will likely cost you $600. A center resonator probably around $400. Aftermarket is not much cheaper, and is considerably poorer quality. I put an aftermarket muffler on mine, only because it has a lifetime warranty. I'm sure an OE muffler will last three times as long, but hey... I won't have to pay to replace it as long as I own the car, ad the things come off and on in 20 minutes. Have a somebody check on the timing chain , and especially the rails and guides for the timing chain. Chains on this car should be replaced about every 100K and you'll be getting close to that in this car. My 1986 420SEL has 170,000 miles and the most expensive thing I've done to date was that muffler last week. You're brakes are probably getting thin if they have been replaced in the last 30,000 miles. Its not cheap to put rotors and new discs, but its not bad either, and the OE is definitly worth it. As for the air bag, they were supposed to be changed at a given date, but I think that was extended, I'm not sure how long...check with a dealer. These are excellent cars, and if you don't skimp on maintanence and parts they only get better with age. Tires are important too. Mine had Pirellis P600s on them when I bought it. Excellent for handling, but the ride was harsh, also they wear like sidwalk chalk. I use Michellin M+S 330s in the winter and Continental ContactTouring (OE size is P205 65VR15). Both handle reallu well, are comfortable (low noise and better ride). You're buying a heavy car so buy tires that can handle it.

Good Luck to you, if you have any more questions please email me.



------------------
Jason Priest
1986 420SEL

The smog pump is a pain at start up. Also on my 300 I needed a fuel governor or something . It was around 200 bucks to fix. It was, I believed, somehow attached the accelerator. A brand new one of those fixed the problems right away.

My 420 has never failed inspection. I did, however, have leaky fuel pumps / injector which needed replacing. No big deal. Good car.

------------------
'89 420 SEL
'90 300 SEL
'68 Olds 88 Convertible
'84 300 SD (sold it)

what would make it pass then fail and repeat whould it mean there is engine wear or problems

------------------
Dan Younes
---------------
1985 euro 500sel 223k
1981 300sd 278k sold
1979 240d 298k sold
1983 300sd 272k sold
1989 chrysler 2.2l Turbo
Leabaron 140k
1989 Dodge Carvan Se 295k
1996 C280(hopefully soon)

[TommyMB]

There are many things that could cause emission to failed including oxygen sensor, idle mixture, bad plugs/wires, and so on.

The best things that you can do is to take the car to a Mercedes specialist and have it checked out before you buy. Personally I would take it to the dealer even if I have to pay more.

Ya i have a very trusted mechanic here that we are good friends with and i would trust him with anything i have. He will be looking at it some time at the end of the week. but what could bad immisons mean that there is engine problems.

------------------
Dan Younes
---------------
1985 euro 500sel 223k
1986 420sel 86k soon 2 be
1981 300sd 278k sold
1979 240d 298k sold
1983 300sd 272k sold
1989 chrysler 2.2l Turbo
Leabaron 140k
1989 Dodge Carvan Se 295k
1994 S500
(hopefully someday)

TIMING CHAIN _ 420 SEL


I have 180,000 miles on my 420 with the original timing chain. I was told that signs of it first going is when the tachometer starts to flucuate at idle. Is this true? So far so good, no flucuation. Car runs like a dream.

Should I change the chain? Or don't fix what ain't broke? Is this expensive to check and / or replace if necessary?



------------------
'89 420 SEL
'90 300 SEL
'68 Olds 88 Convertible
'84 300 SD (sold it)

By the way, when I had that "fuel governor" fixed on the 300, I passed inspection lickity split. Don't know if that is applicable to the 420, would assume so. Does the gas pedal hard to push? If not, probably ain't that.

------------------
'89 420 SEL
'90 300 SEL
'68 Olds 88 Convertible
'84 300 SD (sold it)

were the only changes the skirts air pages and brakes what radio do you think it has

------------------
Dan Younes
---------------
1985 euro 500sel 223k
1986 420sel 86k soon 2 be
1981 300sd 278k sold
1979 240d 298k sold
1983 300sd 272k sold
1989 chrysler 2.2l Turbo
Leabaron 140k
1989 Dodge Carvan Se 295k
1994 S500
(hopefully someday)