Getting a new W126
01-21-2016, 10:32 AM
#1
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1986 Carrera 3.2, 2015 GTI, 2000 ML320
Getting a new W126
Hi guys, first time long time...
I used to have a little AMG, and I traded it in and bought an air-cooled 911. I love that I can pretty much tear it down and build it back up forever.
I'm considering getting a second car following the similar ethos, and I can't think of anything better than a W126 Benz, one of the greatest sedans ever built.
I have a few questions for the experts:
- What model year and engine should I be looking for if I'm looking for the best all-rounder, daily driver, and shade-tree mechanic lifestyle?
- Lower mileage can be better, but is getting a 150k mileage example a big problem? What other things should I look out for?
- I'll be driving the hell out of it in hot Miami, where would be the best places to look to buy one?
Thanks!
Martin
I used to have a little AMG, and I traded it in and bought an air-cooled 911. I love that I can pretty much tear it down and build it back up forever.
I'm considering getting a second car following the similar ethos, and I can't think of anything better than a W126 Benz, one of the greatest sedans ever built.
I have a few questions for the experts:
- What model year and engine should I be looking for if I'm looking for the best all-rounder, daily driver, and shade-tree mechanic lifestyle?
- Lower mileage can be better, but is getting a 150k mileage example a big problem? What other things should I look out for?
- I'll be driving the hell out of it in hot Miami, where would be the best places to look to buy one?
Thanks!
Martin
01-21-2016, 01:36 PM
#2
Martin,
I had a 85' 380 SE for seven years, loved that car! Personally if I were in the market I'd look at a later model 420 or 560, more power. Things to look out for are timing chains. I swapped the chain and upper rails on mine and the lower rails broke on the new owner and grenaded the motor. Also look for head bolt issues (they can pull out of the block and that can get pricey) and cam wear (replace the plastic oilers!).
Living in Miami is going to be fun with a R12 car converted to R134, both my Merc and converted BMW's only put out marginal cool air in Virginia after conversion. It's just not as efficient. I'd worry about proper maintenance more than mileage on a w126. They are a seriously high quality well engineered car. It always amazed me how a car that big could hustle so well yet remain so composed.
I had a 85' 380 SE for seven years, loved that car! Personally if I were in the market I'd look at a later model 420 or 560, more power. Things to look out for are timing chains. I swapped the chain and upper rails on mine and the lower rails broke on the new owner and grenaded the motor. Also look for head bolt issues (they can pull out of the block and that can get pricey) and cam wear (replace the plastic oilers!).
Living in Miami is going to be fun with a R12 car converted to R134, both my Merc and converted BMW's only put out marginal cool air in Virginia after conversion. It's just not as efficient. I'd worry about proper maintenance more than mileage on a w126. They are a seriously high quality well engineered car. It always amazed me how a car that big could hustle so well yet remain so composed.
Last edited by eteller; 01-21-2016 at 01:46 PM.
01-23-2016, 04:57 PM
#3
Martin,
+1 on the advice from eteller.
It also depends if you want performance with lower gas mpg or smaller engine with a little higher mpg, or diesel. And then there are the SE, the SEC's and the SEL's.
I would not be too worried about mileage, but more about prior maintenance. Go on Youtube and search Mercedessource. There are a lot of info on these models from Kent.
My choice for a 300 was simply because I prefer working on a straight 6, but it has its own faults as well.
I bought a one owner low mileage car from Southern California and most of my issues are due to the car not driven enough. But, I have absolutely zero rust, the leather seats and chrome on the outside is perfect.
Don't be in a hurry. There are good deals out there. And, do not forget to get a pre-purchase inspection.
Good luck!
+1 on the advice from eteller.
It also depends if you want performance with lower gas mpg or smaller engine with a little higher mpg, or diesel. And then there are the SE, the SEC's and the SEL's.
I would not be too worried about mileage, but more about prior maintenance. Go on Youtube and search Mercedessource. There are a lot of info on these models from Kent.
My choice for a 300 was simply because I prefer working on a straight 6, but it has its own faults as well.
I bought a one owner low mileage car from Southern California and most of my issues are due to the car not driven enough. But, I have absolutely zero rust, the leather seats and chrome on the outside is perfect.
Don't be in a hurry. There are good deals out there. And, do not forget to get a pre-purchase inspection.
Good luck!
05-17-2016, 10:05 AM
#5
Depending on what you want.
If MPG don't really matter to you, i'd go for the higher 500-560SEL.
They are more powerful that the 420SEL (and less fuel efficient, of course).
I own a 420SEL, pretty nice car, relatively easy to work on (when it's not a vacuum problem) and I can do 11L/100KM on the highway which isn't that bad.
Transmission (only automatic up here in Canada) are adjusted by vacuum and a bowden cable. It's very easy to adjust and they are bulletproof.
MB Stealership parts aren't that expensive.
Fluids change is really straightforward, easy to access.
Go for it.
If MPG don't really matter to you, i'd go for the higher 500-560SEL.
They are more powerful that the 420SEL (and less fuel efficient, of course).
I own a 420SEL, pretty nice car, relatively easy to work on (when it's not a vacuum problem) and I can do 11L/100KM on the highway which isn't that bad.
Transmission (only automatic up here in Canada) are adjusted by vacuum and a bowden cable. It's very easy to adjust and they are bulletproof.
MB Stealership parts aren't that expensive.
Fluids change is really straightforward, easy to access.
Go for it.
Last edited by ThomasLarouche; 05-17-2016 at 10:06 AM. Reason: Typo correction.
