Today I was at the mechanics to transfer the BMW title over when I noticed the bays were filled with w126's (other than a Bently) 300sd's too. I relized all these cars are getting old in the same ways. all have the same problem areas and soon it will be hard to find a w126 in good shape. For some reason this bothers me a lot. On the way out I counted 9 w126 sedans and 3 coupes. the only other car that seems to be in there as much is the Porsche 944.
Figured I would share

Such is the case with the W123 and W116. With more and more of them dying and heading to the junkyard, one day it will be a rare find to see a pristine one on the street. In a way, when there are fewer of them out there, it makes the remaining ones more special, simply because there aren't as many around.

Bothers me too, as I want the W126 to be my daughter's first car...she's 8 now, so I imagine I will be sorting through a lot of "hoopties" before I find the creampuff I desire...

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2009 ML350 (106K) - Family vehicle
2001 CLK430 Cabriolet (80K) - Wife's car
2005 BMW 645CI (138K) - My daily driver
2016 Mustang (32K) - Daughter's car

This was exactly my sentiment -- I got an '88 420SEL for my 16-year old daughter's first car [see http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?postid=151202&t=4795#post151202 for a description of all I have done]. With the purchase price and renewals, I probably have $18,000 to $19,000 into it, which I won't get back out if I choose to sell it.

Daughter has graduated to a '93 190E Limited Edition and while I'm holding the 420SEL now for second daughter (who'll be 15 and get her permit in December), we probably don't really need a fourth car (wife also has a QX4). For the moment we're using it as a spare and for road trips and I have to say that every time I drive it, I get an appreciation for what an extraordinary piece of engineering this almost 15-year old car is -- makes the $$ to preserve and enhance it worthwhile.

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'98 C43 AMG
'88 420SEL
'93 190E Limited Edition (including factory Sportline package)

BUT, makes mine worth more in the long run and I like having a car not everyone else has, something different, you know? Its close to spec and I will have a reborn car, for years to go!

W126s don't have too many horrible problem areas; they'll be around for quite a while, I presume.

Not like BMW 750iLs. Funny, I can get an '88 750iL for the price of an '88 325iS. And a 325iX or M3 of that year will be more expensive than any '88 7-series, at least here in the PNW.

If anything, their owners take better care of them than 200 or 700 series Volvos. Some people seem to fix body damage on those cars with granola and Grateful Dead stickers, I swear!

-Sam

While this is indeed tragic ( I had one and drove it until it became too expensive to maintain) it is an incredible testiment to the durability and quality of the w126. I replaced the original shock absorbers on my 420SEL at 15 years and 200,000 miles. Unfortunately things such as road salt, dirty gas and neglect on the part of previous owners caught up with her and as much as I loved that car, with what I was spending I got my new E420. Still, the old 126 never once in its last 4 years and 60,000 miles left me stranded anywhere. It always got me where I needed to be in style and confidence, and I always had plenty of notice when it wanted a part replaced. I am certain that if these cars receive the proper maintainance and repairs they deserve, they will go forever. Now they are alot cheaper than they once were, so many people buy them with the idea they have a 12-20 year old car and they'll drive it until it dies, so minimal care is taken with them. If you want a good idea of what a little love can do for a car watch the original Love Bug. When Herbie was treated right he gave everything he had, but he suffered when the love was lost. For those still driving w126s, keep good care of them and I wish you all the best. Personally, as much as I love the E420, I'm always on the look out for a pristine 90 or 91 560SEL. You just can't beat the w126!

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Jason Priest
1999 E430
1995 E420 - retired
1986 420SEL - retired

man, you guys sound morbid about this w126 stuff. Of course I guess I lucked out. Found my '85 300sd in the back of a used car lot. Car spent its entire life in CA. Came to PA in '99. I have been storing her winters since. I love it to death!!!

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'85 300SD (formerly california emissions)
'08 Chevy Tahoe
'93 Ducati 900 SS
'79 Kawasaki KZ 650
'86 Kawasaki KX 250
'88 Kawasaki KDX200
'71 Hodaka Ace 100
'72 Triumph T100R

I was certainly glad to find my 91 560SEL, know it will take $$$ but am willing to spend it to keep it in great shape and have a true classic MB Sedan!!!

Once again thanks to all on here who have been willing to help a neophyte MB Owner, learning all the time and loving it!!

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D. Thomas
1991 560SEL
New Owner as of 05/25/2002, first MB!
http://www.bellsouthpwp.net/d/n/dnt0512/1991.htmL

I still have the 380 and it is holding up while she can but YOU GUYS SCARED ME!! I know it is getting old and is old already for a matter of fact but I don't want her to die.

My car is in the condition that when people see it and hear how many km it has, they tell me it will go for a million miles.

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99 C43
98 S420
99 C230K
01 C240

as long as you have a good sound undercarage everything else can be unbolted and a new part.engine,waterpump,fender! bolted in (I can dial Fastlane in the dark)I plan to keep my beloved 126's on the road till they pump the last gallon of das and diesel.Might get out the mig if the floors start showing the road.......
William Rogers.....

that is true William!

W126's FOREVER!!!!!!!

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99 C43
98 S420
99 C230K
01 C240