Get it. I have loved both of my W126 models. Moreso my 300SEL than my 380SE, as its in better condition and much lower mileage.

Timing chain is #1 on the list on that 420 though.

After driving a W123 you'll find that a W126 is a much better highway car. A lill more unwieldy around town but still very manageable. I bet after you take a test drive you'll be sold. I know I was

-Jason

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1991 350SDL. 230,000 miles (new motor @ 150,000). Blown head gasket

Tesla Model 3. 205,000 miles. Been to 48 states!
Past: A fleet of VW TDIs.... including a V10,a Dieselgate Passat, and 2 ECOdiesels.
2014 Cadillac ELR
2013 Fiat 500E.

I did drive it briefly, but it was getting dark and I could tell the guy was miserable missing his football game.

Tomorrow will be the full highway run, and I'm sure it will spoil me.

I won't be retiring Ol' Turbo any time soon for highway duty, though.

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1985 500SL Euro w/ AMG bits 130k
1984 300SD Turbodiesel 192k
1980 240D Stick China 188k
2001 CLK55 AMG 101k
2007 S600 Biturbo 149k Overheated Project, IT'S ALIVE!!!

Does that car have the updated interior?

Are you talking about the 420SEL or my 300D?

420SEL... Yes

300D.... No but I rebuilt the seats using memory foam, heaven on Earth.

I've been searching on the forum for a while, but what does a full timing chain service usually cost (chain, rails, etc)? I did it with my SL 6 years ago, but it was lumped in with redone heads and a litany of other issues.

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1985 500SL Euro w/ AMG bits 130k
1984 300SD Turbodiesel 192k
1980 240D Stick China 188k
2001 CLK55 AMG 101k
2007 S600 Biturbo 149k Overheated Project, IT'S ALIVE!!!

Could any of you guys point me to a (more or less) complete troubleshooting procedure for the W126 climate control? Mine's dead, and I'm not really sure where to start. Thanks!

retro

Looks like a pretty good deal from what I can tell. I'd go for it if I were you.

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" We have nothing to fear but the main stream media itself . . . ."- Adapted from Franklin D Roosevelt for the 21st century

OBK #55

1998 Lincoln Continental - Sold
Max 1984 300TD 285,000 miles - Sold
The Dee8gonator 1987 560SEC 196,000 miles - Sold
Orgasmatron - 2006 CLS500 90,000 miles
2002 C320 Wagon 122,000 miles
2016 AMG GTS 12,000 miles

Well, I walked away from this one.

The highway cruise brought to light a serious fuel issue that continued to get worse throughout the drive. At the end, it felt like a bucking bronco was under the hood at idle.

I also found the beginnings of rust coming from under the right front fender wing. Its not visible yet, and easly treatable, but another minus for the car.

Replacing the fuse didn't revive the CC either.

Overall, this car had way too many IFs. Could be minor issues, but then again... His inflexiblity of the price (I had already talked him down from $3,500) was the deal killer. He also tipped his hand when he told me he's only owned the car for 6 months.

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1985 500SL Euro w/ AMG bits 130k
1984 300SD Turbodiesel 192k
1980 240D Stick China 188k
2001 CLK55 AMG 101k
2007 S600 Biturbo 149k Overheated Project, IT'S ALIVE!!!

I would have jumped on it. A chain is easy DIY (the rails are the hard part) and you're talking about $200 in parts IIRC...

pass

Sometimes, I think you post only for the sake of post counts. Care to elaborate?

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1985 500SL Euro w/ AMG bits 130k
1984 300SD Turbodiesel 192k
1980 240D Stick China 188k
2001 CLK55 AMG 101k
2007 S600 Biturbo 149k Overheated Project, IT'S ALIVE!!!

its just a 420SEL, you already have three cars... its just a 420SEL

Yea, I think I would pass on this one...there are thousands of W126's out there that are in great condition. My 300SEL was $2k, and it didn't have any drivability problems, AC worked, etc, etc.

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Current cars:
2000 ML55 AMG, 174k miles
2003 C240 T-Modell, 202k miles
1995 S320, 207k Miles

I have an 1987 420SEL with 113k on it. It is absolutly great. Like a charm and has had no real issues. I would say go for it. They are a great car.

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2015 ML350 4Matic. Wifes DD
2015 GLK350 4Matic. My winter DD
2012 E350 4Matic. Road Trip car
2009 CLK350 Coupe Designo.Kleemann Tune For nice days/DD
2006 CL600. V12.Eurocharged Tune. Enough said
2005 CLK55 AMG Coupe.Kleemann Tune. For the sound and style
2004 CLK320 Cabriolet. 2005+ Interior swap. For the sunny Florida days & beach days

Or, would it mess up your train of thought worse if I were to mention:

Phoenix is beautiful this time of year. Good time for a visit.

At which time you can pick up a similar 1990 420SEL (color-wise) which drives beautifully, climate control and everything else functional save for one window motor in the back, and NEW TIMING GUIDES &TENSIONER performed by me last week. It has around 205k miles but you'd not be able to tell. Owned by a friend (retired pilot) and has received good care all its life.

$2500 firm. Tempted?

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1985 300TD
1984 380SL
1983 280SE (full Euro, trunk triangle and all!)

Formerly owned:
1986 420SEL
1984 300D
1983 300D
1981 300SD
1976 300D