I am looking for a W126 Gasoline Mercedes...

I am leaning towards the 300SEL, with the simple inline six, as on paper it seems like it'd be the most economical, reliable, and cheapest to maintain+buy.

What is your opinion on the 300SEL, as opposed to the 420SEL and 560SEL, its V8 brothers?

Comments needed,

Kyle

From what I've read the 420SEL actually gets better gas mileage then the 300. Bigger engine doesn't have to work as hard I guess. The 560 is fast but cost more for gas and to insure. I don't know what you are paying for insurance but I am 18 and got a quote of 3k per year for a 560! To much for me. I am on the hunt for a W126 right now too and am leaning toward the 420, and 300SDL. They seem to offer the best balance in economy and speed. The 420's also seem to be plentiful, at least in my area. Resale is a wash for the gas models, higher for diesel.

Test drive a good 300SDL before you buy a 300SEL.

Seems to me that 420s command the lowest prices because they don't have all the features of 560s and there's a perception that 300s get good gas mileage... hahahahaha. Or as Clinton would say, define good.

Sixto
95 S420
87 300SDL
91 300SE (sold)

I have a 300SE and it's kinda slow, at low speeds. The engine turns about 3000 rpm at 60 so it's buzzy. It will move right along though but some transmission manipulation is necessary.

There's lots of room in the engine compartment. Get a PPI. I did but my waterpump started leaking so I'm doing that. Expect to put some money into it, figure $2K if you do the work, for deferred maintenance.

The car is great and people do look. One guy in my office keeps asking if I brought der Panzerwagon.

My wife thinks it looks like a Mafia car. She loves the room but doesn't understand MB's. My kids love it.

The SEL has lots of room in the rear area.

A 420SEL is about perfect but expect to do some chain work, guides and chain etc.

Get the repair CD.

__________________
Regards

Warren

Currently 1965 220Sb, 2002 FORD Crown Vic Police Interceptor

Had 1965 220SEb, 1967 230S, 280SE 4.5, 300SE (W126), 420SEL

ENTER > = (HP RPN)

Not part of the in-crowd since 1952.

Take a look at www.mercedesclassifieds.com . Not much there yet.

...sale in the (Portland) Oregonian:

"39,000 miles, original owner, like new, $16,500 or offer" (!!!!)

& "159,000 miles, runs great, $3,500 FIRM"

The two adds were right next to each other and disappeared last Saturday! I hope one person bought both of them to have a spare, just in case...

I agree with the above-mentioned desirability of the smaller V8 vs. the inline six. I find that insurance is very reasonable for my 420SEL..

Buy the best one (with the most complete records) you can find, in my estimation.

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'91 420 SEL @ 199K, '92 SVX @ 181K, '93 SC400 @ 86K, '93 Kaw ZX-11 @ 30K, '87 F250 @ 181K , 2001 Valkyrie Interstate @ 6K, Y2K Honda NightHawk 250 with 1.5K, '88 420SEL I.@ 179K & the 2nd latest, an '88 420SEL II.@ 210K runnin' parts car, '85 F150 300/NP435