I'm actually looking at an 88 560SEL but trolling through E-Bay and Auto-Trader I see a lot of these for sale for various years. Can some knowledgable Big-Benz owners tell me what-all I should watch out for with this monster! I have 3 MB's already, 2 W123 Diesels and a 58 220S. I'm looking at the 560 (maybe some of it's lesser engined sisters) to be my main cruise for back and forth to work, 100 MPD. Mostly I'm wondering about the engine reliability, transmission, rear-end and half shafts, BIG money things that might be worth checking out ahead of time. I'm looking to get a car with 75~120K miles. I'm not afraid of working on the vehicles, I am somewhat afraid of the MB V8's as I've never worked on one.
What kind of mileage can I expect for primarily hi-way? I'm an 80+ driver most of the time (just keeping up with traffic). I like these big machines and am in a particuar state of mind for a big Benz but want to be sure I don't get a complete basket case with shiny paint :-)
Thanks.

My advice would be to have a professional to a prepurchace inspection on any finallist in your quest.

I have viewed many a 50 footer than was basically totalled.

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Steve Brotherton
Continental Imports
Gainesville FL
Bosch Master, ASE Master, L1
33 years MB technician

I KNOW these cars, but I would gladly pay $250 to have a really qualified PRO check it out from stem to stern before buying a cream-puff candidate

Are you anywhere near Orlando, Fla? I am considering selling mine - I have too many cars, and not enough time to drive them. 171K miles, smoke silver with dark brown, ("date") interior, great shape. A/C decided to quit last week, (no clue why and no time to troubleshoot), but the price will reflect this. Drop me an e mail or reply here if interested.

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1989 560SEL (172k)
1989 325IC (122K)
2004 Suzuki Volusia LE (3500 miles)
2005 Yamaha Road Star (20 K miles)

Hi johninfla,

No, I'm up in the north east. I promised myself I'd never buy another MB without a freezing A cold A/C. No such thing as a quick recharge on these things, always seems to take about 1K to fix them. Thanks for the offer though.

Well it looks as if cold a@# air coming out of the vents would be the first item to check.

Although I have never had a 560 here are a few things I have noticed to look for. My latest buy, the current 420, I knew it had a few of these problems but I bought it anyways, at a reflective price of course. None of these costs reflect labor, a considerable expense if you are not a serious DIY'er. The tranny rebuild which I pulled with the engine was rebuilt by a transmission tech, out the back door where he works.

1) Oil leaking from the head gaskets, a problem which I solved by pulling the engine and resealing it, freshing the heads up, all new timing components, injectors, hoses, you name it. This is a major repair which in itself may total most cars, the body and interior on my car was in great shape so that is why I went ahead with the purchase. Spent nearly $1500 on this.

2) The a/c blew cold but from the wrong places, the vacuum elements were shot and I ended up replacing all of them, $150 or so in parts.

3) ABS was acting up, total brake job was done, new pads, rotors and ABS sensors. $500 or so in parts.

4) Tranny had a delay in actuation. Had it rebuilt, clutches were worn, especially the reverse pack which caused the servo to tear, at laest that is what I was told. I am still tinkering with the adjustment on this, it is almost where I want it. $1000

Gave $3500 for the car which in hindsight was too much. The tranny took me by surprise or else I would have offered less.

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Chas

Had a 380SL, 450SL, 380SEL, 420SEL, 500SEL

Got a Euro 500SEC right now.