|
|
|
|
|
#1
06-11-2008, 02:51 PM
|
|||
|
|||
|
420 Sel Advice
I currently own a 1981 300D but am looking at buying a 1987 420 SEL with only 67k on the clock for about $2,800. I've read through the posts and understand that the timing chain, and fuel pump are common probelms.
The price seems more than fair for the car. Are there any other items or issues with these cars that I should be wary of? I'll be using it as a daily driver and only drive about 7 miles total per day. What are the MPG's on this car? 
|
|
#2
06-11-2008, 02:59 PM
|
||||
|
||||
|
Quote:
I get 15 in town and 18-20 on the road with my 560SEL, drop 1mpg for A/C. Less if I don't drive like an old man.... Jim
__________________
14 E250 BlueTEC black. 45k miles 95 E320 Cabriolet Emerald green 66k miles 94 E320 Cabriolet Emerald green 152k miles 85 300TD 4 spd man, euro bumpers and lights, 15" Pentas dark blue 274k miles
|
|
#3
06-11-2008, 06:24 PM
|
||||
|
||||
|
great cars
The timing chain and fuel pumps are not an issue , it's the chain guides and fuel pump relay that fail , but both problems are easy to resolve ,, just change the upper guides rails and tensioner every 100,000 miles or 8 years and keep a spare fuel pump relay in the glove compartment, these are great cars , I have owned mine since 1999, with no major issues . I get 22 MPG and I have 160,000 miles on it . If the A/C works , the transmission doesn't slip , it tracks down the road straight and tight , and it has no rust , than $2800 is about right ... but parts can be expensive . the good news is ,most problems on these cars cars are easy to repair yourself , good luck..
Ben Last edited by Benz Mercedes; 06-11-2008 at 06:41 PM.
|
|
#5
06-11-2008, 06:40 PM
|
||||
|
||||
|
Yes , but check out my edit on the post above..
Ben
|
|
#6
06-12-2008, 10:02 AM
|
||||
|
||||
|
In the last two years I've replaced the shocks, plugs, wires, vacuum modulator, fuel filter, water pump, fuel lines, and maybe a few other things. I need to replace the window regulators, cv axles, idle control valve, and lower oil pan gasket and oil level sensor. If you can handle small repairs like these then this is a good car. I like the way it drives and it car surprisingly turn very well into parking spaces for its size. Also is the odometer working? I have never owned a W126 that had a working odometer until recently becasue I swapped one from a junk yard car. I have only observed 16 mpg mixed mileage. I wouldnt sell my car though like every one tells me too. I'd say but it becasue I paid 3500 bucks for mine with 200k miles.
__________________
1984 300SD Orient Red/ Palomino 1989 560SEC 2016 Mazda 6 6 speed manual 1995 Ford F-150 reg cab 4.9 5speed manual
|
|
#7
06-12-2008, 01:42 PM
|
||||
|
||||
|
VERY low mileage but cars like this are cheap because of fuel price worries.
Never been a better moment to pick one up than now. Gas price woes tanked their value.
Extraordinary price if the car checks out well and there is no rust, rot, leaks or repaired collision damage. With a car that old there is danger of perished rubber bits, seals, lines etc. due to simply old age. I would not be surprised if the motor mounts are collapsed. Run it through the car wash and check for trunk and interior leaks. see the buyers' guide at www.mbcoupes.com for a thorough run down. I co wrote it in 1998 They are very very safe cars, but more for long distance highway cruising than the 7 mile trips you plan. However the safety edge, and the comfort and build quality makes them appealing With the year and such low mileage, the car may have had issues from too much sitting, and stop and go driving. If not, for that mileage it is like getting a 2 or 3 year old one, so for the price, if it checks out I would snap it up immediatly if you want a car like this. DO GET THE PPI though. It's essential before you buy.
__________________
 1991 560 SEC AMG, 199k <---- 300 hp 10:1 ECE euro HV ... 1995 E 420, 170k "The Red Plum" (sold) 2015 BMW 535i xdrive awd Stage 1 DINAN, 6k, <----364 hp 1967 Mercury Cougar, 49k 2013 Jaguar XF, 20k <----340 hp Supercharged, All Wheel Drive  (sold)
|
|
#8
06-12-2008, 01:54 PM
|
||||
|
||||
|
Sounds like a bargin! If you can deal with getting mid to high teens its a great car, requires premium like every gas MB, so a few extra cents per tank but not a big deal.
Even at the low mileage I would still do the timing chains unless their was a record of them being done. I don't trust 20 year old plastic guides, it would be a shame for a low mileage engine to self destruct because of them. Just check the mileage! ODO's on these cars are a joke so let the car speak as to its mileage, a true 70k mile W126 should look almost new!
__________________
2016 Corvette Stingray 2LT 1969 280SE 2023 Ram 1500 2007 Tiara 3200
|
|
#9
06-12-2008, 02:14 PM
|
|||
|
|||
|
That seems to be a very reasonable price though I warn you to expect about
14-15 mpg in the city with that trip mileage. I do about the same in my 420sel in a suburban setting and get that in summer. In the winter it plunges to 11-12 mpg because of the warmup cycle though I live in Canada. This might not be as big an issue where you live. . I agree with everyone advice especially running the car through the car wash. Spread newspapers in the trunk covering the entire area. If there is a leak the spots will indcate where the leak is. If its under the trunk lid the rear window is leaking and you may have a rusting issue. This could be bad news. I've seen postings where people have paid up to $2500 for removing the window, installing a new gasket, and having body work done. If its small enough you might be able to fix by using a filler to fill the leak. I had a small leak in my rear window which I patched using window glazing putty. It's been 18 months and the leak hasn't reappeared. . If its by the rear tailight the tailight gaskets are likely needing replacing or the fresh air exhaust flap needs to be looked at. . If its somewhere along the lip of the trunk lid its likely a new trunk gasket will be needed.
|
 |
| Bookmarks |
|
|
Linear Mode
