Hello All,

I am new to this group and a new owner of a 85 500SEL which was given to me by my father n law that just passed away. His wish was for me to restore it and give it to my wife as a gift from him. I really need some help here. I am mechanically inclined when it comes to Chevys but Benz is a different ball park. The car sat for 2 years or so and i just replaced the battery and it started up. Problem i and having is a very rough idle and a knocking noise. As i drove it it sputters and does not have much power. Any suggestion on what i should try to do to correct this problem. Also I have electrical issues. My A/C does not work nor the blower. Checked the fuses and the #10 is okay. My driver side window works but the other 3 do not. Any help will be greatly apprecaiated.

 

You might want to try http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w126-s-se-sec-sel-sd/. There seems to be more activity over there and they're pretty good for asking questions and getting advice.

This site seems to have more activity with the newer models.

 

London380sl.... I will Thank you!

 

There are myriad possible reasons for the items you've listed, so We need more info, "including but not limited to" ...
a. your location - altitude/humidity can sometimes make a difference ...
b. where prior maintenance had been done; there MAY be reputable / knowledgeable shops near you ...
c. total odometer mileage ... cam chains CAN stretch ot chain guides can wear down ... Tip; put a timing light on the motor - IF the strobe shows erratic movement when idling, chain stretch or chain-guide wear is highly likely ...
d. have you drained the OLD petrol & refilled with 91 octane?
e. Non-FACTORY Manufacturer of Ignition components can often yield HORRIBLE driveability ...
f. SPARK PLUGS!!! [Just a "Note" ... perhaps this may help; I charmed the local NAPA guys at the parts counter to CROSS the NGK BP5ES to THEIR number & they have them ... THEIR number is NAPA 7832 for the spark plug. If you attempt to use their online parts lookup & enter your vehicle yr/make/model, their system won't show the plug, & using their "parts search" box (even w/o the Veh Info) will not show any result for "NGK BP5ES", so just call your local NAPA & ask for Their P/N 7832 Spark Plug.] NEVER(!) EVER(!) go to or trust Autozone, Checker, O'Reilly, MOST 'Online' sites for ACCURATE info on parts; I have learned this the hard way ...
g. Beg, Borrow, &/or Steal the FACTORY Interactive Maintenance/Service Manuals CD's/DVD ... they are worth their weight in Jim Morrison Autographs!

RSVP; I have the AllData Membership, good for a couple more months & ALL THE ABOVE has me at 340,000 miles on my odometer ... & counting ...

Hope this allows you to BEGIN to become familiar with HOW these machines are different from other domestic V-8s ... Cheers, Jollies, Register, Vote - Happy Labor Day!