S-Class (W126) 1979-1991: 300 SE, 300 SEL, 380 SE, 380 SEL, 420 SEL, 500 SEL, 560 SEL, 360 SEC, 500 SEC, 580 SEC, 300 SD TURBODIESEL, 300 SDL TURBO, 350 SD TURBO, 350 SDL TURBO

how much to fix?

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Old 03-27-2004, 08:14 PM
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how much to fix?

I drove 270 miles today and picked up my 87 Mercedes 560 sel.
The car is in pretty good shape body wise, and the engine ran strong all the way back home, but once home, I discovered some issues, and I'd like an opinion on how much to fix them.

The sunroof does not open. The motor works, but the sliding panel seems to be out of alignment, and the roof does not open, and it is not flush witht he roof. If it rained hard tonight, water would come in. any ideas?

The electronic anntena is broke. The motor is no good. I am looking at a complete replacement, as the radio reception is now horrible.

finally, I've heard tuneups run to $700 if you go to a Benz dealer.
can anyone tell me why? Hell, I can get to the plugs myself, the air filter and access is decent. Just what do they do for the $700 ??

I'm already of thinking of getting this fixed up properly then selling it.
Old 03-28-2004, 03:37 AM
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1986 560SEL, 97 BMW 740iL
Dealers are known to rob you outright these days. That's why. Better to find a trusty generic MB only mechanic than taking it to the dealer.
Old 03-28-2004, 01:27 PM
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85 500 SEL
Why? Because dealers make money on service – because they bank on the idea that only a dealer can correctly tune up your unique, exotic car. They are trading on the “Mercedes Mystic.” Although our w126s are fairly complicated, they are not impossible to work on and yes, many owners find it easy and enjoyable to work on their cars themselves.

Also, dealers tend to have higher labor costs – my Indy, for example charges $65 per hour as opposed to $75 to $80 per hour charged by some dealers. Dealers will also over charge for parts where you can get the same OEM parts online for much less.

You can do a tune up/oil and filter change yourself, no problem.

The sunroof does not seal out water it lets the water come in and then channels it out through drain holes in the A pillar. It needs the close “completely” not necessary tight or flush. If the sunroof is closed completely and you get a hard rain, only small amounts of water will come through to the water channels and not enter the cabin.
Old 03-29-2004, 08:26 AM
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'85 300SD (CA em.)
All the issues you speak of can be fixed easily. They are all DIY projects. If you look on E-bay there are sunroof rebuild manuals for cheap. They explain the operation and repair of MB sunroofs. The antannae masts can be had for $30. Are you sure it is the motor? Check your connections first. A simple tuneup can be done. Plugs, wires, and fluid filter changes are easy.
Old 04-05-2004, 01:17 AM
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ML 55 and 420 SEL
tune ups should be like 300$

sunroof thing should only be like 150$
and the antenna should be like 75 or a can of wd40

i have a great mechanic in MD..pm me if u want his #

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