1991 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 560 SEL 5.6 liter gas

Summary:

Swanky nightmare

Faults:

So many things, I can scarcely keep track: exhaust leak, power steering pump, fuel pump, and fuel sending unit come to mind immediately.

General Comments:

Yes, they're classics. Yes, they're incredibly comfortable and swanky. Even at 23 years old, it drove like a dream -- when it drove!

I found a remarkably solid example in Kentucky. As it had had a top end engine and suspension rebuilds, it seemed like a good choice for a luxo cruiser. Even using independent Mercedes specialists, ordinary repairs (which you should expect at 142 K miles) cost me $4,500 in four months! Unless you do your own work, pass this by!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 26th March, 2013

1991 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 56 SEC 5.6 liter

Summary:

Best built car ever

Faults:

Needs head gasket not repaired yet.

General Comments:

This car is Fantastic!! For it's age it is a beauty and I can't believe how well it handles on the road. It is meant to drive and I look forward to driving it everyday.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th October, 2007

1991 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 560 SEL 5.6 Liter V8

Summary:

Very sharp and elegant, but not practical for 2007

Faults:

The dealer sold us the car with a broken sunroof motor, and the parts plus labor ended up costing $600 so it is still broken.

I have to get it taken in every few months to tighten the belts and flush the power steering fluid, and that always costs well over $1,000.

At 83k miles the air conditioning compressor broke, and in Florida's brutal heat this is not acceptable. However the German car expert wants $2k to get it fixed and I highly doubt it should cost that much.

I went over a bump a little too fast and the radiator blew. It cost us another $1,000.

General Comments:

This car is very classy and is very advanced for its time - with standard ABS, SRS and hydro pneumatic level control. This car would survive any kind of collision and wouldn't have a scratch.

It's a true German tank. It's very solid and has an extremely powerful engine - love those 8 cylinders.

The powerful engine gives me an awful 10 MPG, costing me about $70-$90/week on gas alone.

However repairs have been extremely costly and the car obviously was not taken care of by the previous owner, it's a shame.

The interior is comfortable and the front and back seats are heated, and the back seat can recline. My friends always complain that it's too bouncy though.

This car is not for short people - the hood is gigantic. I have to sit on a pillow to be able to see the road (and I'm 5'2). It's very hard to steer (it takes a lot of arm power), and it's extremely difficult to park.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th October, 2007

13th Mar 2008, 18:16

It costs you over $1000 to get the belts tightened and the power steering fluid flushed? That makes no sense. First of all, these things should not cost anywhere near that much.

Second, I don't know why you find this necessary but it should not be needed that often. Something else is wrong if that's the case (though I can't imagine what that might be since it does not make any sense).

You seem to be getting ripped off.

1991 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 420 SEL gas

Summary:

The perfect full size sedan

Faults:

There is a bit of a rough idle when cold.

General Comments:

This is a dream car; the perfect car to eat up hundreds of miles effortlessly; set the cruise at 160 k and just cruise; quiet, soooo comfortable, classy and reliable; we recently left it unplugged at the airport and jetted to Jamaica; came back to a car left in the -40 weather for a week solid; 2 turns and it went; the best car I have ever owned.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th February, 2007

7th Mar 2007, 16:27

I also have one (3/7/07) with 112,000 miles. I also bought a new 500 sedan. The latter sits in the garage except for short trips. I use the 420sel for trips of 500-3000 miles with a better ride, less fear of a breakdown and a real saloon feeling. Best saloon ever made.