1991 420SEL decision time... - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

BENZ-LGB · #1 12-13-2003, 01:02 AM

OK...I need some advice regarding what to do with my 1991 420SEL. Because of my emotional attachment to the car I find myself unable to make a totally rational decision.

My 1991 420SEL has 246k (almost 247K) on the clock. Lately it has been leaking a lot of oil (I now park it on the street, so as not to stain the driveway or garaage floor). The first clues that oil was leaking (other than the obvious oil stains) were: (1) having to add oil more frequently between oil changes (2) the odor of burned "something" whenever I idled for a long time (or drove the car at high speed) and (3) puffs of white smoke coming out from the engine compartment whenever I idled after a long freeway run.

I took the car to my mechanic and when he put it up on the rack I saw the source of the oil leak---the left head gasket is leaking like a sieve. (The left manifold gasket also looks like it is going to go soon).

Since my car has nearly 247K my mechanic suggested that I also do a head job. The cost is about $2300 to $2500, depending on what else he may find when the heads are removed. I am getting a lot of valve pinging due to car deposit on my valves (the car pings when the engine is hot--a tell tale sign of carbon deposits, plus the last time I had it smogged it barely passed, another possible sign of carbon deposits). So doing the top head job makes sense.

In addition to the head job he told me I'll need a new p/s pump (about $300) and new rear shocks ($250). These prices include parts and labor. Of course, once he starts taking things apart, he may find that more is needed, like replacing hoses, valves, lifters, etc.

In addition to the mechanical work, my car needs a new paint job. I had mentioned in previous posts that the paint on the roof was getting that milky-hazy look that indicates that the clear coat is going. Well, the trunk and hood are beginning to look the same. In addition, there are spots on the trunk lid where the clear coat has actually peeled off (looks like when one gets a bad sunburn and the skin starts to peel). Tthe cheapest quote for a paint job is $1700. The guy is a good paint man, he restores old Chevys and Fords and does a fairly good job. At that price he will sand the hood and trunk lid to the bare metal. At that price he will NOT remove door handles and other parts, those will be masked off. It is not a factory job, but it will make the car look "decent."

My mechanic says I can keep driving the car as it is and just add oil, but eventually I will have to pay the piper and get it fixed. For now, it gets embarassing whenever I stop in traffic and people say "hey Mister, your car is smoking." Also, the peeling paint is beginning to bother me.

In every other aspect the car is great. The interior is like new and except for a few interior squeaks and rattles, it would be hard to tell the difference between my car and a new one. The car is big, comfortable, safe and, even in its present condition, it gets looks. She is like a great old dame, a little past its prime and not as sexy as she once was, but still a lady all the way.

I like the car. I, like every w126 owner, have a certain attachment to the car that goes beyond the rational. If you own or drive a w126 you know what I mean.

I am trying to keep my decision out of the emotional realm and move it into the rational one.

My car, in its present condition is worth no more than $5k. If I fix everything that my mechanic says needs short-term attention (including the paint job) I am looking to spend nearly as much as the car is worth. Even if I repair everything that now needs attention, and sink $4500 to $5000 into the car, the car's market value will not go up much beyond $7000. For instance, I asked my insurance company what will they pay me if the car was totalled before or after the repairs. They said that the repairs will not add much to the botom line--I'd be lucky to get $5000 from them.

So, what to do? To sell it now, before things get seriously wrong or to sink money, drive it another 100K and hope that nothing else goes wrong between now and then?

Regarding the latter, my mechanic says that the transmission will need an overhaul within the next 20K to 50K (if I am really lucky or sooner, if I am not). The bottom end of the engine may last another 50K, again if I am lucky--sooner if I am not. The timing chain and rail guides were changed when the car had about 150K, so I may be due for another set of those.

I guess that the point is that repairs will be adding up in the near future. So the question is: does it make sense to put money into the car or do I cut my losses now and move to a newer Benz--something like a low mileage 1998 to 200 E320?

I drive about 2500 miles a month, mostly freeway miles. I am now average about 18 mpg (I used to get about 20 mpg).

I'd like to read your thoughts, comments, suggestions on this issue. I'd really like to hear from those of you who have recently faced this same situaton. What did you do?

Thanks in advance.