1990 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 560 SEL 5.6 Liter Gas from North America

Summary:

The 1990 Mercedes Benz 560 SEL is the best vehicle I've ever owned

Faults:

I had to replace the exhaust system - $2800.00 for the entire system.

I replaced the awful factory radio with a JVC touch screen CD changer.

I replaced tie rods & brake pads/rotors all around.

I replaced the fuel system/pumps/strainers/filters.

General Comments:

I LOVE this vehicle!!! It is what luxury is all about. It drinks a lot of premium gas, but on the road, nothing I've ever driven compares. You don't buy a car like this to blow people off the line (that's impossible without the AMG mods) but this baby accelerates with the best from 55 mph and up.

I only paid $5300 for mine & I intend to hold onto it as long as I can. I've turned down offers to buy it on a regular basis.

The only things I didn't like were the headlight wipers - they worked every now & then. I removed them & placed a replacement panel in their place.

I am averaging about 11 mpg in the city & 16 mpg on the highway, so it's not a car to be driving to the corner store in.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th December, 2005

13th Apr 2007, 01:13

The headlight wipers are only activated when the light is on (minimum position light).

Regards,

Claus.

19th Nov 2008, 21:17

I've had my 560SEL for almost two years now, and I love it. Would not recommend it as an economical vehicle for long commutes - it averages about 14 MPG. The car drives like a dream and is very safe.

The car was not well maintained before I took it over, but with a little TLC it's working.

Things that have gone wrong are:

1) Instruments in the instrument cluster faults out at times (probably a faulty electrical connection)

2) Air condition was not working, so I had to get a new compressor put in.

Keep changing the fluids regularly and follow the maintenance schedule.

Love the car -- worth every $$$

29th Mar 2009, 20:29

I really love my 560 S E L.. It was a gift to me in January 2008 as a retirement project. I quit playing with airplanes and now have this project to spend my time on.

I have found several things not working such as cruise control, electric drivers seat, and telescopic steering wheel.

Considering it was a gift, I will have the enjoyment of tinkering with it during my retirement.

I do have a FORD for daily use..

19th Nov 2012, 12:23

Hello =)

Which is better, a 560 or a BMW 750 5.0 V12?

Fastness, comfort, prestige, and anything else you can think of.

Thanks.

16th Feb 2016, 17:08

Hi. I had two 560 sedans; one short (only 1252 built) and a long one. I haven't driven any 750 Beemer but a 740. My biggest surprise was to hear from a very respected BMW mechanic that the V12 was the biggest mistake and regret of the company... I don't know if he meant that only from a mechanic point of view. But loved my 560s both, but the 740 V8 had to be revved high to be in the correct power band...

24th Feb 2016, 22:30

It is my experience that the BMW V12s are good engines mechanically. The only things that went wrong with them (if anything ever did) was the electronic crap, not the actual mechanicals. The BMW 5.4 L M73 V12 in my 2000 750iL has never been an issue, though it can have a love for gas, especially in traffic. Low-end power is actually really good with these engines too. Take care of it and make sure the previous owner did so too and you should be alright with them.

1990 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 300sel 3.0 fuel injected petrol from Singapore

Faults:

Auto gear changes a little slow when cold. Runs perfectly when warmed up.

Thermostat needed change - second one during the last 4 years.

General Comments:

Outstanding comfort and security.

Nimble despite size.

Quality is very durable.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 31st May, 2005

28th Jun 2005, 07:58

I am considering buying a 1990 make 300SEL and would like your comments or advice on following :

1) What are some critical checks that I must make before purchase of this car?

2) What magnitude maintenance cost per year?

3) What is the running cost of the car for normal usage on Singapore road?

4) Does the car take 95R gasoline fuel given the rising fuel prices?