I bought my first 126 a year ago – a beautiful ’91 560SEL with 85k original miles. After owning and loving two 124s I was so excited to find this low mileage 126 in such great condition. It looks and drives awesome. Based on my previous experience with the 124s I was expecting with good maintenance at least another 100K+ miles before any of the really big ticket jobs showed up.
But alas, 14 months later at 99K my mechanic tells me I’m looking at about $6K for a valve job, timing chain, air conditioning compressor, and sunroof guides!
Apparently a valve guide has developed a leak and is throwing oil into the #4 cylinder. He replaced the seals, to no avail. It’s burning about a quart of oil every 1000 miles and I replace the fouled spark plug every time I add oil. Of course if we tear off the head to replace a valve guide it makes no sense to not do a complete valve job and most likely the injectors too if they need it. Total cost for this part- $4K+.
I know the timing chain is part of regular maintenance at around 100K, but the air conditioner and sunroof are a real surprise. All together they add another $2K.
Needless to say I’m pretty bummed. I paid $10K for the car and I’m not sure its worth sinking that kind of money into it. I never would have paid $16K for it originally, and the thought of having that much invested without any custom stuff leaves me cold. And then who knows what’s next?
What do you guys think? Any thoughts on what I could get for it if I sold it as is?
Thanks, Gary
But alas, 14 months later at 99K my mechanic tells me I’m looking at about $6K for a valve job, timing chain, air conditioning compressor, and sunroof guides!
Apparently a valve guide has developed a leak and is throwing oil into the #4 cylinder. He replaced the seals, to no avail. It’s burning about a quart of oil every 1000 miles and I replace the fouled spark plug every time I add oil. Of course if we tear off the head to replace a valve guide it makes no sense to not do a complete valve job and most likely the injectors too if they need it. Total cost for this part- $4K+.
I know the timing chain is part of regular maintenance at around 100K, but the air conditioner and sunroof are a real surprise. All together they add another $2K.
Needless to say I’m pretty bummed. I paid $10K for the car and I’m not sure its worth sinking that kind of money into it. I never would have paid $16K for it originally, and the thought of having that much invested without any custom stuff leaves me cold. And then who knows what’s next?
What do you guys think? Any thoughts on what I could get for it if I sold it as is?
Thanks, Gary