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

SEC or SLC?

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Old Sep 15, 2004 | 01:10 PM
  #1  
Kevin Mc's Avatar
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Question SEC or SLC?

I'm thinking of getting a big Merc, preferably an SEC or an SLC.

From what I've read, the SLC is the more sporting of the two, though the SEC, being newer, will have the creature comforts.

The car will be a "weekend car", primarily used for fun. Is there any particular one which is more reliable? Are there any things to look out for when looking at these cars? The only thing I know of is to check for rust below the rear window.

There is a 420 SEC for sale on Ebay, which mentioned a reconditioned gearbox, though kickdown isn't working. Didn't do a good job on the gearbox then! How much would this be to fix? Hundreds, or thousands?

Here's the SEC on Ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...tem=2489643061

This is the sort of SLC I mean (new to all this W126 business - so jut so you know what I'm talking about!)

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...tem=2489416389

Any recommendations for the engine? I'm thinking of a 500 SLC or 500/560 SEC.

Thanks.
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Old Sep 15, 2004 | 02:14 PM
  #2  
Henrik's Avatar
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From: Sweden
500E -92 and 560SEL -90
If the gearbox is not working on that perticular car, why not buy this one instead..

http://www.mobile.de/SIDi4oQACmJvPRA...720474&top=46&

or this

http://www.mobile.de/SIDmA4bUSSmTzuE...1111143878434&

or this

http://www.mobile.de/SIDi4oQACmJvPRA...109670&top=41&

or this

http://www.mobile.de/SIDi4oQACmJvPRA...990878&top=42&


this

http://www.mobile.de/SIDi4oQACmJvPRA...1111141196792&

this

http://www.mobile.de/SIDmA4bUSSmTzuE...096527&top=35&

this

http://www.mobile.de/SIDmA4bUSSmTzuE...312277&top=27&

this

http://www.mobile.de/SIDmA4bUSSmTzuE...790588&top=22&

or this

http://www.mobile.de/SIDmA4bUSSmTzuE...997253&top=21&

..fx.

Last edited by Henrik; Sep 15, 2004 at 02:17 PM.
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Old Sep 16, 2004 | 08:03 PM
  #3  
560300's Avatar
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From: Scottsdale, AZ
'89 Mercedes 560 SEC RUF EURO Engine, '94 BMW 850 CSi #60 of 225
Henrik,

I was looking through the cars for sale you posted.

Are there any physical differences in the engines of these Euro SEC's listed as the 205kw and 220kw meaning cams, valves, exhaust, compression or is it purely with and without the catalytic converter?

Would the 205kw make 220kw without the catalytic converter?

Is there any way to tell on version from the other?
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Old Sep 17, 2004 | 04:22 AM
  #4  
Henrik's Avatar
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From: Sweden
500E -92 and 560SEL -90
Originally Posted by 560300
Henrik,

I was looking through the cars for sale you posted.

Are there any physical differences in the engines of these Euro SEC's listed as the 205kw and 220kw meaning cams, valves, exhaust, compression or is it purely with and without the catalytic converter?

Would the 205kw make 220kw without the catalytic converter?

Is there any way to tell on version from the other?
There are no differences that I know of. The "hardware" is the same. If they have modified the injectionsystem to accomodate the loss of the cat I don't know.. but it's still the same hardware. A 205kW without cat should make 220kW without.
This goes from half 87 and onwards. Before there was the ECE version wich differed a little. It also made 300hp..but that was when the "normal" version without cat made 272 hp. In second half -87 the ECE disappeared since the rüf version now also made 300hp (instead of the earlier 272).
If there is no cats under the car it's almost a guarantie it's the 300hp version (if it's 2:nd half -87 or later). They are a bit uncommon though in later years.
I would't have anything against buying the 205kW (279hp) anyway. They are most common and you have more to choose from. Then you can remove the cats if you want.
If there is a number somewhere or anything else except the cats to tell the difference I don't know. You can probably tell by looking at the number under the hood. But I don't know the numbers. It doesn't really matter though I think since you can as well get the 279hp version and remove the cats. It's the same engine.

Last edited by Henrik; Sep 17, 2004 at 04:24 AM.
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Old Sep 17, 2004 | 06:57 AM
  #5  
howdosaymercede's Avatar
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500slc is a collectors car, very few made, i'd go with a 500slc simply because they are more exotic......the sec is a better car imo, anti-lock brakes, air bag, power everthing, even by brand new car standards the sec is a very desirable car.
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Old Sep 17, 2004 | 08:54 AM
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Kevin Mc's Avatar
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some of the cars Henrik posted are gorgeous, though unfortunately are all left hand drive. Shame, as they seem cheaper over in Europe.

suppose I'm best to have a look at both types and see what I think.
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