1988 420SEL upgrades
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
1988 420SEL
1988 420SEL upgrades
I want to add more horsepower and throttle response to my 1988 420SEL. I also want to put some suspension on it. That being said, I'm not exactly an expert on Mercedes Benz's so I was just looking for some help and/or suggestions.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,408
Likes: 3
Fully synthetic fluids (engine, trans, diff), Bosch Platinum Ir Fusion plugs. Check your cap, rotor, and wires. Make sure your timing chain is not stretched too much (and check tensioners). Make sure all filters are fresh and run Premium (as you should anyway). Do all that and you will notice a real difference, especially in the response.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 801
Likes: 1
From: Mercerville New Jersey
1991 560SEC Teal 1989 420SEL Ice Blue 1984 500SEC White
I echo with the exception of synthetic fluids.
These cars were built in the fossil fuel era. I use only MB fluids(trans.brakes,steering,radiator,differential ). Oil changes every 2500-3000 miles with fossil oil.
I have seen and heard horror stories about how the synthetics leak in older motors.
As far as performance Nitrous!
These cars were built in the fossil fuel era. I use only MB fluids(trans.brakes,steering,radiator,differential ). Oil changes every 2500-3000 miles with fossil oil.
I have seen and heard horror stories about how the synthetics leak in older motors.
As far as performance Nitrous!
Trending Topics
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 5,761
Likes: 4
From: North Carolina
98 Black C43 , 12’ ML 350 Blutec
I echo with the exception of synthetic fluids.
These cars were built in the fossil fuel era. I use only MB fluids(trans.brakes,steering,radiator,differential ). Oil changes every 2500-3000 miles with fossil oil.
I have seen and heard horror stories about how the synthetics leak in older motors.
As far as performance Nitrous!
These cars were built in the fossil fuel era. I use only MB fluids(trans.brakes,steering,radiator,differential ). Oil changes every 2500-3000 miles with fossil oil.
I have seen and heard horror stories about how the synthetics leak in older motors.
As far as performance Nitrous!
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 66
Likes: 0
From: New Zealand
280SE W116, 500SEL W126
How much are you willing to spend?
A free-flow exhaust and a fresh air-filter do wonders
I have a twin snorkel 560 airbox on my 500, it is good but, not as good as when I had a 'pod' filter on it, of course it was only really noticeable when I had my exhaust upgrades done
New plugs and a flush with injector cleaner is good too and don't forget the high-octane gas
I also run my W126 on synthetic, Shell Helix Ultra (Shells top of the range) and it is excellent
On start up when cold, my car is quiet and lively and does not leak a drop anywhere around the engine
A free-flow exhaust and a fresh air-filter do wonders
I have a twin snorkel 560 airbox on my 500, it is good but, not as good as when I had a 'pod' filter on it, of course it was only really noticeable when I had my exhaust upgrades done
New plugs and a flush with injector cleaner is good too and don't forget the high-octane gas
I also run my W126 on synthetic, Shell Helix Ultra (Shells top of the range) and it is excellent
On start up when cold, my car is quiet and lively and does not leak a drop anywhere around the engine
