1989 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Reviews from North America - Page 2 of 5

1989 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 560 SEL 5.6 fuel injected

Model year1989
Year of manufacture1989
First year of ownership2004
Most recent year of ownership2010
Engine and transmission 5.6 fuel injected Automatic
Performance marks 8 / 10
Reliability marks 9 / 10
Comfort marks 9 / 10
Dealer Service marks 5 / 10
Running Costs (higher is cheaper) 8 / 10
Overall marks (average of all marks)
7.8 / 10
Distance when acquired157000 miles
Most recent distance191000 miles
Previous carBMW 7 Series

Summary:

Solid, performance and class "S Class"

Faults:

Radiator (plastic parts), battery (not a big deal), blower fan regulator/master brake cylinder (cheap to fix!). Upgraded to Zimmerman's drilled rotors (much better stopping!), new ATE brake calipers (front).. tie rods & center drag link & steering dampener (not a big cost to fix). Do not go to a DEALER, I put spark plugs in myself!

If you are a competent car person, you can save thousands, & I KNOW the work got done!

General Comments:

I've had ALL kinds of cars... Mercedes is a "SOLID" investment; you fix it and it stays fixed..

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th August, 2010

1989 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 420 SEL 4.2L V8

Model year1989
Year of manufacture1988
First year of ownership2006
Most recent year of ownership2010
Engine and transmission 4.2L V8 Automatic
Performance marks 9 / 10
Reliability marks 8 / 10
Comfort marks 10 / 10
Dealer Service marks 10 / 10
Running Costs (higher is cheaper) 3 / 10
Overall marks (average of all marks)
8.0 / 10
Distance when acquired167000 miles
Most recent distance203000 miles
Previous carVolvo 740

Summary:

Best luxury value for the money

Faults:

EGR line was clogged with carbon.

Power steering reservoir leak.

Muffler.

Brakes.

Key tumbler.

Power door locks and antenna.

Passenger door has to be slammed shut. Can't fix or it will ruin the seal around the door. I just get used to it.

Terrible on ice and snow (similar to a Chevy Camaro as far as snow handling). Rear tires spin even on wet pavement when starting up steep hill. This was similar to my rear wheel Volvo as far as snow handling.

General Comments:

This is the most luxurious car imaginable. Still looks new inside, and everything works.

For the mileage, it is very reliable. I have owned the car from 167,000 to 202,000.

New parts are very expensive. Don't buy if you cannot afford $3000 in parts at some point. Power steering kit was $2600.

Much less expensive overall than a newer car. I paid $6200.

Must be maintained. Service only at a Mercedes dealer or German-born mechanic (others charge more money than Mercedes dealer, and don't know what to look for or have bad attitudes).

Exceptionally roomy interior.

Very rugged, built like a Russian army tank, you can't hurt it.

In a class of its own, much more impressive than a Cadillac.

There is no reason to buy newer, and newer is certainly not an upgrade. This one was built to last and better than newer models. No electronics problems.

Mileage impressive for weight: 23 mpg on highway at 85 mph, 11 mpg in City on very short trips in winter only. 16-19 mpg in summer mixed driving.

Drives over 110 mph with little vibration.

Exceptionally heavy car, not for tailgating. Keep following distance.

Exceptionally long wheel base has pluses and minuses. Not for quick lane changes on crowded freeway or tight parking spots. Not good for fast speeds on uneven dippy pavement where a small car might be O.K., but excels on rough roads. Leans around corners more than a small car. Ride is as smooth as gliding on air, while at same time delivering a real feel for the road (a remarkable combination of luxury and sport feel).

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th February, 2010

19th Feb 2010, 15:01

One more thing I forgot to add. The engine is susceptible to oil leaks. There was an oil leak in the head. But the mechanic re-torqued the head for $250, which has temporarily fixed it. Because of the high pressure of the oil pump, this type of leak is somewhat common in these models. Some people will try to scam you into a $5000 rebuild. A work around to prevent it from happening again is to only fill your oil up to half way above the add line on the dipstick. I have to have my oil changed elsewhere since Mercedes dealers want to fill it to specifications.

6th Nov 2010, 18:23

I love my new Mercedes. Best car ever.

1989 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 300 SEL 3.0

Model year1989
Year of manufacture1989
First year of ownership2009
Most recent year of ownership2009
Engine and transmission 3.0 Automatic
Performance marks 9 / 10
Reliability marks 8 / 10
Comfort marks 10 / 10
Dealer Service marks 3 / 10
Running Costs (higher is cheaper) 4 / 10
Overall marks (average of all marks)
6.8 / 10
Distance when acquired120000 miles
Most recent distance123000 miles

Summary:

Other 20 year old cars can't even come close to it

Faults:

Really nothing has gone wrong with the car, just sometimes when you start the car, it will idle roughly until warmed up, then it will run properly.

The car needs a brake master cylinder, as the brakes are mushy.

The A/C condenser needs to be replaced as well as the seals, but hey, 20 years, it's about time for it.

Otherwise, it could use a full service and tune up.

General Comments:

I will say that they don't build Mercedes Benz cars like this any more. The car is clearly over engineered, and the materials are of the highest quality. Most Japanese luxury cars from this era did not age well, this car has fit and finish that are just not seen anymore.

The inline 6 cyl engine is a bread and butter engine for Mercedes, and gets excellent MPG and give you all the power you need on the highway for a big body Benz. To me, the 560 SEL is just overkill.

It's rock solid on the highway; it's a car you want to take on a long trip and no other 1989 car can touch it in terms of aging well, performance and 5 star safety

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th September, 2009

6th Oct 2009, 23:49

I agree with you, the 560SEL is overkill, a gas guzzler, and also the 560SEL has issues with the rear hydraulic suspension where it will go out and cause rough rides, and the car to sag in the rear.

Also the 560SEL is notorious for the timing chain going out and that includes the 420SEL.

The 300SE and 300SEL have the best straight six in them, and low on maintenance with good gas mileage.

I own a 1989 300SE, and they are the best and will last longer than the 420SEL and 560SEL V-8 engines. Just follow the recommended routine service by changing the spark plugs, air filter, fuel filter, and other services.

Average review marks: 7.7 / 10, based on 16 reviews