A Buyers Guide for the 1979-1991 W126 Family of cars, showing what to look for when considering a purchase.email Lawrence directly at Lromanosky@me.com
I've had about 12 of these 80's Benz's and a bunch of similar vintage Porsches. They all cost me between $5k and $10k to sort out. After that, they are good for many years. Yes you can do it for less, but I like to change out all the fluids and consumables, and after 20-30 years, there are a lot of things that should get replaced to keep the reliability and performance.
I appreciate your honesty on the "real" cost to maintain these vehicles. I agree with doing all of the maintenance up front. The W126 is a great achievement of craftsmanship.
Where do you guys get the manuals, that aren't costing an arm and a leg. I prefer to have my manual with me in my car or USB manual connect with the info to put on my laptop or paperback or pocket size would be nice. I have a 1990 Mercedes 560 sec w126 2 door coupe. I purchased it for $600 on the street from a man who bought it from an auction, evidently didn't pay much for it. However you get $1000 for it, but I got him down to $715 oh, by the time we got to the registration DMV, $115 to register it oh, so he took 600 and I paid for the registration to put in my name and so here I have it. and it runs well even though the engine light is on can ABS light. I did put a refurbished used engine almost a year-and-a-half ago, in it but now the engine light is on and it has something to do with the sensors and or emissions etc... Anyone else have this issue, have to drive very careful not to hit the brake too hard but I can't stop. I got to get this fixed oh, California traffic but isn't no joke. LOL I wish I could find a reasonable mechanic around here that could look at it because he likes the car and then tell me what I need to get it fixed with reasonable prices. But I do like this car!!!!
Thank you. Truth is bitter. $10k at the beginning is about right. My mechanic also says th same thing. "It takes about 10k to bring back a live a car that was sold new for 80-90k.
I'm in Canada, and the prices are "take it to the dealer or good independent" where labour rates here are between $100 and $140 per hour, and the parts are genuine MB parts in MB boxes or OEM parts in Bosch/Behr etc boxes. Prices include the labour and "while you are in there's". I might be rounding high. Yes you can get a parts car, buy aftermarket parts, do the work yourself, etc. and run the cars for much less...
Lawrence, sir, good job, again, you are very trustfully, honest salesman! Correct me, if I am wrong: these hydropneumatic suspension, which were meant mainly for US market, in 500 /560 SEC models, they are only in rear, and 500/560 SEL, they are in front too, and there is selfleveling valve in front too, you can adjust hight about 4-5 inches with it!!! And, fixing them is not that expensive, if you do it yourself: usually pump star leaking, rebuilt set/o-rings only $79.00, and hydraulic struts hardly ever, never go bad, accumulators, ball like pressure containers next to them start leaking, you can find set of five ( 500 SEC/560 SEC has 5 of them!) from ebay about $400-500, and you should also renew pressure hoses, going into struts, they start leaking, over 20 years old cars, and those you can get just $150-200, and then you are set, suspension works again like new =) Doing this now into my friend's 500 SEC/ 1985, car is in Finland, import there from Saudi Arabia, so it is American model with pneumohydraulic suspension, also in front! So , now you know =)
Nicely explained! Many of the symptoms - dribbling injectors, timing chain slack (oil pressure taking longer to build up) etc. - also apply to other 'Mercs', in my case my previous W123 230E, W123 280E and now my W124 230E.
These prices aren't even close. Spark plug wires about $100, Mercedes as well as other companies that support parts for these cars have an incredible parts network. You can find anything and fairly cheaply. These cars can last forever so there's a financial interest in keeping parts in the market. 15 years ago i had to buy a fuel distributor. It was nearly $1000 new. You can find them on eBay now for a 10th of that along with anything else you need. Some parts may cost twice what other car parts cost but they are such high quality, they last three times as long. I've got an 86 sec i bought 15 years ago and have only needed to replace the alternator. Service at a dealer will kill you but you can find repair shops everywhere that will work on these cars and charge you Chevy rates. Just maintain them and you'll be happy driving what many consider to be the worlds best car.
