1989 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 300SEL from North America - Comments

Valve guides.

Paint faded.

Radiator neck broke off.

A/C compressor changed twice.

Tires should be Michelins, and they are just expensive, ($200 +/-). Cheap tires will not perform or balance properly.

If I did not have a great mechanic, I would not love this car like I do. If you want to keep the car in pristine condition, there are several common breakables that will need to be fixed.

The car now drives and runs better than most new cars, and I like the style and design better as well.

The inline six is economical and has plenty of power. One of my favorite things to do is hear the tires chirp as it hits second gear.

Amazing handling for a big car. No Caddy or Lincoln can compare within ten years.

I am considering upgrading to larger rims and higher performance tires. Possibly installing the lowering spring kit. I would like to hear any feedback on these types of mods, and what I can do to squeeze even more power from the I-6 without ruining the reliability?

If you have 14 inch rims, go to 15 inch, but don't go much bigger, And don't use wide low-profile tyres or you'll ruin the lovely ride and feel every bump in the road.

If you find the car rolls too much, just pump up the tyres a few psi.

Worn anti-roll bar bushes might need replacing to sharpen up the handling.

There's really nothing to be gained by lowering the car, leave it as is for best ride comfort.

Lowering makes the ride stiffer and it's stiff enough already, based on my experience with a similar car in SA.

Maybe you've got softer springs for the American market.

You can tell I'm against doing most modifications.

Buy a 560SEL or something else if you want a faster car.

Modifying is for teenagers with their little Civics or similar buzz boxes.

Grown-ups avoid it.

Traded in my Merc for a BMW750iL.

I seriously recommend it if you want a fast, powerful, comfortable car.

Ten year old models are cheap now.

I have a 88 300sel which I believe is near the same car.

I am very satisified also, and love the transmission setup.

It has plenty of starting power if you need it because it normally starts in second gear, but leadfooting can lead to it kicking into first gear for fast takeoff and usual red-lining. (and that wonderful mercedes inline 6 sound) I do wish it had an overdrive because at 70, mine turns at 3600rpms and sucks the gas.

I wouldn't recommend changing the suspension either. I think it has firm suspension and if you put anything any harder on, it will bounce you out of the seat with every bump.

As far as performance. ahh this I know a little about. I added bosch plat. 4 plugs in my mercedes. (about $6 each). ths will be the last plugs you buy and they increase power and gas mileage by quite a lot. also, try a more open air filter or an aftermarket air breather. this filter is larger than most disel engies so it can spare the small difference. this car does have high temp. valves so you can use octane boosters or just use half a tank of premuim and half a take of racing fuel (110-115oct) if its in your area. you can also adjust the modulator to have the trasmission shift at a higher engine speed.

I hope this little bit helps.

I own a 1989 300SE. I bought it with 120k on it and it now has 200k.

I have had to replace the air conditioning compressor, two power window motors, and neither of the power seats work now.

It burns 1-2 quarts of oil between oil changes, and it is hardly economical on gasoline, which is to be anticipated considering the caliber of the car, however I have owned a Cadillac and two Lincoln's with V-8's and they both got better fuel mileage than this V-6 Benz.

I also feel that the American luxury cars cruised better on the highway as far as engine noise. The SE sounds like it's revving out at 85MPH.

I know this car has many miles on it, but the Caddy and the Lincoln were more dependable and less trouble than the SE.

Don't get me wrong, there are things about this car that no American car can compete with, especially the handling of a car this size. It takes corners like a Honda Accord. But I think all around, I prefer the feel and ride of an American luxury car. Save the German auto's for European roads, that's what they're designed for.

If you wanted a floatly, uninvolving American car why did you get a Mercedes? Makes no sense. And I don't understand your autobahn comment. The autobahn is full of long, straight highways just like American roads.

First of all, I didn't mention the autobahn. I was referring to european roads in general. The speed limits are typically higher, requiring cars to handle bends and curves better. You pay for that in ride quality. I realize a lincoln or a cadillac is like driving a waterbed, I just feel between the stiff ride and the hard seats, mercedes have a much different feel. And I'm sorry if you took my comment personally. It sounds like I struck a nerve.

I didn't take any comment personally, so I don't know why you would say that. But your posts make no sense. Who buys a large luxury vehicle (outside of a Maserati Quattroporte) to go tackle curves? That's not its purpose.

And what European roads are you talking about? The autobahn is where the average speeds are higher, but on most other secondary/tertiary roads it's the same as America.

There is nothing more I like debating than automobiles, however it seems that discussing them with you tends to be a little too aggressive, and not important enough. Good luck with your german auto and I hope you receive many good years of service with it. Again, I adore mercedes-benz autos, especially the late 80's models. I think that the quality control is better than any other make of it's time, and the solidity is not to be compared. on another note, I don't believe the quality of newer mercedes' in nearly as thorough. What are your thoughts on that?

I have ended up with a 1988 300sel that has started to grow on me. The body style is a classic and with 250k still runs really well. I would like to make this as close to a daily driver as possible. Is it better to rebuild the engine and trans or maintain the car until it really needs the surgery?

If it ain't broke then don't fix it!!!

I need to replace the front calipers on my 89 300SEL.

Anybody know if the system is Bendix or Teves?