KMURBAN500SEC

i am looking to buy a mercedes SEC but cant really decide witch of the three would be best,380,500,or the 560. i realize either is nice. but witch would most likely to be most sought after, after a few more years..any thoughts ? is any one engine thought to be more reliable than the other ? is the 380 actually a classic and the 560 not yet a classic because of age ?

asup

the 560 is almost a classic, and if you get the first year it think it would be, but i wouldn't do that because they never work all the bugs out in the first year. i know my 560 sel is going to be a clasic in a couple of years so i'm just waiting til i don't need to pass smog. i would recomend the 500 or the 560 because they have more power, the 560 has significantly more power than the 500 especialy if you get the european version. as for reliability it is a mercedes so it's going to be preaty reliable regrdless. the only problem i've had with my 560 engine is oil leaking, and i had to get a new radiator.

FatTony

I've had a 380, and although it had the same body as the 500 & 560, the power that it offered left me craving more (former 5.0 Mustang owner).

I had a european 500 and that satisfied the power craving, even frightened me at times. I took the car to 170 (I have photos to prove this dammit) and beyond. Then one day she caught on fire.

Now, I am crusing a 560, and beleive it or not the 500 was WAAAAAAAAAY faster. Sure, the 560 has more horsepower, but the 500 is lighter and european. On the freeway (over 100) the 560 will win, but in the street (under 100) the 500 will smoke the 560.

If I had my choice, I'd swap my 560 for a 500 any day.

If you are thinking which will be worth more, it depends on how many miles the car has. I've seen 500 SEC's with really low miles go for over 15K and 560's with high miles barley get 5K. The lower the miles, the cleaner the car, the more money you will get for it REGARDLESS whether it's a 380, 500 or 560.

Also, the gas with the 560 is an issue. I'm getting 15ish with the 560 and I was getting 19ish with the 500.

FLASHBACK

Have a look at: 500SEC for some inspiration perhaps.

/Peter

BENZITCH

Go with a 560SEC. The last generation of 1989 -1991 has all of the last and latest upgrades. For example the original radio in a 1991 SEC will accept a trunk mounted CD player. The CD player was an option.
From model years 1986-1991 the body panels are the same. In 1984 and 1985 the front fenders have more of a flair to them.

My opinion by the 91 not nearly as fast as a euro 500 but many more upgrades.

hoover

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=4603019787