1987 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 420 SEL from North America - Comments

The power antenna does not work and it was low on oil, but nothing beyond that. I am concerned about the cost of future maintenance, but will cross that bridge when I come to it. Running premium fuel in the car is also no picnic, but if you want to drive such an elite vehicle there is a price to pay.

This car is a cut above anything that I have owned before. I was beyond fortunate to make the acquaintance of the original owner. He was an 80 year old man, who had been very successful in business and had wanted to purchase a Rolls Royce, but his wife would not let him so he settled at the time for the 420 paying $56,000 in cash for the vehicle. I paid $6500.00 for the car and with the sale of my well used Mazda my price dropped to $5700.00. The car has always been dealer maintained. It is immaculate. I have previously owned a Volvo 940 which was a nice car, but a Mercedes Benz is a wholely different breed of car. I am always looking for these type of deals. I also have my eye on a 1991 Lexus ES 250. The owner of the Lexus bought it in 1992 when it had 18,000 miles on it. She just broke 40,000 in 2003. Whenever I see her I inquire as to when she will sell me her car and go and buy a new one. Now that I have the 420 SEL, It would almost be a step backwards. One final thought, as I was licensing the vehicle the Secretary of State employee indicated that the cost for new license tabs for 2005 would be based on the original purchase price of the car so next year it will cost me $214 to license the vehicle. Thank God that the cost is tax deductible. The State of Michigan certainly has found a good means for generating revenue for itself. It does not seem fair that I should bear that price for what will be an 18 year old vehicle.

This vehicle was awe-inspiring...back in 1987 or '88, but in 2004-? No.

Tough break on the license fees though, that sucks.

I can't agree more that the 420 SEL is a superb luxury motor vehicle despite its age. The 420 SEL is generally acknowledged by import auto dealers in the know as the very best of the modern long wheel base Benz models. If they are maintained they should last the lucky owner a lifetime. That is the degree to which they were built. If you inquire about pre-1992 420 SEL vs. the "Big Body" S class models from 1992-1998 with dealers, Benz techs and body repair people, they will usually also say the earlier models are the best. Although the horsepower is not as great as in later S Class models, most will agree that the air suspension ride cannot be surpassed and that the overall build quality and body/drive train is superior. If you can find a well loved '91 420 SEL (best & last year) with complete documentation and low miles for under $17,500 it will give you a magnificent ride, safety, cruising comfort and overall more power than most new cars. Keep it fine and depreciation will be almost nonexistent. When you repair a Mercedes you still have a Mercedes. It's also the best sedan you could hope for in a really bad accident. Congrats!

The major component that should be a concern on all Mercedes would be the timing chain which can bend the valves if it is not replaced in a timely manner. The symptom of a timing chain going out are when you hear grinding noise where it is rubbing against the cover or feel the timing jumping by skipping the teeth. The car will stutter as you accelerate from low speed and at the traffic light when you come to a dead stop. If you let this problem continue not only will the valves bend, but you can stall.

I've just picked up a 1987 SEL420 from a close friend. The car is like nothing I've ever owned. It is truly in a class by itself. My only problem is also with the power antenna and lately I was having alternator problems. The car is solid (I can say this because the other day I was rear ended by a kid in a Toyota and it completely knocked his front end off while leaving a scratch on my car only) Good luck with your car and happy motoring.

I recently purchased a 1987 420 SEL from a certified Mercedes Benz mechanic. It was his personal vehicle for 7 years, prior to that it was owned by another Mercedes Benz mechanic. The car has 297000 miles and still runs better than any new car I have owned. My mechanic advises that I budget about $80.00 per month to maintain the car. I bought it for my teenager, but I am not sure I want to let it go. This car has been in parades and is in mint condition. I fully expect to have this car for the rest of my life, I can't believe the comfort of the ride. My daughter says she is more confident driving this car as it handles so well. I am told that the value of these cars can go as high as 6000.00 US dollars in excellent condition, I paid $5000.00 and I am thrilled to own this car. I am an automobile enthusiast and have driven and owned many cars, this one is really special!

October 1, 2007.

I purchased a 1987 420 SEL from a Neighbor and fellow Church Member in June of 2002. At that time the car had 139,715 miles... I purchased the car for $8,000 US... The origional battery lasted 16 years... the alternator lasted 17 years... and the power steering pump lasted 18 years... It is the Smoke Silver color that is classic... I have had recent trouble with the electric sun roof... and I learned when I recently had my A/C Charged that I would need to convert to a more modern system in about 18 months... I have had the car re:painted...I will get the sunroof fixed my next commission check... I currently have 204,7940 miles and my mechanic says that I'm good for another 150,000 miles... Every Time I think of trading cars the thought quickly disappears when I realize that I do not have a car payment.

I just sold my 420 SEL this afternoon for 400 dollars. It is a nice looking car, very nice body, but the engine died on me last week. An mechnic bought it and will tow away next week. I hope he can fix it. I love the car, but it will cost me too much to repair or replace the engine.