So I decided to take the 560SEL to a local indie (Der Meister) and have the experts tell me what was up with the car.....

Here's what they found -

The engine appears mostly ok, apart from air leaks all over the place. It needs a couple new rockers. It also needs all the air intake seals, injector cups and seals, etc.... The computer is working, as is the EHA. The timing chain is an unknown factor, so it will be replaced along with the guides (188K miles).

The exhaust system has a huge hole in one of the "kidney mufflers", and that whole rear section has to be replaced.

The price is being quoted at around $2500, which includes:

Digging down into the motor and replacing all the air intake seals and injector seals and cups. Also going to replace the TPS while in there.

Replacing the timing chain, and guides

Replacing the damaged exhaust section

Replace a couple worn rockers

Replace o2 sensor, re-adjust duty cycle.

I am probably forgetting a few things. Sound reasonable? Labor rate is $90 per hour.

Interesting side note - I had thought the shift interlock was broken but I was just told that my car doesn't have a shift interlock! Also, the hydraulic suspension seems to be working fine.


I trust these guys pretty well. They have done good work in the past and they clearly know 126s inside and out.


I know that sounds like a lot of money, but keep in mind I bought the car for $500 and the body and interior are in great shape. I'm thinking that for around $3500 I'll have a really nice 560SEL......


Thoughts? Opinions?


Thanks!

__________________
-tp


1990 300SE "Corinne"- 145k daily driver - street modified differential - PARTING OUT OR SELLING SOON - PORTLAND OR. AREA - PM ME FOR DETAILS
1988 560SEL "Gunther"- 190K passes anything except a gas station
1997 S420 - 265k just bought it with a rebuilt trans. Lovely condition

pics?

I say do it if you like the car. I spent way more than that on a not so nice 420sel

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1984 300SD Orient Red/ Palomino
1989 560SEC
2016 Mazda 6 6 speed manual
1995 Ford F-150 reg cab 4.9 5speed manual

And it's less than what I spent on my 300SE......

Only thing with the body is that one dent, and the front bumper needs a repaint.

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=260010

Attached Thumbnails

 

__________________
-tp


1990 300SE "Corinne"- 145k daily driver - street modified differential - PARTING OUT OR SELLING SOON - PORTLAND OR. AREA - PM ME FOR DETAILS
1988 560SEL "Gunther"- 190K passes anything except a gas station
1997 S420 - 265k just bought it with a rebuilt trans. Lovely condition

Not an unreasonable price at all if it includes parts.

If you're ambitious and have a free weekend, you could probably cut that cost in half by doing the intake and injector holders/seals, TPS sensor, and rockers. Mostly a lot of unbolting things, replacing the donuts, gaskets and seals. Probably $100+ in parts.

Let them do the timing chain and guides. Those jobs are a PITA and have the most potential for possible screw-ups. Exhaust systems are tough and messy without a lift and the right tools, especially when replacing partial systems.

But then again, if you don't mind the expense, it's probably worth the price to let someone else deal with it.

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Question Authority before it Questions you.

Thanks for your input.

Yeah, I'm sure I could do a lot of that stuff myself and save some money, but there are a few reasons why I opted to go the indie route. First, I get a 12 month warranty, which is nice. Secondly, I don't have a lift so some of those jobs are out of my reach. Third, I intend to drive the car up north in a couple weeks and I can't have it finished myself.

And lastly, the most important reason, is that my dad is going to pay for the repairs in exchange for letting him drive either the 560 or the 300, thus saving him from having to buy a car. My strategy is to swap with him every month so that I can stay on top of the P.M.

So, yeah, it could be cheaper. I'm sure there will be plenty of other stuff for me to fix!

__________________
-tp


1990 300SE "Corinne"- 145k daily driver - street modified differential - PARTING OUT OR SELLING SOON - PORTLAND OR. AREA - PM ME FOR DETAILS
1988 560SEL "Gunther"- 190K passes anything except a gas station
1997 S420 - 265k just bought it with a rebuilt trans. Lovely condition

Besides having the bill taken care off by someone else I'd say that the 12 month warranty is a deciding factor. Looks like a very good deal overall if you ask me.

tp, no doubt you're aware that the 560SEL gas mileage will be less than your 300SE, and that maintenance on a V8 is more costly than an I6.

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Fred Hoelzle

You are correct, I am well aware of that. However, the 560SEL is the better car for a long road trip, and on the highway mileage is similar. The M103 in my car gets about 24.6 MPG on the highway @ around 80MPH. I'm thinking that the 560 won't be much different because it will be running much lower RPMs at that speed.

Anyway, I'm used to (and love) big V8 cars. My favorite car up until this 560SEL was my '96 Impala SS which I bought brand new. I'd still have it if I hadn't bent the 'frame'.

Well, the work is underway right now. I should have it on the road this week, then off to the tire shop for 4 new tires.

Thanks everyone!

__________________
-tp


1990 300SE "Corinne"- 145k daily driver - street modified differential - PARTING OUT OR SELLING SOON - PORTLAND OR. AREA - PM ME FOR DETAILS
1988 560SEL "Gunther"- 190K passes anything except a gas station
1997 S420 - 265k just bought it with a rebuilt trans. Lovely condition