I believe the 420sel to be the bargain of the late W126s. 40ft-lbs about 1000rpm sooner makes a huge difference around town over the M103 powered W126... and the taller diff cruises about 1000rpm less on the freeway. Less wear, less noise, etc

Obviously not a quick as the 560 but you have better fuel econ, easily should match the 300sel if not better it (car doesn't have to be pushed as hard to run), and less stuff to potentially fail. V8s really just need timing guides and the chain inspected on a regular basis (100k is a good guide interval). The M103 always consumes some oil, V8s rarely do... they have a few typical leak points (valve covers, oil level sender, lower pan gasket). V8s do have intake manifold seals that go over time, labor is similar to the M103 head job... just do it and be finished with it.

The heat/vent systems are super simple to rebuild in these and AC isn't hard if you just buy some tools and budget the weekend... 134A sucks in these too. At least to me. Vacuum pods are reasonable considering how long they last and used climate heads are out there. I bought a Programma reman for $20 at my local yard.

All 126s are sensitive to tired front ends and junk tires. They're not too involved to rebuild, again with a weekend budgeted you can do it for pretty reasonable all things considered.

My 300sel is a nice ride, but it's a lot of car for that small of a motor. I bought it cheap as it wouldn't move, just idle (AC comp seized)... I'd have bought a 420 had I driven it first.



Best advice? Decide on a realistic budget and go drive a bunch of these to see what you like and don't like.

And if you can't turn your own wrenches, and enjoy doing it, stay away from these cars.

__________________
I'm not a doctor, but I'll have a look.

'85 300SD 245k
'87 300SDL 251k
'90 300SEL 326k

Six others from BMW, GM, and Ford.

Liberty will not descend to a people; a people must raise themselves to liberty.[/IMG]