Total newbie, flame suit on....

[LandYaghtLover]

Hi all,

Been searching for info on older Mercedes and this site came up a lot. Was looking for a late 80s, early 90s 300 series. But then I found a few 500s and a couple 560s.

I am totally lost on Mercedes. Been a Lincoln driver forever. My roommate has a new C280 and it sorta got me hooked on the brand. Now I want to try one out.

What I am looking to get is an late 80s or possibly early 90s 560 SEL or maybe a 500. I am used to a car that MOVES (spoiled by a light/powerful Mark VIII). While I have done A LOT or reading I am still having trouble getting my bearings on options, engines, etc. One thing is sure, I learned a lot about 1000SEL models. One is for sale, had I not know better I may have jumped on it. Had body kit, but appears to be a re-badge mainly.

Anyway. Sorry if this is a n00b question. But of the W126 560s, which year would be best for reliability and power with fuel efficiency. Right now I have my eye on an 88. If I read right, 1986 and newer has some improvements.

As for options, what was standard and what was optional? I have had a hard time finding that out. Or I am just really bad at searching. Things like ABS are a must. Traction control would be nice. A moonroof is required. Basically if I was looking at a 560 tomorrow and was wanting a fully loaded one, what would I look for?

And if I was looking tomorrow, what should I look for that would turn me away?

Thanks for any help, links, etc.