I have my eye on one and need to know what to look for befor I buy. Are there any problems that go along with the 4.2 engine or with this body style? Thanks in advance.

Jesse
98 C43
94 Range Rover

These cars really don't have any problems per say. As with any car, you can expect to replac certain parts (some major and many expensive) over time. I have owned a 420SEL for two years. My car has over 170,000 miles. I looks and runs great. The first year I ownen the car I spent nothing on it other than gas, insurance etc. No repairs at all. Recently I have replaced the front brakes, and numerous minor parts such as and air conditioner relay, iginition coil and a hose and some valve off the air pump. The most expensive repairs have been replacing the exhaust system. I replaced two of the three sections, both very expensive. In my experience these are things that will certainly need to be replaced on any car of any milleage given appropriate age and wear. These parts I have replaced have lasted a very long time (most are original) and I expect not to have to replace them again.

great car, beautiful to drive, solid and well built. If you can find one that has been taken care of you will not be dissapointed.

Good Luck



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Jason Priest
1986 420SEL

I just thought of one problem that I understand is common on the w126. Often the rear window seal is not 100%. Water or moisture (not really much water) gets in and rust can form on the upper part of the trunk (not the trunk lid, but the area immediately below the rear window . You cannot really see this rust unless you stick your head in and look up from underneath it).

I'm pretty sure any other common problems you might find on a w126 (cruise, etc. will be the same problems you would find on any other older Benz model)

Still love my car.

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Jason Priest
1986 420SEL

i have a 1990, 235,000 miles, exceptionally cared for, white, grey int. the car looks like it has 35,000 miles on it, not 235,000. I would even challenge anyone not knowing the mileage to guess what it really has. beautiful car, couldn't be happier, other than my recent post about the heater problem, it's one of the best cars i've owned. nice thing is, they're cheap, but look like a million bucks. every where we go, people think it's some big dollar benz, but i don't tell them i only paid $2800.00 for it. i got really lucky, i looked at about 10 of them before deciding on this one, and none were in the condition of this car. it didn't take much deciding, i saw it, drove it, and bought it on the spot, it's damn near perfect. look around, and find a really nice one. make sure everything works. you might spend $500-1000 bucks more, but it's worth it. much better than fixing all the problems the ones with 10 previous owners will have, and cheaper in the long run.

The main thing I have read is that the timing chain/rails should be changed if in doubt. The chains seem to be long lasting, but the rails tend to get brittle and break from that I have been able to gather. If they do-then it is a $$$$ repair.

Good luck!

Every single part on a car is potentially a problem- everything will fail eventually. Except maybe the brake pedal. Never heard of a brake pedal failing.

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'90 300SE 298k
-300K and it gets put into retirement.
'80 300D 255k Purchased new by family in 1980.

Had a:
1973 220 (gas)
1980 300SD
1992 400E

I liked that reply.

fahrgewehr2 - I noticed you are located in Wilmington, NC. That is a beautiful city. My uncle that lives in Raleigh had/has a business office there. The last time we where there was 11 years ago and I have really been wanting to go back. We are planning on going back this year, unless we have to go to Savannah, GA. Any big changes there in the past 11 years?

The w126 is a reliable car and is not a reliable car. You have to stay on your toes with it and watch it like a hawk....then everything will be good.

The car does though get alot of attention esp if in really good shape!

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99 C43
98 S420
99 C230K
01 C240