I have always admired the fine craftmanship of Mercedes vehicles. I plan to buy a 1987 560SEC off eBay, as they run about $8,000 with only 100,000 miles and great cosmetic condition. My question is, should I be aware of any major mechanical problems that are associated with these cars? (Most of the auctions claim to have all the service records, so it should be OK, right?)</P>


P.S. - As far as the body goes, are the 500sec and 560sec pretty much identical? What are your opinions on which car is more reliable and better?</P>

 

HI, I recommend IF you know ahead of time what you are doing. You are not going to get one of these to drive many carefree miles with no maintenance. Most likely any car you buy is going to need some maintenance or repair. If you can perform light to medium maintenance yourself, and you want to do it and derive satisfaction from working on a fine machine, OR you have plenty of cash and don't mind taking it to a competent shop to have problems fixed and periodic maintenance performed, you will be satisfied and derive pleasure from owning and maintaining a fine machine. If you like the style and know/care nothing about mechanical things as long as it goes, watch out, you are about to step into a hole, the depths of which you will explore at your peril, and you will hate Mercedes-Benzes for the rest of your life, and wonder what all the fuss is about.</P>


Personally, I am enjoying the heck out of mine, and don't really have it road worthy yet. If you appreciate machines, go ahead; if not, forget it. If you buy, have it checked out by a competent shop forst, and buy the absolute best example you can afford. It is much cheaper to buy quality than repairs.</P><edited><editID>Randy</editID><editDate>37999.6628009259</editDate></edited>

 

I own a '91 560SEC with 130K on it and can say it is the best Benz I've ever owned. The styling, performance and craftsmanship are great. From everything I've heard or read the 126 body cars are arguably the best MB ever made. Other than standard maintenance items like tires, brakes, battery, and timing belt, the only problem I've had was AC related and it was minor. As far as the difference between the 500 and 560s, the bodies are identical. The euro versions of each have more HP and are therefore quicker. I've had mine up to 130mph and it was rock solid.

 

I was the winning bidder on a '89 560SEC on ebay, and it is in transit at the moment. I have a 560SEL of the same year to compare with, so will be posting my reflections when it arrives.<IMG src=smileys/smiley1.gif border="0">