Speed limit + 5-10 mph.

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1989 300 SEL that mostly works, but needs TLC

holy cow, 3000RPM @ 60MPH...the 300SE I have is a parts car, so I've never had the pleasure of taking it on the highway, but good grief, that's short gearing.

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2002 Ford ZX2
2 x 2013 Honda Civics

Personaly I wouldn't buy one. I don't think the M103 is well suited to drag the W126 around or in this case geared that well.

If you are shopping for a gas W126 a 420SEL has a lot more power, better gearing and will probably match if not beat the 300SEL's mileage.

Plus they are common and dirt cheap to pick up. It is amazing how much 420SEL you can get for $5k-$7k.

Plus if you buy a late one you get a better sound system, interior, and traction control.

To bad the M104 never found its way into the W126, that would be a good combo.

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2016 Corvette Stingray 2LT
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

my 420SEL is a tremendous car...it's not fast off the line, but 50-70 acceleration is astounding...it seems to just keep accelerating at an ever-increasing rate, until I let off the pedal. My Cadillac is the opposite, super off the line, but so-so in 50-70 acceleration.

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2002 Ford ZX2
2 x 2013 Honda Civics

On the mileage front, my 420 will produce about 19MPG in the mix of city and highway driving I do. I've never had it on a long highway run to see what it will do there, but I wouldn't be surprised if it does 22-23.

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2002 Ford ZX2
2 x 2013 Honda Civics

Well... 420s are a dime a dozen around here. Heck a used lot has one with only 170K on the ticker and they want $1700 cash. 171K, even has power recline. They're nearly free from the local auctions.

Maybe I'll just part out this 300SEL then as my first intentions were.

Can the 420 get similar economy as the 300SEL? How reliable is the bottom end on that motor with let's say 200K?

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I'm not a doctor, but I'll have a look.

'85 300SD 245k
'87 300SDL 251k
'90 300SEL 326k

Six others from BMW, GM, and Ford.

Liberty will not descend to a people; a people must raise themselves to liberty.[/IMG]

shoot, I paid $1500 for mine, 170K, no huge problems, just some deferred maintenance...seems to run like a scalded dog.

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2002 Ford ZX2
2 x 2013 Honda Civics