Hi guys
We have just had our first child and while I have so far managed to maintain my fleet of cars without giving in to a sale, I am coming under increasing pressure to get something that could be classed as a family car!
The wife thinks this will mean an estate vehicle (station wagon) however I have other ideas. My 107 SL isn't getting the use it needs to I want to sell it and buy another older Merc to do the job. I really fancy a W126 SEL (any engine as long as its a V8), having driven a C126 coupe for a couple of years and really enjoyed it. Also despite all the horror stories on corrosion, I still have yet to find any serious body rust on my C126, even the fabled rear window problem isn't an issue. So I think if they're looked after and garaged they should last longer - if I get a good example in the first place.
While lacking the huge number of airbags that modern Mercs have, a good example would seem to cover some of my requirements (i.e. space, reliability, comfort and some refinement). Anybody use these cars for family transport - and do they have enough space to fit in everything that a child requires, and still take car seats in the rear? Opinions welcome before I commit!
ta
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Current metal:
2002 (C215) CL500 (Batmobile), Obsidian Black, 50k miles
1997 (C140) CL500 (Bismarck), Emerald Black, 127k miles
1991 (W201) 190E 2.6 Sportline (Blake), Almandine Red, 133k miles
1990 (C126) 420 SEC (Bruce), Astral Silver, 108k miles
1978 (R107) 350 SL (Boabby), Signal Red w/ silver hardtop, 115k miles
For a 6'4" some 200+lbs, I can stretch my legs out in the back seat with the front seats all the way back.
Enough room? I'd say so.
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1961 Chevy Impala Bubbletop (restored) - SOLD
1981 Nissan 280ZX
1987 Mercedes 300TD
2000 Mercedes E320 The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, but the wise so full of doubts.
I have 2 kids and the only complaint i have is that it is difficult to secure the car seats snug like they do in my minivan. Part of the reason is that the car is over 20 years old so it lacks the "latch" hook points, the other reason is that the seats are so damn spring loaded that you don't have a firm surface for straping down the seat...... on a related note I officially feel old and lame now, my new area of expertise is child seat security.
Vehicle: 1989 560SEL, Smoke Silver over Parchement Leather
Location: Cincinnati
Posts: 265
My 560SEL has been a family trip vehicle many times. My two kids, 10 and 6, actually beg to go in it and my wife enjoys the front seat comfort and the ice cold A/C.
We are taking a 600 mile round trip holiday in a couple weeks and a 1000 mile round trip to the beach in July, and it will be in das Mutterauto. No worries at all about breakdown. She's at a relatively young 99,000 miles and in excellent condition.
The thing that I notice about the car is the more I drive it and the harder I drive it the better it runs. Driving my Lexus and Volvo wagon is a letdown. Yes, the 560 is more comforable than the Volvo wagon! Interstate miles melt away.
The only downer is premium unleaded @ 18 MPG.
I can see that it would be hard to install booster seats in the back. A piece of thin wood on top of the cushion might help.
Congrats on the new baby by the way, I hope you are getting some sleep!
He will understand that soon!!!
I transported my kids around in the w126. The trunk is large enough to fit a stroller, diaper bags etc. If the car was good enough to transport heads of state in the 1980's, it is good enough (and safe enough) to get you and your family around time.
Congratulations on the addition to your family (and don't worry you eventually get to have a full night sleep-but not for awhile )
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Mike
1990 Mercedes Benz 300 SEL
2001 Mercedes Benz ML320
1999 Mercedes Benz SLK230
1986 Porsche 911 Carrera
Guys
Many thanks both for the congratulations and also for your replies!
I think the main thing for me was the size, safety features of the W126 were well ahead of time and stand up to most scrutiny nowadays. Those with families will probably all become car seat specialists over time! I have noticed so far that with my C126 getting the car seat aligned in the rear can be difficult as the seat belt's not quite long enough, but the boot is plenty big for what we need.
Sleep wise? Think we're quite lucky so far - she's now 14 weeks old - the first four weeks were torture but now we seem to be in a 2230 to 0600 regime with very little deviation... touch zebrano wood...
Think the wife is a bit less confident about the prospect of driving the SEL, but those I've driven feel very similar to my SEC. I genuinely adore these cars for their build, style and quality, and want a good example for family cruising!
1985 380 SEL
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