Found an 89 560 sel, 143k, original owner, timiing belt done, new after market radiator, 9.5/9.5 on exterior/interior, R134 conversion. Have an indy check iy out today, found, some leak like tranny cooler lines, oil sub-pan gasket? front struts bushing which does not concern me that much. But he did bring out 2 major issues: 1. he states that engine is not running that smooth once in a while, he can't tell is fuel injector or might be fuel ditributor..which I do not feel it a all. 2. The ride is pretty bumpy to him. Again, when it is on a smooth surface, I did not feel it. On a bad surface, yes, it is a little bit bumpy comparing to my sec but not that bad. The owner claims the air cells (or accumulator?) have been changed. The mechanic says might be hydraulic pumps or something else. We agree with a price of 5000 before inspection. I have a doubt about the car now. The car looks so nice in and out, it drives good to me. But thses 2 big thing did really bother me, any suggestion?

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94 E420 116k
90 560sec 57K
90 560sel 57k
89 300E 138K (sold)
87 Porsche 930S 38K (sold)

Those concerns are maintenance items. No big deal. You will have a nice/ pristine car with some upkeep. I will look at older MB as something to keep, to own with pride, or even to preserve. If you want something just to drive, find a beater MB, still will go for a long time with regular maintenance.

The fuel distributor is quoted to me for $2500 just part along. The Hydraulic pump is about $1200. So I am looking at another $4000 total on top of the purchase price. This is what make me hesitant. This car is going to be my spare car. I will not be driving it everyday. I am really hoping it is something less expensive. Any other suggestion? Thanks

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94 E420 116k
90 560sec 57K
90 560sel 57k
89 300E 138K (sold)
87 Porsche 930S 38K (sold)

http://www.adsitco.com/category.asp?CID=876

chc, since the PPI revealed 2 potential expensive repairs negotiate a lower price with the seller. You may want to get a second opinion from a MB dealer regarding the independent's diagnosis so you are able to make an informed decision whether to buy this 1989 560SEL or not.

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Fred Hoelzle

The cost to repair the problems you pointed out are not that much. I would get a junk yard pump for $50 or so. Get a rebuilt fuel distributor for about $500. There are at least two good sources for them. The bumpy ride is not caused by the pump. Since the nitrogen cells have already mentioned I would check the sub-frame mounts in the back. But its usually the cells that cause ride problems.

I would snap that thing up in a heart beat and not think twice. Good ones are getting harder to find. We (people on this forum) can help you out with the best way to get those problems fixed. As well as the all the others to follow.

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I got too many cars!! Insurance eats me alive. Dave

78 Corvette Stingray - 3k
82 242 Turbo Volvo - Manual - 270k
86 300e 5 speed manual - 210k
87 420sel - 240k
89 560sl - 78k
91 420sel - 205k
91 560sel - 85k
94 GMC Suburban - 90k
97 Harley Davidson Heritage Softail - 25k
00 GMC Silverado 1 ton 30k

Fred
This is exactly what I am thinking, get a second opinion then re-negotiating the price. Since I am not handy at all, the repair labor cost will be one of my concern. And
dpetryk
Just like you say, the good one is really hard to come by, I really don't want to miss this but at same time I do not want to buy something is going to cause trouble constantly.

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94 E420 116k
90 560sec 57K
90 560sel 57k
89 300E 138K (sold)
87 Porsche 930S 38K (sold)

i would be surprised if the rough running is caused by any of the main components of the bosch injection system.

more likely something minor. possibly even some stuff in the fuel.

are you sure the trouble with the ride is from the back? at that mileage it may well need new front shocks. worn bilsteins will make a very bouncy ride.

tom w

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

The front struts have never been replaced according to the owner and the PPI also found worn front strut rod bushing (quote $400 to replace them). I did feel the front is not that good comparing to my SEC, actually not just the front, rear too. But again I only feel them when over the line dividers or on bad surface.

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94 E420 116k
90 560sec 57K
90 560sel 57k
89 300E 138K (sold)
87 Porsche 930S 38K (sold)

on a 126 any mileage over 100k without front bushing work is gravy in my expereince.

tom w

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

By the way, this car was driven 12000 miles annually for the first 10 years and 3000 miles for the last 7 years consistently according to CARFAX

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94 E420 116k
90 560sec 57K
90 560sel 57k
89 300E 138K (sold)
87 Porsche 930S 38K (sold)

If the mechanic says fuel distributor right off the bat, before checking pressures, spark plug conditions, etc, I'd be more leary of the mechanic than the car.

Checking with the mechanic again
1. He states it might be as simple as injectors and could be as bad as fuel distributor. Without any further diagnosis, he really can not tell.
2. He also states that there is not that much of the hydraulic fluid left in the reservoir. Since the owner says the accmulators have been replaced, he suspects the problem could be coming out from a leaking pump or rear hydraulic shocks.
Thanks very much for all your help.

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94 E420 116k
90 560sec 57K
90 560sel 57k
89 300E 138K (sold)
87 Porsche 930S 38K (sold)