+jimmy munce thanks, man)) i have some friends who've run mercs like forever, and i get some info from them, but this bloke made me nervous, since i'm looking to buy a w126 se. Not a 5.6, obviously, but anything petrol up to 4.2 (most likely, a 2.8, because the car's about comfort). I mean, he's in canada,i'm in russia but still.. Although i must say, that the aforementioned people usually do indeed spend considerable amounts of money on their old mercs after purchase. But since i am a bad owner who can turn an expensive car into a cheap car in a matter of months, i'd like something that's seen life, but is dependable. So i don't want to dump millions, but i'm not a cheapskate either (just lazy). Don't care about little dents, woodcracks and imperfections, but i want it to drive and feel like it's supposed to, and to be able to make it do so (in fact, that's the reason i want to switch from volvo to merc). So, i'm hoping, you're right, and, from what i heard, you are.
+jimmy munce Correct, you can find cheaper parts, BUT don't buy any cheap parts from ebay, if it is important, like fueldistributor, or alternator, or fuelpump, many times they don't last. And , true, don't buy these MB, if you can't service/ fix them yourself, dealer prices sure kill you. Great cars, I have 500SEC/ 1984, good car, goodlooking car, and great to drive, mii laik =)
Thanks for the review. The little red relay is the overvoltage protection relay. The car will run without it but won't be protected from over voltage :) The plug wires can be had for about $100 or less for Bosch plug wires.
Agree, you need to spend the money, my R129 (500SL - owned for 16 years) experienced the same thing after it suffered from lack of time to drive it. In Australia the running costs are double what you quote, but what a car once you find some one who knows how to look after it (thanks James). Think limo to go kart, with the touch of the accelerator. Now on to part 3
I don't know where you get your prices, but the only one I found close was the injectors. All other prices were EXTREMELY inflated. Radiator $150, Dist. Cap $92., Rotor $22, Plug Wires $98.DON'T BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU HEAR !! These are very good cars but anyone that would consider putting 10,000 in one is nuts.
xlnt video on those bolts that can be difficult to take out get a can of Super PB Penetrating Catalyst at most auto supply there is no close second for freeing up any like or dissimilar metals give whatever it is to come apart a shot of that and yes a tap as well the vibration helps the product penetrate, and let it work a while walk away and let it sit half a day heating the bolt as with a propane torch helps immensely as well if that can be done safely
Thank you for making this video. However now I'm really depressed as I own 3 of these vehicles. I have an '87 300 SEL Turbo Diesel sitting in my garage which does 0 to 60 MPH in 45 seconds so I think I'll have to get that looked at.
I recall a big bill for the wires, and even worse for my Ruf Porsche, they were like $800 although they had a metal sheath. $200 seems cheap, but sometimes we pay a lot more for stuff in Canada. I wouldn't put anything aftermarket in these cars.
Na, don't get scared they are great cars. I mean for less than the price of a crappy kia or yaris you could be driving one of these. Maintenance will run you more, but not all that much.
I am curious about you estimations, they are Mechanic shop/dealer numbers right? Much of the cost is labor. Besides the timing chain almost anyone could do the things you mention and save what I estimate to be in the thousands of dollars.
I have a 89' 560SEL, and I really want it to last well into next 2 generations...how much do you reckon is for a nut and bolt restoration (people say its not worth it, but suppose its for sentimental value than financial gain) ?
Yes i was incredibly confused with all of his prices, my w140 S600 coupe didnt cost as much as what he is saying this cost. I dont know where he is getting his parts from , but all of these thousands and thousands of dollars, its ridiculous. W126 especially now are pleasures to own
Good videos, but $600 for spark plug wires? Is MB Canada ripping you guys off or something? I get mine from Mercedes for less than $200 (IIRC ~$150). Also, for people thinking of going aftermarket on the spark plug wires, I tried MANY brands and never found any as good as the MB wires.
These have to be Dealer Prices... Bosch Parts and Bistein Shocks are not that expensive... I have a 560sel and I've had 14 other Mercedes-Benz.. I am an expert at maintenance prices
I am behinninh to restore to my daily driver a 1986 560SEL...some of the comments of this video seem quite expensive. I have restored several 190SL's and several 220S/SE Ponton 4 dr models, including one 1960 220SE, fuel injected, Cabrio 2 door. This will be the first 560SEL. Think I will buy many parts off EBay.
