Warped rotors? Find a cause.
 

The MB rotors have a service thickness and a repair thickness. It is very unlikely they warped from heat unless they were worn out when the brake job was done. Any competent mechanic can check for the thickness. If lug bolts were over torque, it could warp rotors. There is no time or mileage limit, only thickness. You should have your whole front-end checked by a professional if you cannot do it yourself.

VIN and ...
 

My VIN is WDBCA35E2KA471014

I'm becoming more and more sure this is a 420 SEL with the 560 tag stuck on. It's a fine damned car and I'm happy with it but can't imagine why anyone would bother to hide the model # and why my dealer. (used cars) would also be duped,

I will have rotors checked asap. Thanks for the replies.

JB

You have a 420SEL. But it is possible that one of the previous owners put a 5.5 litre V8 into it, which would (to some) justify a 560 badge.

to quote Snibble:

"Open the hood and see how many "snorkels" you have going to the airfilter. If you have one on each side(2 total) then its a 560. If you only have one snorkel to the airfilter.. then its a 420."

If they upgraded to the 5.5L, I would assume they would have both snorkels.

-gil

420 For Sure
 

OK, the wood, the snorkels (1), the VIN,, etc.

I have a 420 marked as a 560. I still can't understand why anyone would do that - must have slapped that chrome thingy on the back.

So now, as a still devoted older Volvo lover, my question is: Is the 560 that much 'better' than a 1989/90 420? What's the difference? Seems I have all the bells and whistles I would ever need (except that glove box) and it sure looks nice.

Took a longish ride yesterday 1st time (120 miles) and some observations.

The car has far too much wheel play. 2-3 inches before catching. definite pull to left. seats go up down sideways crooked backwards forwards - but still can't find a comfortable position.

My Volvo 940 Turbo 4 cylinder is way faster than the 8 cyl. Benz - but the Benz is a mighty solid ride. (gas pedal too small - )

I like it. 420 or not.

I don't think the dealer was duped as they trade cars for a living, so it seems incomprehensible that they trust the badge more than the VIN. If anything, you may have a case against the dealer for false representation. But then, glad you like the car either way -- the W126 is a very solid build.

Other than the size of the engine (4.2 litre vs 5.5 litre) and some interior amenities (heated, reclining rear seat) there's not much difference - same w126 frame, wheel base, front seats, climate control, etc.

You can search the forum for more specifics, but either way the 420 is a great car and 100% old-school Mercedes Benz through and through.

IIWY I would get a 420SEL badge and replace the 560 one with it.

-gil

I love my 420. I have a friend that has an identical 560 and I drive it quite often. I don't see that much difference in power (and her's has a new engine with less than 15,000 on it) and I don't have the headache of the hydraulic rear suspension that is on the 560. Both are excellent cars. I agree with the previous post - ditch the 560 emblem and replace it. Call me a purist but doing that to a car just seems wrong - look at all the hassle you have been through. Imagine what could happen if you take it to a shop and someone puts a 560 part on the car (even though a lot of the parts are the same for both cars, someone could be confused)?

Sagi - You need a steering box rebuild.
 

Factory tollerance is about 3/4 of an inch of play before it needs adjustment. I f yours is that bad, it most likely cannot be adjusted and needs to be rebuilt. Good luck with your car. I would like a 126 myself as they are the last of the great ones.

the 420 is better car in my opinion, less to go wrong. The play is in the steering box, some adjustments possible, but RR is best, approx, 300-400$
Old MB's not known for comfortable seats by todays standards, some people simply cannot get comfortable them.

Sounds to me like we have a new W126 expert on the forum!! :dancefool :dj: :huepfenic

You've been quite busy Gil. In two months and three days you've made 86 posts. That's much better than I have! :cool:

Later,

Richard

Aw, c'mon Richard - everything I know I learned from you!

:rolleyes2

Isn't that the beauty of knowledge? My father always says that knowledge is the only thing in life you can give out without losing! So if I'm the expert and I taught you all that, then we have a new expert on board! Right?!? :D

Hey Sagittarius,

How about badging your car in the classic MB way? Let's see... that would be a 420SEL on the left rear, and then a 5.6 badge on the right rear. Meaning you have a car that's normally a 420SEL but with a 560SEL engine. That's the way MB used to badge those car back in the early '90s. That'd be cool!! :cool: