1987 Mercedes 420 SEL

[SteveONeal]

I have the opportunity to purchase a 1987 Mercedes 420 SEL with 250K on the clock. The overall condition of the car looks good but the previous owner said the fuel pump has quit so the car won't start. He also said he recently replaced the fuel pump relay and the car was running good and shortly after that is when the pump quit.
Question is...is this car worth getting and trying to repair? What would be the best way to make sure it's just the pump? I'd hate to buy it and find myself in a world of high dollar repairs.
I'm buying the car for a daily driver. I only drive around 50 miles a week so it won't be taking long trips. Is there any other things I should watch out for on this particular model given the high mileage? How long should I expect the engine/transmission to last?
Thanks so much for taking the time to answer my questions!
Steve

[Mistress]

Originally Posted by SteveONeal

I have the opportunity to purchase a 1987 Mercedes 420 SEL with 250K on the clock. The overall condition of the car looks good but the previous owner said the fuel pump has quit so the car won't start. He also said he recently replaced the fuel pump relay and the car was running good and shortly after that is when the pump quit.
Question is...is this car worth getting and trying to repair? What would be the best way to make sure it's just the pump? I'd hate to buy it and find myself in a world of high dollar repairs.
I'm buying the car for a daily driver. I only drive around 50 miles a week so it won't be taking long trips. Is there any other things I should watch out for on this particular model given the high mileage? How long should I expect the engine/transmission to last?
Thanks so much for taking the time to answer my questions!
Steve

Steve- Do yourself a favor and take it to an indie for a check-up, depending on where you live the price is reasonable and will save you lots in the long run. I just purchased a 90 420 SEL that I love but it needed alot of work. First have them check the timing chain and guides, compression, any leaks, brakes, ac, front end, steering, rear end for starters. The W126 is a great car and handles really well.

[mbdoc]

Car has 2 fuel pumps...should be replaced as a pair..$200@pump

ANY high mileage car will have their own problems..HAVE a known MB shop give pre-purchase inspection...

[Mistress]

Originally Posted by M.B.DOC

Car has 2 fuel pumps...should be replaced as a pair..$200@pump

ANY high mileage car will have their own problems..HAVE a known MB shop give pre-purchase inspection...

Ditto .....

[softconsult]

I am reading between the lines. I am self-employed and drive about 25,000 miles a year (used to be 35K). My MB strategy was/is to buy a good one with full records at around 100K . Drive it to 200K. Repeat the process. The last 300E is now at 244K. Just did it again, '97 S320 with 107K. Would I ever consider buying one with 250K. No way. Wouldn't matter if it was given to me.

You asked how long the transmission will last? Who knows? Could go bad on the second day you own the car. $3,000 for a rebuilt. More than the car is worth.

These cars will periodically bite you hard in the butt. I'm saying this as someone who does his own wrenching on the smaller issues like general servicing, tranny service, oil service, brake service etc. If you have to pay a shop to service this S420, then get oil up your wallet.

They are great cars, but an '87 is now almost 20 years old and is going to cost some serious maintenance dollars in a spiking pattern (not easy to budget)

Just my opinion,

Steve

[Gilly]

Unless you really just love this style, I wouldn't get it, really a waste to have a real road car like this and only drive it 50 miles a week, IMHO.
Gilly

[Ferdman]

Steve, I suggest passing on the 420SEL. A 300SEL would be more practical ... the inline 6-cylinder engines are much less expensive to maintain. You would likely be far better off with an early 90's E-Class unless you're infatuated with the the older S-Class body style ... I'll admit they are handsome looking automobiles. Whatever you decide on try to find one with half that mileage. Buying a car with 250,000 miles that doesn't even run is asking for trouble. If you're dead set on that particular car have the current owner repair it before the sale, and have a PPI done by a MB-trained tech as others have recommended.

[SteveONeal]

I want to thank everyone for their honesty. I have a feeling you guys just saved me lots of headaches and $$. I have always liked the looks of A Mercedes and actually owned a late 70's model 280 with a straight 6 when I was in the AF stationed in Germany. I got the car for next to nothing and drove it trouble free for two years there. Wasn't great on gas but I loved the ride. I live in San Antonio and the weather here lately is brutal, so much in fact that my daily driver (a 1991 Mitsubishi Eclipse) died on me a couple of weeks ago so I am looking for a replacement. Thats when I found the add for the 420 SEL. My "baby" is actually a 1980 911SC (Euro model) with 110,000 miles. Only problem is no A/C (typical of Euro only cars I think). I'll keep looking for a decent Mercedes for the right price but will need something soon. About the only inexpensive MB I se for sell are always the 190's and I had a friend that had nothing but trouble with his so I'm guessing they are not the most dependable models?
At any rate, thank you again for your honesty, I will definitely keep hanging around on the board and if I get the opportunity to purchase another MB in the future I'll definitely use the info/opinions from you.
Steve

[SteveONeal]

Just got a lead on a 1984 300D that has 280,00 miles and has maintenance records. The car is driven daily and runs great. The only problem is a non-working A/C and the passenger door lock doesn't work. He's willing to let me have her for $1500.
Sound like a good deal?

[pexcellence]

Go to Pelicanparts.com

Lots of info there.

JOhn

[SteveONeal]

Thanks for the info. The car actually has an A/C system that was installed aftermarket but it's never worked very well. Cold air out but not enough volume of air. I plan on looking into mods/updates this winter when it's cooler.
Thanksl!!
Steve

[Paul J C]

Steve, where do you live? I have a nice '88 300SEL for sale in Texas. It has 138,000 miles, almost new tires, no rust ,has been in Texas since new. If interested either call (936-653-2232) or e-mail pcatney@cebridge.net.