Another Mercedes question

Sarc · 01-09-2006, 12:31 PM

I know I've seen some discussion regarding past Mercedes models but I'm having no luck locating the thread in the archives.
That said, I am trying to find some info on the big Mercedes Coupes, basically a 500 series (S class?). I'm not sure of the generation, but I think this is the W126 series.

I've been thinking about replacing the E30 BMW with something that's more comfortable on long hauls, and just can't sell myself 100% on the E24 6 series BMW of late 80's vintage. From time to time, older MBs really catch my eye. I really like the 300 sedans of the late 70s/80s, but the only one's I come across are beige and rusty. In addition, I'm not to sure the diesel would provide enough scoot. I really like the big 500 series coupes and was wondering if anyone had any impressions of them. Some general questions I have:

-what's a good pelican-like message board?
-any general ownership/driving impressions?
-what are the engine options?
-were airbags ever available?
-how maintenance intensive are they?
-how long will the engine go before major work is needed?
-was a 5 speed available?
-what can I get for under 10 grand?

On a side note, I've considered picking up a 928, but I think (correct me if I'm wrong) the MB (or the E24) gives me more car for the money.
Here's a couple pics I've found so you guys know which car I'm talking about.

Thanks in advance,
Paul

legion · 01-09-2006, 12:34 PM

You'd be right at home in Detroit with that second one...

Great cars IMO. Built like tanks. Big, heavy cruizers. The maintenance on them can be pricey compared to contemporary domestics, but I think they are a little easier on the checkbook than most Porsches...

RickM · RickM's Garage

Here you go http://www.mercedesshop.com/shopforum/index.php

Do a search on the board first as these questions have likely been asked many times. The tech help forum is the most popular.

Sarc · 01-09-2006, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by legion
You'd be right at home in Detroit with that second one...

no kidding. actually the past few years it's been all about the Escalade, and if you can't score that kind of loot, the hot ticket is the mid 70's domestic coupe riding on 22s -regardless of body condition. I think the MB might be off the radar so to speak.

Rick,
Thanks for the link. That's exactly the kind of site I'm looking for.

Thanks guys for the input.

kaisen · 01-09-2006, 01:54 PM

I think this is the W126 series. Yes, W126

E24 6 series BMW of late 80's vintage. The 6ers were more 'sporting' and available with a manual transmission, but weren't as bulletproof as the 126 SEC's.

-what are the engine options? 380 and 500 V8's from 1981 to 1984/5, 420 and 560 V8's from 86-91. They were never available here in the states as a diesel coupe, or the inline 6 (300).

-were airbags ever available? Yes, the 420/560 had driver's airbags and the later models were available dual.

-how maintenance intensive are they? Not. They are pretty bulletproof. The timing chains on the early 380/500 were weak links, pun intended. The transmissions were okay at best.... feel for a long delay going into reverse, or a very hard or soft 1-2 shift.

-how long will the engine go before major work is needed? Hundreds of thousands if they were maintained. Again, the earliest 380/560 could have RH cam wear because it was the last oil circuit to pressurize.

-was a 5 speed available? Not here in the states, but if you are enterprising you may convert one. Plan on spending as much as the car's purchase price.

-what can I get for under 10 grand? Should be easy to get whatever model / year you'd like. Don't be scared of miles if it has a good pedigree.

E

yellowline · 01-09-2006, 01:57 PM

A well-maintained 450SEL 6.9. That seems like a kickass car, even though it is a bit old.

kaisen · 01-09-2006, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by yellowline
A well-maintained 450SEL 6.9. That seems like a kickass car, even though it is a bit old.

I had one of those. It is a sedan, which isn't neccessarily what Sarc had in mind. Torque was incredible. But any M100 motor is expensive, and the suspension was complex and expensive. Great car, and they're cheap now. $10000 would buy you a SUPER nice example that has a new suspension, water pump, and nice cosmetics.

My Euro-spec 6.9 turned 14.6 secs @ 101 mph hazing the tires to the 1/8 mile mark. The 3 speed automatic would DOWNSHIFT if you booted it at 95 mph. Cruised effortlessly at 130mph.

E

singpilot · 01-09-2006, 02:48 PM

My '84 420SEL has 220k on it. Is the nicest hiway car I have ever had. My '83 380SL has 333k on it. Neither has ever had the top end apart, even. Both are in their second tranny. Neither has so much as a wind whistle at 90MPH. Best car value out there. Want a good one? Look in SoCal, no rust, usually good maint, and lots of them.

RickM · RickM's Garage

Sing,

Your 380 has the single row timing chain. Did you have it converted over to doulble row?

The climate control systems on these cars are very over-complicated and the vacuum operated diaphram actuators are both very problematic and hard to access.

singpilot · 01-09-2006, 06:13 PM

Rick,

I did the conversion as soon as I got it 9 years ago. I have a guy in TN that sold me the all-metal valves for the 380. Have been very happy.

island911 · 01-09-2006, 07:46 PM

http://home.hiwaay.net/~gbf/mbmodels.html

. . .for a model reference chart.

keep in mind; a 928 uses belts for the cams . . .BELTS!

Sarc · 01-10-2006, 08:26 AM

Thanks, everyone, for the comments, links, and advice. That's exactly what I was looking for! It's a shame the sixes or diesels never made it over, but I imagine the car would be quite sluggish without the 8.
I'm still on the fence whether I want to trade the nimbleness and economy the E30 affords me. Coming across Island's link I did stumble on this model. This might be worth exploring......

legion · 01-10-2006, 08:27 AM

Wow, that looks like a coupe version of my old 300D!

Sarc · 01-10-2006, 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by legion
Wow, that looks like a coupe version of my old 300D!

Pretty nice, huh?

kaisen · 01-10-2006, 09:32 AM

That is the W123 300CD. It was available here as a inline 5 diesel or turbodiesel. It was available in ROW as a 280CE inline 6 gas.

Beware of rusty doors --- they now run $1500 each for a clean shell!

E

Sarc · 01-10-2006, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by kaisen
That is the W123 300CD. It was available here as a inline 5 diesel or turbodiesel. It was available in ROW as a 280CE inline 6 gas.

Beware of rusty doors --- they now run $1500 each for a clean shell!

E

E,
You are the MB guru!