W126 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 420SEL | FerrariChat
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W126 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 420SEL

Discussion in 'Other German' started by cfoster32, Aug 13, 2014.

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  1. cfoster32

    cfoster32 Karting

    Nov 15, 2010
    131
    Cedar Rapids, IA
    Full Name:
    Cody Foster
    #1 cfoster32, Aug 13, 2014
    Howdy all. I am looking at purchasing a 1990 W126 Mercedes-Benz 420SEL. The car has 164,000 miles with pretty much every option available (fully sunroof, heated leather, etc.) and is absolutely pristine condition. A doctor owned it previously and took really good care of it. I'm a technician for a European shop and plan on doing the PPI personally. I was originally looking at a 996 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 but elected to invest in more tools and a bigger Snap-On toolbox :)
    I wanted to know if anyone here has owned one of these and what their experience was like. We don't see a lot of these at our shop, so I have very little personal experiences with them.
    Thank you in advance !
     
  2. smg2

    smg2 F1 World Champ
    Sponsor

    Apr 1, 2004
    16,339
    Dumpster Fire #31
    Full Name:
    SMG
    #2 smg2, Aug 14, 2014
    I have the 300se version of that chassis. some complain about the mpg but it's not bad for highway cruising, ~30mpg not bad for 3500rpm @ 70mph. but that's for the 6cyl.

    interior wise there are a couple things to look for, the vacuum pots and manifold can have issues. The pots stop functioning when the rubber seals dryout and then the climate control doesn't work as it should. new replacement seals can be bought not expensive for the parts but does require taking apart the dash to get to them, labor intensive.

    becker radio, odd setup in that the headunit only controls whats in the trunk. $$$ to repair and replace parts. however to properly replace you have to gut the entire system and start over $$$, the speakers are not compatible with modern radio's due to the pre-amp and amplifier setup and the ohms of the speakers.

    load level suspension, don't have that on the 300se so I can't comment.

    all in all from what I've read the 420sel is the better version in terms of reliability, and I find the 300se to be great so as long as it's been maintained and taken care of it should go for many many miles.

    motor mounts go flat, look at those. matter of fact all the mounts throughout should be looked at from the drive train to the chassis subframe.

    parts, most of the aftermarket stuff is junk. I've found that I have to search and source a bit. pelican parts has good reviews and lists out the various suppliers. sometimes there pricing is higher then local other times it's dirt cheap. compared to the ferrari's though there are pocket change to maintain.

    sunroof cable, this one is probably the biggest PITA of this chassis. if it doesn't open it's a major job to repair MAJOR, if it's sticking or acting up DO NOT close it. once closed there is no way to access the cable or tracks without destroying the liner and hacking at the roof. real PITA. plastic bits in the tracks and plastic joint for the cable wear and break and that's the end of the sunroof if it gets closed. silver lining, the next models w140 glass roof is a direct fit replacement for a nice upgrade.

    what I like best though is the comfortable relaxed feel of driving long distance.
     

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