I just purchased a 1987 420 SEL with 127k on Saturday and drove it 220 miles home. I got 22 mpg going 76mph. Anyway the exterior and interior are in excellent shape,I put new tires on it and am bringing it into the shop tomorrow. The a/c blows but not cold enough and I cannot get air to come out of the center vents, is it easy to access this area? Is $99.00 hr to much for labor? Also their is something mounted at the rear passenger side by the rear end that sounds like it is hissing,any idea what it is? Anything else I should have the mechanic check?

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Looks like a decent buy considering the mileage and interior condition you describe. I'm on the look out for a nice 420 also.

Part under the rear is the fuel pump, at this age I'd replace it. I did the 300sel's last night and a filter. Maybe an hour job. They make some noise, but if it's loud, it's on its way out. Just part of your ownership.

No air from center vents is typical. There are six pods in your car. Two on top of the heater box, one defroster (those three behind the glove box), rear with the center are behind the radio/push button unit, and the final is on the driver side by the expansion valve (another single throw flapper). Usually the three behind the glove box have failed. Sub $200 in parts and a few hours of your time. The single throw ones last longer and are able to be rebuilt.

Also, be aware of the ignition components on that motor. You need non-resistor plugs. W9DC, Bosch or BP5ES, NGK. Good wires, good cap, good rotor. Every gas MB I have purchased has had the wrong stuff in there.

It's probably going to need a radiator, coolant flush, all hoses, belts, etc. Again, this is for durability and piece of mine. Press your luck if you wish, I do not.

Inspect all rubber under the hood, it's probably all brittle and nearly rotten apart. Few hundred, a weekend, and you're good.

The M116/7s like to have timing guide rails fail. These again are cheap, but time consuming to install or high dollar for labor. Meyle has released an updated version of these (for the M116)... instead of the nylon/plastic of the original, they have aluminum backing with some neoprene on the face. Failure is pretty much eliminated. You'll want a new tensioner while you're in there and new retainers for the camshaft oilers, consider the chain if it's stretched beyond spec. Yes, this is a biggie but if you fail to do this... the result is a jumped timing chain on the driver side, bent valves, top end removal, and a repair that's FAR MORE than the value of the auto.



If you can't do the labor $99/hr is fair, shops provide a service for you just like your CPA, attorney, or physician. I would not own any of these vehicles if you are not able to turn wrenches, they're enjoyable to me. They'll become costly VERY quickly. Pick up the factory manuals on CD to learn how to do stuff. They're not that difficult to take care of...

__________________
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]

Thanks Hit Man X. I just realized no matter what temp I put on the dial it will not change from cool,not cold. I figure its the controller. I can wield a wrench too and have been looking at manuals to purchase. I previously restored a 1981 240 D and have wrenched on cars since high school. Our 2006 Touareg is running out of miles (8k for 15 months) and an old Benz seemed like a great answer, I have missed being a Benz owner for awhile. It feels good driving through town . The car has never sat and rubber under the hood looks great,even a new belt. Are the shocks hard to change? If not I will not let the mechanic do it. I need a manual!!!!

Shocks are easy up front, rears pose more of a challenge as the rear seat has to come out.

Fronts just need a 10mm twelve point socket and you're good.

Rear seat pops out with two clips at bottom (for non-recline) and the recline has two 10mm bolts on each end. Then you'll be able to unbolt the seat from the body, 8mm I think they are there. Up and out it comes.

See two holes where the upper part of the shock goes.



I'd run Bilstein HDs. Ride is slightly firmer than the Comforts, which I prefer. But still VERY acceptable riding for an MB. You have a better feel of the road.

__________________
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]

When I turn the temperature dial the air stays the same,cool not cold.Is this the climate controller? How do I install the wood panel around my gearshifter? The piece is loose and their seems to be a conflict with the change area in front of it. Thanks!

I also own an 87 420 , these are great cars ,the hissing noise under the car is the 2 fuel pumps ,, that noise is normal , when the temp control thumbdial is all the way into the blue position you will feel the dial "click", that is the A/C clutch always engaged position , you should here the A/C clutch engage, if you don't ,you may need to add some R-12 if your system has not been changed to R-134, or you could have a CCU issue,or air duct control rubber boot issue, does your heat and defrost work accordingly? also it's very important to check the timing chain guides and tensioner , especially if you here a metalic chatter upon start up , that's the chain scraping metal because it has no tension or guide support. this is a sign that you don't want to ignore, it can lead to catastrophic engine failure..

Ben

Well you could be low on refrigerant, maybe the Monovalve diaphragm is torn, or the climate unit needs to be rebuilt. All common issues, easily resolved.

You need to first remove the ash tray. Two phillips head screws. It'll slide toward you (put the gear shifter in 2 or L). Then the part where the heated seat switches goes, pulls up and out.

Then you can maneuver the center wood out. They slide forward to disconnect from the tabs and then lift up.

__________________
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]

I interviewed a couple shops today and found one I am pleased with. I am dropping the car off Thursday to get timing chain stuff done and A/c issues resolved. The a/c was ice cold today but would not come out of the center,I am not hearing the ac clutch either.I will be doing the shocks and have ordered a repair manual.

Where did you order a repair manual from?

I bought it on ebay,have not received yet.

How can I obtain copies of my key? I only have one.

Dealer, seriously. Around $16/key.

__________________
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]

Thanks Hitman. I found a Locksmith down the street from my repair shop that did it for $35,they got me! I got a tranny flush and filter,new seal at rear end and fluid change,rebuilt the diaphram of my center vent and checked my timing chain and guides.I received my MB repair manual today and it is a little weird to get used to a little difficult to navigate. I am tackling the rear shocks tomorrow.