1986 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 420SEL review from North America
"300K miles and still like new"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Pretty much nothing really seriously has gone wrong with the car as in out of the ordinary. It has 300,000 miles on it.
- Radiator went recently
- Replaced timing chain
- Front end bushings etc etc.
General comments?
This car is probably one of the greatest cars I have ever owned. It had needed very little since I have gotten it, and I was lucky enough to get it from the original owners.
The seats are like almost original; they are a bit more cushy (as in saggy) than original. The paint is starting to wear a bit thin on one of the doors.
The car however gets great gas mileage and passes California smog with original cat and exhaust system. It's a real head turner.
I have owned other Mercedes, but this one is a real gem. If you want to get one, be sure to do your research and take it to a mechanic if you don't know about the car, because if these haven't been well maintained, they can be a headache.
I could go on all day about how great the car is, but you'll probably be bored.
If you get one with high mileage, JOIN BENZ HIGH MILEAGE; it's really cool and they give you a badge and a really cool booklet.
Recommended reviews
| 1986 - S-Class 420 SEL 4.2L Gas Brilliant car, when it works... |
|
| 1985 - S-Class 300SD OM617 turbo diesel Pinnacle of Mercedes Engineering |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 1986 |
| Year of manufacture | 1986 |
| First year of ownership | 2006 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2008 |
| Engine and transmission | 4.2L V8 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 10 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 10 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 10 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 6 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 205000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 301000 miles |
| Previous car | Mercedes-Benz S-Class |
| Date of Entry | 22nd June, 2008 |