After listening to this guy, ifeel like killing myself. I own 62 Mercedes cars from 1972 to 1999. After 2000 they started to have way too many problems. My good friend is a regional service mgr for Mercedes he let's me know which ones to stay away from. I never heard of all the problems this guy was talking about, and the prices are way off. He must be going back to the dealer to get parts. Then you will pay 4 times what they should cost. None of the cars I have, have EVER EVER EVER been driven in snow and salt or hardly in the rain. They all look like they just came from the factory. They are stored in climate controlled building at 72 degree temp year around. My guys spray 303 on all rubber parts once a year. Rubber is like new. Every car has never had anything but mobile 1 racing oil and slick 50. Never had trouble with timing chains or any engines ever. I don't know where this guy comes up with all these problems, he must buy some real shit cars. Remember I said Mobile 1 Race Oil. Can't be bought in stores and is a totally different oil then you get in stores. Must be ordered from Race division of Mobile 1.
LOOOOOOOOl your numbers are waaaay off! 600$ to FIT the headlights!? where do you go.. it's just a few bolt , plug un plug wiring harness and that's it! 1000$ for springs!?? they cost 200$ at the dealer add to that 75$ each side for fitting and you're done.. and don't tell me I don't know what i'm talking about.. I own probably the mot expensive benz ever to maintain a 600 w140.. so i know what I'm talking about. some of your number are correct but the rest (see part1 too) aren't sir.
I've had about 12 of these 80's Benz's and a bunch of similar vintage Porsches. They all cost me between $5k and $10k to sort out. After that, they are good for many years. Yes you can do it for less, but I like to change out all the fluids and consumables, and after 20-30 years, there are a lot of things that should get replaced to keep the reliability and performance.
thank you so much for taking the time to upload this! A very comprehensive buyers guide for a very beautiful car
I appreciate your honesty on the "real" cost to maintain these vehicles. I agree with doing all of the maintenance up front. The W126 is a great achievement of craftsmanship.
Where do you guys get the manuals, that aren't costing an arm and a leg. I prefer to have my manual with me in my car or USB manual connect with the info to put on my laptop or paperback or pocket size would be nice. I have a 1990 Mercedes 560 sec w126 2 door coupe. I purchased it for $600 on the street from a man who bought it from an auction, evidently didn't pay much for it. However you get $1000 for it, but I got him down to $715 oh, by the time we got to the registration DMV, $115 to register it oh, so he took 600 and I paid for the registration to put in my name and so here I have it. and it runs well even though the engine light is on can ABS light. I did put a refurbished used engine almost a year-and-a-half ago, in it but now the engine light is on and it has something to do with the sensors and or emissions etc...
Anyone else have this issue, have to drive very careful not to hit the brake too hard but I can't stop. I got to get this fixed oh, California traffic but isn't no joke. LOL
I wish I could find a reasonable mechanic around here that could look at it because he likes the car and then tell me what I need to get it fixed with reasonable prices. But I do like this car!!!!
Thank you. Truth is bitter. $10k at the beginning is about right. My mechanic also says th same thing. "It takes about 10k to bring back a live a car that was sold new for 80-90k.
I'm in Canada, and the prices are "take it to the dealer or good independent" where labour rates here are between $100 and $140 per hour, and the parts are genuine MB parts in MB boxes or OEM parts in Bosch/Behr etc boxes. Prices include the labour and "while you are in there's". I might be rounding high. Yes you can get a parts car, buy aftermarket parts, do the work yourself, etc. and run the cars for much less...
beru spark plug wire set is about $180. Good high quality stuff, probably the best available.
