Servicing for older Mercs

[Aldeburgh]

I have just picked up a 1991 500SEC (W126). In very good order but like all older mercs it will need a bit of ongoing TLC to keep things running sweetly.

I'd be very grateful if anyone could recommend me a specialist for London SE area... I am tempted to take it to a classics garage for attention, but I suspect that a sympathetic independent might be cheaper.... any thoughts?

 

[C240Sport97]

love those old coupes. you got classic car insurance on it? pics would be great! and how much?

 

[Kinky]

MB Dealers provide a 40% labour discount on all cars over 8 years old and 10-15% discount on all parts.

So it would be comparing costs with a specialist - you'll probably find they are the same.

I get mine done by Purslows - MB main dealer (in Basingstoke).

K

 

[guydewdney]

www.sec-shop.com are a sec specialist justb outside london.

no experiance of them, but will do next week as im taking my cl to them to have a look at the windows...

 

[jaymanek]

We also have George Fraser in Alperton on 02087951055 or Prestige in SE london 07831348015

 

[Aldeburgh]

love those old coupes. you got classic car insurance on it? pics would be great! and how much?

Car is a 1 owner, 78k FSH, Immaculate. not the cheapest but worth every penny.

Got insurance through elephant.co.uk... not classic car ins though - who do you recommend?

 

[Aldeburgh]

www.sec-shop.com are a sec specialist justb outside london.

no experiance of them, but will do next week as im taking my cl to them to have a look at the windows...

Let me know what you think - I am going to try Kensington Car Care as recommended by members elsewhere on this site... will let you know what I think.

 

[C240Sport97]

you can get classic car insurance for any car over 10 years old. These specialist insurers advertise in classic car magazines. Classic car insurance is a heck of a lot cheaper but only (I think) if you have the use of another car.

Car is a 1 owner, 78k FSH, Immaculate. not the cheapest but worth every penny.

Got insurance through elephant.co.uk... not classic car ins though - who do you recommend?

 

[bloodmoon]

MB Dealers provide a 40% labour discount on all cars over 8 years old and 10-15% discount on all parts.

K

I must admit this is one thing I have never understood. On older Mercs you need to do more than simply plug in the diagnostic computer. You really need to be a true mechanic to avoid a lot of hair pulling and head scratching in order to resolve mechanical problems. So surely the older models require *more* labour overall to keep them in tip top condition?

My CE recently went into a Bosch specialist for a service (after hearing how a lot of MB dealers are not set up for older cars), and the Bosch wizard told me that he plugged the car into the diagnostic machine and it came up with "No problems found". This struck me as being a little odd, since the car was only firing on 4 cylinders and was leaking petrol all over the engine bay!

--
Antony

 

[guydewdney]

I must admit this is one thing I have never understood. On older Mercs you need to do more than simply plug in the diagnostic computer. You really need to be a true mechanic to avoid a lot of hair pulling and head scratching in order to resolve mechanical problems. So surely the older models require *more* labour overall to keep them in tip top condition?
Antony

but also older mercs dont end up egtting serviced properly at all 'cos the dealers are too expensive. better they have some business then none from the poorer / younger / tighter people they might see it as a lost leader as one day they will go back and buy a new or nearly new one...

guy

 

[bloodmoon]

but also older mercs dont end up egtting serviced properly at all 'cos the dealers are too expensive. better they have some business then none from the poorer / younger / tighter people they might see it as a lost leader as one day they will go back and buy a new or nearly new one...

guy

True, although if my 124 blew up tomorrow I would still buy another 124 or Mercedes of equal age

I just love the build quality of the 124, 126/140 and 129, and compared to todays engines where you lift up the bonnet and see a plastic cover, they are relatively simple and more appealing to those who like to tinker.

You are correct, however: I am young, poor and a complete skinflint Is this the typical 124 driver.....

--
Antony

 

[Ian B Walker]

True, although if my 124 blew up tomorrow I would still buy another 124 or Mercedes of equal age

I just love the build quality of the 124, 126/140 and 129, and compared to todays engines where you lift up the bonnet and see a plastic cover, they are relatively simple and more appealing to those who like to tinker.

You are correct, however: I am young, poor and a "complete skinflint Is this the typical 124 driver....."

--
Antony

A like minded soul, W124's rock and rock for years.