"Almandine Red/Mushroom 560SEC" FS on SFBA Craigslist

[ianrandom]

Originally Posted by Dr.Grillz

You sort of wish it was, it would then be the only known 420SEC US-spec out there It looks to have been a rare mistake with the labeling from factory.

Yeah, that's what I thought. It's US spec and I'm pretty sure you didn't get 420SEC's.

[tusabes]

That label says 4.2 v6??!!!

Was there ever a v6 Mercedes of 4.2 liter displacement ?
What do the 420sel stickers say? Shouldn't it say 4.2 v8?

[bondavi]

Another thing I noticed....the lower valances seem a darker red.

Did Mercedes offer color-coordinated valances in 1989 (like they did for 1990/91), or could this be a owner-addition? I thought perhaps stock 1989's were grey all around...

[w126Sam]

It's funny, that sticker on mine is for US spec 380's and 500's, and it says v6 too... and obviously we know both of those are v8's.

[bondavi]

I understand the car now, has been coined, "The Princess" by its new owner...

Interestingly, mechanic evaluation found broken timing chain guides, even tho the car drove/rode smoothly. WHEW! A bullet avoided.

I will let cascade chime in, but the gist of it, the car is having a total mechanical makeover at Ernie's MBZ that sync's it with its condition and mileage. The issues appear from age, not overall neglect. The PO used Mercedes parts/dealer for all service, yet from sitting, the car needed its renewables looked after.

Interior and exterior given the first round once-over, mainly thanks to cascade. Soon the voyage to Nitro88 commences, after service is completed in the next week or two.

[Teutone]

Well, the grand you guys managed to knock off the asking price should pay for some of the work needed.
It will still be a great deal for a 70K mile coupe.
Cheers

[Mr. T From SD]

That car surely is a beauty. I have really come to like my midnight blue SEC, which I don't see many of either, but I'd take one in that shade of red any day.

Very nice of you guys to help other members like that. A real class act, no doubt about it.

Best of luck, Nitro. Happy driving.

[Nitro88]

I can't take it any longer.....
I wanna see my car!!!

But first, I really want to tell everyone just how helpful, selfless, energetic and caring the two BW Forum members, bondavi and Cascade are. When I contacted bondavi and told him I wanted this car, he contacted Cascade and together, they worked out a plan to go inspect it and then after my approval and payment to the owner, they drove it back to Sacramento for a PPI with Enrique the mechanic whom they both trusted.

Over the week-end they completely detailed the car; washing and waxing the exterior and meticulously cleaning the engine and engine compartment, Leatheriquing the upholstery, noting all things needing attention (not too many), setting an appointment with Enrique and transporting the car back and forth to each other and to Enrique...... and who knows what else.

At present it should be ready by this coming Tuesday or Wednesday at which time Cascade will drive the car to me in Santa Barbara. I'll fly him home.

I can hardly wait!!!!

Work being done:
First things I wanted checked were the timing chain and guides, tensioner, cam oilers, etc.
Enrique found one broken guide...... (dodged a bullet there) so he did the full treatment and changed everything topside.
Repair leaking PS hose
Repair leaking trans pump
Replace all fluids
Replace all belts
Check brakes and repair if nec.
Valve guides were leaking at first but have since almost stopped
Replace dist. cap and wires
Other things as they become noticed

I am not one who gives names to things and so I have not given the car a name. Bondavi earned that honor so I'll let him choose one. At the moment I just call it/her/him "Almandine Rose" a slight correction to his's original post here.

Go for it, David.

And grateful "Thanks" to you and to Cascade.

[tusabes]

How much was the repair bill ?

[Nitro88]

The work is not yet completed but Enrique said it will be about $3,000 to $3,500, 'ball park.' When I receive the bill I'll post more.

Yesterday I received copies of past records of services, pink slip, bill of sale and a few assorted items like floor mats, fluids etc., all contained in an appropriately-colored red binder that Cascade prepared for me.