Lawrence, sir, good job, again, you are very trustfully, honest salesman! Correct me, if I am wrong: these hydropneumatic suspension, which were meant mainly for US market, in 500 /560 SEC models, they are only in rear, and 500/560 SEL, they are in front too, and there is selfleveling valve in front too, you can adjust hight about 4-5 inches with it!!! And, fixing them is not that expensive, if you do it yourself: usually pump star leaking, rebuilt set/o-rings only $79.00, and hydraulic struts hardly ever, never go bad, accumulators, ball like pressure containers next to them start leaking, you can find set of five ( 500 SEC/560 SEC has 5 of them!) from ebay about $400-500, and you should also renew pressure hoses, going into struts, they start leaking, over 20 years old cars, and those you can get just $150-200, and then you are set, suspension works again like new =) Doing this now into my friend's 500 SEC/ 1985, car is in Finland, import there from Saudi Arabia, so it is American model with pneumohydraulic suspension, also in front! So , now you know =)
Nicely explained! Many of the symptoms - dribbling injectors, timing chain slack (oil pressure taking longer to build up) etc. - also apply to other 'Mercs', in my case my previous W123 230E, W123 280E and now my W124 230E.
These prices aren't even close. Spark plug wires about $100, Mercedes as well as other companies that support parts for these cars have an incredible parts network. You can find anything and fairly cheaply. These cars can last forever so there's a financial interest in keeping parts in the market. 15 years ago i had to buy a fuel distributor. It was nearly $1000 new. You can find them on eBay now for a 10th of that along with anything else you need. Some parts may cost twice what other car parts cost but they are such high quality, they last three times as long. I've got an 86 sec i bought 15 years ago and have only needed to replace the alternator. Service at a dealer will kill you but you can find repair shops everywhere that will work on these cars and charge you Chevy rates. Just maintain them and you'll be happy driving what many consider to be the worlds best car.
+jimmy munce thanks, man))
i have some friends who've run mercs like forever, and i get some info from them, but this bloke made me nervous, since i'm looking to buy a w126 se. Not a 5.6, obviously, but anything petrol up to 4.2 (most likely, a 2.8, because the car's about comfort).
I mean, he's in canada,i'm in russia but still..
Although i must say, that the aforementioned people usually do indeed spend considerable amounts of money on their old mercs after purchase.
But since i am a bad owner who can turn an expensive car into a cheap car in a matter of months, i'd like something that's seen life, but is dependable. So i don't want to dump millions, but i'm not a cheapskate either (just lazy). Don't care about little dents, woodcracks and imperfections, but i want it to drive and feel like it's supposed to, and to be able to make it do so (in fact, that's the reason i want to switch from volvo to merc).
So, i'm hoping, you're right, and, from what i heard, you are.
+jimmy munce Correct, you can find cheaper parts, BUT don't buy any cheap parts from ebay, if it is important, like fueldistributor, or alternator, or fuelpump, many times they don't last. And , true, don't buy these MB, if you can't service/ fix them yourself, dealer prices sure kill you. Great cars, I have 500SEC/ 1984, good car, goodlooking car, and great to drive, mii laik =)
jimmy munce
Thanks for the review. The little red relay is the overvoltage protection relay. The car will run without it but won't be protected from over voltage :) The plug wires can be had for about $100 or less for Bosch plug wires.
Please kindly do another maintenance video on the 560SEC benz. A great video update on comprehensive maintenance and tips for owners will be great 👍
Did you see the one I did on the 420sel that is on my channel - most of the info is applicable to any W126...
Agree, you need to spend the money, my R129 (500SL - owned for 16 years) experienced the same thing after it suffered from lack of time to drive it. In Australia the running costs are double what you quote, but what a car once you find some one who knows how to look after it (thanks James). Think limo to go kart, with the touch of the accelerator. Now on to part 3
I don't know where you get your prices, but the only one I found close was the injectors. All other prices were EXTREMELY inflated. Radiator $150, Dist. Cap $92., Rotor $22, Plug Wires $98.DON'T BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU HEAR !! These are very good cars but anyone that would consider putting 10,000 in one is nuts.
xlnt video on those bolts that can be difficult to take out get a can of Super PB Penetrating Catalyst at most auto supply there is no close second for freeing up any like or dissimilar metals give whatever it is to come apart a shot of that and yes a tap as well the vibration helps the product penetrate, and let it work a while walk away and let it sit half a day heating the bolt as with a propane torch helps immensely as well if that can be done safely
I've got a 1989 560 SEL... 100 bucks for plug wires... You must be buying from Mercedes Factory. Mine runs but it's not Showroom perfect.
exactly what i was thinking
Thank you for making this video. However now I'm really depressed as I own 3 of these vehicles. I have an '87 300 SEL Turbo Diesel sitting in my garage which does 0 to 60 MPH in 45 seconds so I think I'll have to get that looked at.
