Gigtime

Hi,

1st time visitor, 1st time poster. I've been a fan of the W126 body style for years and love the SL's, too.

I've been considering a 1987 560 SEL with 110k, one owner
rust free in a dry southern state. Service records are available
as well as original manuals, window sticker, etc. I can get it for
between $5-6k but I'll have two states over to check it out.

I'm not a mechanic and I live in a small town between Austin and
San Antonio, Texas. I've got an honest mechanic here in town that
doesn't mind me bringing in my own parts if I can find a better deal. He's worked on MB but isn't an expert.

In reading forums for the past hour or so, I'm wondering if this is the right move for me. I've seen a mix of good and bad stories which seem to have a lot to do with how well the car has been taken care of.

I was attracted to the idea of a classy older sedan that's quick and will last a long time. I work at home so I don't have a daily commute but I like to take road trips. If I buy this particular car, I'd be driving it from Arizona to Texas.

Any advice here? Is an older car like this best left to DIYers?

Also can anyone recommend a good MB shop in either the Austin or San Antonio areas?

Thanks,

Bill

suntubi

I bought my 91 420 SEL in Houston while on a temporary engagement and drove it home to New York. I started with 177,000 miles on it. Great ride that still turns heads.

Have not regretted a day.

You might ask .. Are you right for it?


All kidding aside, if it is clean and has good records and drives well, it's only cash.

Go for it.


Send pics in

rickyfanmdr

Hi, Bill, and welcome!

I owned a 1985 380SE for 17 years before I bought my current E320. It's a beautiful workhorse, and I still think it is one of the prettiest cars on the road. I sold mine to a celebrity and get excited seeing it around from time to time--plus I come to this forum occasionally as a nostalgia thing, I guess.

The 1980's cars were a much simpler technology than the more recent over-electronic'd/over computerized ones. I never had a problem getting parts. I always took my car to a small independent Mercedes/Porsche/BMW repair person. You should be able to find an independent shop somewhere near you. I would recommend that over a more general shop just for their ability to get the parts you need. I guess you could always try your local person that you trust (really important!) and see how it goes. But you will never regret buying the car if you maintain it well! Enjoy!

howdosaymercede

On a diy scale of 1-10 (1=60's muscle car, 10=space shuttle) I'd give it a 6-7. If you want to invest in some specialty tools and service manuals you'll be able to do most yourself, a water pump is $700 at the stealership, for example.

Hattaresguy

howdosaymercede I don't know what W126's you have been working on but I can say for sure that the SDL/420SEL are about as simple as a 60/70's Ford to fix. Everything is ment to come apart, not to mention they are very simple cars. Now the 560 does have that rear suspension that is a little harder and more expensive to fix. I have only needed one special socket to pull a few seals on my IP. Other than that only basic tools are needed. Their isn't a system on this car that I have not worked on. The climate control can be annoying but I wouldn't say it was to hard.

You can get a Laso or Graf water pump online for $120-$170. I think your dealer is ripping you off.

I own a W126 because they are simple to fix and parts are not to expensive.

btw Gigtime get a PPI done at a dealer or shop that knows these cars. That 560 could need thousands in work, it is an old car and if you are not familer with them a lot of problems can be overlooked.

Gigtime

I did and you've seen the car on another forum where I'm backstage1. There was a little password mixup when I signed up over there so I had to use a different moniker.

I ended up with the `88560SEL you see below. 131k. It's already had the timing chain (w/tensioners and guide) job done and a valve job and some other major work. A very good MB indy has been taking care of it and I plan to continue using them. And I got a great deal on it.

~Bill

w123_w126

Welcome, she looks great!

Gigtime

Thanks!