Bushes and bits

[420 SE]

Hi

After finally getting the WIS to work, I now know what I need to do, I just don't know how difficult the job will be or if I should rather trust it to professionals.

I have recently aquired a W126 420 SE, an import from Hong Kong. Generally in good nick, 190k on the clock.

I took it to my local stealership for a service and check over. The service was OK (a bit xe, 1000 Australian sheckels) and they gave it a good bill of health, said it had been maintained well, however needs a few 'minor' things.

Power steering oil leak - needs new seals.
Front lower control arm bushes split.
Caster bushes for wheels.
Engin mounts (due to Power steering fluid leak).
A/C drain hose - passenger side (L over here).
Steering damper.
L/H ball joint - boot.

Can anyone tell me which are easy to do, also which I should do in order of priority?

Many years ago I used to have a 220SEb - 1962 finnie, which I did a lot of work on, before it met an ugly demise (but thats another story), so I am able to do some mechanical things, However I have become much older and less tolerant.

On another note, my outside temp gauge statd reading 10 c higher than outside after the service and now 10 days later has gone up by another 10 c (is this an omen???) I guess it will reach the max and stop working. Anyone know why this is happening?

Cheers

[GSMITH]

420 SE
I like you are able but older and less tolerant. If you do searches most of the repairs you need have been well covered on this great site. From there you will need to decide if the repair is within your tolerance.

As far as priority you need to fix the PS leak first. It is only one of the reasons the other rubber parts failed but may have accelerated the failure.
Clean off all of the PS fluid residue before replacing the rubber parts.
Second might seem strange but I would fix the AC drain next. Unless you know where the water is going and will it will not be causing rust.
Last I would fix all the rest at the same time. Personally I would find a good indie to do this. (now outside of my tolerance except for steering damper and maybe the motor mounts) Steering damper is only 2 bolts.

I would recomend that if you replace both sides of the car at the same time.
It will not add much to the overall cost and you will only need 1 alignment afterwards.

The temp gauge is not an omen and has also been well covered on this site.
Could be as easy as the ground coming loose.

You do not state the year but a 126 is at least 15 years old. Be ready to replace a lot of rubber parts. Including the diaphrams for the AC vents and door locks.

I do not know how many miles 190k is so I would also try to find out if the timing chain has been replaced. Replacement is reccomended at 100,000 miles. Replace the tensioner and guides at the same time. This is not cheap unless it is within your tolerance but a lot cheaper than the cost after failure.

Hope this helps!
Gary

[420 SE]

Thanks for that advice.

I'm looking for a good mechanic (with an understanding of W126s) up here on the Sunshine Coast (QLD).

I've been given the names of a couple in Brisbane which I may have to use (260km round trip - no idea how many miles!).

My local dealership quoted $4500 for the work listed - which made me feel pale and weak.

Cheers

[g.stanley]

hi i am in brisbane & have used tristar mts.phone 32667311 at nundah for 20 years new purpose built workshop owner & 1 mec. person you speak 2 works on your car never had a come back & fair rates.where are u on s/s coast i am at aspley. another good mb site www.mbcoupes.com
regards
george stanley mobile 0418727700
1991 560 sec

[420 SE]

Thanks

Got that name and Three Point Service & Sales as a reply from the Ozvets forum.

Will give them a ring and see what their charges are like.

Cheers