I recall a big bill for the wires, and even worse for my Ruf Porsche, they were like $800 although they had a metal sheath. $200 seems cheap, but sometimes we pay a lot more for stuff in Canada. I wouldn't put anything aftermarket in these cars.
thanks for this video series. I wanted an 80s' mercedes, but not anymore
Na, don't get scared they are great cars. I mean for less than the price of a crappy kia or yaris you could be driving one of these. Maintenance will run you more, but not all that much.
If you understand how does an engine work, it's like how you maintenance your chevy, parts is more expensive.
08:32 it is sc overvoltage protection relay with a fuse under a cap. Burnt fuse must be cheap to replace.
I am curious about you estimations, they are Mechanic shop/dealer numbers right? Much of the cost is labor. Besides the timing chain almost anyone could do the things you mention and save what I estimate to be in the thousands of dollars.
I have a 89' 560SEL, and I really want it to last well into next 2 generations...how much do you reckon is for a nut and bolt restoration (people say its not worth it, but suppose its for sentimental value than financial gain) ?
Yes i was incredibly confused with all of his prices, my w140 S600 coupe didnt cost as much as what he is saying this cost. I dont know where he is getting his parts from , but all of these thousands and thousands of dollars, its ridiculous.
W126 especially now are pleasures to own
Good videos, but $600 for spark plug wires? Is MB Canada ripping you guys off or something? I get mine from Mercedes for less than $200 (IIRC ~$150). Also, for people thinking of going aftermarket on the spark plug wires, I tried MANY brands and never found any as good as the MB wires.
hey law what a big prices for a radiator here in holland we buy a car for 2000 dollar
the same car
ebay eu
Looking at a 1986 560SEL with 127,000 miles. Asking price is $4400. But the maintenance bills scare me.
$500-$600 for plug wires? i mean really...
their are bosch sets on ebay for $111
These have to be Dealer Prices... Bosch Parts and Bistein Shocks are not that expensive... I have a 560sel and I've had 14 other Mercedes-Benz.. I am an expert at maintenance prices
I am behinninh to restore to my daily driver a 1986 560SEL...some of the comments of this video seem quite expensive. I have restored several 190SL's and several 220S/SE Ponton 4 dr models, including one 1960 220SE, fuel injected, Cabrio 2 door. This will be the first 560SEL. Think I will buy many parts off EBay.
Someone is putting the grease down really thin for u
if what he is saying is true then repairing the vehicle is going to cost like 8 grand and buying it will cost 4grand
After listening to this guy, ifeel like killing myself. I own 62 Mercedes cars from 1972 to 1999. After 2000 they started to have way too many problems. My good friend is a regional service mgr for Mercedes he let's me know which ones to stay away from. I never heard of all the problems this guy was talking about, and the prices are way off. He must be going back to the dealer to get parts. Then you will pay 4 times what they should cost. None of the cars I have, have EVER EVER EVER been driven in snow and salt or hardly in the rain. They all look like they just came from the factory. They are stored in climate controlled building at 72 degree temp year around. My guys spray 303 on all rubber parts once a year. Rubber is like new. Every car has never had anything but mobile 1 racing oil and slick 50. Never had trouble with timing chains or any engines ever. I don't know where this guy comes up with all these problems, he must buy some real shit cars. Remember I said Mobile 1 Race Oil. Can't be bought in stores and is a totally different oil then you get in stores. Must be ordered from Race division of Mobile 1.
LOOOOOOOOl your numbers are waaaay off!
600$ to FIT the headlights!? where do you go.. it's just a few bolt , plug un plug wiring harness and that's it!
1000$ for springs!?? they cost 200$ at the dealer add to that 75$ each side for fitting and you're done.. and don't tell me I don't know what i'm talking about.. I own probably the mot expensive benz ever to maintain a 600 w140.. so i know what I'm talking about. some of your number are correct but the rest (see part1 too) aren't sir.