This is my first post to the group although I have been daily reading here for a couple of months now. I'm about to go out and look at a mid 80's 300 SEL next weekend. I believe the seller stated that it had about 150 or 160K on the OD. He also stated that his father (or father-in-law) bought the car from the original owner in 1989 with just 5k miles on it. And that it has been carefully maintained since then. I of course will ask to see the records.
He sent along about a dozen photos and the car looks almost perfect in and out. I've read countless posts here about what to look at and look for when buying a used W126 but my question concerns the infamous "timing chain" issue. If the car has the stated mileage and the records don't show the chain as having been attended to, do I walk away?
Is the chain just as critical an issue with the inline 6 as it is with the 420 and 560 V8's?
The seller is asking $2500 and if it drives, stops and handles as good as it looks I would really like to consider buying it. But I've read so many posts about the damage that can occur when the chain goes that I wanted to ask the group before going in blind. I don't mind typical maintenance issues, in fact I look forward to do some myself. I just don't want to buy a ticking bomb.
Any or all comments will be greatly appreciated! This is a great forum and I look forward to joining with a carefully selected 300 SEL.
Obviously those issues are well beyond my basic mechanical skills, if I find a good local MB mechanic, what kind of dollars am I looking at for this work?
If you complete your profile we will all have a better idea of where you are and may have members in your area who can recommend a good shop to carry out a pre-purchase inspection (CRUCIAL!) and if you go ahead with the purchase could also do the work.
I paid around $1000 CDN when I had my timing chain, tensioners and upper/lower guides replaced.
I believe the valves and heads are a little bit more expensive, around $4000 - $5000.
The inline 6 cylinder doesn't need quite the maintenance the V8's do, especially when it comes to timing chains. I beg to differ - at that mileage you don't necessarily "need" to have it done. With the V8's, its considered "regular maintenance" every 100-150K miles. Also, at this mileage, you don't necessarily need a head/valve job either. Have the compression tested and see what it reads. Find out if it burns oil. See what shape the coolant and engine oil is in. I just looked at a 1986 260SE euro today with over 450K miles on it! At about 250K it had its first head job done, and now it needs one again, which is why she is selling it. Anyhow, records and a good PPI can tell you a lot. Is this a US or euro model?
Ok, filled out my profile (should have done that before). I live a little south of Boston, Mass and the car is about 40 miles west of me.
As far as being Euro or US, I'm not sure. The seller says his Father-in-law bought it from a friend at 5k miles near where it was originally purchased new in Virginia. He recently (October) brought it up here and the son-in-law is selling the car for him. Currently it is in his garage. The pictures show VA plates and a VA inspection sticker so everything jives so far.
Does anyone know of a good place I can call for a PPI in the metro-west area of Mass?
Thanks for all the help so far, I appreciate the input.
Vehicle: 1985 500SEC, 1991 190E 2.6, bought 07/08 with 50k original miles.
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 10,522
Welcome Paul OS. Please make sure to visit the 'Welcome to the Forum' tutorial sticky on top of the W126 page.
It explains how to search topics, complete a profile, and even has a link to the Russian MB club, with an exploded parts viewer, and a box to run VIN #'s (might tell you whether it's a Euro).
Euros have shorter bumpers.
Linear Mode
