Comments: 1-15, 16-30, 31-45, 46
I wouldn't rule out the 420SEL or even the 560SEL as a first car for a teenager. They (and their parents) should ensure that they find a good one, well maintained and well documented.
They may need to budget about $2000 a year to maintain it, but that is a lot cheaper than a car payment on an entry level domestic or import. The W126 is one of the best cars ever made, and is worth a serious look, especially for a would-be enthusiast.
Despite the car's heft and its seemingly modest (by contemporary standards) power and torque ratings, it hauls ass, especially at highway speeds, and is arguably the safest passenger car on the road.
I just got my hands on a 92 Mercedes 400SE with 134,000 Miles for $500.00. It's in great shape with a few minor dings and typical wear and tear from daily driving. The person who "gave" it to me drove it to my house. She informed me of various leaks it had and her constant refilling of coolant and oil. My findings are as follows: Water Pump Leaking, Balancer pulley not properly installed from previous work done, loose and wobbly, shaved down tube from water pump and shaved half of Crank Position Sensor off, Stripped bolts on oil pan and valve covers, loose bolts also causing oil leaks, Timing Chain Guide Rails completely destroyed (both sides) inner tops of valve covers shaved from chain, upper/inner guide slide rails gone, rail pins floating around destroyed, Alternator Full Of coolant and oil which does not work anymore. If any one has any helpful hints or experience with this project please fill us in. I am a mechanic (Audi/Volkswagen)mainly updating software and completing open recalls in A8-W12's, 4.2's, A6's, A4's, S Series, Pheaton's, Passat's, Jetta's, R32 GTI's. I've asked my boss and other mechanics if they have had the opportunity to tackle a task such as this and all of them replied "No way! and Good Luck!" Regardless of what they say I'm going to it. I have pictures of my progress so far if anyone would like to view them. Let me know. Thanks...John
jjhsnz@msn.com.
Recently purchased my 420.best car I ever bought. and after owning over 200 I can say I need no others. wish I could have afforded one earlier in my life, but that's how it goes. she is a 1987 420 sel with 145000 miles lovingly cared 4 by my new best friend. this beauty is the love of my driving life. just do it. get yourself one. you will not regret it.
I agree with everyone who says this car is great because it is I have a 1987 Mercedes-Benz 420 SEL I bought the car at 200,000 miles for 6,000 it was in perfect condition even low book value was higher than 6 I still have it never had a problem until recently I bought new car and had been driving that. I took the Mercedes out and hit a dip (obviously my fault not a manufacturer problem) and the upper control arm broke. Its only $100 to fix and only takes about an hour, I haven't done it yet because my new car gets better gas mileage and I'm in high school and work full time so don't have much time to fix it anyone interested in a 1987 420 SEL?? willing to let it go for almost nothing I surely got all of my money out of it. Any interests: banshee_tk58@yahoo.com.
I joined the club of happy 420SEL owners this weekend. Mine is a 1986. I paid $5995.00. That may be a little high. But, the car has "only" 114,000 miles on it and was owned bya mercedes mechanic. The car is perfect. It is far superior to any new car I have had, including Cadillac.
I fixed the only problem I have had so far -- bought a cupholder at Auto Zone.
I have an 87 420 SEL with just over 380,000 miles on it; it has been great, but beginning to get a little iffy and worn, so I'm looking for another 420...one or two owners, low mileage, creampuff sort of thing, you know?
I look online often just for fun... any other obvious sources ya'll know of?
I have a 1990 Cabernet 420Sel with 120,000. The interior is flawlesss. Maintained like a French mistress. I get stopped several times a week in wealthy Orange County by s600 and 500 owners and let them weep over the best car MB ever made for feeling spoiled without any serious repair bills. The key is maintenance. Would not trade for a Maybach if I had to keep it.
I know several people that have owned or own a 420sel of various years. Most of them say that they are thoroughy satsified with their auto when it comes to driving pleasure.
However, several of them have had to replace several items in their car. Most of them have had to replace air conditioning compressors, which seems to be a common repair needed for these cars.
All of my friends say the driving experience is incomparable to other cars, but it doesn't come free. The cars do hold their value better than most cars, however when you factor in maintenance costs, the resale becomes a non-issue. All I'm trying to say is if you are very much into owning a Mercedes at least once in your life, then go for it. Just be prepared to be getting out your check book at least twice a year, costing approximately $700 each time. They are wonderful cars, but after 15 years, they expectedly start costing exorbitant amounts of money for the car to run exemplary.
