126 six versus eight. - Page 3 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Jorn · #31 01-14-2014, 10:03 PM

300SD and SDL's start to look tired and abused. See them in abundance, but rarely a nice one.

Jim B. · #32 01-14-2014, 10:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jorn

300SD and SDL's start to look tired and abused. See them in abundance, but rarely a nice one.

I agree.

You could spend the money needed bring one back to mint condition, but it could cost you $10,000 to get a car that would be only worth $5,000 when you were done..

That is even more true for the gassers as well.

Jorn · #33 01-14-2014, 11:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim B.

I agree.

You could spend the money needed bring one back to mint condition, but it could cost you $10,000 to get a car that would be only worth $5,000 when you were done..

That is even more true for the gassers as well.

I still see 560, 420 and the occasional 300SE in pristine condition, for what ever reason gassers age better.

Jim B. · #34 01-14-2014, 11:40 PM

Buying a shabby looking S-class Mercedes for a cheap price with no maintenasnce records is like buying a pregnant dragon.

pj67coll · #35 01-15-2014, 12:25 AM

Unless there were a significant difference in MPG's fuel consumption is a non-factor in my calculations. And by significant I mean a lot more than just a couple of MPG's here and there. Absent that it seems it's a question of V8 timing chains verses I6's head gaskets. I'm assuming the 560's air suspension could be a handful if it went out but apart from that I know they are pretty similar cars in terms of their major systems.

For me price and condition are the two most important factors. The facelift enhancements don't really do anything for me. In fact I hate the way putting a passenger air bag in wrecks the dash in the later cars. But that aside I'd still probably take one if the price/condition balance checked out.

I'll never touch a 350SD. Just cannot bring myself to accept the concept of a rod bender, any more than I could accept the spring perch screw up on the 210.

I'm managing to save a few bucks now and hope to be in a position to get another car in a few months. May I'll go and check out a few 126's soon.

- Peter.

Jim B. · #36 01-15-2014, 05:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pj67coll

Unless there were a significant difference in MPG's fuel consumption is a non-factor in my calculations. And by significant I mean a lot more than just a couple of MPG's here and there. Absent that it seems it's a question of V8 timing chains verses I6's head gaskets. I'm assuming the 560's air suspension could be a handful if it went out but apart from that I know they are pretty similar cars in terms of their major systems.

For me price and condition are the two most important factors. The facelift enhancements don't really do anything for me. In fact I hate the way putting a passenger air bag in wrecks the dash in the later cars. But that aside I'd still probably take one if the price/condition balance checked out.

I'll never touch a 350SD. Just cannot bring myself to accept the concept of a rod bender, any more than I could accept the spring perch screw up on the 210.

I'm managing to save a few bucks now and hope to be in a position to get another car in a few months. May I'll go and check out a few 126's soon.

- Peter.

For the w126es the best advice is to spend at the beginning, buy the BEST
condition one you can afford even if it costs more.

The BEST buying advice still is that the cheapest Mercedes Benz ALWAYS winds up being the most expensive one in the end.

When you are ready to startoking for the right car to buy, for comprehensive buying advice from forum members devoted to the w126, go take a look at the w126 Section on Benzworld.

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w126-s-se-sec-sel-sd/

It's a pretty knowledgeable group of friendly and helpful folks, with a HUGE contingent of w126 enthusiasts in Los Angeles and surrounds.

Due to the fact that Los Angeles and Southern California is pretty much ground zero for car culture in the USA, it's a great place to pick up a nice w126. There is a bigger supply of them from which to choose, and that means a wider selection of colors, models and equipment; the larger selection could mean lower prices; there is a plethora of car enthusiast and caring owners, and the shops that cater to them to keep the cars in excellent condition; and the mild sunny weather means few cars see snow, salt or attendant rust; and there are is little chance the cars will have sun baked interiors and paint, as is the case often in the Southwestern areas of Texas, New Mexico and Arizona...and it could be an easy trip from Arizona to grab a beautiful example...

Plus, folks in that area and elsewhere constantly are scanning Craigslist for used w126ers and are VERY forthcoming on commenting on the plus and minus aspects of the best cars, the "toads" and the ones in between..

They found my e420 for me. And I love the car.

Jim B. · #37 01-15-2014, 07:21 AM

Interesting discussion right on point:

560SEL and 300SEL - Mercedes-Benz Forum

pj67coll · #38 01-15-2014, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim B.

