Hello from the Newbie
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Marietta, GA
1990 300 SEL
Hello from the Newbie
Hi...
I'm Ed. I just recently bought a white 300SEL of craigslist. I fell in love with the W126s after researching them online. Honestly, once I realized I could buy one of these for dirt cheap (with strings attached) I was hooked.
The durability, class, and distinction of these is priceless. Just yesterday an independent MB shop mechanic says to me, "Your car was really well made. Take care of 'em and they'll last forever".
The odo has 144,981 frozen..., but a Feb 2008 oil change receipt has the odo at 131,000. I perceive that the actual milage is around 180,000-192,000.
It passed emissions yesterday without a hitch - although I was nervous because they revved it up so high during the testing.
I didn't know until I read in this forum that the 300SELs are underpowered and geared low.....No wonder mine sounds kind of revved up high at 65-70mph. Also, I didn't know it only had 4 gears..... (I mistakenly thought my transmission was not getting into a higher gear).
I am also a member of another MB forum website, but like the responses on here more.
Bear with me while I am in the learning curve.
I'm Ed. I just recently bought a white 300SEL of craigslist. I fell in love with the W126s after researching them online. Honestly, once I realized I could buy one of these for dirt cheap (with strings attached) I was hooked.
The durability, class, and distinction of these is priceless. Just yesterday an independent MB shop mechanic says to me, "Your car was really well made. Take care of 'em and they'll last forever".
The odo has 144,981 frozen..., but a Feb 2008 oil change receipt has the odo at 131,000. I perceive that the actual milage is around 180,000-192,000.
It passed emissions yesterday without a hitch - although I was nervous because they revved it up so high during the testing.
I didn't know until I read in this forum that the 300SELs are underpowered and geared low.....No wonder mine sounds kind of revved up high at 65-70mph. Also, I didn't know it only had 4 gears..... (I mistakenly thought my transmission was not getting into a higher gear).
I am also a member of another MB forum website, but like the responses on here more.
Bear with me while I am in the learning curve.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Marietta, GA
1990 300 SEL
Here are the pictures. I don't have the interior ones yet, but will post them soon.
She has been sitting in the driveway because:
1.The battery died due to some suspected short in the radio wires that seems to drain my battery.
2. Transmission is stuck in 3rd gear.
3. Brakes are really bad as well.
4. Probably needs bushings and shocks replaced as well due to squeaks.
5. She is burning oil due to high revving.
She is definately a project!
She has been sitting in the driveway because:
1.The battery died due to some suspected short in the radio wires that seems to drain my battery.
2. Transmission is stuck in 3rd gear.
3. Brakes are really bad as well.
4. Probably needs bushings and shocks replaced as well due to squeaks.
5. She is burning oil due to high revving.
She is definately a project!
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
none
Here are the pictures. I don't have the interior ones yet, but will post them soon.
She has been sitting in the driveway because:
1.The battery died due to some suspected short in the radio wires that seems to drain my battery.
2. Transmission is stuck in 3rd gear.
3. Brakes are really bad as well.
4. Probably needs bushings and shocks replaced as well due to squeaks.
5. She is burning oil due to high revving.
She is definately a project!
She has been sitting in the driveway because:
1.The battery died due to some suspected short in the radio wires that seems to drain my battery.
2. Transmission is stuck in 3rd gear.
3. Brakes are really bad as well.
4. Probably needs bushings and shocks replaced as well due to squeaks.
5. She is burning oil due to high revving.
She is definately a project!
Last edited by beyondtrance; Jun 8, 2012 at 01:53 PM.
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
E55
Here are the pictures. I don't have the interior ones yet, but will post them soon.
She has been sitting in the driveway because:
1.The battery died due to some suspected short in the radio wires that seems to drain my battery.
2. Transmission is stuck in 3rd gear.
3. Brakes are really bad as well.
4. Probably needs bushings and shocks replaced as well due to squeaks.
5. She is burning oil due to high revving.
She is definately a project!
She has been sitting in the driveway because:
1.The battery died due to some suspected short in the radio wires that seems to drain my battery.
2. Transmission is stuck in 3rd gear.
3. Brakes are really bad as well.
4. Probably needs bushings and shocks replaced as well due to squeaks.
5. She is burning oil due to high revving.
She is definately a project!
Transmission you may need to get the synchro's redone or it could be a small issue.
Brakes I'd suggest getting some blanks/slotted from brakeperformance.com. Lifetime warranty, cheap prices.
Shocks Bilstein/OE or Koni.
Oil, make sure you don't run low on oil because oil is cheaper than a complete rebuild!
Great pick up! Can't wait to see when it's more up to date with better pics!
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Marietta, GA
1990 300 SEL
Just changed the battery, OVP, and voltage regulator. Now gotta do brakes and transmission. I know i should wait, but still dive it 16 miles one way to work 2 times a week but only on 35mph streets
