cl600bill

Anyone with opinions, experience, advice on best years (1985-1991) of 560 sel's to buy. I'm thinking later is better just because of age but were there improvements in any years that should be considered in the buying decision?
Thanks to anyone who can share their personal knowledge.

JSch

I would get the 560 with the best maintenance records and driven on a regular basis, irrespective of year. Consider the options that was available for each year as well.

Good Luck!

eteller

The later the better, look at the head bolts (they can pull out) and the camshafts, also the plastic timing chain rails can break. Remember a cheap Mercedes is the most expensive, like Jsch said records are important.

IndigoDragonfly

I have an '89. I don't know how accurate this is, but my understanding is that '89 was the last year the body was all steel...that the following years they began using plastic and fiberglass because of increased fuel cost.

For any of those years, I'd start hunting down parts you'll need. I love mine, how it hugs the road, and the passing power is second to none. Mine has been in our family since '91; I bought it from my parents back in 2010. I have never had any major problems with it. The worst thing was the alternator going out, but for that age it's expected. However, because it is that age, a lot of things keep going out and going wrong...the latest are the transmission bushings. They're only a couple of bucks a piece, but getting to them is a whole other story...and it isn't shifting to drive until they're replaced.

They're awesome cars...that just must be well maintained. And, fortunately, there are some parts sites where they're a HECK OF A LOT cheaper than the Dealership.

cl600bill

Thanks to all. I will continue to look for a later model lower mileage 560. Saw one with 26k miles sell for $29k and one with 5k miles go for $60k !! High mileage (150k - 200k) beaters going for as low as $4 or $5K. These would be the most expensive to own. I think an ultra clean model with about 50k miles for $20 to $24k that has not been sitting a long time and with good service records is my target buy.

eteller

Personally I'd get a hold of a copy of the MBCA.org magazine the Star and look in the classifieds, usually more than a few nicely maintained cars. I'll definitely be looking there when my daughter hits driving age for a W123 or 124.