1991 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 560 SEL

Summary:

It will be hard to buy another car of such quality

Faults:

We've been lucky so far.

General Comments:

Top of line performance and luxury.

My husband and I bought our 1991 560 SEL a week before our first son was born last year. His mother had a 1973 420, which prompted us to look for a quality used car for our new family. We had no idea that the 1991 model was the last of their kind.

The fellow that sold to us had no idea either, there was only 80,000 miles on the motor, everything worked, sunroof, heated seats, a perfect interior and pearl black paint that told us it was probably stored in the garage with a cover. He sold it to us for only $2,000!!!

We have to make sure to look at the speedometer often, as the ride is so smooth it's hard to tell you're cruising over the speed limit, it was built for the speed limit less Autobahn.

We recently moved cross-country and I could not imagine driving anything else. I feel bad for my husband, after a full day of driving the moving truck he was tired, but I felt good. Even if your back starts to hurt, the heated seats melt it away.

His Uncle was willing to trade his 2000 Mercury Cougar for it....NO WAY!! Especially after the numerous problems, they have.

We got lucky!

!Gute Fahrt auf dem Autobahn!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th August, 2006

19th Aug 2006, 19:48

Congratulations! I recommend you replace the timing chain, chain tensioner and cam tubes (the plastic bits that oil the cam lobes). Maybe also the engine mounts. Then keep the car for 25 or more years!

8th Jan 2007, 21:29

We have a 1988 560 SEC with 211,000 miles on it that we have owned since it had about 65,000 miles and we have not had to replace any of the timing components. I would, however, recommend finding a good import mechanic like we have, because these cars require preventive maintenance.

1991 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 300sel six

Summary:

Excellent vehicle, classic luxury

Faults:

I purchased this car with the intent to rebuild it and bring it up to new condition. first of all when you compare the price of a new s class (excess of $80000), this is a worthwhile investment. the car is like new and having Mercedes Benz of Athens, Ga do the work guaranteed the results would be perfect. I was able to locate parts on the net, and they had no problem installing them for me.

So far, I have rebuilt the front end, new brakes, replaced engine gaskets and seals, new water pump, new shocks,rebuilt transmission, tune up, new tires, and new wheels. This car runs like new and at significant savings.

General Comments:

Incredible safe ride and responsive handling.

It is a classic mercedes and stands out in terms of workmenship even after 13 years.

The interior is like new, large, and comfortable.

This car will do 250000 miles, which is bad for an investment of 20% of new car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 31st May, 2004

18th Jul 2008, 03:24

I am an owner of a MB 300se 1991 model. At 120 kmh my car engine speed is around 4000. My car comes with a 3 speed auto gear box; is this normal?

21st Mar 2011, 16:12

No it's not. 4 speed auto is the normal gearbox. Your 4th gear isn't working obviously.

11th Aug 2016, 04:40

His 4th gear probably is working. The early W124 cars use a second gear start. So unless you select L or depress the accelerator all the way down to activate the kickdown switch, it won't use first gear.

7th Jan 2017, 03:21

Uh, this car is NOT a W124(E class)... It's a W126 (S Slass). Two totally different animals.

The person's car is a 91 300SE, the big Benz, not the midsize.

15th Feb 2018, 02:26

The W126 has a 3-speed gearbox, not a 4-speed, so he's probably OK.