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  #1  
Old 12-28-2006, 11:52 PM
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1987 420SEL w/56K miles- how long before it would need timing chains/etc?

No, I have not decided yet, but I have been kicking around the thought of buying a newer, LOWER mile W126. It recently became available.

A 1987 420SEL, with 56K, 1-owner actual miles, in immaculate conditions. Price may be steep? High retail (NADA) is $6850 - so I am guessing yes, it is too steep.

They are asking $7995. I am wondering- if I paid $8000. for a 20 year old car, how long before I have to shell out more money on the timing chain? I have never really found out when these should be changed. Remember, I am just considering this car. I may just decide to put some $$$ into getting my 85 W126 up to par. I like the styling of the 81-85s better, but I like the longer wheelbase. I may be better off either repairing mine to better shape, or look for a lower mile 1984-85 500SEL.

Here are some photos....





Thanks in advance!


Last edited by 86560SEL; 12-29-2006 at 12:05 AM.
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  #2  
Old 01-02-2007, 06:02 PM
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56,000 miles is quite low, but given the fact that this is a 20 year old car, the guides may be aged and brittle. I would have them replaced right away.
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  #3  
Old 01-03-2007, 12:09 AM
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I have an 88, and just had the timing change go out on me...... replace ASAP ...it will save you in the long run.
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Old 01-03-2007, 12:46 AM
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My 0.02, the chain may be OK but the top guides are old and really should be replaced. Also, I'd replace the tensioner, which is an external to the engine job requiring (maybe) moving the spritzer bottle and alternator and removing the RH valve cover (which you have to do anyway to get to the guide and tensioner arm's plastic). I think that they leak and lose their internal spring tension when they get old. Not a cheap part ($60-100$), but look at it as insurance against a $4000 potential loss.

Other inexpensive plastic parts that can cause expensive problems when old: oil tube fittings. Get an oil tube fitting kit (see other posts about this - easy to install, a little less so to install CORRECTLY). They aren't more than maybe $8 a side. The PO of my 380 neglected these, causing oil starvation to a cam, which ate both it and all of its cam followers. If you are in there anyway to install the guides it takes maybe 10 minutes a side to do.
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  #5  
Old 01-03-2007, 07:25 AM
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On my 86 420SEL the guides were hard as a rock

Just replaced the guides on my 86. They were hard as a rock couldn't put a fingernail depression in it vs. new one were they were softer. Also the tensioner rail had deep grooves. Pretty worn out.

Joe
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Old 01-03-2007, 10:45 AM
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Age is just as bad as mileage. If you don't want to fix it buy a Honda!

Thats a nice car, I need to buy myself something like that. Don't like to color combo one bit though.
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Old 01-03-2007, 11:48 AM
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looks like a real nice car. I sold my 87 w/ 60k miles for $9k. Thats a good price for that car, try to bargain lower. As for the chain and tensioner. 100k miles is the mark but there is no harm in doing the job early and taking preventative action. Better to spend $500 now then $5k later for a new engine
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Old 01-04-2007, 10:38 AM
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I have a 1990 420 SEL and just replaced the chain and guides at 171,000.
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  #9  
Old 01-07-2007, 02:25 PM
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That is sure a beauty; certainly worth a serious consideration if that's the type of auto you want. Increasingly people seem to want only "new", no matter what it is, it's pedigree, etc. These are fine cars and will stay fine if properly maintained.
That said, I bought mine 3 years ago, from the original owner, and had known it since new. I knew it had not had much serious maintenance in a while; once I changed out the fuel pumps and idle control circuit, and fixed the vacuum leaks, it idled and ran perfect, but I was scared to death of the timing chain. I changed it along with the tensioner and cam oiler tube fittings, in March 2006 at 149,000 miles. My three plastic slides were in better shape than I expected: yellowed and slightly grooved, but not cracked. The chain showed about 8 degrees stretch before I started the replacement. The engine was very clean inside (frequent oil changes?).I bought an OEM tensioner, by the way. I agree: You should change out these parts at least so you don't have to worry: change out belts and hoses, thermostat, replace all the fuses; flush the brake hydraulics (assuming these things have not been done);really get it solid. These cars, as do any car but especially expensive, complex ones, suffer from neglect and will become uneconomic to repair if there is a major mechanical calamity like chain failure. You will love a properly maintained one, and rue the day you bought a neglected one. Good luck (Hint: maintance creates a positive atmosphere in which luck can flourish).
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Old 01-08-2007, 12:42 AM
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Thanks. I have still not decided. I recently paid $10,000 for a truck and I am really out of room. The 85' Benz would have to go, as would probably one of my other cars.

Yeah, if I did buy it, I would not want to have to worry about the timing chains/tensioner/guides/rails, etc, because I do have to worry about that with my 1985 W126. It has nearly 269K and I have no idea when the chain, etc was last changed. Being a $1000 car, I cannot justify spending $600+ on a car with nearly 270K- to replace the chain, only to still have a engine with 270K. Does that make sense? I only paid $1000 (and did some work on it) for the car and I have got my monies worth out of it. It still runs good and I drive it daily, but it does run a bit rough when the engine is cold and it is cold out. I think I have a vacuum leak or something. In the summer, when it is hot out and the engine is hot- it will stall sometimes on some low speed turns, or when I place it in gear. I have something I am getting ready to ask about that on another thread. I have even had it up for sale once for $1200, then the steering box blew a seal and I had to have that replaced. I am driving it to work once again, to keep the miles down on my truck. It would be wise for me to sell it, because I really do not need it now and I would like to see a good Mercedes DIY'er to get it, replace the needed items and smooth out the running. I think with new chains, etc, those oil tubes, a treatment of auto-RX, that this car would go another 100K. I love it myself, but I do not have the time or money to give it the attention it needs. So, if I got another W126, I would like to find the one like we are discussing.... low mileage and well-cared for.

Thanks again for the advice.

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