Interesting discussion right on point:

560SEL and 300SEL - Mercedes-Benz Forum

Interesting link Jim, thanks. I know I want a 560 just because it was the ultimate. But realistically it's condition, condition, before anything else I think. Hell, I'd even be happy with a 116 or 108 again assuming I could find one in the kind of condition a lot of later 126's seem to be in.

- Peter.

t walgamuth · #39 01-15-2014, 09:56 AM

my 84 500SEC was dead reliable, comparable to a 617 in reliability and low maintenance. Good power and ran on regular unleaded. Cruised at 85 without raising a sweat and handled very very nicely....only the fuel economy disappointed. Never ever managed 20 mpg highway though if cruising at 60 to 65 would get in the 19s. If really whipping it at 85 it would drop to 14 /15 but what a ride!

Hatterasguy · #40 01-15-2014, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jorn

I still see 560, 420 and the occasional 300SE in pristine condition, for what ever reason gassers age better.

People who bought the diesels tended to drive a lot. Hence why most of them are now pretty much shot.

Hatterasguy · #41 01-15-2014, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pj67coll

Unless there were a significant difference in MPG's fuel consumption is a non-factor in my calculations. And by significant I mean a lot more than just a couple of MPG's here and there. Absent that it seems it's a question of V8 timing chains verses I6's head gaskets. I'm assuming the 560's air suspension could be a handful if it went out but apart from that I know they are pretty similar cars in terms of their major systems.

For me price and condition are the two most important factors. The facelift enhancements don't really do anything for me. In fact I hate the way putting a passenger air bag in wrecks the dash in the later cars. But that aside I'd still probably take one if the price/condition balance checked out.

I'll never touch a 350SD. Just cannot bring myself to accept the concept of a rod bender, any more than I could accept the spring perch screw up on the 210.

I'm managing to save a few bucks now and hope to be in a position to get another car in a few months. May I'll go and check out a few 126's soon.

- Peter.

The 560's didn't have air suspension that didn't come in until the W220. They had hydraulic rear shocks, pretty much what Mercedes used on the W123 and W124 wagons. Its not really a big deal to look after. People like to make a big deal out of lots of things on the internet, but some of use don't consider the 240D to be the height of Mercedes technology and like cars with some features.

The W210 is a great car, a 2000 vintage E class is probably the most bang for your buck right now. Just young enough not to need everything, but old enough to be cheap. W210's also drive better around town than the old W126 does. My buddy has almost a quarter million miles on his E300D and so far it seems to have done better and held up better than my W126's ever did.

suginami · #42 01-15-2014, 04:16 PM

I wouldn't write of the W210's because of the spring perch issue.

I believe it's rare overall, and non-existent on cars in the Southwest.

My neighbor across the street from me is a technician / team leader at Penske Mercedes in Covina, CA, and he swears the W210's are among the most reliable and trouble-free of all Mercedes out there.

Mölyapina · #43 01-15-2014, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim B.

The Red Plum resents this remark.

Oh, tell 'im to just "blow" it off.

Skid Row Joe · #44 01-15-2014, 09:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pj67coll

Is there a compelling reason to buy a 126 300 rather than either a 420 or 560. Doesn't seem like the six is significantly better on gas than either of the V8's and I'm considering picking one up soon. Just wondering if anybody here who has owned one can provide their perspective?

- Peter.

No........

DslBnz · #45 01-16-2014, 01:36 AM

I think a compelling reason to hit up the six-cylinder is because of the short-wheelbase...Such as in the 300SE.

Some of us don't need the extra 5.5 inches. Some of us like the proportions of the standard wheelbase models when we turn around and steal a glance back at our cars, as we walk away from our parking spots.

The long hood, and shorter tail-end can be highly appealing aesthetically.

Also, it feels more lively and controlled when you oversteer in the bends. Probably has something to do with that shorter wheelbase? Feels more alive?

The six-cylinder may have less hp....But it is only down 24 bhp. And it has a 3.46 differential to more than make up for the loss. Plus a lot of M103's seem to perform hotter than the factory's initially claimed 177.

Me personally...I'd only take a 560 with the self-leveling suspension, and all the toys, if I had to. The 420 is ok, but to me..It bothers me..If you're gonna have the v8 in a class you might as well get the top model...

The 300SDL was the top model diesel....
The 560SEL was the top model gasser...
And...The 300SE was the best SWB W126 made for North America.

Now...If the 560SE HC were available stateside, obviously I'd prefer that. But it isn't...Even still: The screaming six is no slouch...It is a competent performer.

That's how I see 'em. IDK