And make sure you know of a good mechanic who can keep the car in good running order, and not from a mercedes dealership, which typically will get 30% more for the same repair as a private mechanic. More than likely if you are buying it from a private owner, they will have their own mechanic who they can recommend, and also this mechanic will be familiar with your particular car.
Good luck to anyone buying one. If it gives you good service, you will be amazed at how the car handles and performs compared to any less burdensome japanese import, and unfortunately better than the best american make.
Hi All,
I have a 1987 420SEL and it's sort of a love hate relationship. My problem is this...
1) When the car idles it sometimes "revs" on its own to around 1200 rpm and then it goes down to normal. It just started doing this. Any thoughts?
2) Hard start sometimes. Sometimes it starts fine other times it cranks, but it's like it's not getting any fuel. Then when it does start it feels like it's only running on 3-4 cylinders... lots of black smoke out of the tail pipe then in "catches" and its fine. This does not happen all of the time. Please help.
Thanks,
Mike.
I really prayed and asked God to fix this angel's scabbed wings and give me a dependable car.. Especially if he wants me to keep on doing whatever...
HE fixed me up with this 1987 420 Sel... "Lord won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz.." ha-ha... JJ...
I have never been in love with a vehicle as much as this one...162,000 miles and got it for $1700...beautiful dark blue. And will outrun the word of God.. ha ha...
Little trouble though with the alternator.. and a few little burnt wires...
Only trouble I have had is that it will start for a sec and then quit in about three seconds.. "Ovo and ovo!," ... It seems to have fixed itself though...??? Anyone out there familiar with these actions?
Running fine right now... and I love it... whatever it is will be well worth my time and money to fix it.. I am not too bad myself with a set of metric - tools. SO, any helpful comments will sure be appreciated...
BTW my seventeen year-old is trying to take it, "Ovo... ha-hah! (and probably will)"
This car would make an ugly person look great.. ha-ha, It does me.. hee-hee!
Sincerely TC.
May I pass on a little tip to all you web masters?? I found that when one buys an older car that shtuff has a way of dry rotting on it. and wires corrode.. especially on the ends. DUH!
So I took out ALL FUSES. got me a tiny wire brush and delicately scratched the ends and terminals with a shot of electrical cleaner spray. Then I replaced each fuse according to the enclosed diagram, or what came out of the fuse slots. I made sure that all the fuses were seated properly in their nice, clean anti-corrosion beds.
Don't you know that this even fixed my radio and my electric antennae.. YAY!
See, some of the old fuses' caps were rotting off. And replacing them ALL just cost me about fifteen dollars and a little back-ache. GOOD LUCK TO ALL.
From
GENI.IN.US.
I live in south africa and I own a 88 420se.No trouble at all for the last 2 1/2 years. I service the car every 10000km's and I changed the timing chain and valve stem seals as a precaution on the last service (180000km).
I have an 88 420SEL bought for 2800, and put 3500 into a new transmission. The car had sat for 3 years when I got it. After the first 2 months it needed a new water pump (700) and eventually after a Southern California summer with temperatures well over 100, it started to "jump" idle like a previous poster had issues with. I changed the wires, plugs and air filter, which fixed the idle issues. I feel the initial repairs are to be expected on a car that sat that long with 200,000 miles. Since the initial repairs it has run strong.
Only complaint is low power off the line, but super power at highway speeds.
I think if I replace the timing chain, I may get 100-200,000 more miles out of it.
Favorite car so far, a true gem.
I have an 87 420SEL. Bought it in 2002 with 54,000 miles. Almost all the work need was in the first year due to lack of use by first owner. Now has 94,000 miles and still looks like new. Black with palamino interior.
It is a true dream to own and drive. I have had it up to 120mph and floored it and the car jumped, truly amazing.
When I bring her to the M.B. dealership for service, buyers come out to look, but it's the dealers staff that flock out, and they all say they wish we still made them like this!
Mark, Chicago Il.
I bought a 1989 420 SEL Dec.08 with 154k for 3500. Best money spent for a car ever! I had always like the body style, no major problems (knock on wood) just a new alternator, will have timing chain, and wires done soon. I could drive this ride forever..